Discuss the impact of decentralised development.

Elections

The impact of direct election of the chairperson of the Gram Panchayat was good. It has been observed that such a chairman is a strong executive head and at the same time is also directly accountable to the people. 

The field experiences from Andhra Pradesh and other states reveal that the direct election of the chairpersons, i.e. the Sarpanch, of the Gram Panchayat tends to promote the emergence of the people not only for his actions but also for performance of the Gram Panchayat as a whole Reservation

Another area of decentralization, where its impact can be assessed, is the participation of SC/ST’s, OBCs and women in PRIs and ULBs.

Some three million people have been elected to local councils at all three levels of local government, including one million women and a large number of SCs and STs.

The very presence of large numbers of poor people in local councils, mainly on account of seat reservations, is a very significant development in the local political landscape of most parts of rural India where they were previously excluded from public life and political participation (Robinson, Mark; 2005:17).

Vastly increased numbers of elected representatives have provided new opportunities for political representation at the local level, especially for women and marginalized social groups.

The reservations have provided under-privileged groups with increased visibility and an opportunity to influence local affairs. 

There are many instances where women have managed to generate modest local development dividends by marshalling financial resources and lobbying bureaucrats and politicians at higher levels.

Role of Gram Sabha :

The Gram Sabha, corner stone of the entire scheme of democratic decentralization, was non functional prior to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act.

Even after the Amendment, it has not been activated to the desired extent. Realizing the importance of this institution at the local level,the Government declared the year 1999-2000 as the “Year of Gram Sabha”.

As a result, thic Gram Sabhas started mecting on specificd dates (26th January, ist May, 15th August and 2nd October) and the local people came in large numbers to attend the meetings in States like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, ctc.

Role of the Ward Committees :

The provision for ward committees was made to ensure some proximity between citizens and their elected representatives.

Since many aspects of day-to-day civic life could be addressed in a better way at the neighbourhood level, it was necessary to have the ward committees, which could serve as effective forums for interaction with elected ward councilors.

Accountability :

Accountability of local institutions is a precondition for creating trust in the minds of the people. 

The expectations of the people from the government in general and the PRIS/ ULBs in particular do not remain confined only to the prevention of abuse of power or dishonesty in the use of public resources.

Rather they expect their government to be responsive to their needs, wishes, and preferences.

As such, the public agencies in general and the local government institutions in particular must remain accountable for being responsive to the needs of the citizens they serve

Transfer of Functions :

The full transfer of functions under 29 and 18 subjects have not taken place in almost all the States.

Even, in the functional terms, the subjects under basic needs (like primary education, health, agriculture, veterinary, irrigation ctc.) have not been transferred.

Also inter-tier demarcation of functions has not been carried out resulting, into overlapping of functions and conflicts in certain cases. Similarly, subject-specific responsibilities have not been assigned to each tier

Devolution of Funds :

Like devolution of functions, the devolution of funds too has not taken place in most of the States. 

Tinancial decentralisation has progressed to a very limited extent as resource flows are determined by the implementation guidelines for state and central government anti-poverty schemes.

Hence, financial autonomy to the PRls and the ULBs have been granted in very few States. Despite that, the impact of decentralisation can be seen on the financial health of the local bodies.

The constitution of State Finance Commission (SFC) and provision for effective local tax administration in the Act, have no doubt improved the financial health of the local bodies.

Subcribe on Youtube - IGNOU SERVICE

For PDF copy of Solved Assignment

WhatsApp Us - 9113311883(Paid)