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.”