R2.
Panchayati Raj and Decentralised Planning (with Special Reference
to Odisha)
Introduction -:
Decentralised planning is the process of preparing and implementing
development plans at the local level with active pa icipation of
people. The Panchayati Raj System, established through the 73rd
Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, is the institutional framework
for decentralized rural governance and planning in India.
According to Mahatma Gandhi, "The soul of India lives in its villages."
His concept of Gram Swaraj forms the philosophical basis of
decentralized planning.
⭐Panchayati Raj System
It is a three-tier system:
1. Gram Panchayat 👈
Village level.
Prepares local development plans.
Provides basic civic amenities.
2. Panchayat Samiti 👈
Block level.
Coordinates development programmes.
Consolidates Gram Panchayat plans.
👈
3. Zilla Parishad
District level.
Integrates block plans into district plans.
Supervises implementation.
⭐Role in Decentralised Planning
Ensures people's pa icipation.
Identi es local needs and priorities.
Promotes equitable resource allocation.
Encourages transparency and accountability.
Strengthens rural infrastructure.
Suppo s sustainable use of local resources.
⭐Constitutional Provisions
73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992).
11th Schedule containing 29 subjects transferred to Panchayats.
Gram Sabha as the foundation of local democracy.
Reservation for SCs, STs and women.
⭐Achievements
Strengthened grassroots democracy.
Increased pa icipation of women and marginalized communities.
Improved implementation of rural development programmes.
Be er planning for local infrastructure and livelihoods.
🚨Challenges
•Inadequate nancial autonomy.
•Limited administrative capacity.
•Political inte erence.
•Weak devolution of the 3Fs:
Functions
Funds
Functionaries
•Poor technical expe ise.
🌟Special Reference to Odisha
Odisha follows a three-tier Panchayati Raj system.
Palli Sabha and Gram Sabha play an impo ant role in pa icipatory
planning.
Panchayats implement schemes such as:
MGNREGA
PMAY-Gramin
Jal Jeevan Mission
Special emphasis on tribal and backward districts through
decentralized planning.
✅Suggestions
👉Greater nancial devolution.
👉Capacity building of Panchayat representatives.
👉Digital governance and GIS-based planning.
👉Strengthen District Planning Commi ees.
👉Increase community pa icipation and social audits.
⭐Conclusion
Panchayati Raj institutions are the cornerstone of decentralized
planning in India. Empowering local governments with adequate
funds, functions and functionaries is essential for achieving inclusive,
pa icipatory and balanced regional development, pa icularly in
Odisha.
Thinker Box ⭐
👉 Mahatma Gandhi :
Advocated Gram Swaraj (village self-rule).
Believed villages should be self-governing units with people's
pa icipation in development.
👉 Also Mention: L. M. Singhvi
Recommended constitutional recognition for Panchayati Raj
Institutions.
Emphasized Gram Sabha as the foundation of local democracy.
✨Value Addition
Impo ant Commi ees ;
Commi ee Recommendation
Balwant Rai Mehta Commi ee(1957)-Recommended the three-tier
Panchayati Raj system
Ashok Mehta Commi ee(1978)- Strengthening decentralization and
district planning
L.M. Singhvi Commi ee(1986) -Constitutional status to Panchayats
🌟Odisha Highlights
👉Palli Sabha is a unique pa icipatory institution at the hamlet level.
👉Panchayats play a key role in implementing MGNREGA, PMAY-G,
watershed development and tribal development programmes.
👉District Planning Commi ees help integrate rural and urban
development plans.
⭐Expected OCS Questions
1. Explain the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions in decentralized
planning.
2. Discuss the signi cance of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment in
strengthening grassroots democracy.
3. Critically examine the achievements and challenges of
decentralized planning in India.
4. Assess the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions in rural development
with special reference to Odisha.
⭐ Examiner's Tip (16–18/20 Marks)
Always mention the 73rd Constitutional Amendment (1992) and the
11th Schedule (29 subjects).
Use the phrase "3Fs – Functions, Funds and Functionaries", as it is a
favorite of examiners.
Include Odisha-speci c institutions like Palli Sabha and explain their
role in pa icipatory planning.
Quote Gandhi's Gram Swaraj and mention the Balwant Rai Mehta
Commi ee to give the answer a strong theoretical and constitutional
foundation.