Panchayat secretary serves 4–5 bodies, affecting service delivery

The Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj examined the effectiveness of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, specifically focusing on coordination within the three-tier Panchayat system. This matters to citizens as it addresses the autonomy, financial health, and service delivery capabilities of local self-government institutions.

Ministry of Panchayati Raj, State Governments, and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) including Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, and Zila Parishads.

• The Committee observed that devolution of functions, finances, and functionaries to PRIs is uneven across states, with PRIs often acting as implementing agencies for state governments rather than autonomous bodies.
• The Committee recommended the Ministry of Panchayati Raj institutionalise a comprehensive review framework to periodically rank states across six dimensions: framework, functions, finances, functionaries, capacity enhancement, and accountability.
• The Committee recommended the Ministry formulate a roadmap for next-generation reforms focusing on deepening democratic decentralisation, strengthening institutional capacity and financial sustainability, ensuring digital governance, and increasing citizen participation.
• The Committee noted that Panchayats are dependent on grants with limited ability to raise own revenue, limiting their autonomy.
• The Committee recommended a strategy to strengthen own-source revenue, timely constitution of State Finance Commissions, and performance-based incentives for enhancing own revenue and financial management.
• The Committee observed that powers are concentrated at the Gram Panchayat level, leaving block and district Panchayats with limited authority, which adversely affects integrated planning.
• The Committee recommended that block and district plans consolidate gaps identified in Gram Panchayat Development Plans and that states follow prescribed grant-sharing ratios across tiers.
• The Committee observed that one Panchayat secretary often serves four to five Panchayats, adversely affecting service delivery.
• The Committee recommended the creation of dedicated Panchayat cadres and the phased provision of one dedicated Panchayat secretary for each Gram Panchayat.
• The Committee observed that while women constitute nearly half of elected representatives, proxy representation remains widespread.
• The Committee recommended strict enforcement of the advisory against proxy representation and dedicated training and mentoring for women representatives.
• The Committee observed that Gram Sabha meetings are becoming largely ceremonial with declining public participation.
• The Committee recommended using digital platforms, social mobilisation, and awareness campaigns to increase participation, along with periodic assessment of Gram Sabha functioning quality.

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