Lok Sabha Question No. 3659 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-17
Subject: Vision of Gram Swaraj
Ministry: PANCHAYATI RAJ
Asked by: Shri Arun Govil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3659

ANSWERED ON: 17.12.2024

## VISION OF GRAM SWARAJ

## 3659. SHRI ARUN GOVIL:

Will the Minister of PANCHAYATI RAJ be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the vision of Gram Swaraj is being realized through the Panchayati Raj system in the country;
- (b) whether the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989 has been implemented in Jammu and Kashmir as a result of removal of Article 370; and
- (c) whether the changes in the development of villages after implementation of the above Act in Jammu and Kashmir, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PANCHAYATI RAJ

## (PROF. S.P. SINGH BAGHEL)

(a) Panchayat, being 'Local Government', is a State Subject and part of the State List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. Accordingly, Panchayats are set up and operated through the respective State Panchayati Raj Acts, subject to the provisions of the Constitution. For realization of Panchayati Raj system in the Country, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj has taken continuous steps to provide assistance to the States & Union Territories and reviews their performance from time to time, through studies, review meetings, field visits, video conferencing, Information Technology applications, Common Review Missions (CRM) etc.

This Ministry has also launched eGramSwaraj (https://egramswaraj.gov.in), a user-friendly web-based portal, which aims to bring in transparency in the decentralised planning, progress reporting, financial management, work-based accounting and details of assets created. Further, for ensuring timely audit of Panchayat accounts i.e. receipts and expenditures of Gram Panchayats, this Ministry has rolled out an online application-AuditOnline (https://auditonline.gov.in). This application not only facilitates the auditing of Panchayat accounts but also provides for maintaining of audit records. This application streamlines the process for audit inquiries, draft local audit reports, draft audit paras etc. and thus ensure proper maintenance of accounts by Panchayats to improve transparency and accountability.

This Ministry has implemented the Revamped Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) with effect from financial year 2022-23 with the main objective of capacitating Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) through imparting training to all the Elected Representatives (ERs) and other stakeholders to develop their governance

capabilities for leadership roles to enable the Gram Panchayats to function effectively and to deliver on Sustainable Development Goals through Localization at grassroot level. Further, scheme also supports training needs assessment, development of training material including written material, Audio-visual and other forms of material, training of master trainers, face-to-face training courses for ERs and Panchayat functionaries, satellite-based system for training for ERs and functionaries in virtual mode, exposure visits within and outside the States to improve the Capacity Building & Training under the scheme. Recently, Ministry has also started the Management Development Program for the ERs in Indian Institute of Management, IRMA and other Institutes of Excellence, focusing on the leadership Development of the ERs for upgrading their skills for effective rural governance and public service delivery at the grassroots.

At present, provisions of Part-IX of the Constitution, relating to Panchayats, are applicable to the all States & Union Territories, except in those areas which are exempted under Article 243M of the Constitution.

(b) & (c) The three tier Panchayati Raj system of local self-government was introduced by the 73 rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992. Part IX of the Constitution, relating to Panchayats, was inserted in the Constitution as a sequel to the 73 rd Constitutional Amendment Act, bestowing the Constitutional mandatory status to the 'Panchayats'.

The Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act had received the assent of the then Governor on 11th July, 1989 to provide for the constitution of Halqa Panchayats, Block Development Councils and the District Planning and Development Boards. This Act came into force with effect from 1 st July, 1997 to promote and develop Panchayati Raj in the erstwhile State of J&K (now UT of J&K) as an instrument of vigorous Local Self Government to secure the effective participation of the people in the decision-making process and for over-seeing implementation of developmental programmes. Removal of Article 370 of the Constitution has no link with the implementation of PR Act of J&K.

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