Mains Marathon

• Introduction: Start your answer with a brief introduction to Panchayati Raj system and its objectives.
• Body: Discuss various challenges faced by them and suggest reform measures
• Conclusion: Summarize the key points and conclude.

Answer:

Panchayati Raj system is a three-tier system of local self-government in rural areas, established by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992. It aims to achieve the objectives of decentralization of power, democratic participation, empowerment of marginalized groups, and rural development. However, it faces several challenges that hamper its effective functioning and need to be addressed by various measures.

Some of the major challenges faced by the Panchayati Raj system are:

• Lack of finances: Panchayats have limited sources of revenue and depend on grants from the state and central governments, which are often delayed or inadequate. This affects their ability to plan and execute development projects and provide basic services to the rural people.
• Lack of devolution: Panchayats have not been given enough powers and functions by the state governments, which retain control over many subjects and departments that affect rural development. This reduces their autonomy and accountability and creates duplication and confusion in governance.
• Lack of capacity: Panchayat members and officials lack the skills, training, and resources to perform their roles and responsibilities effectively. They also face issues such as corruption, nepotism, political interference, and bureaucratic hurdles that undermine their efficiency and credibility.
• Lack of participation: Panchayats face low levels of awareness, interest, and involvement from the rural people, especially women, SCs, STs, and other marginalized groups. They also face challenges such as proxy representation, domination by elites, social prejudices, and violence that hinder their inclusiveness and responsiveness.

Some of the measures that can be taken to strengthen the Panchayati Raj system are:

• Strengthening financial autonomy: Panchayats should be given more sources of revenue such as taxes, fees, cesses, etc. They should also receive timely and adequate grants from the state and central governments based on their performance and needs.
• Strengthening functional autonomy: Panchayats should be given more powers and functions by the state governments in accordance with the 11th Schedule of the Constitution. They should also be given control over the staff and resources of various departments related to rural development.
• Strengthening capacity building: Panchayat members and officials should be provided with regular training, guidance, and support to enhance their skills, knowledge, and efficiency. They should also be encouraged to adopt best practices, innovations, and technologies for better governance.
• Strengthening participatory democracy: Panchayats should ensure that all sections of the rural society are represented, consulted, and involved in their decision-making and implementation processes. They should also promote awareness, education, empowerment, and security among the rural people, especially women, SCs, STs, and other marginalized groups.

Panchayati Raj system is a vital institution for local self-government and rural development in India but faces several challenges that need to be overcome by various measures. By strengthening inter-governmental coordination, accountability mechanisms, monitoring and evaluation systems, etc., the Panchayati Raj system can achieve its potential and prospects for achieving inclusive and sustainable development in rural India.