The West Bengal Zilla Parishads Act, 1963

West Bengal Act iXXV of 1963 
THE WEST BENGAL Z1LLA PAR1SHADS ACT, 1963. 
[Passed by the West Bengal Legislature.] 
[Assent of the President was first published in the Calcutta Gazette, 
Extraordinary, of the 5th December, 1963.] 
[5th December, 1963.] 
An Act to provide for the remodelling of Local Government 
with a view to associating the local authorities with 
development activities and bringing about democratic 
decentralisation and people's participation, in planning 
and development. 
WHEREAS it is expedient to provide for the re-modelling 
of Local Government with a view to associating the local 
authorities with development activities and bringing about 
democratic decentralisaition and people's participation in 
planning and development; 
It is hereby enacted in the Fourteenth Year of the 
Republic of India "iy the Legislature of West Bengal, as 
follows :— 
West Ben. 
Act 
XXXII' 
of 1961. 
,z1. Act 
XV of 
1932. 
West Ben. 
Act XVIII 
of 	 1955. 
2 of 1924. 
PART I. 
CHAPTER I. 
Preliminary. 
1. (1) This Act may be called the West Bengal Zilla 
Parishads Act, 1963. 
(2) It extends to the whole of West Bengal, except the 
areas to which the provisions of the Calcutta Municipal Act, 
1951, the Bengal Municipal Act, 1932, the Chandernagore 
Municipal Act, 1955 and the Cantonments Act, 1924, apply. 
(3) It shall come into force in such areas and on such 
dates as the State Government may, by notification, appoint 
and different dates may be appointed for different areas or for 
different provisions of this Act. 
Short 
title, 
extent 
and 
commence. 
ment. 
The West Bengal Zilla Parishads act, 1963. 
(West Ben. Act 
(Part 1.—Preliminary.—Chapter 1.—Definitions.—Sec- 
lion 2.) 
DeanItygo3. 	 2. (1) In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant 
in the subject or context,— 
(a) "Adhyaksha" means an Adhyaksha of a Grant 
Panchayat constituted under the West Bengal West Ben. 
Panchayat Act, 1957; 	 Aot 
of 1957. 
(b) "Anchal" means the area included within the 
territorial limits of an Anchal Panchayat as 
notified under section 25 of the West Bengal 
Panchayat Act, 1957; 
(c) "Anchal Panchayat" means an Anchal Panchayat, 
constituted under the West Bengal .  Panchayat 
Act, 1957; 
(d) "Anchalik Parishad" means an Anchalik Parishad 
established under section 51; 
(e) "associate member" means an associate member 
referred to in sections 4 and 52; 
(f) "backward community" means a community specified 
by the State Government by a notification 'under 
section 94; 
(g) "block" means an area referred to in section 50; .  
(h) "Block Development Officer" means the officer 
appointed as such by the State Government; 
(i) "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of a 
. Division; 
(j) "District Board" means a District Board established 
under the Bengal Local Self-Government Act of 
1885; 
(k) "District Panchayat Officer" means the officer west Ben,. 
Act I appointed as such under the West Ben gal 1957. of  
Panchayat Act, 1957; 
(1) "District School Board" means a District School Bells  Act 
Board established under the Bengal (Rural) VII of 
Primary Education Act, 1930; 	 1930. 
(m) "Gram Panchayat" means a Gram Panchayat con-
stituted under the West Bengal Panchayat Act, 
1957; 
(n) "member" means a member of a Zilla Parishad or 
an Anchalik Parishad not being an associate 
member ; 
(o) "notification" means a notification published in the 
Official Gazette; 
Ben. Act 
III of 
1885. 
rem Act V of 1919. 
The West Bengal Zilla Parishads Act, 1963. 	 3 
XXXV of 1963.] 
(Part 11.—Zilla Parishad. 	 Chapter 11.—Establishment 
and Constitution of Zilla Parishad.—Section 3.) 
(p) "Pradhan" means a Pradhan of an Anchal 
Panchayat; 
(q) "prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under 
this Act ; 
(r) "prescribed authority" means an authority appointed 
by the State Government, by notification, for all 
or any of the purposes of this Act; 
(s) "Subdivisional Magistrate" includes any other 
officer appointed by 'the State Government to 
discharge the functions of the Sub-divisional 
Magistrate under this Act; 
(t) "Union Board" means a Union Board established 
-under the Bengal Village Self-Government Act, 
1919; 
(u) "year" means the year beginning on the first day 
of April; 
(v) "Witt Parishad" means a Zilla Parishad estab-
lished under section 3. 
(2) The expressions signifying 'residing in the block' 
or 'having a place of residence in or within the block or 
district' mean dwelling in the block or district for a period 
of at least six months in the aggregate during the twelve 
months immediately preceding the date of appointment or 
co-option -under this Act, or having a dwelling-place in the 
block or district in any other case. 
PART II. 
Zilla Parishad. 
CHAPTER IL 
Establishment and constitution of Zilla Parishad. 
2. (1) The State Government shall, by notification, Establish-
establish for each district, with effect from such date as may menpof  
be specified in the notification, a Zilla Parishad bearing the 
name of the district. 	 Parhad. t 
(2) A Zilla Parishad shall be a body corporate having 
perpetual succession and a common seal and may by its 
corporate name due and be sued. 
