Constitution of India visualised village panchayats as units of self-government. Think over the situation described in the following statements and explain how do these situations strengthen or weaken the panchayats in becoming units of self-government.
A. Government of a State has allowed a big company to establish a huge steel plant. Many villages would be adversely affected by the steel plant. Gram Sabha of one of the affected villages passed a resolution that before establishing any big industries in the region, village people must be consulted and their grievances should be redressed.
B. The government has decided that 20 % of all its expenditure would be done through the panchayats.
C. A village panchayat kept on demanding funds for a building for village school, the government officials turned down their proposal saying that funds are allocated for certain other schemes and cannot be spent otherwise.
D. The government divided a village Dungarpur into two and made a part of village Jamuna and Sohana. Now village Dungarpur has ceased to exist in government’s books.
E. A village panchayat observed that water sources of their region are depleting fast. They decided to mobilise village youth to do some voluntary work and revive the old village ponds and wells.
A. As the government of a State has allowed a big company to establish a huge steel plant and this will adversely affect the villages by the steel plant.
Gram Sabha has passed a resolution against it. It implies that the state did not consult the gram panchayat to establish the steel plant. This action of the State Government will harshly weaken the institution of Panchayats. The Gram Sabha of one of the villages who’s affected by this should pass the resolution that village people must be consulted and their grievances must be redressed before the panchayat. It will strengthen the village Panchayats as the Gram Sabha can now move independently for the benefit and welfare of the people in the village.
B. The decision that has been taken by the state government that 20% off its expenditure would be done through the Panchayats will prove to be major help in the finances of the Panchayats. It will make the village panchayat stronger and will make its resources available allowing them to spend at the need of the people. The panchayat need to find an independent source of revenue because at the same time financial dependence of the local bodies on the state government will hinder their competence to work effectively.
C. This proves to be a weak point in the system of village panchayat as it does not have funds to maintain and carry out welfare projects and functions for the people in the village. They have to be dependent on the government officials for funds for these developments which bind them from their complete freedom. The rejection of the demand for funds for building a village school by government officials saying that the funds are allotted for certain other schemes, will surely deteriorate the Panchayats in becoming autonomous.
D. Giving power in the hands of people strengthen the panchayat as it creates new unit of self government. This leads to more people participating in ground level. If the government has divided the village on its own without people concern then it will surely weaken the panchayati system. On the other hand if the decision took place under the recommendations of the panchayat then it will prove to be a strengthening decision.
E. It strengthens the village self governance as it reflects the ability of village panchayat to mobilise people use and utilise their own resources without external interference or help from the state government. There would be cooperation between the gram panchayat and the people which will strengthen the Panchayati Raj Institution in India. Mobilizing the youth in some productive and volunteer work will increase the involvement of people at the local level to support the Panchayati Raj system.
Suppose you are entrusted to evolve a local government plan of a State, what powers would you endow to the village panchayats to function as units of self-government? Mention any five powers and the justification in two lines for each of them for giving those powers.
Village panchayat is a decentralised independent body which functions as a unit of self-government. If I am entrusted to evolve a local government plan of a State, the following powers will be endowed in the panchayats:
1. Public Amenities – to ensure better health and life of citizens and providing them with all sort of facilities, Gram Panchayats would have the powers to make arrangements for basic civic amenities for the people in the village.
2. Social Welfare Activities – The Gram Panchayat will need keep the records of birth and death in the village, family planning and its welfare also to organize social cultural events to increase participation and cooperation between people. The village can also organize charity programs for good social cause.
3. Agricultural Development – The Panchayats should supervise programmes and policies related to the modern agricultural practices and introduce new technologies and ways to increase the agricultural production.
4. Growth Works – The Gram Panchayats will also be responsible for development and growth functions at village level, such as construction of roads, tanks, irrigation facilities, maintenance of building and healthcare like hospitals an pharmacy at people’s reach, etc.
5. Educational work – The Gram Panchayats would be made responsible for the education in their village. I would make sure that gram Panchayats has the power and enough funds to open and maintain schools, Libraries and other educational institutions in the villages.
What are the provisions for the reservations for the socially disadvantaged groups as per the 73rd amendment? Explain how these provisions have changed the profile of the leadership at the village level.
In 1993 parliament passed two constitutional amendments 73rd and 74th. These amendments brought the rural and urban institutions of local self government into constitutional recognition and importance like the other institutions. The provisions of 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act makes provisions for the reservations of seats in local government for the disadvantaged groups like the women, the scheduled castes, the scheduled tribes and the other backward classes in the rural India. One third of all positions in panchayat are reserved for them. The Panchayats have been given the authority and responsibility of local planning and mobilisation of their own resources.
