Karnataka tops Panchayat Devolution Index; Devolution rises to 43.9% (PIB Report)

IN NEWS: Karnataka tops Panchayat Devolution Index; Devolution rises to 43.9% (PIB Report)

Introduction

The “Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States – An Indicative Evidence Based Ranking” report, released by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, highlights the progress in decentralisation of powers to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). The report shows that overall devolution increased from 39.9% (2013–14) to 43.9% (2021–22), reflecting gradual strengthening of grassroots governance in India.

ANALYSIS

Overall Ranking – Panchayat Devolution Index

• Top 3 States:
  1. Karnataka
  2. Kerala
  3. Tamil Nadu
• Other top performers include:
  • Maharashtra (4th)
  • Uttar Pradesh (5th)
  • Gujarat, Tripura, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh
• Medium performing states (Score 50–55):
  • Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha

Implication:

• Indicates strong southern states’ leadership in decentralisation
• Reflects variation across states in implementing 73rd Amendment provisions

Key Improvements in Devolution

• Overall devolution increased from 39.9% → 43.9%
• Significant gains observed in:
  • Capacity Enhancement: 44% → 54.6%
  • Functionaries: 39.6% → 50.9%

Implication:

• Shows improved administrative capacity and manpower support
• Reflects government focus on institutional strengthening of PRIs

Six Dimensions of Devolution Index

States ranked across six critical pillars:

1. Framework
2. Functions
3. Finances
4. Functionaries
5. Capacity Enhancement
6. Accountability

Dimension-wise Leaders:

• Framework → Kerala
• Functions → Tamil Nadu
• Finances → Karnataka
• Functionaries → Gujarat
• Capacity Enhancement → Telangana
• Accountability → Karnataka

Implication:

• Demonstrates multi-dimensional evaluation of decentralisation
• Highlights best practices across different states

Notable State Performances

• Uttar Pradesh:
  • Jumped from 15th to 5th rank
  • Improvement due to transparency measures & anti-corruption framework
• Tripura:
  • Improved from 13th to 7th rank
  • Strong performance in revenue generation & fiscal management

Implication:

• Reflects competitive federalism
• Smaller states also achieving governance excellence

Policy Linkages & Governance Vision

• Linked to:
  • 73rd Constitutional Amendment (1992) → Constitutional status to Panchayats
  • Concept of Gram Swaraj (self-reliant villages)
• Panchayats envisioned as:
  • Local governance hubs
  • Delivery centres for:
    • Pensions
    • Birth & death certificates
    • Welfare schemes (e.g., Ayushman Bharat)

Implication:

• Strengthens bottom-up governance model
• Enhances last-mile service delivery

Key Governance Concerns Highlighted

• Need for:
  • Monitoring of funds devolved to PRIs
  • Prevention of corruption and financial irregularities

Implication:

• Emphasizes accountability as core pillar of decentralisation

STATIC PART

• Report Name: Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States – An Indicative Evidence Based Ranking
• Published By: Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India
• Prepared By: Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA)
• Released By: S. P. Singh Baghel
• Secretary (MoPR): Vivek Bharadwaj
• Constitutional Basis: 73rd Constitutional Amendment (Part IX – Panchayats)
• Programme Mentioned: Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) – launched 21 April 2018

Updated - 13 February 2025 ; 09:06 PM |  News Source: Press Information Bureau