Panchayati Raj in India: Achievements, Challenges and Reforms
Why in the news
Governance shifts, economic policy and urbanisation are putting the panchayati raj system under strain, so its role needs a fresh look.
Achievements
- Keenly contested panchayat elections.
- Nearly 14 lakh elected women representatives.
- Panchayats help implement rural development schemes; State Finance Commissions assist local bodies.
Challenges
| Issue | Detail |
|---|---|
| Administrative devolution | Just 20% of states transferred all 29 subjects of the 11th Schedule |
| Fiscal autonomy | Untied grants: 85% (13th FC) to 60% (15th FC) |
| DBT | Schemes such as PM-KISAN bypass panchayats, lowering accountability |
| Urbanisation | Rural population down from 75% (1990) to about 60%, shifting policy to municipalities |
Way forward
- Devolve all 11th Schedule subjects and move staff and authority to local bodies.
- Raise untied grants, widen own revenue (property tax, service fees), lean less on centrally sponsored schemes.
- Use online citizen platforms and GIS mapping for land and water.
- Support migrant families, community renewable energy, water conservation and local disaster response.
Exam angle
- Amendment: 73rd (1992); schedule: 11th with 29 subjects.