This definitely has changed the village leadership profile by transferring the leadership from the dominant social groups to the underprivileged social groups in the decision making progression. This promotes representation of all social groups in the panchayati institution. Now the people from the lower caste and backward category have now the benefit to play important roles in the government process to bring benefit to their community.
What were the main differences between the local governments before 73rd amendment and after that amendment?
The main differences between the local government before 73rd amendment and after that amendment are following:
1. After the 73rd amendment the local government has now been divided into an uniform three-tier Panchayati Raj structure.
2. Before the 73rd amendment act the state administration was responsible for conducting elections in the Panchayati Raj institution but after the amendment it is the state government which appoints the state election commission for the purpose. Establishment of an independent State Election Commission in every State ensures timely and free and fair election to these bodies.
3. After the 73rd amendment the revenue distribution between state government and local government and also the urban, rural government is completed by the state election commission.
4. This amendment made it mandatory to hold the elections of Panchayats on a regular basis in due time. It also makes provisions for the reservations in favour of women, the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes implementing various positions in local government.
5. The subjects of the state list in the 11th schedule of the constitution which has 29 subjects have been transferred to the institution of Panchayati Raj.
6. The age bar has been changed now the minimum age required to become a member of the Panchayats has been reduced to 21 years.
7. The Panchayats a unit of self governance have been given powers to charge, collect and correct such taxes, duties, tolls and fees in accord with the provisions made by the State government this ensures their financial autonomy and viability.
Read the following conversation. Write in two hundred words your opinion about the issues raised in this conversation.
Alok: Our Constitution guarantees equality between men and women. Reservations in local bodies for women ensure their equal share in power.
Neha: But it is not enough that women should be in positions of power. It is necessary that the budget of local bodies should have separate provision for women.
Jayesh: I don’t like this reservations business. A local body must take care of all people in the village and that would automatically take care of women and their interests.
The conversation between Alok, Neha and Jayesh is given on the issue of equal power of women. The constitution of India grants equality between men and women by several articles and programs. The article 15 of the constitution says that the state shall not discriminate against any citizen on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex and place of birth. According to article 39(1) the state shall secure right to and sufficient livelihood to all citizens and means to life and according to article 39(D) it ensures equal pay for equal work for both men and women without discriminating between them due to their gender. But instead of implementing them in laws, in practice we find favouritism between men and women in our society which will hinder in the growth and development.
In Alok’s opinion our constitution guarantees equality between men and women and ensures growth for both the genders. Reservations in local bodies for women ensure their equal share of power and representation, but Neha wants that the budget of the local bodies should have disconnected provision for women. These financial steps will help the women to improve their conditions. In the opinion of Jayesh, it is the duty of the local body to take care of people in the village and that would take care of the women and help them in their empowerment. It is really necessary to give them some reservations in all fields to widen their horizon and increase their source of opportunity and equality. The domination of men should end in all spheres to promote women participation as much as possible. From back in time we know that the women have been backward and the underprivileged section in our society and the male had not given them much opportunity to grow within themselves.
Read the provisions of the 73rd Amendment. Which of the following concerns does this amendment address?
A. Fear of replacement makes representatives accountable to the people.
B. The dominant castes and feudal landlords dominate the local bodies.
C. Rural illiteracy is very high. Illiterate people cannot take decisions about the development of the village.
D. To be effective the village panchayats need resources and powers to make plans for the village development.
A. The act of 73rd amendment it became mandatory to hold election after the term of every five years. If the State government dissolves the Panchayats before the end of its five years term, fresh elections must be held within six months period. This fear of replacement makes the representative accountable to the people.
B. After the 73rd Amendment act, the dominant caste and feudal landlords dominance on the local bodies came to an end. In the year 1993, reservations for women, Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes were made essential. The women have been given 1/3 reservation in local bodies like that of Villages Panchayat etc. Seats have also been reserved for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in proportion of their population. The dominant caste and feudal landlords who had their authority and control on the villages do not wish to give up their power which leads to conflict and tension in the village.
C. It is true that rural illiteracy is very high and illiterate people cannot take decisions about the development of the village. Education including primary and secondary education is the subjects included in the jurisdiction of Panchayati Raj institutions are listed in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution. There are 29 subjects inserted in this Schedule in 1992 by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act. It is the responsibility of State government to apply these provisions into action.
D. Village Panchayats need resources and powers to make plans for the village development. The Panchayats have been given powers to levy, collect and appropriate such taxes, duties, tolls and fees as in agreement with the provisions made by the State governments. Establishment of state finance commission review the finances of Panchayats after every five years and to make recommendation of grants to be given to the Panchayats by the State Governments.
The following are different justifications given in favour of local government. Give them ranking and explain why you attach greater significance to a particular rationale than the others. According to you, on which of these rationales the decision of the Gram Panchayat of Vengaivasal village was based? How?
A. Government can complete the projects with lesser cost with the involvement of the local community.
B. The development plans made by the local people will have greater acceptability than those made by the government officers.
