Though Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become a platform for competitive politics, they have not emerged as an agency of planning and service delivery. Why? (Answer in 250 words)

73rd Constitutional Amendment provided constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institution but they continue to suffer from many challenges (LM Singhvi Report). Become Platform for Competitive Politics (1) Election fought by Parties - to control PRI & their agencies/funds. By National State Polity (2) Money/Muscle Power - Also seen of misused by parties to get votes (Goswami Committee) (3) Biosenewy Campaigning - Regularly seen even in PRI election. (Eg Recent Pune election)

Reasons for Challenges - I: Agency for Planning (1) Poor Functionaries - due to low skills of PRI employees. (Eg Zilla Adhikaar) (2) Lack of Adequate Funds - due to dependence on devolution & no self funds (Thirsor Eg GST reliance on devolution (Easmic Committee) (3) Political Apathy - by bureaucracy which controls all functioning of PRI. (4) Lack of Coordination - between different bodies that causes wastage of resources (5) No clear Mandate - due to encillers & State government to provide funds. II: Service Delivery (1) Lack of Standards - to ensure compliance for quality & service delay (Eg Health) (2) Competitive Polity - with winner takes all approach & no will to serve people (3) Cesspool of Funds - due to widespread corruption & misuse of power (4) 'Sarpanchpal Syndrome' - Does allow public spirited women from continuing