Karnataka empowered panchayats the most, UP & Tripura made biggest strides in decade—govt report

Panchayat Devolution Index 2024

1. Top Empowered States: Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh lead in devolution of powers to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), reflecting strong adherence to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment. Karnataka excels in accountability and financial devolution.
2. Significant Improvements: Uttar Pradesh (from rank 15 to 5) and Tripura (from 13 to 7) showed notable progress in the last decade, demonstrating efforts in transparency, anti-corruption measures, and filling of vacant posts.
3. Parameters Assessed: The report evaluated states and UTs on six parameters:
   • Framework (legal and institutional setup)
   • Functions (transfer of 29 key functions)
   • Finances (timely release and utilization of funds)
   • Functionaries (adequate staff and infrastructure)
   • Capacity Building (training and skill development)
   • Accountability (transparency and audits)
4. Framework Highlights: Kerala leads in establishing institutional frameworks like regular PRI elections, reservations, and State Election Commissions, followed by Maharashtra and Karnataka.
5. Function Transfer: Tamil Nadu tops in transferring most functions to PRIs, enabling local decision-making in water, roads, housing, and other development areas. Karnataka and Odisha follow.
6. Capacity Building & Accountability: Telangana ranks highest in capacity-building initiatives, while Karnataka leads in accountability measures, ensuring transparency and better governance at the grassroots.
7. Financial Empowerment: Karnataka, Kerala, Tripura, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan provide timely and adequate finances. PRIs’ dependence on central and state grants remains high, with delayed fund releases in some states still an issue.
8. Revenue Generation: Most PRIs can collect property tax, but only Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, and Gujarat have significant internally generated funds, highlighting a need for revenue autonomy.
9. Challenges: Despite progress, many states have not fully devolved all 29 functions. Financial constraints, staffing gaps, and infrastructural limitations persist, affecting the effectiveness of PRIs.
10. Policy Implications: Strengthening PRIs through full devolution of functions, timely financial support, revenue autonomy, capacity building, and accountability mechanisms is crucial for achieving inclusive and sustainable rural development, in line with the 73rd Amendment objectives.
    
    Updated - 14 February, 2025 05:10 pm | The Print