Karnataka has undertaken several initiatives to reinforce decentralized governance, primarily through the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act, 1993, and subsequent amendments.

Legislative Framework

Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act, 1993: The cornerstone of decentralized planning in Karnataka is the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act, 1993. This act establishes a three-tier system of local governance comprising Zilla Panchayats (district level), Taluk Panchayats (taluk level), and Gram Panchayats (village level). These bodies are empowered to prepare and implement plans for economic development and social justice.

Sections 309 and 310:

• Section 309 mandates Panchayats to prepare development plans and sectoral schemes.
• Section 310 requires the formation of District Planning Committees (DPCs) to consolidate plans from Panchayats and municipal bodies into a comprehensive district development plan.

Structural Reforms

District Planning Committees (DPCs): DPCs play a crucial role in integrating rural and urban planning. They prioritize the 'taluk' as the primary unit of planning, following the recommendations of the Dr. D M Nanjundappa Committee. This focus ensures a more localized and effective planning process.

Responsibility Mapping: The Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993, mandates responsibility mapping, where programs are divided into smaller activities based on the subsidiarity principle. This ensures that functions are performed at the most immediate level of governance, enhancing efficiency and accountability.

Financial Empowerment

Funds Allocation:

• Gram Panchayats: Gram Panchayats with a population of less than 8000 receive Rs. 10 lakhs annually. For populations exceeding 8000, an additional Rs. 1 lakh is allocated for every 1000 people.
• Revenue Sources: Gram Panchayats can levy taxes and fees on various activities, including buildings, land, water, entertainment, vehicles, advertisements, markets, bus stands, and grazing cattle. Taluk and Zilla Panchayats can charge fees on their properties but cannot levy taxes.

Government Transfers: Both Gram and Taluk Panchayats receive funds from land revenue cess and stamp duty surcharge, apart from direct government transfers. This financial structure ensures a steady flow of funds to support local development initiatives.

Participatory Mechanisms

Ward and Grama Sabhas: Ward and Grama Sabhas are integral to the participatory planning process, ensuring that the plans reflect the aspirations and needs of the local population. These bodies facilitate direct democracy at the grassroots level.

Janavasti Sabhas: The Act outlines strategies for plan preparation from grassroots-level Janavasti Sabhas, which are scrutinized by various Panchayat development committees. This bottom-up approach ensures inclusivity and responsiveness to local needs.

Planning Initiatives

Perspective Plans:

• Five-Year Plans: Gram Panchayats are required to prepare five-year perspective plans aligning with local and state goals. These plans are developed through participatory rural appraisal and integrate Localized Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs).
• Sectoral Focus: The perspective plans cover key sectors such as Poverty, Health, Education, Women and Child Development, Environment, Infrastructure, and Governance. Indicators are defined for each sector, and data is collected by Gram Panchayats with departmental support.

Integrated Participatory Annual Action Plan (IPAAP):

• Formerly GPDP: The IPAAP, previously known as the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP), outlines activities for achieving the goals set in the five-year perspective plans. The IPAAPs for 2023-24 have been uploaded to Government of India portals, and preparations for 2024-25 are underway.

Institutional Support

Karnataka State Decentralized Planning and Development Committee: Chaired by the Chief Minister, this committee consolidates rural and urban plans from the grassroots to the state level. It assists the government in formulating development plans and annual economic reviews. Key initiatives include:

• Round Table Conference: Held to strengthen Panchayat Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies.
• Responsibility Mapping: Prepared and submitted to streamline functions and improve efficiency.
• Devolution and Performance Index: Developed to assess and enhance the performance of Panchayat Raj Institutions.
• Water Budgeting and Master Database: Initiatives to enhance resource management and local governance data systems.

Conclusion

Karnataka's policy initiatives to strengthen decentralized planning encompass legislative reforms, financial empowerment, structural changes, and participatory mechanisms. By focusing on local needs and ensuring active participation from the grassroots level, Karnataka aims to enhance the effectiveness of its decentralized governance framework. The comprehensive approach ensures that development plans are not only well-funded and efficiently managed but also inclusive and responsive to the needs of the local population.