Published on: February 17, 2025

STATUS OF DEVOLUTION TO PANCHAYATS IN STATES REPORT

STATUS OF DEVOLUTION TO PANCHAYATS IN STATES REPORT

NEWS  – The Union Minister of State for Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, unveiled the 2024 “Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States – An Indicative Evidence Based Ranking” report.

HIGHLIGHTS

The report assesses the devolution of powers and resources to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) as per the 73rd Constitutional Amendment 1992.

Background on the 73rd Constitutional Amendment (1992)

  • Inserted the 11th Schedule in the Constitution.
  • Outlined the powers and functions of Panchayati Raj Institutions.
  • Mandated State/Union Territories to grant powers to PRIs in accordance with the 11th Schedule.

Importance of the Report

The Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj introduced the Panchayats Empowerment and Accountability Incentive Scheme (PEAIS) in 2005-06 to:

  1. Incentivize States/Union Territories to empower Panchayats.
  2. Encourage accountability in Panchayat functioning to enhance transparency and efficiency.
  3. Allocate funds based on performance in the Devolution Index formulated by an independent institution.

Who Prepared the 2024 Report?

  • Prepared by: Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi.
  • First Report (2006-07): Created by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER).

States and Union Territories Covered

  • The report includes all States and Union Territories, except:
  1. Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland – where the 73rd Amendment does not apply.
  2. National Capital Territory of Delhi – as Panchayats were suspended in 1990.
  3. Union Territory of Chandigarh – as there are no Panchayats.

Devolution Index: Dimensions and Indicators

  • The ranking is based on 6 dimensions and 25 sub-indicators.
  • The six key dimensions used in the Devolution Index:
  1. Framework
  2. Functions
  3. Finance
  4. Functionaries
  5. Capacity Enhancement
  6. Accountability

RANKING OF STATES/UNION TERRITORIES IN DEVOLUTION INDEX (2024)

  • Other states with scores above 50:
    • Telangana (55.1)
    • Andhra Pradesh (54.43)
    • Himachal Pradesh (53.17)
    • Madhya Pradesh (50.94)
    • Odisha (50.03)

ABOUT INDIAN INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (IIPA)

  • Established: 1954
  • Set up by: Government of India, based on Prof. Paul H. Appleby’s recommendations.
  • Status: An autonomous academic institution of national importance.
  • Legal Registration: Under the Societies Act of 1860.