Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, envisioned Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) as units of self-governance, aiming to decentralize power and promote participatory democracy at the grassroots level. Initially, the focus of PRIs was largely on ‘development administration’ – planning, implementation, and monitoring of developmental programs related to areas like sanitation, education, and agriculture. However, limiting the role of PRIs to merely implementing centrally sponsored schemes overlooks their potential as vital organs for broader governance functions, encompassing social justice, conflict resolution, and citizen empowerment. This necessitates a re-evaluation of their role beyond traditional development administration.
Expanding the Role of Panchayati Raj
While development administration remains crucial, the role of PRIs should extend to encompass a wider spectrum of governance functions. This expansion is justified on several grounds:
1. Strengthening Social Justice & Equity
- Addressing Social Exclusion: PRIs, being closer to the people, are better positioned to identify and address the needs of marginalized communities – Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, and other vulnerable groups. They can ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities.
- Implementation of Social Audit: PRIs can play a pivotal role in conducting social audits of government schemes, enhancing transparency and accountability, and preventing corruption. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) mandates social audits, and PRIs are central to their effective implementation.
2. Enhancing Citizen Participation & Democratic Governance
- Local Area Planning: PRIs can move beyond merely implementing top-down plans to actively involving citizens in local area planning, ensuring that development initiatives are responsive to local needs and priorities. The ‘People’s Plan Campaign’ (2018-19) aimed to strengthen this participatory planning process.
- Grievance Redressal: Establishing effective grievance redressal mechanisms at the PRI level can improve citizen satisfaction and trust in governance. This requires capacity building of PRI members and officials.
- Conflict Resolution: Traditional village councils (like Gram Panchayats) have historically played a role in resolving local disputes. Formalizing and strengthening this role can reduce the burden on formal judicial systems.
3. Promoting Good Governance & Accountability
- Monitoring & Evaluation: PRIs can be empowered to monitor and evaluate the performance of government departments and officials at the local level, holding them accountable for service delivery.
- Revenue Administration: Gradually devolving certain revenue administration functions to PRIs, such as land record maintenance and collection of minor taxes, can enhance their financial autonomy and strengthen local governance.
- Disaster Management: PRIs are first responders in disaster situations. Strengthening their capacity for disaster preparedness and response is crucial for effective disaster management.
4. Constitutional Basis & Recent Initiatives
- Article 243G: This article of the Constitution empowers State Legislatures to endow Panchayats with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as institutions of self-government.
- Finance Commission Recommendations: Successive Finance Commissions have recommended increased devolution of funds to PRIs, recognizing their importance in local governance. The 15th Finance Commission (2020-26) emphasized the need for capacity building of PRIs.
- Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA): This centrally sponsored scheme aims to strengthen PRIs and promote good governance at the village level.
Challenges to Expansion
Despite the potential, several challenges hinder the expansion of PRI roles:
- Capacity Constraints: Lack of adequate training and resources limits the ability of PRI members and officials to effectively perform broader governance functions.
- Political Interference: Excessive political interference from state governments and elected representatives can undermine the autonomy of PRIs.
- Financial Dependence: PRIs remain heavily dependent on state and central government funding, limiting their financial autonomy.
- Social Inequalities: Existing social inequalities can hinder the participation of marginalized groups in PRI decision-making processes.
Conclusion
Expanding the role of Panchayati Raj beyond development administration is not merely desirable but essential for realizing the full potential of decentralized governance in India. By empowering PRIs to address social justice concerns, enhance citizen participation, and promote good governance, we can strengthen democracy at the grassroots level and build a more inclusive and equitable society. Overcoming the existing challenges through capacity building, financial devolution, and ensuring political autonomy is crucial for achieving this vision.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.