Why in the News?

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj released a report in Delhi on Thursday about how powers are given to Panchayats in different states. The report ranks states and UTs based on six key areas.

What are the Key Highlights of the Report?

• Devolution Index: The report ranks states and Union Territories (UTs) based on six dimensions: Framework, Functions, Finances, Functionaries, Capacity Enhancement, and Accountability.
  • The overall devolution has increased from 39.9% to 43.9% between 2013-14 and 2021-22.
• Top Performing States: The top five states in the devolution ranking are Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh. Notably, Uttar Pradesh improved its rank significantly due to enhanced accountability measures.
  • Uttar Pradesh made a significant jump from 15th to 5th place, highlighting governance reforms and accountability measures.
• Capacity Building & Infrastructure Growth: The Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) played a crucial role in increasing the capacity enhancement index from 44% to 54.6%, along with improved Panchayat infrastructure (office buildings, internet connectivity, etc.).
• Significant Progress in Functionaries: The percentage of functionaries assigned to Panchayats increased from 39.6% to 50.9%, indicating efforts in recruitment and personnel strengthening.

What are the Major concerns in effective Devolution?

• Election Management: State Election Commissions (SECs) sometimes consult with state governments on election dates, leading to potential delays or political manipulation.
  • Example: In Maharashtra, Panchayat elections were delayed in 2022 due to the state government’s interference
• Non-centrality of Panchayats: Panchayats operate in subjects designated for them in the eleventh schedule but face challenges that undermine their constitutional mandate.
  • Example: In many states, rural development schemes like PMGSY (Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana) are implemented by state departments rather than Gram Panchayats.
• Inadequate devolution of functions, funds, and functionaries: The devolution of functions, funds, and functionaries to PRIs has been inadequate, limiting their ability to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
  • Example: In Jharkhand and Odisha, despite having legal provisions for devolution, Panchayats have limited control over education, health, and agriculture schemes.
• Lack of financial autonomy: PRIs don’t have enough financial independence since they mostly depend on irregular and inadequate grants from state governments.
  • Example: In Uttar Pradesh, Gram Panchayats rely heavily on state grants for executing local projects.
• Lack of Support Staff: There is a severe lack of support staff and personnel in panchayats, such as secretaries, junior engineers, computer operators, and data entry operators, which affects their functioning and delivery of services by them.
  • Example: In Bihar, several Gram Panchayats function with just one Panchayat Secretary managing multiple villages.

What are the recommendations in the report? 

• Comprehensive Curriculum Development: Implementing a two-year course in Local Public Service Management that covers essential areas such as public systems, financial management, personnel management, law, and e-governance for Panchayat functionaries
• Enhance Capacity Building & Digital Governance: Improve digital infrastructure, training programs, and data-driven governance. Example: Telangana’s success in capacity enhancement highlights the importance of institutional strengthening for effective governance.
• Ensure Greater Transparency & Accountability: Implement real-time financial monitoring, social audits, and grievance redressal systems. Example: Uttar Pradesh’s leap in rankings is attributed to anti-corruption measures and a robust transparency framework.

Way forward: 

• Strengthening Institutional Autonomy & Devolution: Ensure full devolution of functions, funds, and functionaries to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) with legal safeguards to prevent state interference. Example: Karnataka’s success in decentralized governance through direct fund transfers to Gram Panchayats.
• Capacity Building & Technology Integration: Expand digital infrastructure, conduct regular training for PRI members, and adopt real-time monitoring for transparency. Example: Telangana’s effective use of digital governance and capacity-building initiatives under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA).

Mains PYQ:

Q Assess the importance of the Panchayat system in India as a part of local government. Apart from government grants, what sources the Panchayats can look out for financing developmental projects?  (UPSC IAS/2018)

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now