What is Panchayati raj in India

The Panchayati Raj in India generally refers to the system introduced by constitutional amendment in 1992, although it is based upon the traditional panchayat system of South Asia. The modern panchayati raj and its gram panchayats are not to be confused with the extra-constitutional khap panchayats (or caste panchayats) found in some parts of northern India. While the panchayati raj system was formalized in 1992, leading up to that change, a number of Indian committees studied various ways of implementing more decentralized administration

Various Committees on Panchayati Raj

1. Balwant Rai Mehta : Estd 1957
2. V.T.Krishnammachari : 1960
3. Takhatmal Jain Study Group: 1966
4. Ashok Mehta Committee : 1977
5. G.V.K Rao committee :1985
6. Dr.L.M.Singhvi Committee:1986

The 3-tier system of Panchayati Raj consists of:

1. Village-level Panchayats
2. Block-level Panchayats
3. District-level Panchayats.

There is an officer for every department. A government appointed Block Development Officer (BDO) is the executive officer to the Samiti and the chief of its administration.BDO is responsible for his work to the CEO of ZP.
Functions

1. Implementation of schemes for the development of agriculture and infrastructure.
2. Establishment of primary health centres and primary schools.
3. Supply of drinking water, drainage and construction/repair of roads.
4. Development of cottage and small-scale industries, and the opening of cooperative societies.
5. Establishment of youth organisations.

The common departments in the Samiti are as follows:

1. General administration
2. Finance
3. Public work
4. Agriculture
5. Health
6. Education
7. Social welfare
8. Information technology,
9. Water Supply Dept.
10. Animal Husbandry and others.