% Solution
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Panchayati Raj is the system of local self-government in rural India.
While it has ancient roots, the modern system was formally established and given constitutional status by the 73rd Amendment Act, 1992.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's evaluate each statement against the constitutional and legal framework of Panchayati Raj.
Statement (B): At the base stands the Gram Sabha. This is CORRECT.
The Gram Sabha is the 'General Body' of the village, consisting of all registered voters. It is the core of direct democracy at the local level.
Statement (C): The 73rd Amendment provided a three-tier system. This is CORRECT.
The levels are: 1. Gram Panchayat (Village), 2. Panchayat Samiti (Block/Intermediary), and 3. Zila Parishad (District).
Statement (D): Elections are conducted every five years. This is CORRECT.
The Constitution mandates that every Panchayat shall continue for five years unless dissolved earlier, and elections must be held within six months of dissolution.
Statement (A): ‘Panchayat Raj’ means ‘Governance by five individuals’. This is INCORRECT.
While the word 'Panch' historically refers to 'five' (the traditional council of five elders), the modern system is not limited to five people.
The size of a modern Gram Panchayat is determined by the state legislature based on the population of the village.
A Gram Panchayat typically has between 7 to 31 members (Ward Panches), along with a Sarpanch (President).
Defining it simply as 'governance by five individuals' ignores the representative, multi-member nature of the modern democratic institution.
The term today signifies 'Democratic Decentralization' rather than a specific number of members.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The modern Panchayati Raj is a representative democratic body with varying numbers of members, not just five.
Statements B, C, and D are factually correct.
Hence, the incorrect statement is (A).
\