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Sakshi Rao
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Asked: 2024-08-06T12:25:46+05:30 In:

Critically examine the efforts to decentralize power and strengthen local self-governance through Panchayati Raj and urban local bodies.

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Examine the initiatives to decentralize power and develop local self-government through Panchayati Raj and urban local bodies.

upsc: polity since independence

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2 Answers

  1. Gopal Sharma
    Begginer

    Decentralization and Local Self-Governance: A Critical Examination

    Background: The Panchayati Raj system and urban local bodies (ULBs) were established in India to decentralize power and promote local self-governance.

    Efforts and Achievements:

    1. Panchayati Raj System: The Panchayati Raj system, established in 1992, has led to the devolution of powers and finances to the Gram Panchayats (GP), Panchayat Samitis (PS), and Zilla Parishads (ZP).
    2. Decentralization of Powers: The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992) have led to the decentralization of powers, with the Panchayats and ULBs having significant autonomy in decision-making.
    3. Funding: The Panchayati Raj system has received significant funding from the government, with the 13th Finance Commission (2010) allocating 35% of the total plan outlay to the Panchayats.
    4. Empowerment of Women: The Panchayati Raj system has provided a platform for women’s empowerment, with the reservation of 50% of seats for women in the Panchayats.

    Recent Examples:

    • Gram Sabha’s Role: The Gram Sabha, a statutory body comprising villagers, has been instrumental in deciding village-level projects, such as drinking water supply and infrastructure development.
    • Panchayat’s Role in Natural Disaster Management: The Panchayats have played a crucial role in disaster management, particularly during natural disasters like floods and cyclones, by providing relief and rehabilitation services.

    Challenges and Limitations:

    1. Lack of Capacity: The Panchayats and ULBs often lack the capacity and expertise to manage their responsibilities effectively.
    2. Inadequate Funding: The funding allocated to the Panchayats and ULBs is often inadequate, leading to a lack of resources for developmental projects.
    3. Interference from Higher Authorities: Higher authorities often interfere with the decisions made by the Panchayats and ULBs, undermining their autonomy.
    4. Corruption: Corruption is a significant challenge in the Panchayati Raj system, with irregularities reported in the allocation of funds and projects.
  2. Hirak Roy Chowdhury
    Begginer

    The initiatives to decentralize power and strengthen local self-governance were ensured through the 73rd and 74th Amendment Acts in 1992. Part IX and Part IX-A deal with the two respectively.

    Structure of PRI:

    1. Gram Panchayat: The smallest unit, governing a village or a group of villages.
    2. Panchayat Samiti: The middle tier, which covers a block or a group of neighboring villages.
    3. Zilla Parishad: The top tier at the district level, overseeing multiple blocks.

    Structure of ULB’s:

    1. Municipalities: For smaller urban areas, often classified into Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats.
    2. Municipal Corporations: For larger urban areas or cities, which handle more complex administrative functions.

    Initiatives taken by the Government: 

    1. Increased Representation: Both Panchayati Raj institutions and ULBs have significantly increased local representation and involvement in governance. Promoting people participation in the democracy.
    2. Reservation of Seats: In Panchayati Raj system via the 73rd Amendment and in ULBs via the 74th Amendment acts, the reservation of seats for SCs, STs, and women (33%) have been assured.
    3. State Election Commission: Each state has a State Election Commission responsible for the regular free and fair  conduct of elections of Urban Local Bodies and PRI.
    4. Local Development: There has been progress in local infrastructure and development projects, such as roads, schools, and sanitation facilities.
    5. Empowerment of Women: The reservation for women in both systems has empowered many women to take on leadership roles, thus breaking free of the shackles of patriarchy, which is starkly prominent in rural areas.

    Conclusion: Overall, while significant strides have been made in decentralizing power and promoting local self-governance in India, ongoing efforts are needed to address the challenges and ensure these systems operate effectively for the benefit of all citizens.

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