Empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions: A Milestone in Devolution and Rural Governance

Addressing the gathering, Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel emphasized that the Panchayat Devolution Index serves as a critical tool for fostering holistic, inclusive, and sustainable development across the nation.

The Union Minister of State, Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, from the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, unveiled the much-anticipated report titled Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States – An Indicative Evidence-Based Ranking in New Delhi. The report, prepared by the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), offers a comprehensive assessment of the progress made in empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) across India. Senior officials, including Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Shri Sushil Kumar Lohani, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, and Shri Rajeev Singh Thakur, Advisor, NITI Aayog, were present at the event.

Significance of the Panchayat Devolution Index

Addressing the gathering, Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel emphasized that the Panchayat Devolution Index serves as a critical tool for fostering holistic, inclusive, and sustainable development across the nation. He underscored the success of Uttar Pradesh, which ascended from the 15th position in the previous ranking to the 5th position, citing its innovative transparency measures and robust anti-corruption strategies. Prof. Baghel urged all States to effectively implement central government schemes and maximize the role of Panchayats in local governance, ensuring that Panchayat Bhawans evolve into multi-functional centers that cater to essential services such as pensions, birth and death certificates, and social welfare initiatives.

Call for Strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions

Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, reinforced the necessity of empowering Panchayats not just through devolution of power but by transforming them into vibrant centers of governance. Over the past decade, significant strides have been made in digital transformation, infrastructure enhancement, systematic audits, and strengthening local governance through regular Panchayat elections.

Key Highlights of the Report

1. Improved Devolution Trends: The report reveals an increase in the devolution index from 39.9% in 2013-14 to 43.9% in 2021-22.
2. Capacity Enhancement: The launch of the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) in April 2018 led to a substantial increase in capacity enhancement from 44% to 54.6%.
3. Strengthening Functionaries: Improved recruitment and physical infrastructure have led to an increase in functionaries-related index scores from 39.6% to 50.9%.
4. Top Performing States: States scoring above 55 on the Panchayat Devolution Index include:
   • Kerala
   • Maharashtra
   • Karnataka
   • Tamil Nadu
   • Uttar Pradesh
   • Gujarat
   • West Bengal
   • Telangana
   • Rajasthan
   • Tripura
5. Medium Scoring States (50-55 points): Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha.

Success Stories Reflecting Transformative Change

• Uttar Pradesh: The state's leap from the 15th to 5th position is attributed to governance reforms, enhanced financial accountability, and increased transparency in local governance.
• Tripura: Jumping from 13th to 7th position, the state demonstrated excellence in revenue generation and fiscal management, setting an example for smaller states.

Dimensional Rankings in Panchayat Devolution

States were ranked across six critical dimensions of devolution:

1. Framework: Kerala leads in setting up a robust legal and institutional framework.
2. Functions: Tamil Nadu excels in functional devolution to Panchayats.
3. Finances: Karnataka stands out in financial management and fund allocation.
4. Functionaries: Gujarat leads in personnel management and capacity building.
5. Capacity Enhancement: Telangana is the frontrunner in institutional strengthening.
6. Accountability: Karnataka has set a benchmark in transparency and accountability measures.

The Road Ahead for Panchayati Raj Institutions

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act granted Panchayats a constitutional status and defined their governance framework. However, the degree of power devolution varies across States and Union Territories. The Government of India, through initiatives like the Panchayat Devolution Index, encourages states to strengthen local self-governance by transferring more powers and resources to PRIs.

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj’s efforts, coupled with this independent assessment by IIPA, serve as a roadmap for states to enhance their rural governance mechanisms. By fostering a spirit of competitive and cooperative federalism, India can achieve its vision of Viksit Bharat through Gram Swaraj, fulfilling Mahatma Gandhi’s dream of self-reliant village republics.

This report not only celebrates the achievements of the best-performing states but also highlights areas for improvement, ensuring a promising future for India’s rural governance and development journey.