NCERT Class 6 Political Science — Chapter 3: Panchayati Raj

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What is the significance of the Gram Sabha in the context of democratic accountability?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AIt empowers the state government to dissolve the Panchayat at will.
BIt functions as the primary judicial body for criminal cases in the village.
CIt restricts decision-making power to the land-owning class.
DIt serves as a forum where elected representatives are answerable to the electorate.

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Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is

It serves as a forum where elected representatives are answerable to the electorate.

Explanation

The Gram Sabha is the foundational institution of the Panchayati Raj system, established under Article 243A of the Constitution (73rd Amendment Act, 1992). It consists of all persons registered in the electoral rolls of a village within the area of a Panchayat. It represents a form of direct democracy at the grassroots level.

Option Analysis

It empowers the state government to dissolve the Panchayat at will. is Incorrect: The power to dissolve a Panchayat generally lies with the State Government under specific statutory provisions (e.g., in cases of incompetence or abuse of power). The Gram Sabha does not hold the legal authority to dissolve the elected body at will.
It serves as a forum where elected representatives are answerable to the electorate. is Correct: The primary significance of the Gram Sabha is to ensure transparency and accountability. It serves as a general assembly where the elected Gram Panchayat must present its budget, accounts, and administrative reports. This mechanism ensures that elected representatives are directly answerable to the electorate (the villagers) for their performance and decisions.
It restricts decision-making power to the land-owning class. is Incorrect: Membership in the Gram Sabha is determined by universal adult franchise. Every registered voter in the village is a member, regardless of land ownership, caste, or economic status.
It functions as the primary judicial body for criminal cases in the village. is Incorrect: The Gram Sabha is a deliberative and supervisory body, not a judicial court. While Nyaya Panchayats (separate statutory bodies) were historically intended for petty dispute resolution, the Gram Sabha itself does not function as the primary judicial body for criminal cases.

Key Takeaway: The Gram Sabha is the only permanent body in the Panchayati Raj system that exercises social audit functions, making the elected Gram Panchayat directly accountable to the people.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Panchayati Raj

Consider the following statements regarding the Gram Sabha: 1. It is a meeting of all adults who live in the area covered by a Panchayat. 2. The area covered by a Gram Sabha is strictly limited to a single village under all circumstances. 3. Anyone who is 18 years old or more and has the right to vote is a member. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the structure of the Gram Panchayat, consider the following statements: 1. Every village Panchayat is divided into smaller areas known as wards. 2. Each ward elects a representative known as the Ward Member or Panch. 3. The Sarpanch is elected solely by the elected Ward Members. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the Secretary of the Gram Panchayat: 1. The Secretary is elected by the members of the Gram Sabha along with the Sarpanch. 2. The Secretary serves as the Secretary for both the Gram Sabha and the Gram Panchayat. 3. The primary responsibility of the Secretary is to unilaterally decide the development plans for the village. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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What is the primary function of the Gram Sabha in relation to the Gram Panchayat?

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Which of the following are explicitly listed as the work of a Gram Panchayat? 1. Construction and maintenance of water sources and school buildings. 2. Levying and collecting local taxes. 3. Executing government schemes related to generating employment.

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Correct Option

The correct option is

It serves as a forum where elected representatives are answerable to the electorate.

Explanation

Option Analysis

It empowers the state government to dissolve the Panchayat at will. is Incorrect: The power to dissolve a Panchayat generally lies with the State Government under specific statutory provisions (e.g., in cases of incompetence or abuse of power). The Gram Sabha does not hold the legal authority to dissolve the elected body at will.
It serves as a forum where elected representatives are answerable to the electorate. is Correct: The primary significance of the Gram Sabha is to ensure transparency and accountability. It serves as a general assembly where the elected Gram Panchayat must present its budget, accounts, and administrative reports. This mechanism ensures that elected representatives are directly answerable to the electorate (the villagers) for their performance and decisions.
It restricts decision-making power to the land-owning class. is Incorrect: Membership in the Gram Sabha is determined by universal adult franchise. Every registered voter in the village is a member, regardless of land ownership, caste, or economic status.
It functions as the primary judicial body for criminal cases in the village. is Incorrect: The Gram Sabha is a deliberative and supervisory body, not a judicial court. While Nyaya Panchayats (separate statutory bodies) were historically intended for petty dispute resolution, the Gram Sabha itself does not function as the primary judicial body for criminal cases.