Role of Panchayat Raj in Rural Development through various Rural Development Programmes
Mr. Krishnamurty S
Teaching Assistant,
Davangere University, P.G Centre, Chitradurga.
Manjappa S
Research Scholar,
Department of Political Science, Hampi University
Abstract
India is the nations of villages and soul of India lives its villages. In true sence, without progress and prosperity of the villages, the countries prosperity and well being is inconceivable. Realizing this, the government has been taking several initiatives for the all round development of rural areas and prosperity of village folk. Progress in the past has been taking place at a glacial pace. The Ministry of Rural development has been making sincere efforts to bring prosperity and well being in the villages through its programmes and schemes viz., Pradhana Manthri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY),Pradhana Manthri Awaas Yojana-Gramin(PMAY-G),Mahathma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act(MGNREGA),National Rural livelihood Mission(NRLM), National Social Assistence programme (NSAP),Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana(SAGY),Shamprasadh Mukarji Rural Urban Mission and Mission Antyodhaya in recent years the scheme related to rural development have been restructured and their implementation has also been made more effective in order to achieve the desired results of all rural development schemes ,various initiatives have been taken for better planning ,effective monitoring, greater clarity and transparency. Despite these efforts at involve in the people through democratic decentralization ,community development and Panchayat Raj, Rural development progammes were virtually synonymous with agricultural development a package programme of rural development had to be devised, a multidymentional approached taken up and multiinstitutional efforts initialted .
Key words: Panchayat Raj Institution , village, development programmes, peoples participation
Concept of Panchayat Raj Institution-PRIs
Introduction
Rural development includes measures of strenghthen the democratic structure of society through the PRIs . It also includes models of improve the rural infrastructure, improve income of rural households delivery system pertain into education, health and safety mechanism.
PRIs are main body of village local poverty that play very a significant role in development of village especially primary education, health agricultural development , women and child development and women participation in local government etc. The PRIs are important Panchayats are recognized constitutionally by 73rd Amendment,1992…. . PRIs are three tier structure to ensure ther rural development and peoples participation in local Government.
Panchayat Raj is the right forum, various programmes for development villages to local participation, devolution or decentralization of power have give birth to Panchayat Raj system. PRIs are the grass root units of local self government and considered has vehicles for socio economic transformation of the rural society. In the aim of Panchayath Raj is to
According to Gandhiji, “Indian independence must being at the bottom. Every village should be a republic or a Panchayat having full powers. The greater the power of Panchayats, the better it os for the people”(Dayal 1970,15). To him “Swaraj” signified the vesting of the ultimate authority in the peasant and the labourer. True democracy cannot be worked from below by the people of every village.
In this light, The Constitution 73rd (Amendment) Act, 1992 has provided a new dimension to the concept of Panchayati Raj. In other words, the concept of People’s Participation should be considered as an ideological commitment and, therefore, legislative and structural (VijayKumar 1999, 32-33).
The Panchayat Raj Institutions are statutorily elected bodies at the village, Block and District levels with powers of local government. The primary objective of Panchayati Raj is to strengthen the base of democracy at the grass root and to enable the people of each village to achieve intensive and continuous development in the interests of the entire population, irrespective of caste, class, and creed.
Panchayati Raj or local self-government is an exercise in democratic decentralization of administrative authority. The system is based on the following principles.
The future of the country really depends upon effective Panchayati Raj and People’s participation or co-operation. It is the only effective instrument which can put speed and substance in our planning process and ensure the most effective use of the country’s resources for productivity. In that lies the future of both democracy and development of the economy as well as of the people. In the years to come, Panchayati Raj will be a catalytic agent of integrated development of tribal mass in rural areas.
Concept of Rural Development
Rural development in essence a multi-fact subject is a problem causing serious concern especially to development countries at all states of development. In generic terms rural development in taken to refer to “ Strategies , Policies and programmes for the development of rural area for the betterment of the rural poor”. One of the main objectives of this paper building of the social and economy infrastructure with the ultimate aim of achieving a fully utilization of available physical and human resources.
