Objectives and Functions

Objectives & Functions

The list of functions of the Zilla Parishad is provided in Schedule One of the Zilla Parishad Act, which includes 123 tasks. Broadly, the key responsibilities of the Zilla Parishad include providing services in education, health, and transportation, as well as initiating programs for the development of agriculture and rural industries. It is expected that the expansion of educational and transportation programs should be carried out in a way that supports the development of agriculture and industries, with a particular emphasis on irrigation and cooperative programs. The upliftment of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes is also considered a special responsibility of the Zilla Parishad.

The functions mentioned above also fall under the domain of the state government. Therefore, a division of responsibilities has been made between the state government and the Zilla Parishad, and changes are made as necessary. For instance, primary education has been completely entrusted to the Zilla Parishad. The Zilla Parishad is responsible for tasks such as constructing school buildings and supervising teachers’ work. The administration of primary schools in cities that have municipalities but do not have school boards is also entrusted to the Zilla Parishad. While the Zilla Parishad’s education officer inspects secondary schools and handles the distribution of grants, the Zilla Parishad does not have the authority to intervene in these matters.

In the area of transportation, the construction and maintenance of national and state highways fall under the state government, while the construction and maintenance of district roads, smaller routes, and similar infrastructure are managed by the Zilla Parishad. For irrigation projects, the Zilla Parishad can take up projects that provide water to land up to around 100 hectares, whereas projects that serve larger areas are under the control of the state government.

Functions of Zilla Parishad

The Functions of the Zilla Parishad are aimed at promoting the overall development of rural areas, providing essential services, and ensuring the effective implementation of government schemes at the district level. The Zilla Parishad performs a wide range of functions, some of which are outlined below:

• Education

1. 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.
2. School Supervision and Inspection: Ensuring that schools meet educational standards, improving teaching methods, and providing educational resources.
3. Implementation of Educational Schemes: Introducing various government schemes to improve literacy rates and school attendance, particularly in rural areas.

• Health Services

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

• Agriculture and Irrigation

1. Irrigation Projects: Implementing small-scale irrigation schemes and promoting water conservation to support agricultural growth.
2. Agricultural Development: Encouraging modern agricultural practices, providing training, and supporting farmers with subsidies, loans, and equipment.
3. Promotion of Rural Industries: Supporting rural industries and self-help groups, fostering entrepreneurship in rural areas.

• Infrastructure Development

1. Road Construction and Maintenance: Building and maintaining rural roads, small bridges, and internal village roads to ensure connectivity.
2. Water Supply Systems: Ensuring access to clean drinking water, constructing water tanks, and maintaining water supply infrastructure.
3. Electricity and Energy Supply: Extending electricity coverage to rural areas and promoting renewable energy sources like solar power.

• Social Welfare and Empowerment

1. Welfare Schemes for Marginalized Communities: Implementing welfare schemes for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, children, and the elderly.
2. Poverty Alleviation Programs: Providing financial support and vocational training to uplift the economically disadvantaged.
3. Disability and Senior Citizen Welfare: Implementing schemes for the welfare of people with disabilities and senior citizens.

• Rural Employment and Self-Help Groups

1. Employment Generation: Promoting local employment opportunities through various government programs like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
2. Skill Development: Organizing skill training and vocational courses to empower rural youth with employable skills.
3. Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Encouraging the formation of SHGs to promote savings, credit, and small-scale rural businesses.

• Environmental Protection

1. Water Conservation and Management: Implementing rainwater harvesting, watershed management, and water conservation programs.
2. Afforestation and Green Initiatives: Conducting tree plantation drives, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and protecting local biodiversity.
3. Solid Waste Management: Addressing waste disposal issues and promoting recycling and composting in rural areas.

• Rural Governance and Administration

1. Decentralized Governance: Empowering local governments and community participation in decision-making processes.
2. Public Awareness and Transparency: Ensuring transparency in the functioning of the Zilla Parishad, promoting public participation in governance, and ensuring accountability.
3. Monitoring and Evaluation: Supervising the implementation of various government schemes and programs at the district level.

• Disaster Management

1. Disaster Preparedness: Coordinating relief efforts during natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and cyclones.
2. Post-Disaster Rehabilitation: Overseeing the rehabilitation and reconstruction of affected areas, including providing temporary shelters, medical aid, and financial assistance.

• Cultural and Sports Activities

1. Promotion of Local Culture: Supporting cultural programs, festivals, and traditional arts to preserve local heritage.
2. 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.