Answer:
APPROACH AND STRUCTURE
THE INTRODUCTION: Introduction Begin with a concise statement addressing the main issue: the effectiveness of local self-government in India.
THE BODY
-
- Challenges faced by local self-government.
- Achievements and positive impacts.
THE CONCLUSION: In Conclusion, suggest measures for improvement.
THE INTRODUCTION:
Despite constitutional mandates, the actual transfer of the “3Fs” (Functions, Funds, and Functionaries) to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and urban local bodies (ULBs) remains inadequate. According to a NITI Aayog report, many states have not fully devolved the 29 functions listed in the Eleventh Schedule.
THE BODY:
-
- State governments often exercise excessive control over local bodies, undermining their autonomy. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission highlighted this over-centralization as a major impediment.
- Corruption and misuse of funds are Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports have frequently pointed out irregularities in the functioning of local bodies.
- State Finance Commissions (SFC) are often not constituted regularly, or their recommendations are not implemented, as the Fourth Finance Commission observed.
- Dominant social groups sometimes capture local institutions, marginalizing weaker sections. Real empowerment of women is hindered by proxy representations, where male relatives influence decisions—a phenomenon termed “Sarpanch Pati.”
- Many local bodies lack basic office infrastructure, technical equipment, and human resources. The Indian Institute of Public Administration found that over 60% of Gram Panchayats lacked proper office spaces.
- Local bodies are increasingly tasked with managing environmental concerns without adequate support. Issues like waste management and pollution control require technical expertise and funds, which are often lacking.
However, the constitutional amendments have devolved powers to over 2.5 lakh Panchayats and urban local bodies (ULBs), involving approximately 3 million elected representatives. This massive grassroots democracy is unparalleled globally. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (2007) highlighted that decentralization through local governments has strengthened democracy by involving citizens directly in decision-making processes.
The Fifteenth Finance Commission recommended ₹4.36 lakh crore for local bodies for 2021- 26, a significant increase from previous allocations. Increased funds have enabled local bodies to undertake development projects independently.
UNDP and World Bank recognized India’s local governance as instrumental in progressing towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in poverty reduction and gender equality.
-
- Panchayats are the principal authorities for planning and implementing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. As per the Ministry of Rural Development, over 260 crore person-days of employment were generated in 2020- 21, aiding livelihood security.
- Reservations have led to women constituting over 46% of elected representatives in PRIs (Ministry of Panchayati Raj, 2019). Studies by the Institute of Social Sciences indicate that women leaders have prioritized issues like education, health, and sanitation. Reserved seats have ensured marginalized communities participate actively in governance, leading to more equitable policies.
- Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, local bodies facilitated the construction of over 6 lakh kilometers of rural roads, enhancing connectivity (Ministry of Rural Development, 2021).
- Local Bodies managed quarantine centers, disseminated information, and ensured supply of essentials. NITI Aayog praised PRIs for their critical role in community-level pandemic management.
- In states like Odisha and Madhya Pradesh, local governance bodies have managed forests sustainably, leading to increased forest cover. Forest Survey of India reported an increase of 3,976 sq km in forest cover between 2017 and 2019.
- Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, Local bodies were pivotal in constructing over 100 million toilets, contributing to rural sanitation (Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, 2019).
THE CONCLUSION:
The Constitution Review Commission (2002) suggested reviewing state laws to align with constitutional mandates. There should be strict adherence to constitutional provisions for holding regular elections to local bodies. Supreme Court directives mandate timely elections to prevent administrative gaps.
Spread the Word