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RakhiAIR 65· 2024

Question Q13GS2GS2

Discuss the major challenges in effective devolution of funds, functions, and functionaries to the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India. (Answer in 250 words)

Open scan (p.29)

Main Body

PRIs of India were enforced by 73rd Amendment Act of 1992 by the recommendations of Gadgil committee of 1986, promoting empowerment of local government and higher citizen participation. Major challenges in fund devolution (1) Lack of financial autonomy - revenue only by 32:1 from own source (CAG report, 2014) (2) Lack of experience - financial experts death, thus dependent on state and centre.

3Dependence on centre - for fund devolution, leading to lack of intention to generate own fund. Challenges in devolution of functions (1) Voluntary functions - not all 29 functions developed by centre (only one in 9 states as per CAG report 2019) (2) Lack of Infrastructure - funds dearth to execute function without state interference (3) Administrative Constraints - lack of capacity and higher lack of research facility at local level Challenges in devolution of functionaries (4) Higher Bureaucratic ennui - limiting the role of local officials (2) State Interference - clout, pressure of weak leaders at local level and fear of reduced state authority (3) Lack of Timely elections - due to irregular elections and mid-term dissolution Higher balancing - Subsidia rule, Principle of ARG Way Forward Use of Technology - evident public participation, feedback and grievance redressal - CGRAM Push of SGC similar to CECs (Kishant Singh Tomar case, 2008) Thus need is for development of organic civics Gandhi for empowerment of
228 words1 paragraphs
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Topper

Rakhi

AIR 652024

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

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

Devolution to Local Levels

Devolution to Local Levels

Writing Stats

228

Total words

1

Paragraphs

analytical

Tone