61Functions and powers of Zilla Parishad

(1) Any transfer of a subject to the Zilla Parishad shall be with the approval of the Government from time to time.

(2) Subject to the condition and exceptions as the Government may, from time to time, impose, it shall be the function of the Zilla Parishad to prepare plans for economic development and social justice of the District, and to ensure the coordinated implementation of such plans in respect of matters including those mentioned below, namely--:

1. AGRICULTURE AND AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION:

(i) promotion of measures to increase agricultural production and to popularise the use of improved agricultural implements and the adoption of improved agricultural practices;

(ii) establishment and maintenance of godowns;

(iii) conducting agricultural fairs and exhibitions;

(iv) training of farmers;

(v) land improvement and soil conservation; and

(vi) promotion of agricultural extension works.

2. IRRIGATION GROUND WATER RESOURCES AND WATERSHED DEVELOPMENT:

(i) construction, renovation and maintenance of minor irrigation works and lift irrigation;

(ii) providing for the timely and equitable distribution, and full use of water under irrigation schemes under the control of the Zilla Parishad;

(iii) development of ground water resources;

(iv) installation of community pump sets; and

(v) watershed development programme.

3. HORTICULTURE:

(i) promotion of rural parks and gardens;

(ii) promotion of cultivation of fruits and vegetables; and

(iii) promotion of farms.

4. STATISTICS:

(i) publication of statistical and other information relating to activities of Gram Panchayats and Zilla Parishads;

(ii) co-ordination and use of statistics and other information required for the activities of the Gram Panchayats and Zilla Parishads; and

(iii) periodical supervision and evaluation of project and programmes entrusted to the Gram Panchayats and Zilla Parishads.

5. DISTRIBUTION OF ESSENTIAL COMMODITIES.

6. SOIL CONSERVATION AND LAND REFORMS:

(i) soil conservation measures;

(ii) land reclamation and land development works; and

(iii) promote implementation of land reforms and land consolidation.

7. MARKETING:

(i) development of regulated markets and marketing yards; and

(ii) grading and quality control of agriculture products.

8. SOCIAL FORESTRY:

(i) organise campaign for tree planting; and

(ii) planting and maintenance of trees.

9. ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING:

(i) improvement of breed of cows and pigs;

(ii) promotion of poultry farms, duck farms and goat farms;

(iii) promotion of fodder development programmes;

(iv) promotion of dairy farming, poultry and piggery; and

(v) prevention of epidemics and contagious diseases.

10. MINOR FOREST PRODUCE, FUEL AND FODDER:

(i) promotion of social and farm forestry, fuel plantation and fodder development;

(ii) management of minor forest produce of the forests raised in community lands; and

(iii) development of wasteland.

11. FISHERIES:

(i) promotion of fish seed production and distribution;

(ii) development of pisiculture in private and community tanks;

(iii) development of inland fisheries;

(iv) promotion of fish curing and drying;

(v) assistance to traditional fishing;

(vi) organising fish marketing co-operatives; and

(vii) welfare schemes for the uplift and development of fisherman.

12. HOUSEHOLD INDUSTRIES:

(including food processing):

(i) identification of traditional skills in the locality and promotion of household industries;

(ii) organisation of training programme for craftsmen and artisan;

(iii) liaison to tap bank credit for household industries;

(iv) popularising and marketing of finished products; and

(v) organising khadi, handloom, handicraft and village and cottage industries.

13. RURAL ROADS AND INLAND WATERWAYS:

(i) construction and maintenance of roads other than National, State Highways and other District road;

(ii) bridges and culverts coming under roads falling in item (i);

(iii) construction and maintenance of office buildings of the Zilla Parishad;

(iv) identification of major link roads connecting markets, educational institutions, health centres; and

(v) organising voluntary surrender of lands for new roads and for widening of existing roads.

14. HEALTH AND HYGIENE:

(i) implementation of immunization and vaccination programme;

(ii) health education activities in hospitals, primary health centres and dispensaries;

(iii) maternity and child health service activities;

(iv) family welfare activities;

(v) organising health camps with Gram Panchayats; and

(vi) measures against environment pollution.

15. RURAL HOUSING:

(i) identification of houseless families;

(ii) implementation of house building programmes in the district; and

(iii) popularising low cost housing.

16. EDUCATION:

(i) promotion of educational activities including the establishment and maintenance of primary and secondary schools;

(ii) planning of programmes for Adult Education and Library facilities;

(iii) propagation of technical training and vocational education; and

(iv) extension work for propagation of Science and Technology to rural areas.

17. SOCIAL WELFARE AND WELFARE OF WEAKER SECTIONS AND HANDICAPPED PERSONS:

(i) promotion of social welfare programme and social welfare activities with emphasis on handicapped and mentally retarded persons;

(ii) organising nursery schools, balwadies, night schools and libraries to eradicate illiteracy and impart general education; and

(iii) organising co-operative societies of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

18. POVERTY ALLEVIATION PROGRAMMES:

planning, supervision monitoring and implementation of poverty alleviation programmes.

19. DRINKING WATER:

(i) construction, repair and maintenance of drinking water wells, tanks and ponds;

(ii) prevention and control of water pollution.

20. RURAL ELECTRIFICATION:

(i) promote extension of electricity to unelectrified areas;

(ii) help in the prevention of illegal tapping of electricity; and

(iii) help in the recovery and collection of electricity dues.

21. NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES:

(i) promotion and development of non-conventional energy scheme; and

(ii) propagation of efficient energy devices.

22. SOCIAL REFORM ACTIVITIES:

(i) promotion of women's organisation and welfare;

(ii) promotion of children's organisation and welfare;

(iii) organise cultural and recreation activities;

(iv) encouragement of sports and games and construction of rural stadia;

(v) promotion of thrift and savings through:--

(a) promotion of saving habits;

(b) small savings campaign;

(c) fight against spurious money lending practices and rural indebtedness.

(4) In addition, the Zilla Parishad may-

(a) manage or maintain any work of public utility or any institution vested in it or under its control and management;

(b) acquire and maintain village hats and markets;

(c) make grants to Gram Panchayats;

(d) adopt measures for the relief of people in distress;

(e) co-ordinate and integrate the development plans and schemes prepared by Gram Panchayats in the district;

(f) examine and sanction the budget estimates of Gram Panchayat in the district;

(g) undertake or execute any scheme extending to the whole or part of the district; and

(h) take over the maintenance and control of any rural bridge, tank, ghat, well, channel or drain, belonging to a private owner or any other authority on such terms as may be agreed upon.

(5) The Zilla Parishads of two or more adjacent districts may jointly undertake and execute any development scheme on such terms and conditions as may be mutually agreed upon:

Provided that the Government may, by notification and subject to such conditions as it may impose, transfer additional functions to the Zilla Parishad.