Panchayati Raj Institutions India
Kartavya Desk Staff
Syllabus: Panchayat Raj Institutions
Source: TH
Context: The Panchayati Raj system in India is facing distress due to declining public participation, excessive reliance on centrally-sponsored schemes, and reduced fiscal autonomy.
Evolution of Panchayati Raj in India:
• Constitutional Recognition: Article 40 of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) emphasizes the establishment of Panchayati Raj institutions (PRIs).
• Committees for Strengthening PRIs:
• Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992:
• Granted constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions. Introduced Part IX (Articles 243-243O) and Eleventh Schedule covering 29 functional subjects. Mandated regular elections, reservation for SCs/STs/women, and devolution of funds, functions, and functionaries.
• Granted constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions.
• Introduced Part IX (Articles 243-243O) and Eleventh Schedule covering 29 functional subjects.
• Mandated regular elections, reservation for SCs/STs/women, and devolution of funds, functions, and functionaries.
Powers and Functions of Panchayati Raj Institutions:
• Legislative & Executive Functions: Authority to formulate village development plans, implement schemes, and maintain local governance.
• Fiscal Powers: Empowered to levy, collect, and appropriate taxes, duties, tolls, and fees (Article 243H).
• Planning & Development: Involved in rural infrastructure, education, health, and agriculture development under the Eleventh Schedule.
• Social Welfare Implementation: Execution of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), PMAY-Gramin, and other social schemes.
Significance of Panchayati Raj in India:
• Democratic Decentralization: Empowers grassroots democracy by enabling direct participation in governance and decision-making.
• Women Empowerment: Provides 50% reservation for women, increasing their leadership roles in rural governance and policy implementation.
• Rural Development Catalyst: Enhances rural infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihood opportunities through decentralized planning.
• Local Governance & Accountability: Strengthens transparency by ensuring direct accountability of elected representatives to citizens.
• Social Inclusion: Facilitates the representation of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and marginalized groups in governance.
Challenges Facing Panchayati Raj Institutions:
• Limited Administrative & Fiscal Autonomy: States control major finances and decision-making, reducing the effectiveness of local governance.
• Overdependence on Centrally Sponsored Schemes: PRIs act as mere implementers, with limited authority to plan and execute local projects.
• Politicization & Bureaucratic Interference: Excessive influence of political parties and bureaucrats limits independent functioning of Panchayats.
• Declining Public Participation: Weak Gram Sabha participation and lack of civic engagement reduce transparency and local decision-making.
• Impact of Urbanization: Migration to cities shifts policy focus away from rural governance, limiting PRI relevance and resources.
Way Forward:
• Strngthening Fiscal Decentralization: Increase untied funds and revenue-raising powers to enhance Panchayat autonomy.
• Enhancing Administrative Devolution: Transfer all 29 subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule to PRIs for better governance.
• Leveraging Technology for Governance: Implement digital governance, real-time monitoring, and data-driven decision-making.
• Capacity Building & Awareness: Train Panchayat representatives in financial management, governance, and policy execution.
• Enhancing Grassroots Participation: Strengthen Gram Sabhas, community involvement, and social audits for participatory governance.
Conclusion:
The Panchayati Raj system remains a cornerstone of India’s democratic governance, but its role needs urgent revival to adapt to changing socio-economic realities. Strengthening decentralization, fiscal autonomy, and digital governance can empower PRIs to play a pivotal role in rural transformation and sustainable development.
• To what extent, in your opinion, has the decentralisation of power in India changed the governance landscape at the grassroots? (UPSC-2022)