Composi. 
tion of 
Zilla Pari-
shad, 
4 	 The West Bengal Zilla Parishads Act, 1963. 
[West Ben. Act 
(Part 11.—Zilla Parishad.—Chapter IL—Establishment 
and constitution of Zilla Parishad.—Section 4.) 
4. Subject to the provisions of sections 11 and 12, the 
following persons shall be members and associate members 
of the Zilla Parishad, namely:— 
(1) Members— 
(a) Presidents of Anchalik Parishads of the blocks 
within the district—ea:-officio : 
'Provided that if any President of an Anchalik 
Perished communicates to the Chairman of the 
Zilla Perished, in writing, his unwillingness to 
act as a member of the Zilla Parishad, he shall, 
with effect from the date of such communica-
tion, cease to be a member of the Zilla 
Parishad, and the vacancy so caused shall be 
filled by election from among the members of 
that Anchalik Parishad in such manner and 
within such time as may be prescribed: 
Provided further that if there be no Anchalik Parishad 
in any block the State Government may appoint 
a person residing in the block as a member, 
two Adhyakshas, one from each of two such cons-
tituencies comprised in a sub-division of the 
district as may be specified by notification, 
elected by the Adhyakshas in each constituency 
from among themselves at such time and in 
such manner as may be prescribed : 
Provided that if a district has only one sub-division, 
four Adhyakshas, one from each of four such 
constituencies comprised in the district as may 
be specified by notification, shall be elected by 
the Adhyakshas in each constituency from 
among themselves at such time and in such 
manner as may be prescribed : 
Provided fiirther that if within the time fixed for the 
election, the Adhyakshas in a constituency fail 
to elect the member, another election shall be 
held on such date as may be appointed by the 
State Government by notification to fill the 
vacancy and in case the Adhyakshas in the 
constituency still fail to elect the member at 
such second election, the State Government 
may appoint a member from among the 
Adhyakshas in that constituency and any 
person so appointed shall be deemed to- be a 
duly elected member, 
The West Bengal Zilla Parishads Act, 1963. 	 5 
XXXV of 1963.] 
-(Part II.—Zilla Parishad.—Chapter 11.—Establishment 
and constitution of Zilla Parishad.—Sections 5, 6.) 
(c) members of— 
(i) the House of the People or the Legislative 
Assembly of the State, elected thereto from a 
constituency comprising the district or any 
part thereof, not being a Minister, 
(ii) the Council of States or the Legislative Council 
of the State, not being a Minister, having a 
,place of residence in the district, 
(d) a Chairman of a municipality or a Mayor of a 
municipal corporation in the district appointed 
by the State Government, 
(e) President of the District School Board—em-officio, 
(f) two women having a place of residence in the 
district appointed by the State Government: 
Provided that— 
(i) no such appointment shall be made if two or more 
women have become members under the provi-
sions of other sub-clauses of this clause, and 
(ii) one such appointment shall be made if only one .  
woman has become member under the provisions 
of any other sub-clause of this clause; 
(2) Associate members— 
(a) the Sub-divisional Magistrate of each sub-division 
of the district, and 
(b) the District Panchayat Officer. 
5. (1) A member referred to in sub-clause (a) of clause Prohibi. 
(1) of section 4 shall not be elected a member under the tinn of 
provisions of sub-clause (b) of clause (1) of that section. 	 eimulta- 
neoue 
member- 
(2) If a member referred to in sub-clause (b) of clause (1) ship. 
of section 4 is subsequently elected a. member of the House 
of the People or the Legislative Assembly of the State 
or subsequently becomes a member of the Council of States 
or the Legislative Council of the State, he shall cease to be 
a member of the Zilla Parishad under the provisions of sub- 
- 	 clause (b) of clause (1) of that section. 
• 
6. (1) A member elected under the first proviso to sub- Tenure of 
clause (a) of clause (1) of section 4 shall hold office for a office' 
period of four years or for so long as he continues to be a 
member of the Anchalik Parishad or until a new President 
of the Anchalik Parishad is elected, whichever is earlier. 
6 	 The West Bengal Zilla Parishads Act, 1963. 
[West Ben. Act 
Chairman 
and Vice- 
Chairman. 
(Part H . —Zilla Parishad.—Chapter 11.—Estabathment 
and constitution of Zilla Parishad.—Section 7.) 
(2) A member appointed under the second proviso to sub-
clause (a) of clause (1) of section 4 shall vacate office 
immediately on the establishment of an Anchalik Perished 
for the block and the election of a President thereof. 
(3) A member elected under sub-clause (b) of clause (1) 
of section 4 shall, subject to the provisions of section 5, 
hold office for a period of four years or for so long as he 
continues to be the Adhyaksha, whichever is earlier. 
(4) A Chairman or a Mayor appointed muter sub-clause 
(d) of clause (1) of section 4 shall hold office for a period of 
four years or for so long as he continues to be such Chairman 
or Mayor, whichever is earlier. 
(.5) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (2), a member 
appointed under the second proviso to sub-clause (a) of clause 
(1) of section 4, and a member appointed under sub-clause (f) of clause (1) of that section shall hold office for a period of 
four years: 
Provided that such a member shall continue to hold office 
on the expiry of the said term until another member is 
appointed by the State Government in his place. 
(65 If any President of an Anchalik Parishad or if any 
person referred to in sub-clauses (d) and (f) of clause (1) of 
section 4 be disqualified to be a member, the State Govern-
ment may fill the vacancy in such manner and for such 
period as may be prescribed. 
