of five years and is headed by a chairman and a deputy chairman. Departments The common departments in the Samiti are as follows: General Administration Finance Public Works Agriculture Health Education Social Welfare Information Technology Water Supply Department Animal Husbandry and others There is an officer for every department. A government-appointed Block Development Officer (BDO) is the executive officer to the Samiti and the chief of its administration, and is responsible for his work to the CEO of ZP. Functions Implementation of schemes for the development of agriculture and infrastructure Establishment of Community Health Centres (CHCs) and primary schools Supply of clean drinking water, drainage and construction/repair of roads Development of a cottage and small-scale industries, and the opening of cooperative societies Establishment of youth organisations in India Zilla parishad The governing of the advance system at the district level in Panchayat Raj is also popularly known as Zilla Parishad. The chief of administration is an officer of the IAS cadre and chief officer of the Panchayat raj for the district level. Composition The membership varies from 40 to 60 and usually comprises: Deputy Commissioner of the District Presidents of all Panchayat Samitis in the district Heads of all Government Departments in the district members of Parliament and Members of Legislative Assemblies in the district a representative of each cooperative society some women and Scheduled Caste members, if not adequately represented co-opted members having extraordinary experience and achievements in public service. Functions Provide essential services and facilities to the rural population Supply improved seeds to farmers and inform them of new farming techniques Set up and run schools and libraries in rural areas Start primary health centers and hospitals in villages; start vaccination drives against epidemics Execute plans for the development of the scheduled castes and tribes; run ashram for Adivasi children; set up free hostels for them. Encourage entrepreneurs to start small-scale industries and implement rural employment schemes. Construct bridges, roads and other public facilities and their maintenance Provide employment. Works on Sanitation related issues System in Practice The Panchayats, throughout the years, have relied on federal and state grants to sustain themselves economically. The absence of mandatory elections for the Panchayat council and infrequent meetings of the Sarpanch have decreased the spread of information to villagers, leading to more state regulation. Many Panchayats have been successful in achieving their goals, through cooperation between different bodies and the political