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Panchayati Raj in West Bengal is organized into a three tiers of local self-governance system of rural development, decentralized planning and implementation, and welfare measures in the grassroots space. This system of self-governance was operationalized through the West Bengal Panchayat Act of 1973. This act empowers rural resident citizens to be more positively engaged as critical participants in electoral politics directly.
Structural Character of the Panchayati Raj System in West Bengal
West Bengal operates the Constitutionally provided three tier structure.
Tier | Administrative Unit | Key Role |
1st Tier | Gram Panchayat | Functions at the village level – implementation of schemes, sanitation, local development |
2nd Tier | Panchayat Samiti | Operates at the Block level – supervises multiple Gram Panchayats, handles block-wide planning |
3rd Tier | Zilla Parishad | Functions at the district level – coordinates development policies, allocates resources |
Importance of the Panchayati Raj in West Bengal
- Decentralized Government: Decentralisation empowers people at the community level to make decisions about what they see as the most critical development priorities for their local environments.
- Scheme Implementation: Scheme implementation includes flagship program implementation such as MGNREGA, PMAY, Swachh Bharat Mission, etc.
- Public Participation : Public participation is principally governed through the process of going to the Gram Sabha.
- Social Justice: This operates through the representation of SC/ST/OBCs, and women via the reservation of seats.
Constitutional Backing
Constitutional backing for the system has been given through:
1. Enacted through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act 1992
2. Art. 243 and the Eleventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution
3. It was operationalised through the West Bengal Panchayat Act of 1973.
Panchayat Pradhan Salary in West Bengal (2025 Update)
Latest Salary Details
According to the most recent circular, released by the Panchayats and Rural Development Department, the Panchayat Pradhan earns a monthly honorarium of ₹5,000.
Position | Honorarium per Month (₹) |
Panchayat Pradhan | ₹5,000 |
Upa-Pradhan (Deputy) | ₹4,000 |
The Role & Responsibilities of a Panchayat Pradhan
The Pradhan is the elected head of the Gram Panchayat, and the final decision-maker in the village. They have several responsibilities:
- Chairing Gram Panchayat meetings and implementing resolutions.
- Supervising rural development programs like MGNREGA, PMAY, SBM, and the mid-day meal scheme.
- Maintaining law and order, in contact with the local administration.
- Managing and monitoring the funds assigned to the Gram Panchayat to ensure expenditure is transparent.
- Interacting with Block Development Officers (BDOs) and higher levels of the Panchayat (Panchayat Samiti & Zilla Parishad).
- Carrying out disaster relief, redress of public grievances, and community mobilization.
Allowances and Benefits
While the honorarium is governance-based, there may still be other benefits:
- Travel Allowance (TA) – for travel while on official Panchayat work or going to a training program.
- Meeting Sitting Fees – nominal sitting fees for attending Gram Sabha or standing committee meetings.
- Training & Capacity Building – training courses and workshops supported by state and central sponsored schemes.
- Recognition and Awards – for those with outstanding performance in their Panchayat, or pioneering models in governance.
Note: The Pradhan does not qualify for either a pension or any other service benefits as they are elected representatives of the public, and not government servants.
Gram Panchayat Member Salary in West Bengal
Present Honorarium
According to the latest Notification by the Department of Panchayats and Rural Development, Government of West Bengal, the monthly salary of each Gram Panchayat Member is ₹3,000.
Designation | Honorarium per Month (₹) |
Gram Panchayat Member | ₹3,000 |
Upa-Pradhan (Vice Head) | ₹4,000 |
Pradhan (Head) | ₹5,000 |
Functions & Roles of a Member of Gram Panchayat
A Gram Panchayat Member is an elected representative of an individual ward within a Gram Panchayat and acts as a representative of the people for local governance. Their main functions include:
Primary functions:
- Represent ward residents in decisions and meetings concerning the Gram Panchayat.
- Participate in preparation and approval of development plans, such as roads, drinking water, sanitation, health centres, etc.
- Oversee the implementation of government schemes such as MGNREGA, PMAY, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, etc.
- Settle local disputes and complaints with the Pradhan and other Members.
- Mobilise public participation in meetings and engagement in Gram Sabha, awareness raisers, public campaigns, etc.
Allowance and Perks
Though modest, Gram Panchayat Members receive a few benefits
Type of Allowance | Details |
Travel Allowance (TA) | Provided for attending official duties or meetings. |
Meeting Allowance | Nominal fees for attending Panchayat meetings or standing committee sessions. |
Training Opportunities | Free training programs on governance, development schemes, and record-keeping. |
Recognition & Awards | Eligible for state-level awards for best practices or development contributions. |
Panchayat Samiti Member Salary in West Bengal (2025)
The Panchayat Samiti is a second tier of the Panchayati Raj system in West Bengal. It operates at the block level and is charged with the responsibility of planning, coordination, and implementation of rural development schemes for the various Gram Panchayats.The current Honourarium structure (As per the State Govt, Notification):
Designation | Monthly Honorarium (₹) |
Panchayat Samiti Member | ₹3,700 |
Panchayat Samiti Assistant President | ₹5,500 |
Panchayat Samiti President | ₹6,000 |
Karmadhyaksha (Standing Committee Head) | ₹5,000 |
Key Roles and Responsibilities
Panchayat Samiti Members
- Represent their respective areas (constituencies) at the block level.
- Approve and monitor development programs run across Gram Panchayats.
