Lok Sabha Question No. 4855 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-23
Subject: Functioning of PRIs
Ministry: PANCHAYATI RAJ
Asked by: Ravneet Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 4855

ANSWERED ON- 23.07.2019

## FUNCTIONING OF PRIS

## 4855. SHRI RAVNEET SINGH BITTU:

Will the Minister of PANCHAYATI RAJ be pleased to state:

(a) the key role of Panchayats in rural governance and socio-economic development of the country;

(b)  whether  the  Government has  reviewed/assessed the performance of the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in the country;

(c) if so, the details and the outcome thereof including the various loopholes or deficiencies noticed in the functioning of Panchayats as institutions of local Self-Government;

(d)  whether the Government has launched Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan (RGPSA) to strengthen Panchayati Raj; and

(e) if so, the key features of the scheme including the conditions/ norms laid down for release of funds to the States under RGPSA?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF PANCHAYATI RAJ (SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR)

(a)  As  envisaged  under  Article  243G  of  the  Constitution,  the  Panchayats  function  as institutions of local self-governance and implement schemes for economic development and social justice in rural areas.

- (b)  &  (c)  The  subject  Panchayats,  which  is  part  of  'Local  Government'  is  included  in  the State  List  in  the  Seventh  Schedule of the Constitution of  India . The implementation of the provisions  of  Part  IX  of  the  Constitution  is  reviewed  by  the  Ministry  of  Panchayati  Raj (MoPR)  from  time  to  time  through  studies  and  discussions  in  review  meetings  with  the States.  The  performance of the Panchayats depends on the extent of powers and resources devolved  to  them,  which  varies  from  State  to  State.  The  performance  of  Panchayats  is monitored  by  the  State  Governments.  MoPR  supports  States  in  building  capacities  of Panchayats for rural governance. It also helps States in developing guidelines for participatory  planning  by  Panchayats  and  preparation  of  Gram  Panchayat  Development Plans;  bring  in  efficiency,  transparency  and  accountability  for  achieving  development

objectives.  MoPR  has  also  developed  a  suite  of  core  common  software  applications, collectively  known  as  Panchayat  Enterprise  Suite  (PES)  Applications  to  aid  Panchayats  to undertake  functions  like  planning,  budgeting,  implementation,  accounting,  monitoring  and delivery of citizen services.

(d) & (e) The Government has launched the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) in order to strengthen the governance capabilities of Panchayati Raj Institutions  to  deliver  on  Sustainable  Development  Goals.  The  RGSA  scheme  is  being implemented from 2018-19 to 2021-22 with a total outlay of Rs 7255.50 crore having Central share  of  Rs.  4500  crore  and  State  share  of  2755.50  crore.  The  Central  component  is  fully funded  by  Government  of  India.  However  for  the  State  component,  the  funding  pattern  is 60:40 for all States, except North East and Hill States where Centre and State ratio is 90:10. For Union Territories, the Central share is 100%. The Scheme is applicable to all States and Union Territories of the country with emphasis on convergence with Mission Antyodaya and strengthening  of  Panchayats  in  the  identified  Aspirational  Districts.    Funds  under  RGSA Scheme are sanctioned on the basis of annual plan proposals of States as approved by the Central Empowered Committee of RGPSA. Releases are normally made in two instalments, the first instalment being 50% of the sanctioned amount after deducting the unspent balance available with State at the time of release. The second instalment is released after expenditure of 60% of the total available funds i.e. opening balance and funds released as first instalment.

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