Question 15GS2GS2

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)

Introduction

Panchayati Raj Institutions (73rd CAA) complete 30 years and have been significant in democratization and strengthening democracy at grassroot.

19 words

Main Body

Panchayati Raj Institutions (73rd CAA) complete 30 years and have been significant in democratization and strengthening democracy at grassroot.

Platform of competitive politics (New why):

1High number of participants in local elections (eg: 2 lakh candidates compete for positions)

2Political parties fighting PRI elections

3Upward mobility from lowest tier to MLA, MP

4Rise of women and backward classes and their assertion of demands; participants

Why not platform for planning and service delivery?

(A) Lack of fundsonly 5% of PRE revenue is internally generatedThus dependent on grants (11th FC) and State finance commission

(B) Issue with junctionaries:

No permanent staff

No accountability of Panchayat Secretary, Zilla Block officials to local representatives

Held by State apparatus of (15-16) of 29 functions

No state devolved all (Ceg: Kerala has devolved around 25)

(D) Poor citizen consciousness

Bright sets of PRI in planning and service delivery:

1Functioning of Gram Sabha with FPA, 2006

2Pesther Duffi says women have spent in local welfare, local intervention

3Increased accountability and oversight at local level (Eg: MGNREGA)

PRTs should be plinth of democratic governance as (Bamaraya is kamaraya) besides this it also deepens democratic tradition and solve challenges of left wing extremism, isolation, and tribal welfare

(D) Issue with junctionaries:

No permanent staff

No accountability of Panchayat Secretary, Zilla Block officials to local representatives

(E) Issue with regard to functions:

Held by State apparatus of (15-16) of 29 functions

No state devolved all (Ceg: Kerala has devolved around 25)

(F) Poor citizen consciousness

(G) Corruption and nexus with officials (Ceg: Haryana and Northeast study)

(H) No timeline of electionsdelay in holding elections (Ceg: Punjab LSG elections due after >1 year)

(I) Gram Sabha failure to hold Sarpanch accountable

(J) Withheld of forest bureaucracy in 5th schedule (PESA) areas

9Low awareness of people in democratic processes → Pradhan Pati

10Strong hold of local benchmen (Ceg: Sandeskhali incident in West Bengal)

11Colonial mindset → use of power for special privilege and to stay in favez (Iron law of oligarchy) even at lowest level

Functioning of Gram Sabha with FPA, 2006:

1Pesther Duffi says women have spent in local welfare, local intervention

2Increased accountability and oversight at local level (Eg: MGNREGA)

3Role in service delivery (Eg: MGNLEGA)

PRTs should be plinth of democratic governance as (Bamaraya is kamaraya) besides this it also deepens democratic tradition and solve challenges of left wing extremism, isolation, and tribal welfare

428 words29 paragraphs

Conclusion

PRTs should be plinth of democratic governance as (Bamaraya is kamaraya) besides this it also deepens democratic tradition and solve challenges of left wing extremism, isolation, and tribal welfare

29 words

Diagram

Flow chart showing 'Bright spots of PRI in planning and service delivery' with three main components: (1) Functioning of Gram Sabha with FPA 2006, (2) Increased accountability and role in service delivery

Clear structure identifying why PRIs became platform for competitive politics
Comprehensive analysis of funding constraints
Good use of examples like MGNREGA and Kerala
Addresses both positive and negative aspects

Open original scan

Page 38

Topper

Akansh Dhull

AIR 32029

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Devolution to Local Levels

Local Self Government

Panchayati Raj Institutions

Writing Stats

476

Total words

Paragraphs

analytical

Tone