Empowering Local Governance: Insights from the Panchayat Devolution Report
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in News? | Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, released the report"Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States - An Indicative Evidence-Based Ranking"in New Delhi. The report evaluates the extent of power, functions, and financial devolution to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). |
| Growth in Devolution | - Overall Devolution Index increased from39.9% (2013-14) to 43.9% (2021-22).-rose frompostRashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) 2018.-Functionaries indeximproved from, indicating better workforce & infrastructure. |
| Top 10 States in Panchayat Devolution Index | 1. Karnataka2. Kerala3. Tamil Nadu4. Maharashtra5. Uttar Pradesh6. Gujarat7. Tripura8. Rajasthan9. West Bengal10. Chhattisgarh |
| Dimensional Analysis (Leaders in Each Category) | -Kerala-Tamil Nadu-Karnataka-Gujarat-Telangana-Karnataka |
| Success Stories | -Uttar Pradeshimproved fromposition, credited to transparency & anti-corruption initiatives.-Tripurarose from, excelling in revenue generation & fiscal management. |
| Significance of Strengthening PRIs | - The73rd Constitutional Amendmentgranted constitutional status to Panchayats.- PRIs should serve asrural development hubsoffering services like:* Pensions, birth & death certificates.* Enrollment in welfare schemes (e.g., Ayushman Bharat Yojana).* Conflict resolution & community development. |
| Financial Accountability Measures | -Fund monitoringto prevent corruption.-Transparent fund utilizationfor targeted development.-Regular audits & accountability mechanisms. |
| Government's Vision for Strengthening PRIs | -Panchayats' role in Viksit Bharat:Rural self-governance for sustainable development.-Digital Transformation:Improved infrastructure, transparent audits & inclusive governance.-Decentralization & rural empowermentas a key focus under PM Modi's vision. |