(a) whether several caste panchayats are functioning in
rural areas of the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether some of the Members of elected Panchayats are
also active in the said caste panchayats;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the action taken/proposed to be taken by the
Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF PANCHAYATI RAJ (SHRI V. KISHORE CHANDRA DEO)
(a) to (d): As per Part IX of the Constitution, there is no concept of
caste panchayats. In other words, the caste based Panchayats do not have
any legal entity as per Constitution. All issues related to Panchayat
members and their activities are dealt by the State Governments, as
‘Panchayats’ are a State subject. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj
cannot address issues and complaints related to individual Panchayat
members, as they are governed under State Laws and Rules.
(e): Does not arise in view of the reply given above.