- Participate in various Standing Committees for health, agriculture, and women and child welfare, etc.
- Monitoring proper fund utilization and execution of schemes.
President & Assistant President
- President over meetings of a Panchayat Samiti and endorse policy decisions.
- Have discussions with Zilla Parishad and state departments.
- Monitor the overall planning and implementation of block level activities.
Karmadhyaksha
Chairperson of functional Standing Committees, designed to oversee specific areas like education, rural employment, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Allowances and Perks
While they are not substantial, here are some allowances:
- Travel Allowance (TA) for any official field visit, or meetings.
- Meeting Sitting Fees for each Committee meeting or Samiti meeting you attend.
- Training and Capacity Building sessions with the facilitation of the state government.
- Also eligible for awards and recognition under either state or central development programmes.
Salary of Other Panchayat Posts in West Bengal (2025)
The Panchayati Raj System of West Bengal applies to both elected representatives and government-paid administrative staff with honorarium or salary, depending on the nature of the position.
Honorarium structure for elected Panchayat representatives:
This table outlines the honorarium amounts for elected Panchayat representatives.
Post | Monthly Honorarium (₹) |
Panchayat Upa-Pradhan (Deputy Head – Gram Panchayat) | ₹4,000 |
Zilla Parishad Member (General) | ₹5,000 |
Zilla Parishad Karmadhyaksha | ₹6,000 |
Zilla Parishad Sahakari Sabhadhipati (Vice President) | ₹7,000 |
Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati (President) | ₹9,000 |
Administrative Panchayat Staff: Salaried Positions
These full-time employees are permanent government staff (regular appointment), and governed by the West Bengal Panchayat Service Rules.This have paid salaries as per the 7th Pay Commission matrix.
Panchayat Secretary / Executive Assistant.
- Pay-level: 9
- Pay-scale : ₹28,900 - ₹74,500
- In-hand salary: ₹32,000 - ₹38,000 (approx. DA + HRA + TA)
- Duties: Maintaining records of Panchayats, implementing schemes, cooperating with Pradhan, issuing certificates, etc.
Panchayat Sevak.
- Pay level: 6
- Pay scale : ₹22,700- ₹58,500
- In-hand Salary: ₹27,000 - ₹30,000
- Duties: Assisting in the delivery of services and operations, logistics, implementing schemes.
Nirman Sahayak (Technical Post).
- Pay level: 9
- Pay scale : ₹28,900- ₹74,500
- Qualification: Diploma in Civil Engineering.
- Duties: Planning, monitoring and assessing rural infrastructure projects.
Data Entry Operator (DEO).
- Contractual or Group-C Post
- Salary: ₹12,000- ₹15,000. (fixed salary/month)
- Duties: Data entry, maintaining records, entering details in subject portals, MIS portal, etc.
Gram Panchayat Salary Structure in West Bengal (2025)
This table details the salary structure for Gram Panchayat employees in West Bengal for the Year 2025.
Post | Monthly Salary (₹) | Key Notes |
Panchayat Pradhan | ₹5,000 | Elected village head; receives minimal TA |
Upa-Pradhan (Deputy) | ₹4,000 | Second-in-command; assists Pradhan in governance |
Gram Panchayat Member | ₹3,000 | Elected ward representative; receives meeting TA |
Panchayat Samiti Member | ₹3,700 | Block-level member; part of the second tier |
Panchayat Samiti President | ₹6,000 | Leads block-level administration and planning |
Zilla Parishad Member | ₹5,000 | District-level elected member of the top-tier Panchayat |
Zilla Parishad President | ₹9,000 | Highest Panchayat post; heads the Zilla Parishad |
Panchayat Secretary | ₹28,900 – ₹74,500 | Regular govt. staff; Pay Level 9 under 7th Pay Commission |
Panchayat Sevak / Sahayak | ₹22,700 – ₹58,500 | Assist with scheme execution; recruited via exams |
Nirman Sahayak | ₹28,900 – ₹74,500 | Civil engineering duties for rural infrastructure |
Data Entry Operator (DEO) | ₹12,000 – ₹15,000 (Fixed) | Contractual; handles computer work and MIS uploads |
Remuneration and Benefits Structures
For Elected Officials
- Travel Allowance (TA): nominally paid TA for applicable official meetings and field trips.
- No Dearness Allowance (DA) or House Rent Allowance (HRA).
- No pension or gratuity or medical insurance—these positions are all based on honorariums, not employment.
For Government Officials (e.g., Secretary, Sevak, Sahayak)
- DA, HRA, TA - all based on 7th Pay Commission rules.
- Annual increments, medical reimbursements, leave, NPS (pension plan).
- Eligible for departmental promotion and pay commissions.
History of Salary Revisions and Official Circulars
Key Compensation Developments:
- 2019: first major revision in honorariums for elected Panchayat officials in the history of Panchayats after long-term and persistent negotiations.
- 2022–2023: 7th Pay Commission benefits slowly implemented for the Panchayat level staff (Secretaries, Sahayaks).
- 2024–2025: no major developments on the revision of honorarium for elected members; appeals made on behalf of state association.
Official Circular Links:
West Bengal Panchayats and Rural Development Department.
Circular Archive
Circular No. 325-PRD/11099/18(2019): Salary revision for Pradhan, Upa-Pradhan, Zilla Parishad Members.
Finance Department Notifications related to 7th CPC Pay Matrix for Panchayat Staffs.
