Panchayats

The South Indian State of Andhra Pradesh has a very well co-ordinated and systematic body of the “Panchayats” that supervises the rural areas of the state. The Panchayati Raj System enables the governing authorities to supervise the rural development of Andhra Pradesh. The Panchayats are the most important administrative bodies at the block level which carries out numerous developmental works within the prescribed area to ensure the rural people with a higher standard of living.

Structure

The Panchayati Raj System is headed by the Honorable Chief Minister, who in turn appoints several Gazetted officers under him or her to ascertain a smooth procedure of the various governmental and non- governmental projects. All the officers of the “Panchayati Raj” System are learned men who have successfully competed either the “All India Civil Services Examination” or the “State Civil Services Examination”.

Functions and Roles

The Panchayati Raj System has been prevalent in our country from the very ancient times. “Panchayat” literally means a group of five experienced and educated men who play a lead role in deciding and implementing the various strategies of development. In the modern times, the “Panchayati Raj” has retained all the old functions with the addition of many new roles. Some of the important functions of the Panchayats of Andhra Pradesh are:

• Construction of proper roads
• Adequate supply of clean drinking water
• Decent sewage and sanitation of the rural areas
• Employment generation among the rural men and women
• Prompt and proper implementation of the plans and policies of the state government
• Enrollment of births and deaths

The Panchayats of Andhra Pradesh have performed their duties with utmost dedication and sincerity that has led to the rapid progress of the state.