The Zila Parishad
Explanation
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act established a three-tier structure for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs): the Gram Panchayat at the village level, the Panchayat Samiti at the intermediate level, and the Zila Parishad at the district level. The distribution of powers and funds is generally hierarchical, with the district-level body acting as a link between the State government and the lower tiers.
Option Analysis:
- The Gram Sabha The Gram Sabha: Incorrect. The Gram Sabha is a deliberative body consisting of all registered voters in a village. Its primary functions involve social audit, identifying beneficiaries, and approving plans at the village level. It does not regulate the distribution of funds to other bodies.
- The Zila Parishad The Zila Parishad: Correct. The Zila Parishad is the apex body in the three-tier system. It is primarily responsible for supervising, coordinating, and consolidating the plans of the lower tiers (Panchayat Samitis and Gram Panchayats). In the administrative hierarchy, it often acts as the channel for distributing funds allocated by the State and Central governments among the Gram Panchayats and Panchayat Samitis.
- The State Finance Commission The State Finance Commission: Incorrect. The State Finance Commission (Article 243I) is a constitutional body appointed by the Governor every five years to recommend principles for the distribution of taxes and grants-in-aid. It is an advisory commission, not a standing administrative body within the three-tier system that manages the day-to-day distribution of funds.
- The District Planning Committee The District Planning Committee: Incorrect. The District Planning Committee (Article 243ZD) is responsible for consolidating the development plans prepared by the Panchayats and Municipalities in the district to draft a development plan for the district as a whole. It is not the primary regulator of fund distribution among Panchayats.
Key Takeaway:
In the three-tier Panchayati Raj structure, the Zila Parishad functions as the supervisory and coordinating body that manages the distribution of government funds to the lower tiers.