Suppose you are entrusted to evolve a local government plan of a State, what powers would you endow to the village panchayats to function as units of self-government? Mention any five powers and the justification in two lines for each of them for giving those powers.

Village panchayat is a decentralised independent body which functions as a unit of self-government. If I am entrusted to evolve a local government plan of a State, the following powers will be endowed in the panchayats:

1. Public Amenities – to ensure better health and life of citizens and providing them with all sort of facilities, Gram Panchayats would have the powers to make arrangements for basic civic amenities for the people in the village.

2. Social Welfare Activities – The Gram Panchayat will need keep the records of birth and death in the village, family planning and its welfare also to organize social cultural events to increase participation and cooperation between people. The village can also organize charity programs for good social cause.

3. Agricultural Development – The Panchayats should supervise programmes and policies related to the modern agricultural practices and introduce new technologies and ways to increase the agricultural production.

4. Growth Works – The Gram Panchayats will also be responsible for development and growth functions at village level, such as construction of roads, tanks, irrigation facilities, maintenance of building and healthcare like hospitals an pharmacy at people’s reach, etc.

5. Educational work – The Gram Panchayats would be made responsible for the education in their village. I would make sure that gram Panchayats has the power and enough funds to open and maintain schools, Libraries and other educational institutions in the villages.