Arise And Rejuvenate The Third Layer Of Governance

Context: In the present time of crisis there is a need to rejuvenate the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to oversee the implementation of progressive plans.

Evolution of PRIs in India

• Historical inspiration: Cholas were pioneers in the formation of local bodies as part of a well-organized hierarchy to oversee the implementation of progressive plans.
• Colonial-era developments:
  • Madras Local Boards Act, 1884: British formed unions in both small towns and big cities and began to appoint members to ensure power-sharing and better administration.
  • Advent of gram panchayat laws in 1920: People over 25 years of age were bestowed with the right to vote and choose their panchayat members.
• Constitutional recognition in 1992 – 73^rd Constitution Amendment Act: Brought turning points such as
  • Initiation of Grama Sabha: A three-tier Panchayati raj methodology of governance.
  • Reservation for downtrodden and women
  • Consistency in economic development
  • Local body elections once in five years
  • Formation of State Election Commission and State Finance Commission
  • Power to draft rules and responsibilities of Panchayat.

Significance of Panchayati Raj institutions

• Welfare state responsibility: To ensure that even the last man sitting in a remote corner of the last row should have access to benefits.
• Administrative role: To enable genuine feasibility and execution of Government policies.
• Upholding democratic ethos:
  • Mahatma Gandhi once said “The voice of the people is the voice of God; The voice of the Panchayat is the voice of the people”
  • PRIs ensure that the voices of people are heard loud and clear.
  • The administration is transferred to people, from politicians and other officials.
• Participative governance: Ensures active participation of people in governance.
• Grama Sabha meetings: Ensures the equal right to highlight the issues that disrupt life.
  • Tamil Nadu government: Grama Sabha must meet at least four times in a calendar year.
  • Transparency measures: Elected members of Panchayat obliged to read out financial statements and balance sheet.

Issues associated with PRIs

• Functioning like auction houses: Recently, Tamil Nadu government did not seek opinions and consensus of people on significant issues like the eight-lane highway project and hydrocarbon project.
• Ineffective meetings and conduct practices: Major decisions taken in meetings with poor attendance and poor representation from people.
• Vested interests: Of special interest groups (private & corporate entities) deciding political negotiations.
• Gender bias (Sarpanch pati practices): Women do not find themselves in major administrative roles in local bodies, though, on paper, women are shown to be a considerable force.
• Issues with State-appointed corporation commissioner: Leads to consistent deadlocks when a member of the Opposition party takes charge as a mayor.
• Delays in the conduct of regular elections (Constitutional breach): Recently, for the first time, local body elections were postponed in Tamil Nadu.
  • Criticised as an act of escapism and a stain on the State’s political history.

Way forward

• Kerala model example: Diligently working towards ensuring proper use of allotted funds, and ensuring ef?ciency of administration and eligible member appointments.
• Ensure efficiency:
  • Hold area Sabha in cities, form ward committees, hold online Panchayat meetings, ensure decent remuneration to Panchayat chiefs and councillors.
  • Bestow Grama Sabha with power to revoke appointed members and representatives.