सतत विकास लक्ष्यों (SDGs) की प्राप्ति के लिए स्थानीय संस्थाएं और स्थायी पंचायतें कैसा कृत्य आचरण कर सकते हैं? इस प्रश्न में घास-मूल विकास और सतत विकास को बढ़ावा देने के लिए पंचायतों की भूमिका का परीक्षण करें। (250 शब्द, 15 अंक) / Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals requires consideration of regional context and local situations. In light of this statement examine the role of Panchayats as catalysts for grassroot development and advancing sustainable development. (250 words, 15 marks)

Panchayats as the grassroot institutions can help in achieving these:

(⊕) Saripanch Bhakti Sharma of Maslyn Pradesh

Panchayats provide political reservation for women. Panchayats also take up issues that effect women.

(⊕) Banning of liquor in Chandrapur district villages of Maharashtra.

These goals aim at providing access to infrastructure and economic employment.

Implementation of government schemes like – Jal Jeevan Mission, MNREGA, Solar Mission and help.

Panchayats with their traditional knowledge and rural livelihood that considers the natural ecosystem can help in a sustainable growth.

(⊕) Water harvesting structure, organic farming and agro-forestry adopted the panchayat.

Carbon neutral - Neemgapal Panchayat

Panchayats can act as catalysts in ensuring the SDG goals are met.

However, they face certain challenges:

i) Lack of funds: Over 45% of funds are devolved from center and states. (As per economic survey)

ii) Low tax bases and lack of willingness to pay - due to proximity.

iii) Most functions are taken up by state and block level - planning and execution.

iv) Lack of skills and education of members - hindering foregoes.

v) Tied-nature of funds.

(Social contract below)

Service

pays taxes / accountability

ensures.

The social contract breaks due to non payment of taxes leading to low accountability. Panchayats needs to have a more proactive role and function as grassroot institutes as envisaged in 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act.