Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 marked a watershed moment in Indian democracy, institutionalizing local self-governance through Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). Initially, the focus was on establishing the foundational elements – defining functions, appointing functionaries, and ensuring funds. However, the narrative has evolved to prioritize ‘Functionality’ – the ability of PRIs to effectively deliver services, promote inclusive development, and foster citizen participation. Despite significant progress, the functionality of PRIs remains hampered by a complex web of challenges, hindering their potential as agents of transformative change at the grassroots level.
Critical Challenges to the Functionality of Local Institutions
The transition from establishing PRIs to ensuring their effective functionality is fraught with challenges. These can be broadly categorized as follows:
1. Financial Constraints
- Inadequate Devolution of Funds: Despite the recommendations of the Finance Commissions (14th & 15th), the actual devolution of funds to PRIs remains insufficient and often delayed. A 2021 report by the PRS Legislative Research highlighted that states often prioritize spending through departments rather than directly through PRIs.
- Dependence on State Finance: PRIs are heavily reliant on state governments for financial assistance, making them vulnerable to political interference and budgetary fluctuations.
- Limited Revenue Generation Capacity: PRIs lack sufficient powers to raise their own revenue through local taxes and user charges, limiting their financial autonomy.
2. Administrative Weaknesses
- Capacity Building Deficits: A significant number of PRI functionaries lack the necessary skills and training in areas such as planning, budgeting, accounting, and project management. The National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDP) conducts training programs, but their reach and effectiveness are limited.
- Lack of Qualified Personnel: Attracting and retaining qualified personnel at the local level remains a challenge, leading to a shortage of skilled staff.
- Poor Record Keeping & Transparency: Inadequate record-keeping practices and a lack of transparency in financial management hinder accountability and effective monitoring of PRI performance. The e-Panchayat Mission aims to address this, but implementation is uneven.
3. Social Barriers
- Social Inequalities: Existing social inequalities based on caste, gender, and class often marginalize vulnerable groups and limit their participation in PRI decision-making processes. Reservation policies, while important, haven’t fully addressed these systemic issues.
- Lack of Awareness: A significant portion of the rural population remains unaware of their rights and entitlements under the 73rd Amendment, hindering their ability to hold PRIs accountable.
- Dominance of Traditional Power Structures: Traditional power structures and vested interests often undermine the authority of PRIs and influence their decisions.
4. Political Interference & Governance Issues
- State Government Control: State governments often exercise excessive control over PRIs, undermining their autonomy and hindering their ability to function independently. Frequent supersession of elected bodies is a recurring issue.
- Lack of Political Will: A lack of political will to genuinely empower PRIs and devolve powers often hampers their progress.
- Inter-Departmental Coordination: Poor coordination between PRIs and state government departments often leads to duplication of efforts and inefficient service delivery.
| Challenge Area | Specific Issue | Impact on Functionality |
|---|---|---|
| Financial | Delayed fund release | Disrupts project implementation, hinders service delivery |
| Administrative | Lack of skilled personnel | Compromises planning, budgeting, and monitoring |
| Social | Gender inequality | Limits women’s participation in decision-making |
| Political | State government interference | Undermines PRI autonomy and accountability |
Conclusion
The journey of PRIs in India has been marked by significant strides, yet substantial challenges remain in realizing their full potential. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach encompassing enhanced financial devolution, robust capacity building, promotion of social inclusion, and genuine political empowerment. Strengthening the functionality of PRIs is not merely an administrative imperative but a fundamental requirement for achieving inclusive, sustainable, and participatory rural development, and ultimately, realizing the vision of a truly decentralized democracy. Continued monitoring, evaluation, and adaptive learning are crucial for ensuring that PRIs effectively serve as the cornerstone of local governance in India.
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.