National Panchayati Raj Day :

Introduction National Panchayati Raj Day is celebrated every year on April 24th to commemorate the institutionalization of local self-government in India. It marks the day the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 came into force in 1993, transferring power to the grassroots level.

Why Celebrated?

• Constitutional Recognition: To celebrate the day Panchayats were given constitutional status as the “Third Tier” of Indian democracy.
• Democracy at Grassroots: To recognize the role of Gram Sabhas and Panchayats in rural development and decentralized planning.
• Awareness: To sensitize rural populations about their rights and the functioning of local governance.

Constitutional Provisions:

• Article 40 (DPSP): Originally directed the State to organize village panchayats.
• Part IX: Inserted by the 73rd Amendment, titled “The Panchayats.”
• Article 243 to 243-O: Covers definitions, composition, reservations, and powers.
• 11th Schedule: Lists 29 functional items (e.g., agriculture, health, education) over which Panchayats have jurisdiction.
• Key Features: Mandatory 3-tier structure (Village, Intermediate, District), 1/3rd reservation for women, and the establishment of State Finance Commissions and State Election Commissions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Major Committees & Recommendations:

• Balwant Rai Mehta (1957): Recommended a 3-tier system and “Democratic Decentralization.”
• Ashok Mehta (1977): Suggested a 2-tier system and official participation of political parties.
• G.V.K. Rao (1985): Emphasized “Development Administration” and called Panchayats “grass without roots” due to lack of regular elections.
• L.M. Singhvi (1986): Recommended Constitutional Status for PRIs and the involvement of Gram Sabhas.

Impact of PRIs:

• Political Inclusion: Over 3.1 million elected representatives, with significant participation of women, SCs, and STs.
• Targeted Development: Better implementation of schemes like MGNREGA and PMAY-G due to local monitoring.
• Social Empowerment: Increased agency for women in rural decision-making processes.

Challenges (The 3 Fs):

• Funds: Heavy reliance on government grants; poor internal revenue generation (property tax, etc.).
• Functions: Many states have not fully devolved the 29 subjects listed in the 11th Schedule.
• Functionaries: Lack of adequate technical staff and infrastructure (e.g., internet, office space).
• Structural Issues: “Sarpanch-Pati” culture (husbands exercising power on behalf of elected wives) and lack of regular Gram Sabha meetings.

Steps Taken by Government:

• e-Gram Swaraj Portal: For simplified work-based accounting and transparency.
• SVAMITVA Scheme: Using drone technology to provide property cards to rural homeowners.
• Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA): Focused on capacity building and training of elected representatives.

Way Forward:

• Fiscal Autonomy: Empowering PRIs to collect local taxes to reduce dependency.
• Capacity Building: Continuous training for members to handle complex planning and budgeting.
• Strengthening Gram Sabhas: Ensuring they act as the ultimate deliberative body for social audits.
• Devolution Index: Encouraging states to compete in devolving powers to local bodies.