The Zila Panchayat is a local government body in India that operates at the district level. It is responsible for the planning and implementation of development programs and schemes in rural areas. The Zila Panchayat is composed of elected representatives from various villages within the district, ensuring local participation in governance. Each Zila Panchayat is headed by a Chairperson, who is elected by the members. The body works in coordination with other local institutions, such as the Gram Panchayat (village council) and the Panchayat Samiti (block-level council), to address community needs and promote rural development.