Panchayat Pradhan Salary in West Bengal 2025 | Gram Panchayat Member & Panchayat Samiti Salary

The Panchayati Raj system in West Bengal establishes a three-tiered framework for local self-governance, focusing on rural development, decentralized planning, and community welfare initiatives at the grassroots level. This robust system of self-governance was officially set in motion by the West Bengal Panchayat Act of 1973, empowering rural citizens to actively engage in direct electoral politics and decision-making processes.

Structural Character of the Panchayati Raj System in West Bengal

West Bengal implements the Constitutionally mandated three-tier structure to govern its rural areas effectively. Each tier plays a distinct but interconnected role in local administration and development:

Importance of the Panchayati Raj in West Bengal

The Panchayati Raj system serves several vital functions, crucial for democratic governance and rural progress:

• Decentralized Government: This structure enables local communities to make independent decisions regarding the most pressing development priorities in their specific environments.
• Scheme Implementation: It facilitates the execution of key government initiatives and flagship programs, including MGNREGA, PMAY, and the Swachh Bharat Mission.
• Public Participation: Encouraging active citizen engagement, this system primarily involves residents through regular Gram Sabha meetings.
• Social Justice: The system ensures equitable representation for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and women through reserved seats.

Constitutional Backing

The Panchayati Raj system in India, including West Bengal, derives its authority from robust constitutional provisions:

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

As per the most recent circular issued by the Panchayats and Rural Development Department, the Panchayat Pradhan receives a monthly honorarium of ₹5,000. The honorarium structure for the Pradhan and Upa-Pradhan is detailed below:

The Role & Responsibilities of a Panchayat Pradhan

The Pradhan holds the significant position of being the elected head of the Gram Panchayat and acts as the ultimate decision-maker at the village level. Their multifaceted responsibilities include:

• 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 primary compensation is an honorarium for public service, Pradhans may also be eligible for 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 issued by the Department of Panchayats and Rural Development, Government of West Bengal, a Gram Panchayat Member receives a monthly honorarium of ₹3,000. Below is a breakdown of the honorariums for Gram Panchayat members and office bearers:

Functions & Roles of a Member of Gram Panchayat

A Gram Panchayat Member serves as an elected representative for a specific ward within the Gram Panchayat, acting as a crucial link between the community and local governance. Their primary functions encompass:

• 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 the monetary allowances are modest, Gram Panchayat Members do receive certain benefits for their service:

Panchayat Samiti Member Salary in West Bengal (2025)

The Panchayat Samiti constitutes the second tier of the Panchayati Raj system in West Bengal, operating at the block level. This body is entrusted with significant responsibilities for planning, coordinating, and implementing rural development schemes across multiple Gram Panchayats. Below is the current honorarium structure, as per the State Government Notification:

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Members and office bearers of the Panchayat Samiti undertake various responsibilities critical to block-level governance:

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

Although not substantial, Panchayat Samiti Members are provided with certain allowances to support their official duties:

• 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 in West Bengal encompasses both elected representatives, who receive an honorarium, and government-paid administrative staff, who receive a salary, depending on the nature of their position.

Honorarium structure for elected Panchayat representatives:

This table outlines the honorarium amounts for various elected Panchayat representatives across different tiers:

Administrative Panchayat Staff: Salaried Positions

These full-time employees are permanent government staff, holding regular appointments, and are governed by the West Bengal Panchayat Service Rules. Their salaries are determined according to 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 comprehensive table details the remuneration structure for both elected officials and administrative staff within the Gram Panchayat system in West Bengal for the Year 2025.

Remuneration and Benefits Structures

For Elected Officials

Elected officials primarily receive honorariums, which come with specific benefit structures:

• Travel Allowance (TA): A nominal TA is provided for official meetings and field trips where applicable.
• No Dearness Allowance (DA) or House Rent Allowance (HRA) is provided.
• These positions do not qualify for pension, gratuity, or medical insurance, as they are based on honorariums for public service, not formal employment.

For Government Officials (e.g., Secretary, Sevak, Sahayak)

Government officials, as permanent staff, receive a more comprehensive benefits package:

• 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: The first major revision in honorariums for elected Panchayat officials occurred after extensive and persistent negotiations.
• 2022–2023: Benefits under the 7th Pay Commission were progressively implemented for Panchayat-level staff, including Secretaries and Sahayaks.
• 2024–2025: No significant developments regarding the revision of honorariums for elected members have taken place; appeals have been made by state associations.

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.