Panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) that came into existence in 2010 — after a gap of over three decades — are now nearing the end of their tenure. However, there is no sight of the rights necessary for their functioning at the grassroots of democracy.
Mukhias say Government officials have turned out to be an impediment, in no way helping to achieve the goals of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, 1992.
According to the Eleventh Schedule, a State has to delegate rights concerning 29 subjects and covering 14 departments to PRIs in a phased manner. In Jharkhand, only nine departments have passed on rights.
“We have held several rounds of reviews with officials of the rest of the departments. They have assured that a final draft will be ready by the end of this month,” said an official of the panchayati raj department, seeking anonymity.
In the meantime, Sirka panchayat mukhia Joshi Manju rued, “On paper, we have been given rights by nine departments. The rest is not even on paper.” She is among 50 mukhias gathered in the capital city for a meeting organised by Unicef along with the State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD), on malnutrition.
On the other hand, lack of rights is not the only cog in the wheel. PRIs are troubled by non-cooperation from State officials over implementation of social sector schemes. “They do their best to delay important work and take matters very casually. Getting work done from a block office is sometimes akin to moving mountains,” said Reena Devi, mukhia of Getalsud panchayat.
The people’s representatives also condemned the conduct of Government servants and their mindset, which manifests itself in their behaviour.
“They always look for opportunities to demean us, especially at public functions. They treat us as staff and not people’s representatives,” said Tara Devi, Madhukarpur mukhia.
The Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF) is another bone of contention. Representatives allege that funds are used arbitrarily and without taking into consideration mukhias’ suggestions. “Our role ceases with preparation of projects. It’s a pity that we do not have any say in fund utilisation,” added Joshi.
Significantly, the high-powered committee on BRGF has ruled that utilisation of funds is the sole discretion of the district board, with no role of the panchayats. An official pointed out, “Unless all panchayat bhavans are completed, they will have no say in BRGF. By December, a major portion of the infrastructure needed to make PRIs functional will be put up in place.”
Despite the bricks being in place, lack of cooperation and powers in hand may continue to bind panchayats hand and foot and diminish their status.