Introduction

Before the three-tier system of Zilla Parishad, Panchayat Samiti, and Gram Panchayat came into existence in Maharashtra, the Local Board was the institution that looked after the affairs of the rural areas. In Maharashtra, on May 1, 1960, Zilla Parishads were established under the chairmanship of the then Prime Minister, Hon. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, and in the presence of first Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Hon. Yashwantraoji Chavan.

Ahilyanagar Zilla Parishad was established on May 2, 1962. Hon. President, Hon. Vice President, and office bearers were elected on August 12, 1962, and the Zilla Parishad came into existence.

A three-tier system of public administration was established by law for the overall development of the rural areas of Maharashtra. A law was made in the Legislative Assembly to make the work of this institution as per the rules. The work of Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti is carried out under the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti Act, 1961, and the work of Gram Panchayat is carried out under the Mumbai Gram Panchayat Act, 1958.