7. (I) There shall be a Chairman and a Vice-Chairman for a Zilla Parishad elected by the members thereof from 
among the members referred to in sub-clauses (a), (b), (c) and (f) of clause (1) of section 4. 
(2) The Chairman and the Vice-Chairman shall, subject to 
the provisions of section 9 and to his continuing as a mem-
ber, hold office for a period of four years: 
Provided that a Chairman or Vice-Chairman shall con-
tinue in office after expiry of the said period until a new 
Chairman or Vice-Chairman is elected and assumes office. 
(3) (a) When the office of the Chairman falls vacant by 
reason of death, resignation or removal or is 
otherwise vacant, or 
(b) when the Chairman is, by reason of leave, illness 
or other cause, temporarily unable to exercise 
the powers, perform the functions and die-
charge the duties of his office, 
The Vice-Chairman shall exercise the powers, perform the 
functions and discharge the duties of the Chairman until a 
new Chairman is elected and assumes office or until the 
Chairman resumes his duties, as the case may be. 
	
The West Bengal Zilla Parishads Act, 1963. 	 7 
XXXV of 1963j 
(Part 	 Parishad.—Chapter H. —Establishment and constitution of Zilla Parishad.—Sections 8, 9.) 
(4) (a) When the office of the Vice-Chairman falls vacant 
by reason of death, resignation or removal or is 
otherwise vacant, or 
(b) when the Vice-Chairman is, by reason of leave, 
illness or other cause, temporarily unable to 
exercise the powers, perform the functions and 
discharge the duties of his office, 
the Chairman shall exercise the powers, perform the functions 
and discharge the duties of the Vice-Chairman until a new 
Vice-Chairman is elected and assumes office or until the Vice-
Chairman resumes his duties, as the case may be. - 
(5) When the offices of the Chairman and the Vice-
Chairman are both vacant, the State Government may appoint 
a Chairman and a Vice-Chairman from among the members 
to act as such until a Chairman and a Vice-Chairman are 
elected and assume office. 
(6) If a President of an Anchalik Parishad or an Adhyaksha is elected a Chairman or a Vice-Chairman of a Zilla Parishad, he shall vacate the office of the 'President of the Anchalik Parishad or the office of the LI"• dhyaksha 
as the case may be, but shall, notwithstand-
ing the provisions of section 4 and sub-section (1) of this 
section, continue as the member and the Ohairman or the 
Vice-Chairman of the Zilla Parishad. 
8. The Chairman or the Vice-Chairman shall have Chairman full access to all records of the Zilla Parishad and may or Vice-
obtain report from the Executive Officer on any matter chairman 
connected with the administration or work of the Zilla access et.  
Parishad. records or 
to obtain 
report. 
9. (1) If the State Government is of opinion that the Removal Chairman or the Vice-Chairman of a Zilla Parishad— of the 
Chairman (a) is incapable of exercising his powers, performing and the 
	
his functions or discharging his duties, or 	 Vice. 
CO wilfully neglects or refuses to carry out the direc- Chairman. 
tions of the: State Government given under the 
provisions of this Act, or 
(c) abuses his powers, or 
(d) is liable to be removed on any of the grounds men-
tioned in section 12, 
the State Government may, after giving the Chairman or the 
Vice-Chairman, as the case may be, an opportunity of being 
heard, by order, remove him from office and he shall there-
upon cease to be a member of the Zilla Parishad and also cease to be a member of, or to hold any office in, any of the 
bodies constituted under this Act. 
8 	 The West Bengal Zilla Parishads 'Act, 1963. 
[West Ben, Act 
(Part 11.—Zilla Parishad.—Chapter 11.—Establishment. 
and constitution of Zilla Parishad.—Sections 10, 11.) 
(2) If a motion of no-confidence against the Chairman or 
the Vice-Chairman is `carried— 
(a) by the votes of less than two-thirds of the total 
number of members of the Zilla Parishad 
holding office for the time being the State 
Government may, and 
(b) by the votes of not less than two-thirds of the total 
number of members of the Zilla Parishad holding 
office for the time being the State Government 
shall, 
remove such Chairman or Vice-Chairman, as the case may be, 
from office. 
Filling of 
vacancies 
caused by 
action 
taken 
under 
section 9. 
Disqualithi 
cations of 
members 
of Zilla 
Parishad. 
10. (1) When the Chairman or the Vice-Chairman is 
removed under section 9, the vacancy so caused shall be 
filled by election in such manner as may be prescribed. 
(2) A Chairman or a Vice-Chairman elected under sub-
section (1) shall hold office for the remainder of the term of 
his predecessor in office. 
(3) A Chairman or a Vice-Chairman removed from 
office under sub-section (1) of section 9 on any of the grounds 
enumerated in clauses (a), (b) and (c) of that sub-section 
and clauses (a) and (c) of sub-section (4) of section 12 shall 
not be eligible for election or appointment as a member of, 
OT for election or appointment to any office in, any of the 
bodies constituted under this Act for a period of four years 
from the date of such removal. 
11. A person shall not be qualified to be a member of a 
Zilla Perished, if— 
(a) he is under twenty-five years of age; or 
(b) he is an officer or employee of the Zilla Parishad, 
an Anchalik Parishad within the district or any 
Standing Committee thereof ; or 
(c) he has been dismissed from the service of the 
Central or a State Government or a local 
authority for misconduct; or 
(d) he has been adjudged by a competent court to be 
of unsound mind; or 
(e) he is an undischarged insolvent; or 
(f) he being a discharged insolvent has not obtained 
from the court a certificate that his insolvency 
was caused by misfortune without any miscon-
duct on his part; or 
West Ben. 
