The Panchayat Samiti comprises multiple Gram Panchayats.
Explanation
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, institutionalized a three-tier structure of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to ensure democratic decentralization. This hierarchy consists of the Gram Panchayat at the village level, the Panchayat Samiti (Intermediate Panchayat) at the block level, and the Zila Parishad at the district level.
Analysis of the Structure:
- Hierarchy and Jurisdiction: The Panchayat Samiti operates at the intermediate or block level. Geographically and administratively, a block consists of several villages. Therefore, a single Panchayat Samiti comprises multiple Gram Panchayats. It acts as the link between the village-level bodies and the district-level Zila Parishad.
- Supervision : The Gram Panchayat is the lowest tier of the structure. It does not supervise the Panchayat Samiti; rather, the Panchayat Samiti coordinates and consolidates the plans of the Gram Panchayats within its jurisdiction.
- Administrative Link : The three tiers are not independent silos. They are organically linked through indirect elections (chairpersons of lower tiers often find representation in higher tiers) and administrative planning processes.
- Appointments : Members of the Panchayat Samiti are directly elected by the people from territorial constituencies. The Chairperson is elected by and from among the elected members. The Gram Panchayat does not appoint executive members of the Panchayat Samiti.
Key Takeaway:
The Panchayat Samiti is the intermediate tier of the Panchayati Raj system, functioning at the block level to bridge the gap between the Gram Panchayats (village level) and the Zila Parishad (district level).