Rural development, on the other hand, means an overall development of rural areas In social, economic, political and cultural spheres so that people could lead a pleasant life (Pandit and Kulkarni 2012, 160). It is a broad, inclusive term which takes in its consideration the socio-economic and political development of the rural areas. It includes measures to strengthen the democratic structure of society through the Panchayati Raj Institutions as well as measures to improve the rural infrastructure, improve income of rural households and delivery systems pertaining to education, health and safety mechanisms (Mishra, Akhtar & Tarika 2011, 45).
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The study entitled “ the role of panchayat raj intuitions in rural development under taken with the following objectives
HYPHOTHIS OF THE STUDY
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This analytical study tell about the growth and function of the PRIs along with the impact of rural development programmes as rural economy data and information colleted both from government documents and published literatures available with internet is also used in the study . secondary data used in form of published national I,e/books, journels, etc.
Review of literature (Khanna (1956),Sudesh kumar Sharma, Ashok Mehta committee,(1978), Hooja (1978),Darshankar (1979), Indira hirway (1989).
REVIEW OF LITERATURE:
The Is A very Rich Literature On Panchayat Raj In The Form Of Books Committee Repots And Publishing Of Articles In Various Journals. These Studies Have Covered Both Theoretical As Well As Empirical PARTS. MAIN FINDINGS OF THESE Studies Have been discussed in the following few pages
Khanna (1956).7 deals with the structure, machinery and working of panchayat raj institons in india in historical perspective. He says that panchayat raj has been suffering from a crisis of confidence and a iow level of self-esteem. The panchayat raj system aiso suffers from some other difficulties like inadequate financial resources, inequalitarian attitude of officials, mass illiteracy, ignorance, class consciousness, party strife And limited financial and administrative autonomy and lack of faith in grass roots democracy. But in spite of all these defects and deficiencies, the institutional panchayat raj has added a new dimension’ to rural development and has brought socio-economic democracy to the door-steps of the common man in Indian villages. The author suggests that the basic needs of panchayat raj are;
So that Panchayat raj institutions can function as the organs of civic and socio-economic democrarcy and instruments of rural development
Mathur and narian (1969)8 concentrate basically on two issues; 1. Panchayat raj and democracy and 2. The politico administrativae aspects of panchayat raj.
They are the view that there is a CONFLICT BETWEEN panchayat raj and parliamentary democracy. The need of close linkage between panchayat raj Institutions and community development approach is emphasized. They conclude that the problem of official and non-official relationship is not so Baffing as is made out to be. They suggest that the training and education Programme for the elected representative is essential for the success. Sudesh kumar Sharma (1976).9 has attempted to study the reforms in Panchayat raj in the country since independence. The author has summed up analytically the major finding of the reports of the different committees, study Teams etc, having a bearing . He has also indicated the emerging trends and The unfinished business. The study gives a brief critical view of the various issues and inadequacies in an academic style.
Ashoka metha committee (1978)10 was set up to enquire into the working Of the panchayat raj institutions and to suggest measures for strengthening The so an to enable a decentralized planning and development to be effective. The committee suggested that the formulation of structure, functions and the Utilizations of financial, adminisitrative and human resources on panchayat of Institutions should be determined on the emerging fuctional necessity of Management of rural development. Further, it recommended a “two –tier model” of Panchayat Raj instead of three-tier model Balwant Rai Mehta Committee. These two-tiers were Zilla Parishad at district level and Mandal Panchayat at village level.
Hooja (1978)11 attempted to review the genesis of the twin concepts of Panchayat Raj and democratic decentralization in the context of their historical perspective and in the light of the development on the eve of independence and since. He suggests that there is a need for harmonious working relations between the Panchayat Institutions and the district administration and the Panchayat Raj bodies have to worki as mutually complimentrary and supporting units of one and the same democratic administrations at the state level and not as rivals contenders for each others powers.
