Correct option is C
The correct answer is option (c) Gram Panchayat
Explanation
The Gram Panchayat is the smallest unit of the Panchayati Raj system. It functions at the village level and is responsible for local governance in rural areas. The Gram Panchayat is a body composed of elected representatives, who are directly elected by the people of the village. It deals with the local issues and development needs of the village.
Panchayat Samiti operates at the intermediate level, representing a block of villages, and is above the Gram Panchayat.
Zilla Parishad operates at the district level and oversees the implementation of development programs in the district.
Gram Sabha is the assembly of all the adult members of a village, but it is not an elected body. It is an important part of the decision-making process at the village level, but it is not the smallest administrative unit.
Information Booster
Gram Panchayat: Directly elected by villagers and is the basic unit of governance in rural areas.
Panchayat Samiti: Also known as the block-level body, it is above the Gram Panchayat and coordinates activities among several Gram Panchayats in a block.
Zilla Parishad: The highest tier in the Panchayati Raj system at the district level.
Gram Sabha: Composed of all the voters in a village, it holds meetings to discuss important matters but does not function as an executive body.
Additional Knowledge
The Panchayati Raj system was established to decentralize governance and ensure that development decisions are made at the grassroots level.
It aims to empower rural areas by allowing elected local bodies to manage local affairs and contribute to social and economic development.