The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 21st February 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Having panchayats as self-governing institutions

Why in News?

Three decades have passed since the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments Acts came into effect, which envisaged that local bodies in India would function as institutions of local self government. As a follow up, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj was constituted in 2004 to strengthen rural local governments.

Background to the Amendments

• Balwantrai Mehta Committee (1957):
  • Recommended the establishment of village-level agencies to represent community interests and execute government development programs.
  • Advocated for elected local bodies with devolved resources and authority.
• Asoka Mehta Committee (1977):
  • Proposed a transformation of Panchayati Raj into a political institution.
  • Identified bureaucratic resistance, political apathy, and role ambiguity as obstacles to Panchayati Raj's effectiveness.
• State Initiatives:
  • Karnataka, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh enacted laws inspired by the Asoka Mehta Committee report to strengthen Panchayati Raj.
  • An attempt to enact a national strengthening law through The Constitution (Sixty-fourth Amendment) Bill in 1989, during Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure, failed to pass in the Rajya Sabha

Key Features of the Amendments

• 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992)
  • Constitutionalized Panchayati Raj Institutions.
  • Added Part IX to the Indian Constitution, containing Articles 243 to 243 O.
  • Introduced the 11th Schedule specifying 29 functional tasks of Panchayats.
  • Aimed at decentralizing power and ensuring grassroots-level governance.
  • Signaled a significant shift towards local self-governance in rural areas.
  • Strengthened democratic processes by empowering local bodies.
• 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (1992)
  • Institutionalized urban local governance.
  • Created Part IX-A within the Constitution, covering Articles 243-P to 243-ZG.
  • Incorporated the 12th Schedule detailing 18 functional roles of Municipalities.
  • Aimed to enhance urban planning, development, and administration.
  • Addressed the growing needs of urban populations and infrastructure.
  • Emphasized the importance of local decision-making in urban settings.

What is the Status of Democratic Decentralisation in India?

• Empowerment of Local Communities:
  • Democratic decentralization has empowered local communities by granting them more authority in decision-making and project implementation tailored to their specific needs.
  • Increased participation of citizens in governance and decision-making processes fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility towards development initiatives.
• Accountability and Transparency:
  • Decentralization has enhanced accountability and transparency in governance as local governments are directly accountable to citizens.
  • Decision-making processes are more transparent, enabling public scrutiny and ensuring that governmental actions align with the interests of the community.
• Promotion of Diversity and Inclusivity:
  • Democratic decentralization has promoted diversity and inclusivity by allowing better representation of marginalized communities in decision-making processes.
  • Inclusive policies address the diverse needs of citizens, irrespective of their social, economic, or cultural backgrounds, fostering a more equitable society.

Challenges Related to Decentralization in India:

• Uneven Distribution of Power and Resources:
  • Implementation of decentralization varies across states and regions, leading to disparities in power and resource distribution.
  • Unequal development outcomes result from varying degrees of success in implementing decentralization, exacerbating regional disparities.
• Ceremonial Status of Mayor:
  • The Mayor in many Urban Local Governments often holds a ceremonial position, lacking substantive decision-making powers.
  • Municipal Commissioners appointed by State Governments often overshadow elected Mayors, limiting their effectiveness and authority.
• Infrastructural Challenges:
  • Many Gram Panchayats lack adequate infrastructure, often sharing spaces with other entities like schools and anganwadis.
  • Those with their own buildings may still lack basic facilities such as toilets, drinking water, and electricity, hindering effective governance.
  • Inconsistent internet connectivity and reliance on Block Development offices for data entry further impede operational efficiency, causing delays in work processes.

Way Forward

• Autonomy, Resources, and Powers:
  • Revise existing laws, regulations, and procedures that limit the autonomy and authority of local governments.
  • Provide local governments with greater control over finances, resources, and decision-making processes to enable them to address local needs effectively.
• Capacity Building:
  • Implement comprehensive capacity-building programs for local government officials and elected representatives.
  • Offer training sessions, workshops, and seminars to enhance their skills in governance, administration, and financial management.
  • Facilitate exchange visits and mentorship programs to expose officials to best practices and innovative approaches in local governance.
• Community Participation:
  • Foster active community participation in local governance by raising awareness about the importance of citizen engagement.
  • Organize public meetings, consultations, and town hall sessions to involve citizens in decision-making processes and the formulation of local development plans.
  • Empower local communities through training on participatory techniques and mechanisms for effective engagement in local governance.