Question

Describe the formation of Zila Parishad and its functions.

Hint:

Think of the Zila Parishad as the 'district-level parliament' for rural areas. Its main role is not direct implementation (which is done by lower tiers) but {planning, coordination, and supervision} for the entire district.

Answer 1

The Zila Parishad (District Council) is the apex body of the three-tier Panchayati Raj system of rural local self-government in India. It functions at the district level.
Formation (Composition): The composition of the Zila Parishad can vary from state to state as it is governed by state acts, but it generally consists of the following members:
1. Directly Elected Members: Members who are directly elected by the people from territorial constituencies within the district.
2. Ex-officio Members: - The Chairpersons (Pramukhs) of all the Panchayat Samitis (the intermediate tier at the block level) within the district are ex-officio members of the Zila Parishad.
- Members of the Lok Sabha (MPs) and Members of the State Legislative Assembly (MLAs) whose constituencies fall wholly or partly within the district.
- Members of the Rajya Sabha and the State Legislative Council who are registered as electors within the district.
3. Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson: The Chairperson (Adhyaksha) and Vice-Chairperson of the Zila Parishad are elected by and from amongst its directly elected members.
Functions: The Zila Parishad acts as the main coordinating and supervisory body for all the developmental activities in the district. Its key functions include:
1. Supervision and Coordination: It supervises the activities of the Panchayat Samitis and Gram Panchayats within the district. It coordinates their plans and ensures their proper implementation.
2. Planning and Development: It prepares the overall development plan for the entire district by consolidating the plans prepared by the Panchayat Samitis.
3. Implementation of Schemes: It is responsible for the implementation of various centrally and state-sponsored schemes for poverty alleviation and rural development.
4. Advisory Role: It advises the State Government on all matters relating to the development work in the district.
5. Financial Functions: It examines and approves the budgets of the Panchayat Samitis. It also distributes funds allocated by the government among the Panchayat Samitis.
6. Maintenance of Data: It collects and maintains statistical data related to developmental activities in the district.