Act I of 
1957. 
The West Bengal Zilla Darishads Act, 1963. 
XXXV of 1963.] 
(Part 	 Parishad.—Chapter H.—Establishment and constitution of Zilla Parishad.—Section 12.) 
(g) he is in arrears for more than a year in respect of 
any tax, rate or fee payable under this Act or 
the West Bengal Panchayat Act, 1957; or 
(h) he has been convicted and sentenced to undergo 
imprisonment by a court for an offence involving 
moral turpitude punishable with imprisonment 
for a period of more than six months„ and five 
years have not elapsed from the date of the 
expiration of the sentence unless the State 
Government on sufficient cause having been 
shown shall have removed the disqualification by 
an order made in this behalf. 
12. (1) No member or associate member of the Zilla Removal of Parishad shall, directly or indirectly by himself, partner, a member 
employer or employee, have any share or interest in an of the y zina  contract other than a share or interest in any company as Parishad 
19 6 
of 	 defined in the Companies Act, 1956, or in any Co-operative 1. 	
Society registered under the Bengal Co-operative Societies Ben. Act 	 Act, 1940, which is a party to any such contract, with, by XXI of 	 or. on behalf of, the Zilla Parishad. 1940. 
(2) If any member or associate member acquires any such 
share or interest he shall cease to be a member of the Zilla Parishad with effect from such date as the State Government 
may specify. 
(3) if a member acts as a lawyer against the Zilla Parishad in any legal proceedings to which the Zilla Parishad is a party he shall cease to be a member of the 
Zilla Parishad with effect from such date as the State 
Government may specify. 
(4) The State Government may, after giving an oppor-
tunity to a member or an associate member to show cause 
against the action proposed to be taken against him, by an 
order in writing, remove him from office-- 
(a) on the grounds of misconduct in the discharge of his 
duties; or 
(b) if he refuses to act or becomes incapable of acting as 
such member; or 
(c) if after he becomes a member he is convicted by a 
court of an offence involving moral turpitude 
punishable with imprisonment for a period of 
more than six months; or 
(d) if he is absent from six consecutive meetings 
of the Zilla Parishad without sufficient cause; or 
(e) if he is in arrears for more than one year in respect 
of any tax, rate or fee payable under this Act or West Ben. 	 the West Bengal Panchayat Act, 1957; or , Act I of 
1957. 
Resigna-
tion of 
Chairman, 
Vice-
Chairman 
or a mem-
ber. 
10 	 The West Bengal Zilla Parishads Act, 1963. 
[West Ben. Act 
(Part 11.—Zilla Parishad.—Chapter 11.—Establishment 
and constitution of Zilla Parishad.—Section 13.—
Chapter W.—Transaction of Business.—Sections 14, 
15.) 
(f) if he was disqualified to be a member of the Zilla 
Parishad at the time when he became a member; 
Or 
(g) if he incurs any of the disqualifications mentioned 
in clauses (a), (d), (e) and (f) of section 11 after 
becoming a member of the Zallu Parishad. 
13. The Chairman or the Vice-Chairman or a member 
referred to in clause (1) of section 4 may resign his office by 
notifying in writing his intention to do so to the prescribed 
authority and shall vacate his office on such resignation 
being accepted and the vacancy so caused shall be filled in 
such manner as may be prescribed. 
CHAPTER III. 
Transaction of Business. 
Oath or 	 14, (1) A member of a Zilla Parishad other than a 
affirma- 	 member referred to in sub-clauses (c) and (d) of clause (1) of 
non by 	 section 4 shall before taking his seat, make and subscribe in 
members the presence of the other members or such of them as would 
be sufficient to form a quorum at a meeting, assembled for a 
meeting of which notice has been given, an oath or affirma-
tion of his allegiance to the Constitution of India in the 
form set out for the purpose in the First Schedule. 
(2) A member who fails to make and subscribe, without 
sufficient cause, within three months from the date on 
which his term of office commences, the oath or affirmation 
referred to in sub-section CO shall cease to hold his 
office and his seat shall be deemed to have become vacant 
and the vacancy so caused shall be filled in such manner as 
may be prescribed. 
Meetings. 	 15. (1) A Zillu Parishad shall hold a meeting at least 
once a month at its office on such date and at such time as 
the Chairman may fix after giving at least ten clear days' 
notice to the members and the associate members of the 
Zilla Parishad: 
Provided that the Chairman may, in case of emergency, 
call a special meeting after giving at least three clear days' 
notice to the members and the associate members of the 
Zilla Parishad: 
Provided further that, when so requested by a requisition 
in writing by not less than one-third of the members of the 
Zilla Parishad, the Chairman shall, within seven days of 
the receipt by him of such requisition, give ten clear days' 
notice of a meeting of the Zilla Parishad to be held within 
fifteen days of the date of such notice failing which the 
The West Bengal Zilla Perished& Act, 196.3. 	 11 
XXXV of 1963.]- 
(Part 	 Parishad.—Chapter 111.—Transaction of 
Business.—Section 16.—Chapter IV.—Powers, Func-
tions and Duties of Zilla Parishad.—Sdctions 17, 18.) 
signatories to the requisition may, after sending intimation 
to the prescribed authority, call such meeting after giving 
at least ten clear days' notice to the Chairnian, other 
members and the associate members of the hula .  Paris had. 
