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 PRIs → ii Providing grassroot leaders eg.: Chavi Rajawat, Fatima Beevi → iii 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 infra → office 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.

— NANCY SINGH · AIR 34

338 words1 paragraphs

Conclusion

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

16 words

Open original scan

Page 21

Steal this copy's techniques PremiumAI pulls out the reusable moves — pick the ones you want as flashcards

Compare my answer PremiumSee where this topper beats you

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

Linked PYQ

As a senior officer in the Ministry, you have access to important policy decisions and upcoming big announcements such as road construction projects before they are notified in the public domain. The Ministry is about to announce a mega road project for which the drawings are already in place. Sufficient care was taken by the planners to make use of the government land with the minimum land acquisition from private parties. The compensation rate for private parties was also finalized as per government rules. Care was also taken to minimize deforestation. Once the project is announced, it is expected that there will be a huge spurt in real estate prices in and around that area. Meanwhile, the Minister concerned insists that you realign the road in such a way that it comes closer to his 20-acre farmhouse. He also suggests that he would facilitate the purchase of a big plot of land in your wife’s name at the prevailing rate which is very nominal, in and around the proposed mega road project. He also tries to convince you by saying that there is no harm in it as he is buying the land legally. He even promises to supplement your savings in case you do not have sufficient funds to buy the land. However, by the act of realignment, a lot of agricultural lands has to be acquired, thereby causing a considerable financial burden on the government, and also the displacement of the farmers. As if this is not enough, it will involve cutting down of a large number of trees denuding the area of its green cover. Faced with this situation, what will you do? Critically examine various conflicts of interest and explain what your responsibilities are as a public servant.

20M2018Critically examine