Panchayati Raj in India

• Panchayati Raj refers to a system of local self-governance in India
• It ensures the participation of people at the grassroots level in decision-making
• It is mandated by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992

Historical Evolution

• Ancient India: Village assemblies called Sabhas existed
• These assemblies managed local affairs
• British Period: The British centralized power, weakening local bodies
• Lord Ripon introduced local boards in 1882, considered a milestone
• Post-Independence: Article 40 of the Constitution advocated for the organization of village panchayats

Key Committees

• Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957): Recommended a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj
  • This included Village, Block, and District levels
• Ashok Mehta Committee (1977): Suggested a two-tier system
• L.M. Singhvi Committee (1986): Advocated for constitutional recognition of Panchayati Raj institutions
• 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992): Granted constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions
  • This made it obligatory for states to establish Panchayats

Three-Tier System

• Village Level: Gram Panchayat
  • It consists of a Sarpanch (elected head) and Ward Members (Panchs)
  • Direct elections are held for these positions
• Block Level: Panchayat Samiti (or Block Panchayat)
  • It acts as a link between the Gram Panchayat and Zila Parishad
  • Members are indirectly elected
• District Level: Zila Parishad
  • It coordinates and supervises the activities of the Panchayat Samitis
  • Members include elected representatives, MPs, and MLAs

73rd Amendment Act Provisions

• Mandated the establishment of Panchayats at village, intermediate, and district levels
• Provided for a uniform structure of Panchayats across the country
• Reserved seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in proportion to their population
• Provided for reservation of not less than one-third of the total seats for women
• Fixed a five-year term for Panchayats, with elections to be held before the expiry of the term
• Established a State Election Commission to conduct elections to the Panchayats
• Constituted a State Finance Commission to recommend principles for the distribution of financial resources to the Panchayats
• Granted powers and authority to the Panchayats to function as institutions of self-government
• Listed 29 subjects in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution
  • These were areas in which Panchayats could legislate and implement schemes

Functions of Panchayats

• Implementation of developmental schemes and programs
• Management of local public services
• Collection of local taxes, rates, and fees
• Maintenance of village records
• Promotion of agriculture, rural industries, and poverty alleviation programs
• Provision of sanitation, water supply, and health services
• Construction and maintenance of roads, drains, and other infrastructure
• Promotion of education and literacy

Gram Sabha

• It is a village assembly consisting of all registered voters in the Panchayat area
• It is the primary body of the Panchayati Raj system
• It discusses and approves the Panchayat's plans, programs, and budget
• It promotes transparency and accountability in the functioning of the Panchayat

State Election Commission

• It is responsible for conducting free and fair elections to the Panchayats
• It determines the electoral constituencies and prepares electoral rolls
• It supervises, directs, and controls the preparation of electoral rolls
• It conducts elections and ensures adherence to electoral laws and rules

State Finance Commission

• It reviews the financial position of the Panchayats
• It recommends principles for the distribution of taxes, duties, tolls, and fees between the state and the Panchayats
• It determines the taxes, duties, tolls, and fees which may be assigned to or appropriated by the Panchayats
• It grants-in-aid to the Panchayats from the Consolidated Fund of the State
• It measures needed to improve the financial position of the Panchayats

Significance of Panchayati Raj

• Promotes democratic decentralization and empowers local communities
• Facilitates participatory planning and development
• Enhances accountability and transparency in governance
• Addresses local issues and needs effectively
• Improves the delivery of public services
• Promotes social justice and inclusive growth
• Fosters leadership at the grassroots level

Issues and Challenges

• Lack of adequate financial resources and dependence on state government funding
• Limited capacity and training of Panchayat members
• Insufficient devolution of powers and functions by state governments
• Interference by vested interests and corruption
• Social inequalities and discrimination
• Lack of awareness and participation among citizens
• Inadequate infrastructure and technical support
• Parallel bodies and overlapping jurisdictions

Measures for Improvement

• Strengthening the financial resources of Panchayats through increased devolution of funds and revenue-generating powers
• Enhancing the capacity and training of Panchayat members through regular training programs and exposure visits
• Ensuring greater devolution of powers and functions to Panchayats
• Promoting transparency and accountability through social audits and citizen charters
• Encouraging greater participation of women and marginalized groups in Panchayat activities
• Leveraging technology for improved service delivery and monitoring
• Strengthening the Gram Sabha and promoting awareness among citizens
• Providing adequate infrastructure and technical support to Panchayats

Recent Developments

• E-Panchayat Mission Mode Project: Aims to digitize and improve the efficiency of Panchayat operations
• Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan: Seeks to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions through capacity building and infrastructure development
• Model Panchayat Citizen Charter: Outlines the services to be provided by Panchayats and the standards for their delivery

Conclusion

• Panchayati Raj is a crucial component of India's democratic framework
• It empowers local communities and promotes participatory governance
• Addressing the challenges and strengthening the system is essential for achieving inclusive and sustainable development