Panchayats in Punjab

The administration system has 3 levels: village, block and district. Panchayats operate at the village level. The Panchayats of Punjab are the local bodies working for the welfare of the village. It constitutes of members ranging from 7 to 31. However, it can have members more than 31 but not less than 7. Panchayat is a form of Indian political system which combines five neighbouring villages known as panch. The primary units of administration in Panchayats are the gram panchayats.

The members of the Panchayat are known as "panches", who take decisions regarding the disputes among the villagers and villages.According to the Indian Constitution, Panchayats have the authority to work as organizations of self-government. Panchayats play avital role in the administration of the rural areas of Punjab. Panchayats have been vested with certain powers and responsibilities:

Proper planning for economic development and social justice in the villages of Punjab

Enforcement of schemes related to economic development and social justice as mentioned in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution.

Collection and levy of taxes, duties, tolls and fees.

Apart from these responsibilities the Government of Punjab is also planning to strengthen facilities relating to health, education, drinking water, seewage, the telephone service, banking services and power supply through the panchayats. The income from market committees and cattle fairs are one of the sources of income of the panchayats, which has been based on the pattern of West Bengal, Kerala and Karnataka..