Category: Polity & Governance | UPSC GS-II | Panchayati Raj
Why is it in News?
- The West Bengal Government has transferred key financial and administrative powers from elected Gram Panchayat Pradhans to government officials, including Block Development Officers (BDOs).
The government argues that the move will:
- Improve transparency
- Ensure better accountability
- Prevent misuse of public funds
- Enhance implementation of welfare schemes
However, critics believe it weakens the spirit of democratic decentralisation envisioned under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment.
Background:
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
It:
- Inserted Part IX (Articles 243–243O) into the Constitution.
- Added the Eleventh Schedule containing 29 subjects.
- Recognised Panchayats as institutions of local self-government.
- Strengthened grassroots democracy through democratic decentralisation
What Has West Bengal Changed?
- The State has shifted several powers from elected Panchayat leaders to government officials.
These include:
- Financial approvals
- Administrative control
- Execution of development works
- Monitoring of welfare schemes
Constitutional Framework Article 243G
- Empowers State Legislatures to devolve powers to Panchayats.
- Enables Panchayats to prepare plans for economic development and social justice.
- It is enabling, not mandatory.
Article 243A
- Recognises the Gram Sabha as the foundation of participatory democracy.
Article 243H
- Allows States to authorise Panchayats to levy taxes, collect fees and receive grants.
Eleventh Schedule
Contains 29 subjects, including:
- Agriculture
- Minor irrigation
- Rural housing
- Drinking water
- Health & sanitation
- Rural roads
- Poverty alleviation
- Social forestry
Arguments in Favour
The government believes the move will:
- Improve financial transparency.
- Reduce corruption and fund diversion.
- Ensure better utilisation of government funds.
- Increase administrative efficiency.
- Strengthen auditing and accountability.
Concerns
Critics argue that it may:
- Weaken democratic decentralisation.
- Reduce the autonomy of elected Panchayat representatives.
- Increase bureaucratic dominance.
- Discourage people’s participation in local governance.
- Dilute the spirit of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment.
Important Committees
Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957)
- Recommended democratic decentralisation.
- Suggested a three-tier Panchayati Raj system.
Ashok Mehta Committee (1978)
- Recommended stronger Panchayats.
- Favoured greater devolution of powers.
L.M. Singhvi Committee (1986)
- Recommended constitutional status for Panchayats.
- Emphasised the role of the Gram Sabha.
Constitutional Debate
The issue raises a key constitutional question:
- dministrative efficiency justify reducing the powers of democratically elected local bodies?
- Although local government is a State Subject, excessive bureaucratic control may weaken the constitutional vision of grassroots democracy.
Way Forward
Ensure effective devolution of the 3Fs:
- Functions
- Funds
- Functionaries
- Strengthen Gram Sabhas and social audits.
- Improve transparency through digital governance.
- Build the capacity of elected Panchayat representatives.
- Promote cooperation between bureaucracy and elected local bodies.
Practice Question
Q. Consider the following statements regarding Panchayati Raj Institutions:
- Article 243G mandates that all States must devolve all 29 subjects of the Eleventh Schedule to Panchayats.
- The Eleventh Schedule was inserted by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act.
- Local government is a State Subject under the Seventh Schedule.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