(2) The Chairman or, in his absence, the Vice-Chairman 
shall preside at a meeting of the Zilla Parishad, and, in the 
absence of both the Chairman and the Vice-Chairman, the 
members present shall elect one 'from among themselves to 
be the president of the meeting, 	 . 
(3) Not less than one-third -of the total number of 
members shall form a quorum for a meeting. 
(4) All questions coming before a meeting shall be decided 
by the votes of the majority of members: 
Provided that an associate member shall have no right to 
vote: 
Provided further that in case of equality of votes the 
person presiding shall have a second or casting vote. 
16. A 'Mkt Parishad may, at a meeting specially con-
vened for the purpose, by a. resolution delegate to its 
Chairman and Vice-Chairman such of its powers; functions 
and duties as it may think fit, subject to such conditions and 
restrictions as may be prescribed, and may by a like reso-
lution withdraw all or any of such poters, functions and 
duties. 
Delega• 
tion of 
functions 
of Zilla 
Parishad 
to its 
Chairman. 
CHAPTER IV.. 
Powers, Functions and Duties of Zi,11a Parishad. 
17. (1) A Zino Parishad shall have the power to Power to 
acquire, hold and dispose of property and to enter into acquire, 
contracts. 	 hold and 
dispose 
(2) A hula Parishad may, with the previous sanction of of 
the State Government, acquire land under the provisions of property. 
any law for the time being in .force for carrying out the 
purposes of this Act 
18. (1) Subject to any general or -special directions of Power of 
the State Government, a hula. Parishad shall -have power Zilla 
to— 	 Parishad. 
(a)(i) undertake schemes or adopt measures, including 
the giving of financial assistance, relating to the 
development of agriculture, livestock, industries, 
co-operative movement. rural credit, water-
supply, irrigation, public health and sanitation 
2 
12 	 The West Bengal Zilla Parishads Act, 1963. 
[West Ben. Act 
(Part II.—Zilla Parishad.--Chtrpter IV. Powers, Func-
tions and Duties of Zilla Parishath—Section 18.) 
including establishment of dispensaries and 
hospitals, communications, primary or adult 
education including welfare of students, social 
welfare and other objects of general public 
utility; 
(ii) undertake execution of any scheme, performance of 
any act, or management of any institution or 
organisation entrusted to it by the State Govern-
ment or any other authority; 
(iii) manage or maintain any work of public utility or 
any institution vested in it or under its control 
and management; 
(iv) make grants in aid of any school, public library, 
public institution or public welfare organisation 
within the district; 
(v) contribute such sums as may be agreed upon 
towards cost of maintenance of any institutions, 
situated outside the district, which are bene-
ficial to, and habitually used by, the inhabitants 
of the district; 
(vi) establish scholarships or award stipends within the 
State for the furtherance of technical or other 
special forms of education; 
(vii) acquire and maintain village hats and markets; 
(b) make grants to the Anchalik Parishads; 
(c) contribute, with the approval of the State Govern-
ment, such sum or sums as it may decide, towards 
the cost of water-supply or anti-epidemic measures 
undertaken by the commissioners of a munici-
pality within the district; 
(d) adopt measures for the relief of distress; 
(e) co-ordinate and integrate the development plans and 
schemes prepared by Anchalik Parishads in the 
district; and 
(f) examine and sanction the budget estimates of 
Anchalik Parishads in the district: 
Provided that any general or special directions of the 
State Government to a Zilla Parishad in matters 
relating to Primary Education shall be issued by 
the Education Department. 
(2) A 'lilies Parishad shall have the power to advise the 
State Government on all matters relating to the develop-
ment of the district including the allocation of development 
work among Grain, Panch,ayests, Anchal Panchayats and 
A nehalik Parishads. 
The :West Bengal Zit Parishada 'Act, 1963. 	 13 
XXXV of 1963.] 
(Part 11.—Zilla Parishad. 	 Chapter 1V .—Powers, Functions 
and Duties of Zilla Parishad.—kS'ections 19-22.) 
(3) Notwithstanding anything in sub-section (1), a Zilla Parishad shall not undertake or execute any scheme confined 
to a block unless the implementation of such a scheme is 
beyond the competence of the Anchalik Parishad concerned 
financially or otherwise. In the latter case the Zilla Parishad may execute the scheme itself or entrust its 
execution to the Anchalik Parishad and give it such assistance 
as may be required. 
(4) A Zilla Parishad may undertake or execute any scheme 
if it extends to more than one block. 
Ben. Aot 	 19. In a district to which the Bengal Vaccination Act, ZWa V of 	 1880, has been, or may hereafter be, extended, the Zilla Parishad 1880. Parishad shall exercise all or any of the powers exercisable to have 
by the Magistrate of the district under section 25 of the said °rem 
Act. 	 Magistrate 
in district 
to 
which the 
Vaccina-
tion Act 
extends. 
Ben. Act 
XV of 
1932. 
20. (1) The State Government may, from time to time, 
with the consent of the Zilla Parishad, place any road, 
bridge, ferry, channel, building or other property vested in 
the State Government and situated within the district under 
the control and management of the Zilla Parishad subject 
to such conditions as it may specify. 
