Correct Option
The correct option is (d).
Explanation
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, institutionalized the Panchayati Raj system in India. At the village level, the system comprises the Gram Sabha (legislative body) and the Gram Panchayat (executive body). The structure and election of the Gram Panchayat are defined to ensure democratic representation from the grassroots level.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The Gram Panchayat is the elected executive committee of the village. It consists of Ward Members, commonly known as Panchs, and a President, known as the Sarpanch. Therefore, Panchs are integral members of the Gram Panchayat.
- Statement 2 is Correct: To facilitate administration and representation, every village panchayat area is divided into smaller territorial constituencies called wards. Each ward elects a representative known as a Panch. The electorate for this position consists of the members of the Gram Sabha (registered voters) residing in that specific ward.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The Gram Panchayat is answerable to the Gram Sabha. The Secretary of the Gram Panchayat calls the meeting of the Gram Sabha, but the elected members-the Sarpanch and Panchs-are responsible for placing the annual accounts, reports of the administration, and development plans before the Gram Sabha for discussion and approval.
Key Takeaway: The Gram Panchayat is composed of elected Ward Members (Panchs) and a Sarpanch, who collectively act as the executive authority responsible for presenting development plans to the Gram Sabha.