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The functions of Municipalities are divided into

two parts:

 Discretionary

 Obligatory

Some of the discretionary functions are:

 Housing facilities for low income groups. House of Municipal Corporation, Chennai
 Construction and maintenance of libraries, rest

houses, public parks, leper homes, rescue homes for women, museums and orphanages.

 Provision of transport links with the municipality.

 Promotion of welfare of employees of municipalities.

 Securing or removal of building or places that are prone to dangers.

Some of the obligatory functions are:
 Building and maintenance of primary schools.
 Supply of wholesome water.
 Removing obstruction and projections in public paths, bridges and other areas.
 Lighting and watering in the public streets.
 Maintenance and development of the public hospitals.
 Construction and maintenance of public streets.

Panchayats

The Panchayats in India are the local self-governments in the villages of the country. Panchayats in
every state has its own characteristics and even election procedures to these institutions are at
variance. As per Article 40 of the Constitution of India, the Government of the country has to set up
Panchayats in the villages. These Panchayats act as local self-government.
Most of the states have adopted the organizations by the name of Panchayats to look after the
welfare of the people. The basic unit of the Panchayats of India is known as the 'Gram Panchayat'. The
village council is elected by the popular voting system. The members of the Gram Panchayat in India
elect the village council chairs. These elected members form the 'Panchayat Samiti' or the block
council. The top level of authority of the entire system of Panchayati Raj is the "Zila Parishad". The
Zila Parishad takes care of the blocks as well as the villages. There is also one-third reservation for
women in Panchayat seats.
Funds for Panchayats are gathered from three major sources.
The State Government releases funds for Panchayats after receiving recommendations of the State
Finance Commission.
There are also many schemes which are sponsored by the central government.
There are many local bodies from where funds for Panchayats are generated. The Central Finance
Commission also recommends grants for the village Panchayats.

FAST

Where is Gram Panchayat?

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