About Us

In pursuance of the provisions made in the 73rd Constitution (Amendment) Act, 1992, the Bihar Panchayat Raj Act, 2006 has been enacted, which provides for establishment of Gram Panchayat at village level, Panchayat Samiti at Block level and Zila Parishad at District level. At present, 8053 Gram Panchayats, 533 Panchayat Samitis and 38 Zila Parishads are functional in the State. Gram Panchayats are divided into wards, which are approximately 1.15 lacs in number. In addition to establishment of three-tier Panchayats, a Gram Katchahry has also been established at each Gram Panchayat for dispensation of justice at the doorsteps of rural populace, which has got the authority to bring about amicable settlement of certain criminal and certain civil disputes between the rival parties, and in case of failure to do so, to impose a fine upto rupees one thousand to the party found guilty after deciding on the matter through prescribed procedures. Apart from providing reservation to members of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes in seats of members and chairpersons of three-tier Panchayats and Gram Katchahry, fifty percent horizontal reservation has been provided to women belonging to both reserved and general categories. To usher in decentralization at the grassroots level, along with provision of Gram Sabha at the Gram Panchayat level, Ward Sabha has been created at each Ward level under the chairmanship of the Ward Member. The Ward Sabha, through Ward Implementation and Management Committee, implements several important schemes of public importance assigned to the Ward by the Gram Panchayat. Vigilance committees have also been formed at each ward level to keep close watch on qualitative implementation of schemes and render appropriate counsel to the ward/Panchayat. Panchayats at the different levels have been entrusted with the responsibility of carrying out important functions and duties with regard to 29 subjects described in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution. For the purpose of hand holding and ease in working, the Panchayati Raj Department, Government of Bihar, from time to time, issues advisory and necessary directions with respect to Standard Operating Procedures to Panchayats. The State Government has got the authority to dissolve a Panchayat found not working as per provisions of the Act and directions of the Government. The Government may remove a chairperson/vice-chairperson of a Panchayat, found guilty of misusing his/her powers, from his/her post after giving reasonable opportunity of hearing. The Panchayati Raj Department ascertains that the powers assigned to Panchayats are not misused and they become partners in overall development of villages. In addition to appropriate devolution of funds received from the Central and State Governments for development purpose, the Panchayati Raj Department. keeps a close watch on regular maintenance of accounts of Panchayats and audit thereof as well as due disposal of audit objections. The Deputy Development Commissioner/District Panchayat Raj Officer at the district level and the Block Panchayat Raj Officer/Junior Engineer/Executive Assistant/Panchayat Secretary and employees of different departments working at the panchayat level render necessary assistance and guide to the Panchayats subject to directions of the department.

Vision

The Government of Bihar, as part of its vision of decentralization, is committed to endow the Panchayats with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as vibrant units of local self government and be converted into empowered, inclusive, transparent and accountable entities.