The ________ is the lowest tier of the Panchayati Raj system.
(a) Zila Parishad
(b) Block Samiti
(c) Gram Panchayat
(d) Nagar Panchayat

see full answer

Your Exam Success, Personally Taken Care Of

1:1 expert mentors customize learning to your strength and weaknesses – so you score higher in school , IIT JEE and NEET entrance exams.

An Intiative by Sri Chaitanya

(Unlock A.I Detailed Solution for FREE)

JEE

NEET

Foundation JEE

Foundation NEET

CBSE

Detailed Solution

The correct Answer: (c) Gram Panchayat

India’s rural local governance follows a three-tier Panchayati Raj system formalized by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment (1992):

Village level — Gram Panchayat (lowest tier):
- Elected body at the village/ward level, headed by a Sarpanch/Mukhiya/Pradhan with ward members (panchs).
- Handles local needs: village roads, drinking water, sanitation, street lighting, maintenance of community assets, and implementation of welfare schemes.
- Accountable to the Gram Sabha (all registered voters of the village), which approves plans and budgets.
Intermediate/Block level — Panchayat Samiti/Block Samiti/Janpad Panchayat:
- Coordinates development across several Gram Panchayats within a block.
District level — Zila Parishad:
- Prepares district plans, allocates funds, and oversees block and village bodies.

Why the other options are incorrect:

(a) Zila Parishad: This is the top (district) tier, not the lowest.

(b) Block Samiti: The middle/intermediate tier, above Gram Panchayat.

(d) Nagar Panchayat: An urban local body for small towns—not part of the rural Panchayati Raj structure.

Watch 3-min video & get full concept clarity