The recently released Devolution Index reveals wide variation in the performance of States in empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions. While explaining the reasons behind this variation, discuss the role of capacity-building initiatives in enabling PRIs to fulfil their constitutional mandate.

Reasons Behind Variation

1. Constitutional Anomaly → no mandatory fixed devolution in 73rd/74th AA.

2. State level formation of State finance Commission → different mandated devolution for each state.

3. In Schedule 11 → the devolved areas are only recommendary.

4. Different level of progress across state eg Kerala, TN.

→ more developed → more devolution vs UP, Bihar → less devolution.

(5) Different level of demands for devolution across states.

(6) Lack of capacity of service delivery of PRIs in some state eg MP, only 9 topics devolved.

(7) Political consideration of respective state. eg strong grassroots movement → more devolution → Rajasthan, Kerala.

Role of Capacity Building

(1) Improves service delivery efficiency of the Panchayats.

(2) More trained and skilled personnel → lower grievances.

(3) Higher capacity → More devolution by state government.

(4) Creates a demand side pull for good governance due to capability enhancement.

(5) Clarity regarding roles, duties and functions among PRI leaders and officers.

(6) Improves citizen satisfaction and participation in gram sabhas.

Way forward

(A) Mani Shankar Aiyar Committee

(1) Create cadre of Panchayati Raj officers.

(2) Central funding for capability enhancement.

(3) Mandatory Training of leaders & officers.