Indian Political Panchayat Raj System

"Panchayat, Sarpanch or Mokhia, Union Panchayat system.Panchayat Raj or Gram Parishad is a form of governance unique to the Indian subcontinent.

Which mainly exists in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.It is the oldest system of local government in the Indian subcontinent.According to various historical accounts, it was in use since 250 AD.

The word 'Panchayat' means 5 i.e. council of five people.Panchayat is a designation of the erstwhile chairman of the village.The head of the panchayat is called Mukhiya, Sarpanch or Pradhan depending on the place.

The panchayat system of India came into force formally in 1992.Mahatma Gandhi advocated the Panchayat system as the basis of India's political system.Because it results in decentralization of governance and each village is responsible for its own affairs.

In 1870, the modern Panchayat system was established through the first Bengal Village Chowkidari Panchayat Act.The first Panchayat Act was enacted in West Bengal in 1957.A four-tier panchayat system was introduced under the Acts of 1957 and 1963.Tri-tier panchayat system was introduced by the new Act of 1973.Panchayati Raj was given constitutional recognition in 1991 by the 73rd Amendment to the Indian Constitution.And in 1992 the West Bengal Panchayat Act was again amended.

As autonomous bodies, Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samiti and Zilla Parishads are entrusted with various powers and responsibilities to perform in their respective fields."