What role does a sarpanch have in an Odisha village council?

In the state of Odisha, as in the rest of India, the sarpanch serves as the elected president and head of the panchayat (village council).1

The role of the sarpanch involves leading the gram panchayat, which is the primary elected body responsible for rural local self-government. Their core responsibilities include:12

• Leadership: The sarpanch heads the council and oversees its operations, supported by a deputy (upsarpanch) and a secretary (gram sevak).2
• Infrastructure and Services: They manage the implementation of basic community services, including the maintenance of local roads, street lighting, sanitation, and drinking water facilities.2
• Administration and Welfare: The council, under the sarpanch's leadership, is responsible for maintaining essential village records and facilitating the implementation of various government welfare schemes.2

The sarpanch is chosen according to state law, either through direct election by the voters or by the elected members of the gram panchayat itself.2