NEW DELHI: To ensure the impartiality and credibility of panchayat elections and to increase funds to meet their functional mandate have been cited as the two biggest challenges before the Panchayat Raj system.

According to `The state of panchayats — a mid-term review and appraisal,' the incomplete devolution of funds is, perhaps, the greatest challenge to the effective functioning of panchayats in the country. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will release the report, brought out by the Union Panchayat Raj Ministry, here next week.

Pointing out that public participation in panchayat elections was substantial, and very often, higher than in Parliamentary or Assembly elections, the report says that these elections are supervised by the State Election Commissions, and that there are deviations in procedure and practice at State levels (followed in respect of panchayat elections).

It suggests that all responsibilities involved in the election process, including that of preparation of electoral rolls, de-limitation of constituencies, reservation and rotation of candidates and conduct of elections, be squarely vested in the State Election Commission. Common electoral rolls and the use of electronic voting machines will significantly promote the conduct of free and fair elections to panchayats, the report adds.

Simplify funding mechanism

Recommending a review of funding through centrally-sponsored schemes along with additional Central assistance to State Plans, the report seeks simplification of the funding mechanism to panchayats.

Describing energising participation in gram sabhas as a challenge, the report says that giving them a prominent legal position was of no consequence if they remain neglected. "There is scepticism about the Utopian concept of people getting together to solve their problems. The feeling prevails that in the face of elite groups, marginalised segments and local politics, this does not work on the ground. What can be done is to evolve modalities where those who want to participate are facilitated."

The report adds that the acid test for successful fiscal reform for panchayats lay in the extent to which they raise revenue. The willingness of people to pay taxes is the barometer of the panchayat's capacity to deliver and the quantum of trust it enjoys among people. Local taxation is the best check that people can exercise over their elected representatives, it adds.

Fiscal devolution

The report also calls for the need to recognise the constitutional sanctity given to the State Finance Commission. With greater fiscal devolution, the fund availability at the panchayat level would go up considerably.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail