Planning And Capacity Building In Panchayati Raj System

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Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) are rural local governments entrusted with the responsibilities to prepare plan and implement schemes for Economic Development and social Justice in rural India. A number of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) assign important role to PRIs. In addition, PRIs are also involved in implementation and monitoring of several State Schemes. For achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in rural India, PRIs will have to play a key role. Importance of PRIs is also in ensuring people’s participation and enforcing downward accountability in the Rural Development Initiatives. It would not be wrong to say that if India has to achieve Good Governance, PRIs have to function effectively as envisaged by the Indian Constitution.

Part IX of Indian Constitution is applicable in all States and UTs except Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland & parts of Hill areas of Manipur, Darjeeling district of West Bengal, parts of Assam and Tripura. Currently there are approximately 2,55,309 PRIs in India, of which approximately 2,48,160 Gram Panchayats (GPs), 6,284 Intermediate Panchayats (IPs) and 595 District Panchayats (DPs).ARTICLE 243 G provided for the Powers, Authority and Responsibilities of Panchayats, Subject to the provisions of the Constitution, the Legislature of a State may, by law, endow the Panchayats with such powers and authority and may be necessary to enable them to function as institutions of self-government and such law may contain provisions for the devolution of powers and responsibilities upon Panchayats at the appropriate level; subject to such conditions as may be specified therein, with respect to a) the preparation of plans for economic development and social justice; and b) the implementation of schemes for economic development and social justice as may be entrusted to them including those in relation to the matters listed in the Eleventh Schedule.

Therefore the Panchayat is expected to perform with reference to these duties, responsibilities and authority such that the delivery of Services is par excellence. However, due to inadequate capacity, experience, training, etc. they are unable to do so resulting in loss of confidence in the Ministries / Departments to delegate / nominate them as agents for service delivery. Same arguments are used by State governments to avoid devolution of functions, funds and functionaries to Panchayats. Hence, capacity development of PRIs is imperative to strengthen rural local governance in India.

Challenges of Capacity Development of PRIs

Reaching out to large numbers of ERs and functionaries

As stated earlier, there are 2.48 lakh GPs and number of ERs is about 28 lakh. Added to these are more than 10 lakh functionaries that are working at the GP and below levels under various Ministries/Departments State Rural Development Institutes along with other support training institutes and NGOs are dealing with the issue of capacity building of this huge number in several ways. However, the Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE currently available and dearth of quality trainers for Panchayat level capacity building makes it a mammoth challenge to be addressed.

Preparing appropriate training modules

While reaching out to a large number of stakeholders, it is necessary to ensure that the standards of the training modules is maintained, and the needs of people with diverse backgrounds are addressed. This requires a great deal of institution building, networking, monitoring mechanisms, etc. ERs of PRIs is a heterogeneous group consisting also of illiterate or less educated and of marginalised sections such as Women, SC and ST. Preparing a training module which can cater to this heterogeneous group is a challenge. Development of ERs and functionaries of PRIs involves imparting knowledge, Skill development and Attitudinal Change and hence all three components need to be addressed by any module. PRIs have to deal with varied subjects and sectoral experts are required to give inputs in the preparation of modules which is a challenge.

Deploying adequate quality trainers

Different modes of training require quality trainers with specific subject matter specialization and expertise. With change in the approaches to training, trainers are required with special skill-sets for such modes of training. It is also of utmost importance that these trainers have extensive knowledge of grassroots’ circumstances / conditions in diverse geographical conditions, culture, Environment, etc., to be able to tailor make the trainings as per the requirement of the ERs.

Handholding at GP level

For effective capacity development of ERs apart from classroom training programmes, utopian, as generally what is communicated is far from ground reality. The lectures at these sessions explain the various rights, powers and duties of the ERs and PRI functionaries. In reality neither would the PRI have been devolved any functions by the State Government, nor would have been involved in any of the Government programmes. Mentoring is a necessary component for effecting the gains from a good training programme. There are extremely rare cases where some NGO has done handholding of a PRI.

Unviable size of Panchayats

The below tables shows the Average Population per GP and the status of functionaries in PRIs across the country. There are about 8000 GPs with a population of 500 or less. Any Resources made available to a GP with uneconomical area are of little support. Human resource at such levels is also impractical.

Lack of office buildings and staff

About 48476 Panchayats (about 20%) are without Panchayat building and many Panchayat buildings are in dilapidated condition. only 63% of total number of Gram Panchayat having sanctioned posts for the Panchayat Functionaries (Secretary or Equivalent) and approx. 31% of total sanctioned Posts of Secretary or Equivalent are vacant. Lack of requisite manpower at Panchayat level makes it difficult for proper functioning of the Panchayat as an institution for local governance and development, and severely constrains their activities and proper reporting.

Capacity Building Initiatives

Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat SashaktikaranAbhiyan (RGPSA): RGPSA was a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) implemented during financial year 2012-13 to 2014-15 having State component and Central component. Key objectives of the Scheme included a) to enhance capacities and effectiveness of Panchayats and the Gram Sabhas; b) to enable democratic decision-making and accountability in Panchayats and promote people’s participation; c) to strengthen the institutional structure for knowledge creation and capacity building of Panchayats; d) to promote devolution of powers and responsibilities to Panchayats according to the spirit of the Constitution and PESA Act; e) to strengthen Gram Sabhas to function effectively as the basic forum of people’s participation, Transparency and Accountability within the Panchayat system; f) to create and strengthen democratic local self-government in areas where Panchayats do not exist; g) to strengthen the constitutionally mandated framework on which Panchayats are founded.

Training infrastructure: Fourteen District Panchayat Resource Centres (DPRCs) have been sanctioned from 2013-14 to 2016-17 under RGPSA, out of which ten DPRCs are completed and four DPRCs are under construction. Further, three Divisional Training Centres (ETCs) and two Panchayat Training Centres have been constructed under State Plan. Three DPRCs have been sanctioned in the FY 2017-18. The panchayat functionaries in the State are trained by State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD) and Central Training Institute (CTI) at Ranchi, Divisional Training Centre (DTC) each at Hazaribagh, Chaibasa and Palamu and Panchayat Training Institute (PTI) at Deoghar. The SIRD in the State provides training to all kinds of functionaries whereas DTCs and PTI provide training only to the Panchayat functionaries. DTCs and PTI have been allotted adjoining Districts of the State for providing training to the functionaries. The CTI and SIRD provide training to the PR functionaries of the entire State. DPRCs also provide training at the District headquarters level.

The Panchayati Raj System is a system of local self-government in India. It was established by the 73rd and 74th Amendments to the Constitution of India in 1992. The Panchayati Raj System is based on the principle of devolution of power to the local level.

The Panchayati Raj System consists of three tiers:

Gram Panchayats (village councils)
Panchayat Samitis (block councils)
Zila Parishads (district councils)

The Gram Panchayat is the lowest tier of the Panchayati Raj System. It is responsible for the development of the village. The Panchayat Samiti is the middle tier of the Panchayati Raj System. It is responsible for the development of the block. The Zila Parishad is the highest tier of the Panchayati Raj System. It is responsible for the development of the district.

Planning in Panchayati Raj System is a process of developing and implementing plans for the development of the village, block, and district. The planning process in Panchayati Raj System is participatory in nature. It involves the participation of all stakeholders, including the elected representatives, the officials, and the people.

The planning process in Panchayati Raj System starts with the preparation of a village development plan (VDP). The VDP is prepared by the Gram Panchayat with the help of the people. The VDP is a document that outlines the development priorities of the village.

The VDP is then submitted to the Panchayat Samiti. The Panchayat Samiti prepares a block development plan (BDP) based on the VDPs of the villages in the block. The BDP is a document that outlines the development priorities of the block.

The BDP is then submitted to the Zila Parishad. The Zila Parishad prepares a district development plan (DDP) based on the BDPs of the blocks in the district. The DDP is a document that outlines the development priorities of the district.

The planning process in Panchayati Raj System is a continuous process. The plans are reviewed and updated on a regular basis.

Capacity building in Panchayati Raj System is a process of developing the skills and knowledge of the elected representatives, the officials, and the people to enable them to effectively participate in the planning and implementation of development programs.

The capacity building process in Panchayati Raj System is carried out through a variety of methods, including training, workshops, and seminars. The capacity building process is also carried out through the provision of technical assistance and the development of guidelines and manuals.

Challenges and Prospects of Planning and Capacity Building in Panchayati Raj System

The planning and capacity building process in Panchayati Raj System faces a number of challenges, including:

Lack of resources
Lack of coordination
Lack of accountability
Lack of transparency

Despite these challenges, the planning and capacity building process in Panchayati Raj System has a number of prospects, including:

The potential to improve the Quality Of Life of the people
The potential to reduce POVERTY
The potential to promote sustainable development

Conclusion

The planning and capacity building process in Panchayati Raj System is a complex and challenging process. However, it is a process that has the potential to improve the quality of life of the people and to promote sustainable development.

One of the key challenges facing the planning and capacity building process in Panchayati Raj System is the lack of resources. The Panchayati Raj System is often underfunded, which makes it difficult to implement development programs. In addition, the Panchayati Raj System is often not well-coordinated with other levels of government, which can lead to duplication of efforts and a lack of accountability. Finally, the Panchayati Raj System is often not transparent, which can make it difficult for people to hold their elected representatives accountable.

Despite these challenges, the planning and capacity building process in Panchayati Raj System has a number of prospects. The Panchayati Raj System has the potential to improve the quality of life of the people by providing them with a voice in the decision-making process and by delivering essential services. The Panchayati Raj System also has the potential to reduce poverty by promoting economic development and by providing social safety nets. Finally, the Panchayati Raj System has the potential to promote sustainable development by protecting the environment and by ensuring that development is equitable and inclusive.

Planning and capacity building in panchayati raj system is a complex and multifaceted issue. There are many different factors that need to be considered in order to develop an effective planning and capacity building strategy. Some of the key questions that need to be addressed include:

What are the specific needs of the panchayati raj system?
What are the available resources?
What are the best practices for planning and capacity building in other contexts?
How can the planning and capacity building process be made participatory and inclusive?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to these questions. The best approach will vary depending on the specific context. However, there are some general principles that can be applied to planning and capacity building in panchayati raj systems. These principles include:

The need for a participatory and inclusive planning process.
The need to build on existing strengths and capacities.
The need to develop a realistic and achievable plan.
The need to provide adequate resources and support.
The need to monitor and evaluate progress.

By following these principles, panchayati raj systems can develop effective planning and capacity building strategies that will help them to achieve their goals.

Here are some frequently asked questions about planning and capacity building in panchayati raj system:

What is planning and capacity building in panchayati raj system?

Planning and capacity building in panchayati raj system is a process of developing and implementing strategies to improve the effectiveness of the panchayati raj system. This includes developing plans, building capacity, and monitoring and evaluating progress.

What are the key challenges to planning and capacity building in panchayati raj system?

Some of the key challenges to planning and capacity building in panchayati raj system include:

Lack of resources
Lack of coordination
Lack of political will
Lack of community participation
What are some of the best practices for planning and capacity building in panchayati raj system?

Some of the best practices for planning and capacity building in panchayati raj system include:

Participatory planning
Capacity building
Monitoring and evaluation
What are some of the lessons learned from planning and capacity building in panchayati raj system?

Some of the lessons learned from planning and capacity building in panchayati raj system include:

The need for a participatory planning process
The need to build on existing strengths and capacities
The need to develop a realistic and achievable plan
The need to provide adequate resources and support
The need to monitor and evaluate progress
What are the future directions for planning and capacity building in panchayati raj system?

The future directions for planning and capacity building in panchayati raj system include:

Strengthening the participatory planning process
Building on existing strengths and capacities
Developing realistic and achievable plans
Providing adequate resources and support
Monitoring and evaluating progress

Which of the following is not a function of the Panchayati Raj System?
(A) Planning
(B) Implementation
(C) Monitoring
(D) Evaluation
The Panchayati Raj System is a three-tier system. Which of the following is not one of the three tiers?
(A) Gram Panchayat
(B) Zila Parishad
(C) Block Samiti
(D) State Government
The Panchayati Raj System is based on the principle of devolution of power. What does this mean?
(A) The power to make decisions is transferred from the central government to the Local Government.
(B) The power to make decisions is transferred from the state government to the local government.
(C) The power to make decisions is transferred from the local government to the central government.
(D) The power to make decisions is transferred from the local government to the state government.
The Panchayati Raj System is designed to promote Decentralization. What does this mean?
(A) It means that power is shared between the central government, the state government, and the local government.
(B) It means that power is shared between the state government and the local government.
(C) It means that power is shared between the local government and the central government.
(D) It means that power is concentrated in the hands of the local government.
The Panchayati Raj System is designed to promote participation. What does this mean?
(A) It means that people have a say in the decisions that affect their lives.
(B) It means that people have a say in the way that their taxes are spent.
(C) It means that people have a say in the way that their communities are run.
(D) All of the above.
The Panchayati Raj System is designed to promote accountability. What does this mean?
(A) It means that those in power are answerable to the people.
(B) It means that those in power are held responsible for their actions.
(C) It means that those in power are transparent in their dealings.
(D) All of the above.
The Panchayati Raj System is designed to promote efficiency. What does this mean?
(A) It means that the system is able to deliver services effectively and efficiently.
(B) It means that the system is able to use resources wisely.
(C) It means that the system is able to achieve its objectives.
(D) All of the above.
The Panchayati Raj System is designed to promote Equity. What does this mean?
(A) It means that the system is fair and just.
(B) It means that the system does not discriminate against any group of people.
(C) It means that the system provides equal opportunities for all.
(D) All of the above.
The Panchayati Raj System is designed to promote sustainability. What does this mean?
(A) It means that the system is able to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
(B) It means that the system is able to protect the environment.
(C) It means that the system is able to use resources wisely.
(D) All of the above.
The Panchayati Raj System is designed to promote good governance. What does this mean?
(A) It means that the system is efficient, effective, and accountable.
(B) It means that the system is transparent, participatory, and responsive.
(C) It means that the system is equitable, inclusive, and sustainable.
(D) All of the above.