Sarpanch

Sarpanch is the elected head of a gram panchayat, the village-level unit of local self-government in India's Panchayati Raj system. The gram panchayat comprises ward members (panchs) and the Sarpanch, who presides over meetings and oversees village administration. The Sarpanch is typically elected for a five-year term in most states, with the Gram Sabha—consisting of all adult residents—serving as the deliberative forum and primary accountability body.

Role and functions: The Sarpanch chairs gram panchayat meetings, supervises the implementation of development schemes, and oversees village-level staff. They help prepare development plans and allocate resources from state and central programs, including schemes related to employment, housing, sanitation, and health. The Sarpanch coordinates with higher levels of government (block, taluka, district) and with other agencies as needed, and the gram panchayat maintains records and ensures proper use of funds for local public works and welfare activities.

Accountability and eligibility: The Sarpanch and gram panchayat are elected by village residents, and the Gram Sabha can hold the body to account. State laws regulate qualifications, disqualifications, and conduct, with panchayats subject to audits and oversight. In many states, seats for Sarpanch or other positions are reserved for women or disadvantaged groups to promote inclusive representation.

Significance: The Sarpanch occupies a central role in rural governance, reinforcing decentralization, enabling local participation, and facilitating the delivery of development programs at the village level.