C. People know their area needs problems and priorities. By collective participation they should discuss and take decisions about their life.
D. It is difficult for the common people to contact their representatives of the State or the national legislature.
The different justifications are given in favour of the local government. Their ranking should be as follows:
Rank 1: C. People know their area, needs, problems and priorities. By collective participation they should discuss and take decisions about their life. - Local government is meant for the local people. It is best understood that problems of an area is understood and resolved by the local people itself. These decisions are rational and find their own solution at root level.
Rank 2: B. The development plans made by the local people will have greater acceptability than those made by the government officers. – This makes another most important aspect of the local government. This happens because people make decisions based on their knowledge of local desires.
Rank 3: D. It is difficult for the common people to contact these representatives of the state or the national legislature – difficulty may arise because local people may not have the time or resources to approach authorities at state or district level about pending issue.
Rank 4: A. Government can complete the projects with lesser cost with the involvement of the local community. - The involvement of the community reduces project cost. However it is less important aspect compared to the development activities for the people in the villages.
According to me these rationales the decision of the Gram Panchayat of Vengaivasal village was based on the knowledge of the people about their area, needs, problems and priorities. Enabling collective participation helps people to discuss and take decisions about their life. No decision should be made without the consent of the Panchayat.
Which of the following according to you involve decentralisation? Why are other options not sufficient for decentralisation?
A. To hold election of the Gram Panchayat.
B. Decision by the villagers themselves about what policies and programmes are useful for the village.
C. Power to call meeting of Gram Sabha.
D. A Gram Panchayat receiving the report from the Block Development Officer about the progress of a project started by the State government.
According to me point D. Involve decentralization that the Gram Panchayat, receiving the report from the Block Development officer about the progress of a project started by the State government, it is the demonstration of the working of decentralisation.
The other three options do not occupy decentralisation because elections can take place, meeting can be conducted and projects can be monitored. All these features are not related to the decision making process which proves to be an important aspect of decentralisation.
A student of Delhi University, Raghavendra Parpanna, wanted to study the role of decentralisation in decision making about primary education. He asked some questions to the villagers. These questions are given below. If you were among those villagers, what answer would you give to each of these questions?
A meeting of the Gram Sabha is to be called to discuss what steps should be taken to ensure that every child of the village goes to the school.
a. How would you decide the suitable day for the meeting? Think who would be able to attend / not attend the meeting because of your choice.
(i) A day specified by the BDO or the collector
(ii) Day of the village haat
(iii) Sunday
(iv) Naagpanchami / sankranti
b. What is a suitable venue for the meeting? Why?
(i) Venue suggested by the circular of the district collector.
(ii) Religious place in the village.
(iii) Dalit Mohalla.
(iv) Upper caste Tola
(v) Village school
c. In the Gram Sabha meeting firstly a circular sent by the district collector was read. It suggested what steps should be taken to organise an education rally and what should be its route. The meeting did not discuss about the children who never come to school or about girls’ education, or the condition of the school building and the timing of the school. No women teacher attended the meeting as it was held on Sunday.
What do you think about these proceedings as an instance of people’s participation?
d. Imagine your class as the Gram Sabha. Discuss the agenda of the meeting and suggest some steps to realise the goal.
A. In my opinion the most suitable day is the day on which the maximum participation of the members of the Gram Sabha is ensured. Such a day may not be a precise by the Block Development Officer or the Collector. On the day of village hatt, the people are completely involved in its function. On Nag Panchami/Sanskrit, many members of the Gram Sabha would be coming to celebrate these festivals. On Sunday, the members of the Gram Sabha occupied in the district offices could easily attend but the women teachers would not attend. It my opinion the day of village haat would be the most suitable as most of the people are in the village to buy or sell the utilities.
B. The village school would be the most suitable venue because the school is for everyone and everybody and it should feel like their own. Looking at the religious place people from all communities might not turn up. Only the village school would be acceptable to all and everyone.
C. The proceedings of the Gram Sabha meeting described above cannot be termed as an instance of people’s participation. Firstly it was held on Sunday and on thus the women teachers did not attend it. A Gram Sabha meeting is held to discuss the problems concerning the village people. It is not heartening to note that the Gram Panchayat only discussed the steps for the organisation of an education rally. It should have discussed the substantive problems like girls education, attendance of children in village school, condition of the village school or the timing of the school.
D. By declaring a meeting arrangement we consider our class at Gram Sabha. The agenda of the meeting would be as follows:
1. To discuss the resist of the children who never attended school.
2. Several Poverty alleviation programmes.
3. The problems and condition of the village streets.
4. Various Cultural programmes conducted in the village.
5. To arrange several funds for the social and cultural programmes.
6. Coming to the conclusion- Lecture by Gram Pradhan (Leader of the village)