(2) The State Government may, notwithstanding any-
thing contained in the Bengal Municipal Act, 1932, 
direct, after consultation with the commissioners of a 
municipality, that the control and maintenance of any 
road part of which runs through a municipality and is 
vested in' the commissioners of such municipality shall be 
taken over by the Zilla Parishad and that the commissioners 
of such municipality shall make such contribution for the 
maintenance of the road as may be agreed upon or as may 
be fixed by the State Government in the absence of 
agreement. On such direction being given the commis-
sioners of the municipality shall cease to control and 
maintain such portion of the road as lies within such 
municipality. 
21. A Zilla Parishad may take over the maintenance 
and control of any road, bridge, tank, ghat, well, channel 
or drain belonging to a private owner or any other 
authority on such terms as may be agreed upon. 
22. A Zilla Parishad may divert, discontinue or close 
temporarily any road which is under its control and manage-
ment or is vested in it, and may, with the approval of the 
State Government, close any such road permanently. 
State 
Govern. 
ment may 
place other 
property 
under 
Zilla 
Parishad. 
Zulu 
Parishad 
may 
take over works. 
Power of 
Zinn 
Parishad 
to divert 
disconti-
nue or 
close road 
14 	 The West Bengal Zilla' Parishads Act, 1963. 
[West Ben. Act 
(Part II.—Zilla Parishad.—Chapter IV.-Powers, Func-
tions and Duties of Zilla Parishad.—Sectiont 23-27.— 
Chapter V .—Estabbishment of the Zilla Parishad.—
Sec4ion 28.) 
Power of 	 23. A Zilla Parishad may transfer to the State Govern- 
Zilla 	or to an Anchalik Parishad any road or part of a road 
Parishad or any other property which is under its control or manage- totransfer 
ds 
	 went, or which is vested in it, on such terms and conditions roa  
to the 	 as may be agreed upon. 
State 
Govern-
meat or 
Anoka/Go 
Pareshad. 
Vesting 	 24. (1) A Zilla Parishad may be vested by the State 
of Zak; 	 Government with such powers under any local or special Act 
Parishad as the State Government may think fit. with 
certain 	 (2) A Zilla Parishad shall perform such functions as may I of 
Powers. 	 be transferred to it by notification under section 31 of the 1871. 
Cattle-trespass Act, 1871. 
(3) A Zilla Parishad shall exercise such other powers, 
perform such other functions or discharge such other duties 
as the State Government may, by general or special order, 
direct. 
Joint 	 25. The Zilla Parishads of two OT more adjacent 
execution districts may jointly undertake and execute at common 
of schemes cost any development scheme or project or may jointly 
by two or establish a common ferry on such terms and conditions as more Zilla 
Pareshads. may be agreed upon, and in case of any difference as to the 
interpretation of such terms and conditions the matter 
shall be referred to the State Government whose decision 
shall be final. 
Power of 	 26, A Zilla. Parishad may require the owner or the 
Zilla Part- lessee of a fair or mela or an owner or a lessee of land 
shad to 	 intending to hold a fair or 'raela thereon to obtain a licence 
grant 	 in -this behalf from the Zilla Parishad on such terms and 
f
ea
rn: for conditions as may be prescribed and on payment of a fee 
meld. 	 for such licence. 
Power of 	 27, A Zilla Parishad shall exercise general powers 
super- 	 of supervision over Anchalik Parishads, Anchat Panchayats 
vision by and Grant Panchayats in the district and it shall be the 
Zilla 	 duty of these authorities to give effect to any directions of Pariehad 
over the 	 the Zilla Parishad on matters of policy or planning for 
Anchalik development. 
Parishada, 
etc. CHAPTER V. 
Establishment of the Zilla Parishad. 
Staff of the 	 28. (1) There shall be an Executive Officer for a Zilla 
Zitla 	 Parishad appointed by the State Government on such terms 
Parishad. and conditions as may be prescribed: 
The -West Bengal Zilla Parishads Act, 1963. 	 15 
XXXV of f963.3 
. (Part 	 Parishad.—Chapter V.—Establishment of 
Zilla Parishad.—Sections 29, 30.) 
Provided that any person so appointed shall be recalled 
by the State Government if a resolution to that effect is 
passed by the Zilla Parishad, at a meeting specially convened 
for the purpose, by a majority of not less than two-thirds of 
the total number of members holding office for the time 
being. 
(2) There shall be a Secretary of the Zilla Parishad to be 
appointed by the Zilla Parishad: 
Provided that the District Panchayat Officer shall be the 
ex-officio Secretary for a period of four years from the date 
of the establishment of the Zilla Parishad under sub-section 
(1) of section 3 and for such further period as the Zilla 
Parishad may, by a resolution passed to that effect and with 
the approval of the State Government, determine. 
(3) A Zilla Parishad may appoint such other officers and 
employees as may be required by it and may fix the salaries 
to be paid to the persons so appointed: 
Provided that no post carrying a monthly salary of 
rupees three hundred and one or more shall be created or 
abolished by the Zilla Parishad without the approval cf the 
State Government. 
29. The State Government may place at the disposal of Placing 
the Zilla Parishad the services of such officers or other the  , employees serving under it as it may think fit: 	 services of 
State 
Provided that any such officer or employee shall be maGoevaetrn-
recalled by the State Government if a resolution to that effect Officers 
is passed by the Zilla Parishad, at a meeting specially at the 
convened for the purpose, by a majority of not less than two- disposal of 
thirds of the total number of members holding office for the zilla. 
time being : 	 Parashad. 
Provided further that the State Government shall have 
disciplinary control over such officers and employees. 
