The correct option is Its Chairperson is the political head of the Zilla Parishad..
Explanation
The Zilla Parishad constitutes the apex tier of the Panchayati Raj system at the district level, established under the framework of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992. It serves as the link between the state government and the lower tiers of the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
- Statement Its Chairperson is the political head of the Zilla Parishad. is Correct: The Chairperson (often called the Adhyaksha or President) is the political head of the Zilla Parishad. This office is filled by election from amongst the elected members of the Zilla Parishad. The administrative machinery is headed by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who is an officer of the State Civil Service or the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
- Statement It is the lowest tier of the Panchayati Raj system. is Incorrect: The Zilla Parishad is the highest tier of the three-tier structure. The hierarchy consists of the Gram Panchayat at the village level (lowest), the Panchayat Samiti at the block level (intermediate), and the Zilla Parishad at the district level (highest).
- Statement It has no elected members. is Incorrect: The 73rd Amendment Act mandates that members of the Zilla Parishad shall be directly elected from territorial constituencies in the district. Additionally, it may include ex-officio members such as Chairpersons of Panchayat Samitis, and MPs and MLAs representing the area.
- Statement It only functions in urban areas. is Incorrect: The Zilla Parishad functions exclusively in rural areas. Urban areas are governed by Municipalities (Nagar Palikas, Municipal Councils, or Municipal Corporations) under the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.
Key Takeaway: The Zilla Parishad is the district-level body of rural local self-government, composed of directly elected members and headed politically by an elected Chairperson, distinct from the administrative head (CEO).