Darshankar(1979)13 discussed the interaction between caste and policies role of money , education and social rank in the working of Panchayat Raj Institutions in Marthwada region of Maharashtra State. He suggested that the success of Panchayat Raj largely depends on the leaders and they have to be deeply committed to the ideals of Panchayat Raj. Panchayat Raj has not brought all the expected benefits to the common man but has brought new changes in various fields.
Indira Hirway (1989)15 in her article, “Panchayat Raj at Cross Roads” examines the inadequacies of these concepts and the potential of Panchayat Raj in our Political system. She has analyzed the experiences of different states and drawn lessons from these experiences. Then she has critically examined the 64th Amendment Bill and made some inferences about the implication of strengthening Panchayat Raj in country. She concludes that Panchayat Raj structure, set up in our country is not doing very well and that there is a a need to revitalize them. Changing the existing structure, or at least strengthening the Position of the success of Panchayat Raj. She says that the 64th Amendment Bill was at best Partial and weak attempt to save Panchayat Raj. It was more likely to be misused by the center than help the process of decentralization.
SOME IMPORTANT SCHEMES FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT LAUNCHED BY GOVERNMENT OF INDIA ARE –
Pradhan Mantra Gram Sadak Yojana
Launched on 25 December 2000 by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the scheme aims at enhancimg rural road connectivity.This scheme provides connectivity to the habitations with less or no connectivity at all and helps in poverty reduction by promoting access to economic and social services .This ensures sustainable poverty reduction in the long run as people get an opportunity to get connected with the rest of the world .The scheme has been benefiting several villagers and is helping them land better lives. Nearly 82% of roads have been built till December 2017 which have successfully connected several rural areas to cities. Remaining 47,000 habitations will also get connected by all –weather roads by March 2019 .earlier, the scheme was funded only by the central government but after the recommendation of 14th finance commission report the expense is shared by both state and central government .
Deen Dayal Upadhayaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana, a part of national Livelihood Mission, hase the objectives of chartings to the career aspirations of the rural youth and adding diversity to the income of rural families. Lanunched on 25th September 2014, the scheme’s prime focus is on the rural youth of poor families aged between 15 and 35. An amount of Rs 1500 crores has been provided for the scheme which will help in enhancing employability. The yojana is present in 21 states and union territories across 568 districts and 6215 blocks changing the lives of youth. Around 690 projects are being implemented by 300 partners. As per the government reports over 2.7 lakh candidates have been trained till now nearly 1.34 lakh candidates have been placed in jobs.
Swarnjayanti Gram Sworozgar Yojana (SGSY)/ National Rural Livelihood Mission
Swarnjayanti Gram Sworozgar Yojana which is redesigned as National Rural Livelihood Mission was launched in 2011. Also known as Ajeevika,this scheme aims at empowerimg women self- help modal across the contry. Under this scheme, the government provides a loan of 3 lakh rupees at an interest rate of 7% which can be reduced to 4% at the taim of repayment The scheme was aided by World Bank and aimed at creating efficient and also effective institutional plafroms for poor people. It also helped in increasing the household income by imporving access to financial services.NRLM also helps in harnessing the capabilities of the poor so that they can participate in the growth of the economy of the country.
Prime Minister Rural Development Fellows Scheme
The prime Minister Rural Development Fellowship (PMRDF) is a scheme initiated by the Ministry of Rural Development implemented in collaboration with state Governments. It has dual goal of providing short-term support to the district administration in the underdevelopment and remote areas of the country and develop competent and committed leaders and facilitators who can serve as are source for a long-term
National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA)
As per the national rural employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) of 2005 , 100 days of employment is guaranteed to any rural household adult who is willing to do unskilled manual work in a financial year. The Act addresses the working people and their fundamental right to live life with dignity. If a person does not get a job within 15 days, he is eligible for getting unemployment allowance. National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) also highlights the importance of basic right to work. Amendments have been introduced to this act to minimize corruption in the scheme.
