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    Objectives & Functions

    Objectives

    • The list of tasks under the Zilla Parishad Act is provided in Schedule I, which includes 123 tasks. Broadly speaking, the key responsibilities of the council involve providing services in education, healthcare, and transportation, as well as implementing programs for the development of agriculture and rural industries. The expansion of programs in education and transportation is expected to support the growth of agriculture and industries, and there is a need to focus on irrigation and cooperatives as well. Attention to the upliftment of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes is also considered a special responsibility of the Zilla Parishad.

    • The tasks mentioned above fall within the jurisdiction of the state government as well. Therefore, there is a division of work between the state government and the Zilla Parishad, which is subject to necessary adjustments. For example, primary education has been completely entrusted to the council, which is responsible for the construction of school buildings and oversight of teachers’ work. The operation of primary schools in municipalities without school boards has also been entrusted to the councils. Although the educational officer of the council conducts inspections of secondary schools and disburses grants, the Zilla Parishad does not have any direct involvement in this process.

    • Regarding transportation, the construction and maintenance of national and state highways fall under the purview of the state government, while the Zilla Parishad is responsible for constructing and maintaining district roads and minor access roads. In irrigation schemes, the Zilla Parishad can undertake projects that provide water supply to land up to 100 hectares, while larger projects fall under the jurisdiction of the state government.

    Functions

    • The Zilla Parishad is an important local self-governing institution that primarily works to provide various developmental activities and government services in rural areas. Below are the key responsibilities assigned to the Zilla Parishad:

      • Education

      • Primary and Secondary Education Management: Overseeing and managing government schools, including the construction of school buildings, recruitment of teachers, and ensuring the quality of education.

      • School Supervision and Inspection: Ensuring that schools meet educational standards, improving teaching methods, and providing educational resources.

      • Implementation of Educational Schemes: Introducing various government schemes to improve literacy rates and school attendance, particularly in rural areas.

      Health Services

      • Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs): Establishing and managing PHCs to provide basic healthcare services in rural areas.
      • Health Camps and Programs: Organizing vaccination drives, health awareness campaigns, and medical camps to improve public health.
      • Maternal and Child Health: Running programs focused on maternal and child health, including prenatal care and child immunization.
      • Sanitation and Hygiene Programs: Promoting sanitation, safe drinking water, and cleanliness in rural areas.

      Agriculture and Irrigation

      • Irrigation Projects: Implementing small-scale irrigation schemes and promoting water conservation to support agricultural growth.

      • Agricultural Development: Encouraging modern agricultural practices, providing training, and supporting farmers with subsidies, loans, and equipment.

      Infrastructure Development

      • Road Construction and Maintenance: Building and maintaining rural roads, small bridges, and internal village roads to ensure connectivity.

      • Water Supply Systems: Ensuring access to clean drinking water, constructing water tanks, and maintaining water supply infrastructure.
      • Electricity and Energy Supply: Extending electricity coverage to rural areas and promoting renewable energy sources like solar power.

      Social Welfare and Empowerment

      • Welfare Schemes for Marginalized Communities: Implementing welfare schemes for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, children, and the elderly.

      • Poverty Alleviation Programs: Providing financial support and vocational training to uplift the economically disadvantaged.
      • Disability and Senior Citizen Welfare: Implementing schemes for the welfare of people with disabilities and senior citizens.

      Rural Employment and Self-Help Groups

      • Employment Generation: Promoting local employment opportunities through various government programs like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

      • Skill Development: Organizing skill training and vocational courses to empower rural youth with employable skills.
      • Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Encouraging the formation of SHGs to promote savings, credit, and small-scale rural businesses.

      Environmental Protection

      • Water Conservation and Management: Implementing rainwater harvesting, watershed management, and water conservation programs.

      • Afforestation and Green Initiatives: Conducting tree plantation drives, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and protecting local biodiversity.

      • Solid Waste Management: Addressing waste disposal issues and promoting recycling and composting in rural areas.

      Rural Governance and Administration

      • Decentralized Governance: Empowering local governments and community participation in decision-making processes.

      • Public Awareness and Transparency: Ensuring transparency in the functioning of the Zilla Parishad, promoting public participation in governance, and ensuring accountability.

      • Monitoring and Evaluation: Supervising the implementation of various government schemes and programs at the district level.

      Disaster Management

      • Disaster Preparedness: Coordinating relief efforts during natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and cyclones.

      • Post-Disaster Rehabilitation: Overseeing the rehabilitation and reconstruction of affected areas, including providing temporary shelters, medical aid, and financial assistance.

      Cultural and Sports Activities

      • Promotion of Local Culture: Supporting cultural programs, festivals, and traditional arts to preserve local heritage.
      • Sports Development: Organizing rural sports events to promote physical fitness and sportsmanship among youth.

      Conclusion:

      • The functions of the Zilla Parishad focus on fostering the development of rural areas through education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare. It aims to improve the quality of life for rural communities, empower local populations, and contribute to the socio-economic growth of the district. By implementing government policies and programs, the Zilla Parishad ensures that resources are utilized effectively and that rural citizens have access to essential services.