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)

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are set of goals created by the UN to be achieved by 2030 for the sustainable development of the world—in harmony with nature.

Panchayats as the grassroot institutions can help in achieving these:

Panchayats can work together to provide adequate means of livelihood.

Allocation of community land for agro-activities along with redistribution will help.

Provision of primary healthcare opportunities and education of all is responsibility of the panchayats.

Satpanch Bhakti Sharma of Madhya Pradesh

–pranned education of all women in the village

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

(eg) Banning of Liquor in Chandipur district villages of Maharashtra

SDG 8: livelihood, SDG 9: Energy institutions

These goals aim at providing access to infrastructure and employment.

Implementation of government schemes like—Jal Jeevan Mission, MNREGA, Solar Mission will help.

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

(eg) water harvesting structure, organic farming and agro-forestry adopted the panchayat

Carbon neutral – Neemgundi 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 tax people – 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 forgoers.

v) Tied–nature of funds.

Social

contract

↓

provide

service

↑

pays taxes/accountability

ensures.

The social contract breaches due to non payment of taxes leading to low accountability.

Panchayats needs to have a more proactive role and function as grassroot institutions as enshrined in 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act.