The correct answer is: a) Gram Sabha.
A Gram Sabha is a general body of all the adult members of a village. It is the basic unit of local self-government in India. The Gram Sabha is responsible for planning and implementing development programmes in the village. It also has the power to levy taxes and collect fees.
The Gram Sabha is convened at least once in a month. The meetings of the Gram Sabha are presided over by the Sarpanch, who is the elected head of the village. The Gram Sabha can discuss any matter relating to the village and make recommendations to the government.
The Gram Sabha is an important institution of local self-government. It provides a forum for the people of the village to participate in decision-making and to hold the government accountable.
The other options are incorrect because:
- A Gram Panchayat is a local self-government institution at the village level. It is constituted by an elected body of representatives from the village. The Gram Panchayat is responsible for providing basic services to the people of the village, such as water supply, sanitation, education, and health care.
- A Mandal Parishad is a local self-government institution at the intermediate level. It is constituted by an elected body of representatives from the villages in a mandal. The Mandal Parishad is responsible for planning and implementing development programmes in the mandal.
- A Zilla Parishad is a local self-government institution at the district level. It is constituted by an elected body of representatives from the mandals in a district. The Zilla Parishad is responsible for planning and implementing development programmes in the district.