(1) The Gram Mandal shall manage the lands which are vested in it, including such lands as may come under its management, and undertake activities for the welfare of the village community and the members thereof, and do all other things incidental thereto.
(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, the Gram Mandal may-
(a) take steps to inculcate and develop in the village community the spirit of collective responsibility, mutual aid and promote or undertake or participate in co-operative activities ;
(b) take steps to promote many sided and integrated development of the village community ;
(c) arrange for the maintenance of destitute children and old and infirm persons ;
(d) prepare and implement schemes for the improvement of agriculture in the village, and the best utilization of lands in the village ;
(e) set apart land for community purposes ;
(f) prepare and implement schemes for the general development of the village, including the promotion of small scale industries therein and the proper utilization of local resources and man power ;
(g) distribute such lands as are available for the purpose to landless persons ;
(h) prepare and implement, subject to the approval of the State Government, schemes for regional self-sufficiency in articles of food, clothing and other necessities of life, and to that end, secure the co-operation and assistance of the State Government, and other institutions or agencies operating in the village or in its neighborhood ;
(i) promote consolidation of holdings ;
(j) grant loans to any member of the Gram Mandal, whether a lessee of its land or not, for any purpose, whether agricultural or not ;
(k) take measures for the improvement of lands and reclamation of waste lands and the introduction of improved methods of cultivation ;
(l) promote the industrial development of the village ;
(m) facilitate the elimination of unemployment in the village ;
(n) raise voluntary contributions from the village for community purposes ;
(o) maintain the accounts of the Gram Nidhi ;
(p) prepare and maintain village records including register giving details of land holding in the possession of persons under the Gram Mandal ;
(q) raise a village peace force or Shanti Dal for the maintenance of the tranquility of the village by peaceful means ;
(r) prepare and implement schemes for housing, education and medical relief for the village community under its charge ;
(s) encourage conciliation in respect of private debts of its members ;
(t) perform such other functions and duties and exercise such other powers as may from time to time be prescribed.