Knowledge Booster: Panchayat Devolution Index

Subject: Polity, Governance, Social Justice
Relevance: The Panchayati Raj system is a significant topic in the General Studies II paper of the UPSC CSE. Understanding its effectiveness, challenges, and representation is crucial.

Why in the News?

• The Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj released the Panchayat Devolution Index, based on a study by the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA).

Key Takeaways

1. Panchayat Devolution Index:

   • Based on a study by the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA).

   • Last published in 2014.

   • The national average score has increased from 39.92 (2014) to 43.89 (2024).

   • The IIPA studied 172 panchayats across 68 districts in India.

2. Assessment Parameters:

   • Framework

   • Functions

   • Finances

   • Functionaries

   • Capacity Building

   • Accountability

3. Index Scoring:

   • Scale of 0 to 100.

   • Top Ranking States: Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

   • Most Improved States: Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

   • Lowest Scoring States: Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Jharkhand.

   • States with most significant declines over the decade: Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Haryana.

   • Maharashtra has seen a decrease in its score among the top 10 states.

   • In 2013-14, top scores were in Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Chhattisgarh.

4. Panchayat Numbers:

   • India has 2.62 lakh panchayats (2024), up from 2.48 lakh in 2013-14.

   • Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh have the highest number of panchayats.

Representation in Panchayats

1. Women Representation:

   • Nationally, the average proportion of women representatives is 46.44% (slight increase from 45.9% in 2013-14).

   • Most states have a 50% reservation quota.

   • States/UTs below the threshold: Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Tripura.

   • Uttar Pradesh has the lowest proportion of women representatives at 33.33%.

   • Highest Proportion: Odisha (61.51%), Himachal Pradesh (57.5%), Tamil Nadu (57.32%).

2. Representation of SCs, STs, and OBCs:

   • No formal reservation at the national level.

   • Highest SC Representation: Punjab (36.34%).

   • Highest ST Representation: Chhattisgarh (41.04%).

   • Highest OBC Representation: Bihar (39.02%).

   • National Average: SCs (18.03%), STs (16.22%), OBCs (19.15%).

Major Challenges

1. Funding:

   • In 2023-24, states allocated Rs 47,018 crore to panchayats, but only Rs 10,761 crore was released as of November 2023.

2. Infrastructure:

   • Panchayats lack basic infrastructure in some states.

   • Only seven states and UTs reported that 100% of their panchayat offices were pucca buildings.

   • In 21 states and UTs, at least three-fourths of panchayat offices were pucca.

Significance of Panchayati Raj System

• Grassroots democracy and empowerment in rural areas.

• Promotes participatory democracy.

• Achieve inclusive growth.

• Address problems like climate change and rural-urban migration.

• Ensure fair and sustainable development at the local level.

• Respond to local demands.

National Panchayati Raj Day

• Celebrated annually on April 24th.

• Established in 1993 after the enactment of the 73rd Amendment Act.

• Introduced a three-tier system at the village, block, and district levels.

Historical Background

• Ancient India: Village councils (Panchayats) were primary governing bodies.

• 1993: Granted constitutional status and made compulsory for all states.

• 73rd Amendment Act of 1992 (Effective April 24, 1993): Gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

Constitutional Provisions

• Part IX of the Constitution (Articles 243 to 243O).

• Deals with the structure, powers, and functions of Panchayats.

Related Information

• Mahatma Gandhi advocated for a Panchayati Raj system.

• Effective local administration is necessary for India to achieve inclusive growth.

• PRIs can ensure sustainable development and respond to local demands.

73rd Constitutional Amendment Act

1. Added Part IX to the Constitution, titled “The Panchayats.”

2. Provided for a three-tier system of panchayats at the village, intermediate, and district levels.

3. Ensured regular elections to panchayats.

4. Provided for reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in proportion to their population, and not less than one-third reservation for women.

5. Provided for the establishment of a State Finance Commission to review the financial position of the Panchayats.

6. Provided for the constitution of a District Planning Committee to prepare a draft development plan for the district as a whole.