"Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States – An Indicative Evidence-Based Ranking" report

Medium Scoring States: Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha.

Key Highlights of the Report:

The Panchayat Devolution Index evaluates and ranks states and UTs based on 6 dimensions of devolution, which are critical for strengthening local governance.

1. Framework (Kerala ranked 1st)

1. Evaluates the constitutional and legal framework for Panchayats.
2. Key provisions include:
   1. Art. 243D: Reservation of seats for SC, ST, and women.
   2. Art. 243K: Conduct of Panchayat elections.
   3. Art. 243E: Tenure, dissolution, and bye-elections of Panchayats.
   4. Art. 243ZD: Involvement of Panchayats in district-level planning.
   5. Art. 243F: Grants autonomy to Panchayats.

2. Functions (Tamil Nadu ranked 1st)

1. Measures the devolution of functions and the actual involvement of Panchayats in decision-making and implementation.
2. Key areas:
   1. Art. 243G: Assignment of functions to Panchayats.
   2. Participation in significant government schemes.

3. Finances (Karnataka ranked 1st)

1. Examines financial devolution and the allocation of funds to Panchayats.
2. Key provisions:
   1. Art. 280(3)b: Finance Commission Grants.
   2. Art. 243I: Recommendations of the State Finance Commission.
   3. Art. 243H: Empowerment to collect taxes and revenue.
   4. Transparent financial management and expenditure tracking.

4. Functionaries (Gujarat ranked 1st)

1. Focuses on the availability and management of human resources in Panchayats.
2. Key aspects:
   1. Physical Infrastructure: Adequate facilities for Panchayats.
   2. e-Connectivity: Digital connectivity for smooth operations.
   3. Personnel Management: Sufficient and trained staff.

5. Capacity Enhancement (Telangana ranked 1st)

1. Involves efforts for institutional strengthening to enhance Panchayat performance and governance capacity.
2. Key initiative: Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), launched on April 21, 2018, boosted this dimension significantly (from 44% to 54.6%).

6. Accountability (Karnataka ranked 1st)

1. Ensures transparency in Panchayat operations and accountability for funds.
2. Key elements:
   • Art. 243J: Accounting and auditing of Panchayats.
   • Social audits and Gram Sabha involvement in governance.
   • Anti-corruption initiatives and performance assessment of Panchayats.

Significance of the Report:

1. The report serves as a tool for strengthening cooperative federalism and local self-governance, enabling states to identify areas for improvement and adopt best practices for more empowered and effective Panchayats.
2. It also provides transparency for citizens to track Panchayat functioning and resource allocation, offering data-driven insights for elected representatives to advocate for reforms.
3. The Devolution Index is recognized as a valuable tool for assessing progress toward genuine local self-government for Panchayats, covering essential elements needed for local self-governance.

 

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