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.