Preamble to the Constitution of India:

WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a ' [SOVEREIGN, SOCIALIST, SECULAR, DEMOCRATIC, REPUBLIC] and to secure to all its citizen:

JUSTICE, social economic and political;

LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;

EQUALITY of status and oppotunity;

And to promote them all

FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the {unity and integrity of the Nation}’

IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-six day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.

Powers and Responsibilities of Panchayats:

According to the Indian Constitution, Panchayats should be given powers and authority to function as institutions of self-government. It, thus, requires all state governments to revitalise local representative institutions.

The following powers and resposibility were delegated to the Panchayats:

(i) to prepare plans and schemes for economic development

(ii) to prepare shemes that will enhance social justice

(iii) to levy, collect and appropriate taxes, duties, tolls and fees

(iv) help in the devolution of governmental responsibilities, especially that of finances to local authorities.

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M. Imp.

In India democratic decentralisation is known as Panchayati Raj System. It was introduced in 1959 and was linked with the major programme for rural development such as the Community Development Programme which was introduced in 1952. The three tier Panchayati Raj System aimed at ensuring peoples participation in the development programme. The Seventy-Third and the Seventy-Fourth Amendments have given more powers to the panchayats in rural areas.

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V. Imp.

The system of taking collective decision through panch (a group of five persons) is known as panchayat. It is largely self-governing institution. After the recommendation of Balwant Rai Mehta Commitee, the formation of three-tier Panchayati Raj institution was stated in all the states of India passed by Panchayati Acts by 1959. All the seats in a panchayat are filled by persons chosen by direct election in the panchayat area.

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M. Imp.

Social Responsibilities of the Panchayats:

Social welfare responsibilities of the Panchayats include the maintenance of burning and burial grounds, recording statistics of births and deaths, establishment of child welfare and maternity centres, control of cattle pounds, propagation of family planing and promotion of agriculture activities. The development activities include the constructions of roads, public buildings, wells, tanks and schools. They also promote small cottage industries and take care of minor irrigation works. Many government schemes like the Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP) and Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) are monitored by members of the panchayat.

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M. Imp.