Selection from Sabha and Panchayat members
Explanation
The Gram Sabha is the foundational body of the Panchayati Raj system, representing direct democracy. To facilitate specific developmental tasks, monitor schemes, and ensure accountability, the Gram Sabha or the Gram Panchayat is empowered to constitute standing or working committees.Detailed Analysis:
- Nomination by State legislators is incorrect: Nomination by State legislators contradicts the principle of local self-governance. The 73rd Amendment aims to reduce external political interference in day-to-day local administration.
- Selection from Sabha and Panchayat members is correct: Working committees (such as those for health, sanitation, education, or social audit) are typically constituted by selecting members from the Gram Sabha (registered voters of the village) and the Gram Panchayat (elected representatives). This composition ensures that developmental activities are participatory and reflect the needs of the community while maintaining a link with the elected body.
- Appointment by district administration is incorrect: Appointment by the district administration represents a centralized, bureaucratic approach, which negates the constitutional mandate of democratic decentralization.
- Constitution by the Sarpanch alone is incorrect: While the Sarpanch is the chairperson of the Gram Panchayat, the authority to form committees usually resides with the collective body (Gram Sabha or Panchayat meeting) rather than the Sarpanch acting unilaterally.
Key Takeaway: Working committees in the Panchayati Raj system are instruments of participatory democracy, composed of members from the Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat to ensure community involvement in developmental activities.