Sarpanch
Also called: Panchayat president, Pradhan, Mukhiya · Topic: Panchayati Raj: Rural Local Government · NCERT: Class 6, Ch 11 "Grassroots Democracy – Part 2: Local Government in Rural Areas"; Class 10, Ch 2 "Federalism"; Class 11, Ch 8 "Local Governments"
Meaning
The sarpanch, also called pradhan, is the elected head of a gram panchayat. Depending on state law, the sarpanch is elected either directly by voters or by the ward members (panchs). The sarpanch chairs panchayat meetings and oversees village works. Under Article 243D, some sarpanch posts are reserved for SCs, STs and women.
Example
Vandana Maida, a Bhil woman, became the first woman sarpanch of Khankhandvi (Madhya Pradesh). In 2017 Dnyaneshwar Kamble became sarpanch of Tarangfal as a transgender person.
Don't confuse with
- Panchayat secretary: the secretary is an appointed official who supports the panchayat. The sarpanch is the elected leader.
Related concepts
- Gram panchayat
- Panchayat secretary
- Patwari
- Panchayat samiti
- Zila parishad
- Child-friendly panchayat
- Bal sabha
- Women-friendly panchayat