Granting Greater Authority to Panchayats

Context

A recent World Bank working paper has called for granting greater authority to Panchayats by strengthening local fiscal capacity to offset what it identified as “recentralisation”.

About 

• Recentralisation is resulting from the massive adoption of on-line payment systems, MIS-based beneficiary choice, and virtual beneficiary monitoring.
• The working paper highlighted the Gram Panchayat (GP) council members spend immoderate time at Block Development offices and District Collectorates, appearing as intermediaries as opposed to empowered selection-makers. 

Recommendations

• Enhanced fiscal potential and broader choice-making authority are deemed crucial for improving governance.
• Empowering ward members (WMs) in village councils, who currently lack financial assets.
• Building local tax capacity is highlighted as essential for panchayat autonomy.
• The improved tax series may be accomplished by filling bill collector vacancies, digitizing property records, and granting GPs greater freedom to levy their own taxes and cesses.

Panchayati Raj System in India

• In the early 1950s, the first National Development Council (Balwant Rai Mehta Committee report) encouraged the formation of a democratic system of governance at the grassroot level. 
• In 1993, by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, the Panchayat machine was implemented in the rural areas to allow for development to take place at grassroot level.
• There are 3 stages:
  • Gram Panchayat: This is the village council, the most primary stage.
  • Block Panchayat: This council seems after a collection of villages.
  • Zila Panchayat: This is the district council, overseeing a bigger area.
  • Panchayati Raj is essential because it brings democracy down to the village stage. 

Significance

• Decentralization of Power: The Panchayati Raj System decentralizes political strength and administrative authority which empowers local groups to manage their personal affairs and make selections on local development issues.
• Promotion of Local Self-Government: It allows nearby self-government by imparting a platform for villagers to take part in selection-making procedures that affect their lives without delay. 
• Inclusive Development: PRIs make certain inclusive development by using related to marginalized and vulnerable organizations, inclusive of women, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and different backward instructions, in local governance.
  • This allows addressing social disparities and promoting social justice on the grassroots stage.
• Accountability and Transparency: PRIs provide a platform for citizens to voice their worries and keep local representatives liable for their moves.
• Political Empowerment: The Panchayati Raj System serves as a training floor for grassroots leaders, nurturing political leadership on the local stage.
  • It encourages political participation amongst citizens and prepares them for higher levels of governance.

Challenges

• Unequal Capacity and Resources: While a few Panchayats are properly-ready with monetary resources, infrastructure, and skilled employees, others lack adequate assets and capabilities to correctly discharge their capabilities.
• Political Interference: In some instances, local Panchayats face interference from higher levels of political authority or local vested pastimes.
  • This undermined the autonomy and selection-making authority of nearby elected representatives, affecting the effectiveness of the Panchayati Raj establishments.
• Weak Financial Autonomy: PRIs frequently rely closely on finances allotted by using state and relevant governments, which may be behind schedule or inadequate.
  • This dependency influences their capacity to plan and put into effect nearby development projects efficiently.
• Social and Cultural Factors: In many rural areas, entrenched social hierarchies, caste dynamics, and gender biases affect local governance. 
• Infrastructure and Service Delivery: Despite efforts to improve rural infrastructure and provider shipping through PRIs, challenges along with inadequate roads, healthcare facilities, and academic establishments persist in many rural regions. 

Way Ahead

• Addressing the worries calls for sustained efforts from each government authorities and civil society corporations. 
• Strengthening the Panchayati Raj System involves enhancing economic autonomy, ensuring equitable distribution of resources, selling inclusive governance practices, and empowering local groups to participate meaningfully in decision-making procedures. 
• By addressing these challenges, India can in addition harness the ability of decentralized governance to promote sustainable and inclusive development on the grassroots stage.

Source: The Hindu

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. To what extent, in your opinion, has the decentralisation of power in India changed the governance landscape at the grassroots? (2022)

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