What is the Gram Sabha in the context of the Panchayati Raj system in India?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is:(c) The deliberative assembly of all eligible village residents

Explanation:
The Gram Sabha is the deliberative assembly consisting of all eligible voters in a village under the Panchayati Raj system in India. It is the foundation of the Panchayati Raj system and plays a vital role in the governance and decision-making process at the grassroots level. The Gram Sabha is responsible for approving the annual budget, discussing issues related to local development, and ensuring accountability in the functioning of the Gram Panchayat.

Information Booster:

Constitutional Foundation (73rd Amendment Act of 1992):

• The Panchayati Raj system was constitutionalized through the 73rd Amendment Act of 1992, which added Part IX to the Indian Constitution.
• This amendment gave constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj system, making it a key component of local self-governance in rural areas.

Article 243 (Part IX of the Constitution):

• Article 243 provides the framework for Panchayati Raj institutions in rural India.
• It includes the creation of Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis (Block level), and Zila Parishads (District level), each with their specific roles in local governance.

Three-tier System of Panchayati Raj:

• Gram Panchayat (Village Level): The basic unit of local governance, managing village affairs.
• Panchayat Samiti (Block Level): The intermediate level of governance, working at the block or taluka level.
• Zila Parishad (District Level): The apex level of local governance, overseeing district-level issues and administration.

Gram Sabha:

• Gram Sabha, as per Article 243A, is the deliberative body consisting of all adult members of a village. It is responsible for approving the budgets, discussing development projects, and ensuring accountability at the village level.

Direct Elections (Article 243C):

• Members of the Panchayat Raj institutions (Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zila Parishad) are directly elected by the people through regular elections.
• These elections are held every five years at the village, block, and district levels.