30. (1) The Executive Officer shall exercise general Control 
control over all officers and other employees of the Zina and 
Parishad. 	 mPuennteho} e s (2) The Executive Officer may award any punishment of th  thotaff  
other than dismissal, removal or reduction in rank to an zoo 
officer or employee holding a post carryinc ,  a monthly salary Parishad. 
of less than rupees three hundred but shall b  not award any 
punishment to an officer or employee holding a post carrying 
a monthly salary of rupees three hundred or more. 
(3) The Executive Officer may recommend the dismissal, 
removal or reduction in rank of an officer or employee hold-
ing a post carrying a monthly salary of less than rupees 
three hundred to the Finance and Establishment Committee 
16 	 The West Bengal Zilla Parishads Act, 1963. 
[West Ben. Act 
(Part 11.—Zilla Parishad.—Chapter V.—Establishment of 
the Zilla Parishad.—Sections 31, 32.—Chapter VI.—
Standing Committees of the Zilla Parishad.—Section 
33.) 
and such Committee shall forward the case to the '/.idle 
Punished with its own recommendation, The Zilla Perished 
may, if it is satisfied with such recommendation of the 
Finance and Establishment Committee, dismiss, remove or 
reduce in rank any such officer or employee. 
(4) No officer or other employee holding a post carrying 
a monthly salary df rupees three hundred or more shall be 
punished by the Zilla Parishad except by a resolution of the 
Zilla Perished passed at a meeting. 
Appeal. 
Exercise 
of powers, 
etc., by 
the 
officers 
and 
employees, 
Standing 
Commit-
tees. 
31. (1) An appeal shall lie to the Zilla Perished against 
an order of punishment awarded by the Executive Officer 
under sub-section (2) of section 30 within one month from 
the date of that order. 
(2) An appeal shall lie to the State Government against 
an order of punishment awarded by the Zilla Parishad wader 
sub-sections (3) and (4) of section 30 within one month from 
the date of that order. 
32. Subject to the provisions of this Act and the rules 
framed thereunder and to any general or special directions 
given by the State Government in that behalf the officers and 
other employees employed by the Ztlla Perished and the 
officers and other employees whose services have been placed 
at the disposal of the Zilla Parishad shall exercise such 
powers, perform such functions and discharge such duties as 
the Zilla Perished may determine. 
CHAPTER VI. 
Standing Committees of the Zilla Parishad. 
33. (1) A Zilla Parishad shall have the following 
Standing Committees, namely :— 
(i) Finance and Establishment Committee, 
(ii) Public Health Committee, 
(iii) Public \\Torks  Committee, 
(iv) Agriculture and Irrigation Committee, 
(v) Industry and Co-operation Committee, 
(vi) Public and Social Welfare Committee, 
(vii) Primary Education Committee as provided under 
section 38, and 
(viii) such other Committee or Committees as it may 
constitute subject to the approval, or under any 
general or special direction, of the State 
Government. 
The West Bengal ZilltParishads Act, 1963. 	 17 
XXXV of 19631 
(Part 11.—Zilla Parishad.—Chapter 1.—Standing Com-
mittees of the Zilla Parishad.—Sections 34, 35.) 
(2) No person shall be a member of more than two 
Standing Committees. 
(3) The provisions of sections 34, 35, 36 and 37 shall not 
apply to the Primary Education Committee. 
34. (1) A Standing Committee shall consist _ of the 
following members— 
(i) such number of persons not exceeding .  nine as may 
be prescribed for each Zilla Parishad, to be 
elected by the members of the Zilla Parishad from 
among themselves; 
(ii) not more than two persons being officers of the 
State Government or of the Zilla Parishad 
appointed by the State Government: 
Provided that such officers shall not be eligible for 
election as Chairman of the Standing Com-
mittee and shall not have any right to vote; 
(iii) not more than two persons having knowledge of, 
and experience in, the subjects assigned to the 
Standing Committee nominated by the Zilla 
Parishad. 
(2) The members of a Standing Committee shall elect a 
Chairman thereof from among themselves: 
Provided that— 
(i) if the Chairman of the Zilla Parishad is elected a 
member of a Standing Committee, he shall be 
the ex-officio Chairman thereof, and 
(ii) if the Vice-Chairman of the Zilla Parishad is 
elected a member of a Standing Committee of 
which the Chairman of the Zilla Parishad is 
not a member he shall be the ex-officio Chair-
man thereof. 
Constitu• 
tion of 
Standing 
Commits 
tees. 
35. (1) An elected member of a Standing Committee Term of 
shall hold office for a period of four years or for so long as office of
he continues to be a member of the Zilla Parishad, which- grigag  ever is earlier. 	 Commit. 
tees. 
(2) An officer appointed as a member under clause (ii) 
of sub-section (1) of section 34 shall hold office until another 
officer is appointed to replace him. 
(3) A nominated member shall hold office for a period of 
four years: 
Provided that a nominated member shall continue in office 
after the expiry of the said period until a new member is 
nominated in his place. 
18 	 The West Bengal Zil ln Parishads Act, 1963. 
[West Ben. Act 
(Part 11.—Zilla Parishad.—Chapter VT. —Standing Com-
mittees of the Zilla Parishad.—Seations 36-38.) 
Term of 
office of 
Chairman. 
Powers of 
Standing 
Commit-
tees. 
