Report titled ‘Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States – An Indicative Evidence Based Ranking’ provides an in-depth analysis at how well Panchayats are equipped to fulfill their Constitutional roles under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment.
Key Highlights of the Report
- Panchayat Devolution Index: Ranks States/ UTs along 6-dimensions of devolution – Framework, Functions, Finances, Functionaries, Capacity Enhancement, and Accountability.
- Devolution has increased from 39.9% to 43.9% during 2013-14 to 2021-22.
- Top 3 States in devolution – Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
- Capacity Enhancement: Increased from 44% to 54.6% due to initiatives like Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA).
Major concerns in effective Devolution
- Election Management: State Election Commissions (SECs) sometimes need to consult with state governments on election dates, leading to delays or political manipulation.
- District Planning Committees: Although District Planning Committees (mandated under the Article 243 ZD) have been constituted in almost all States, detailed grassroots planning is undertaken nowhere.
- Non-centrality of Panchayats: Many parallel bodies (entities whose functional domains overlap with those of the Panchayats) currently operate in eleventh schedule subjects designated for Panchayats, undermining their constitutional mandate.
Key Recommendations
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