A budgetary allocation of RS.55,000 crore largest ever, has been provided for MENREEA is the financial year 2018-2019.An exclusive initiative named Geo-MENREEA was introduced in the year 2016-2017.
Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana (SGRY)
The Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana (SGRY) was launched in 2001 to provide employment to the poor. It also aimed at providing food to people in areas who live below the poverty line and improving their nutritional levels. Other objectives of this Yojana were to provide social and economic assets to the people living in rural areas. The scheme did not include the employment of contractors or middlemen.
Sarv Siksha Abhiyan
Pioneered by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Sarv Siksha Abhiyan was launched in 2000. It is an attempt to Provide an opportunity to all children between 6 and 14 years of age to get free education which is also basic fundamental right. The state and the central government share the expenses of this project.
Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY)
Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana(SAGY) is a rural development project launched in 2014 by the Government of India in which each Member of Parliament will take the responsibility of three villages and look after the personal, human social ,environmental and economic development of the villages. This would substantially improve the standard of living as well as the quality of life in the villages. No fundings have been provided to this project as fundings can be raised through existing schemes.
National Social Assistance Programme
Nationa Social Assistance Programme signifies the fulfillment of Directive Principles in Article 41 and 42 of the constitution which states that it is the duty of the state to provide assistance to the citizens in terms of sickness, unemployment, old age in limits of the economic capabilities. It is basically a centrally sponsored scheme of the Government of India which provides financial help to widows, elderly, people with disability in form of pensions. The scheme was launched on August 15 in 1995.
Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana(Gramin)/ Indira AwasYojana
Indira Awaas Yojana revamped as Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awaas Yojana in 2016 is a welfare programme created by the Indian Government to provide housing to rural poor people in India. The goal of this scheme is to provide home to all citizens till 2022. The cost of constructing the houses will be shared by the centre and the state. The scheme has been implemented in rural areas throughout India, except in Delhi and Chandigarh. Houses developed under this scheme will have basic amenities such as toilet, electricity connection, drinking water connection, LPG connention etc. The allotted houses will be jointly under the name of husband and wife.
Antyodaya Anna Yojana(AAY)
Launched by the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2000, the Antyodaya Anna Yojana aimed at providing food grains to around 2 crore people at subsidized rates. As per the scheme Below Poverty Line (BPL) families were provided 35 kgs of food grains. Rice was provided at the rate of Rs3/kg and wheat at the rate of Rs2/kg . The scheme was first launched in Rajasthan but has now been implemented in all Indian states.
Provision of Urban Amenities In Rural Areas(PURA)
PURA is a strategy for Rural Development in India which was proposed by former President APJ Abdul Kalam in his book Target 3 billion. PURA proposes that urban infrastructure and services should be provided in rural areas to create opportunities outside the cities. This will also prevent the migration of youth from the rural areas to urban areas. The Central Government has been running PURA programs in various states since its launch in 2004.
FINDING AND SUGGESTIONS:
The prime objectives of are government I,e,union government /state government or zilla panchayath is to improve the onality of life of rural people throw the introduction of welfare schemes .
A responsible government can never neglet the 73.4%of people till the introduction of 73rd Amendment ,rural government received less attention from government now,it is mandatory as the part of state government to conduct periodic elective is based as reservations to the PR bodies of as to enable the people to take active part is the administrative of their own area.
FINDINGS:
The institutional reforms is not simple a matter of changing the ways in which public hierarchies are arranged. Its focuse is on the broad array of ‘rules of the game’ that shpe the incentives and actions of public actors including the ‘voice’ mechanism that promote the rule of law and accountability of government its citizenz.
CONCLUSION:
In this way the present government is infact came to achieve the desired results by using the latest technology on larges scale is all the important schemes related to rural development, infact use of scientific methods, state-of-art technology and latest techniques, have greatly helped plan rural development schemes is a better way,execute analitative work and monitor the rural schemes more effectively and with all these , it has became possible to ensure greately transparmy is implantation of schemes.
Reference