36. A Chairman shall hold office for a period of four 
years or for so long as he continues to be a member of the 
Standing Committee, whichever is earlier : 
Provided that the Chairman Shall continue to hold office 
until a new Chairman is elected and assumes office. 
37. A Standing Committee shall exercise such powers, 
perform such functions and discharge such duties as may be 
prescribed or as may be assigned to it by the Zilla Parishad. 
District 	 38, (1) The District School Board, constituted under 
School 	 the Bengal (Rural) Primary Education Act, 1930, shall, Ben.  Act Boar on funct 	 subject to the provisions of sub-sections (3), (4) and (5), Vil iosoc:f 
as 	 function as the Primary Education Committee of the Zilla 
Primary 	 Parishad and shall, subject to any general or special 
Education directions of the Education Department of the State Govern-Committee. ment, give effect to any instructions of the Zilla Parishad in 
so far as such instructions are not inconsistent with the 
provisions of the aforesaid Act. 
(2) The instructions which may be given by the Zilla 
Parishad may include instructions regarding— 
(a) the transfer of management of schools under the 
management of the District School Board to 
Anchalik Parishads, Anchal Panchayats or Gram 
Panchayats; 
(b) the inspection of schools under the management of 
the District School Board, and of other sclmols 
the management whereof has been transferred to 
Anchalik Parishads, Anchal Panchayats, or 
Gram Panchayats, and the submission of reports 
of such inspection to the Zilla Parishad; 
(c) the making of payments by way of contribution 
or otherwise to Anchalik Parishads, Anchal 
Panchayats or Gram Panchayats for meeting the 
cost of management of the schools so transferred 
or for giving grants-in-aid to primary schools 
within their jurisdiction. 
(8) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Bengal Ben. Act 
(Rural) Primary Education Act, 1930, the State Government VII of 
	
may appoint two persons interested in education to be 
	 - 
1930. 
members of the District School Board. 
 
(4) An appointed member, unless sooner replaced, shall 
hold office for a term of four years and may, on the expiry 
of the said term, be reappointed by the State Government: 
Provided that an appointed member shall continue to 
hold office after the expiry of the said term until another 
member is appointed by the State Government in his place. 
The West Bengal Zilla P arisliads lot, 1963. 	 10 
XXXV of 1903.] 
(Part 1.1.—Zilla Parishad.—Chapter VII. PropertyFinance 
and Taxation.—Sections.--39, 40.) 
(5) The District Primary Education Fund shall not form 
part of the Zilla Parishad Fund but shall continue to be a 
separate Fund. 
(6) Save as provided in sub-sections (1), (2), (3) and (4), 
the provisions of the Bengal (Rural) Primary Education Act, 
1930 shall govern the constitution, powers, functions and 
duties of the District School Board. 
CHAPTER VII. 
Property, Finance and Taxation. 
39, 	 All roads, buildings or other works constructed by 
a Zulu Parishad from its Fund shall vest in it. 
40. (1) For every Zilla Parishad there shall be con-
stituted a fund to be called the Zilla Parishad Fund and 
there shall be placed to the credit thereof--- 
(a) contributions and grants, if any, made by the 
Central or the State Government including such 
part of land revenue collected in the district as 
may be determined by the State Government; 
(b) contributions and grants, if any, made by an 
Anchalik Parishad or other local authority; 
(c) loans, if any, granted by the Central or the State 
Government or raised by the Zilla Parishad on 
security of its assets; 
(d) the proceeds of road cess levied in the district; 
(e) all receipts on account of tolls, rates and fees levied 
by the Ma Parishdd ; 
(I) all receipts in respect of any schools, hospitals, 
dispensaries, buildings, institutions or works, 
vested in, constructed by or placed under the 
control and management of, the Zilla Parishad; 
(g) all sums received as gift or contribution and all 
income from any trust or endowment made in 
favour of the Zilla Paris/tad; 
(70 such fines or penalties imposed and realised under 
the provisions of this Act or of the bye-laws 
made thereunder, as may be prescribed;' 
(i) all 'other sums received by or. on behalf of the Zino. 
Parishad. 
Works 
eons. 
truoted by 
Zak; 
Pariehad 
to 
vest 
in it. 
Zilla 
Pariehai Fund. 
20 	 The West Bengal Zilla Parishads Act, 1963. 
[West Ben. Act 
(Part 11.—Zilla Parishad.—Chapter V11. Property, 
Finance and Tawation.—Sections 41, 42.) 
(2) The Zilla Parishad Fund shall be vested in the 
Zilla Perished and the amount standing to the credit of the 
fund shall be kept in such custody or invested in such 
manner as the State Government may, from time to time, 
direct 
(3) All orders and cheques for payments from the Zillu  
Perished Fund shall be signed by the Chairman of the Zilla 
Perished or by any other member authorised by him in 
writing in this behalf. 
Proceeds 	 41. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Ben. Act of road 	 Cess Act, 1880 the proceeds of road cess, if any, levied and F ootif 
coca to be realised in a district shall be credited to the Zilla Perished I' credited 
to the 	 Fund after payment of the expenses mentioned in section 
Zilla 	 109 of the said Act. 
Parishad 
Fund. 
Levy of 	 42. (1) Subject to such maximum rates as the State 
tolls, fees tliovernment may prescribe, a Zilla Parishad may—and rates. 
(a) levy tolls on persons, vehicles or animals or 
any class of them at any toll-bar established by 
it on any road other than a kutcha road or any 
bridge vested in it

Excerpt shown. Open the full act in Lexace.

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