About Zilla Panchayat

The state of Karnataka is pioneer in the decentralized administration system of Panchayat Raj Institution. The first act on Panchayat Raj institution was Karnataka Zilla Parishads, Taluka Panchayat Samithis, Mandal Panchayat and Nyaay Panchayat Act, 1993 consequent upon the constitution (73rd amendment), 1992. The state of Karnataka established a three tier Panchayat Raj system in the state with the elected bodies of grama, district level for greater participation of people and more effective implementation of rural development programmes in the state. The state of Karnataka replaced the Karnataka Zilla Parishads, Taluka Panchayat Samithis, Mandal Panchayat and Nyaay Panchayat Act, 1983 by Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act, 1993. By Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 a 3 tier Panchayat system with elected bodies at all levels was established to make our institution effective as units of  local self Government. It provides for reservation of seats in favour of SC/ ST in proportion of their population and reservation of 1/3rd seat for women at all levels. It also provides for reservation of seats and offices of chair persons at all levels for the persons belonging to SC, ST, backward classes and women. It also envisages constitution of state election commission and state finance commission and        

Grama Panchayat is the first tier of Panchayat Raj institution which comprises of a village or group of villages. The Grama Panchayat consist of such number of elected members as may be notified from time to time by the state election commission at the rate of one member for every 400 population or part their of the Panchayat area. Number of seats reserved for SC and ST is in proportion to population of SC and ST, however at least one seat each is reserved in Grama Panchayat for person belonging to SC, ST. as nearly as may be 1/3rd of the total seats of the Grama Panchayat is reserved for the person belonging to the backward classes. 1/3 rd of seats is reserved for women. Every Grama Panchayat has a president  and vice president which are chosen by elected members of Grama Panchayat from amongst themselves as per the provision of section 45 of Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act,1993. Section 49 of Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 provides for motion of no confidence against the president or vice president of the Grama Panchayat. A Grama Panchayat needs for the transaction of the business at least once in two months, however the president may upon the written request of not less than one third of the total number of members and on a date within 15 days of receipt of such request may call for a meeting. The forum for a meeting for Grama Panchayat is 1/3rd of the total number of members. Grama Panchayat performs all the functions provided in section 58 of Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 .Every Grama Panchayat constitutes the following committees by election.

1.      Production committee for performing functions relating to agricultural production, animal husbandry, rural industries and poverty alleviation programmes.

2.      A social justice committee for performing the functions relating to the promotion of education, social, cultural, economical and other interests of the SC ST and backward classes "protection of such castes and classes from social injustice and any form of exploitation" welfare of women and children and amenities committee to perform functions in respect of education, public health, public works and other function of Grama Panchayat. 

Every committee consists of not less than 3 and not more than 5 members.

Every Grama Panchayat has a whole time secretary who is an officer of the Government of the rank of either first division clerk or second division clerk and he draws his salary and allowances from the Zilla Panchayat fund.  The secretary performs all the duties and exercises all the powers imposed or conferred upon him by or under Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 or any rules or by laws that are under.  In addition to secretary, Grama Panchayat appoints Bill clerk, Peon, and Cleaner.