GS-2: Devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
Strengthen Panchayati raj
Local Bodies – Importance
Historical Roots: The Cholas were the pioneers in the formation of local bodies as part of a well-organised hierarchy to oversee the implementation of progressive plans.
Voices of People heard: Panchayati raj ensures that the voices of the people are heard loud and clear. “The voice of the people is the voice of god; The voice of the Panchayat is the voice of the people,” is the quote attributed to Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.
Good Governance: Seamless administration is impossible without power sharing.
Inclusive Governance: To ensure that even the last man sitting in a remote corner of the last row should have access to benefits.
Participative Governance: Every grama sabha meeting ensures the equal right to highlight the issues that disrupt life. Active participation of the people in governance.
Transparency & Accountability: Elected members of the Panchayat are obliged to read out the financial statements and balance sheet to ensure transparency.
Issues
Inadequate deliberations: Gram Sabhas Functioning like auction houses – Example Nadu government did not seek opinions and consensus of people on significant issues like the eight-lane highway project and hydrocarbon project.
Poor Participation: Meetings marked by poor attendance and poor representation from the people.
Corporate Interests Dominates: Several projects are being implemented for the benefit of private and corporate entities.
Role of Women: Women do not find themselves in major administrative roles in the local bodies, though, on paper, women are shown to be a considerable force. Eg. Sarpanch Pati.
Way Ahead
Ensuring the proper use of allotted funds.
Ensuring the efficiency of administration and eligible member appointments.
Need to strengthen our grama sabhas, hold area sabhas in cities, form ward committees, hold online Panchayat meetings
Ensure decent remuneration to Panchayat chiefs and councillors.
Bestow the grama sabha with the power to revoke appointed members and representatives.
Conclusion
The demand for federal rule in the Centre and autonomous rule in the States should resonate along with the need to have autonomous local bodies too.
Collectively ensure that Panchayati raj should be strengthened. This should be the outcome of a peoples’ movement.
