panchayat

/pɑːntʃəˈjɑːt/ or /pɑːntʃaˈjɑːt/

Definitions

1. noun

A local government or council in rural India, typically at the village level, responsible for managing public services and making decisions on local issues.

“The villagers elected a new member to the panchayat to oversee the development of their community.”

2. verb

To participate in a panchayat, typically to discuss and decide on local issues.

“The villagers panchayated to resolve their water supply crisis.”

Synonyms

  • local government
  • village council

Antonyms

  • central government