Question Q.9GS2GS2

Discuss the reasons for the limited success of Panchayati Raj Institutions in India. Also, recommend measures to strengthen the functioning of these institutions.

Main Body

73rd Constitutional Amendment act provided for establishing the Panchayati Raj institutions in alignment with M.K. Gandhi's idea of Gram Swaraj as enshrined in Article 40 (village Panchayata).i People's Participation Success of it: Kerala's People's Plan PRIsii Providing grassroot leaders eg.: Chavi Rajawat, Fatima Beeviiii Providing services for welfare eg.: Mission Bhagiratha by Telangana for piped water supply. iv Grassroot development eg.: Arundhara in West Bengal empowers SHGs. Despite success, certain reasons limit functioning of PRIs

i Issues related to funds (1:1) Financially unviable. eg.: less to 1%. revenue of PRIs is grants. (1:2) MPIs, banks are unwilling to lend limited tax base and lack of trained workers for tax collection. (1:3) Limited tax base and lack of trained workers for tax collection. (1:4) Expenditure issue; CAG reports highlight that only 29% of the funds are used for development projects. (2) Tissue between PRI functionaries and bureaucracy. (2) Lack of infrastructure eg.: 25% of the panchayos lack basic infraoffice buildings, internet connection etc. (3) Socio-cultural hurdles rendering women participation ineffective. eg.: Mani Shankar Aiyar calls Panchayati Raj as sarpanch Raj (Pradhan Pati and Gaupanch Patis elect). (5) Lack of effective devolution of funds & (6) Authority by state governments. (7) Bypassing of Gram Sabha in decision making eg.: Sand mining can in M.P. (8) Lack of capacity building; presence of parastatal bodies. (9) Digital illiteracy

[Continuation of reasons and measures section]

Authority by state governments. (7) Bypassing of Gram Sabha in decision making eg.: Sand mining can in M.P. (8) Lack of capacity building; presence of parastatal bodies. (9) Digital illiteracy Measures to strengthen PRIs (1) Capacity building of youth & women. eg.: Panchayat Mandla team Jivika Gashurikaran Shrivyan. (2) Establish a dedicated cadre for PRI (3) Establishing regulatory oversight to look into function of Gram Sabha. (4) Use of digital tools. eg.: e-Gram Swaraj (5) Effective devolution of funds and authority by state government. Mani Shankar Aiyar committees recommendations must be implemented to establish grassroots democracy & ensure democratic decentralization.

338 words1 paragraphs

Conclusion

Mani Shankar Aiyar committees recommendations must be implemented to establish grassroots democracy & ensure democratic decentralization.

16 words

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Topper

NANCY SINGH

AIR 342025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Federal Structure - Functions, Responsibilities, Devolution of Powers and Finances

Devolution to Local Levels

Panchayati Raj Institutions

Writing Stats

354

Total words

Paragraphs