Minister of State Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel to Release Devolution Index Report 2022-2023 at IIPA, New Delhi Tomorrow

Ministry of Panchayati Raj

Minister of State Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel to Release Devolution Index Report 2022-2023 at IIPA, New Delhi Tomorrow

Panchayat Devolution Index to Evaluate How ‘Free’ Panchayats Are; Highlight State Rankings on Rural Local Bodies Autonomy and Empowerment

Posted On: 08 JAN 2025 1:44PM by PIB Delhi

In a significant move to further strengthen the rural local self-governance in India, Minister of State, Ministry of Panchayati Raj & Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel will release the comprehensive Devolution Index Report 2022-2023 on 9^th January, 2025, at Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi. The event will be attended by Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj and other senior officials of the Ministry and faculty members of IIPA, New Delhi. This report titled “Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States – An Indicative Evidence Based Ranking” marks a milestone in India’s journey towards empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and realizing the vision of “Local Self Government” of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment.

The Devolution Index, a result of meticulous research and empirical analysis, provides insights into the progress of decentralization across States and Union Territories. Going beyond conventional metrics, the Index evaluates six critical dimensions: Framework, Functions, Finances, Functionaries, Capacity Building, and Accountability of the Panchayats. The Index specifically examines how ‘free’ Panchayats are to make and implement independent decisions, reflecting the true spirit of Article 243G of the Constitution. This article empowers State legislatures to devolve powers and responsibilities to Panchayats across 29 subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule.

The Devolution Index serves as a tool for strengthening cooperative federalism and local self-governance, enabling States to identify areas for improvement and adopt best practices for more empowered and effective Panchayats. This initiative aligns perfectly with the vision of Viksit Bharat, where विकसित and सशक्त Panchayats serve as the foundation for rural transformation, driving inclusive growth and sustainable development at the grassroots level.

****

AA

(Release ID: 2091124) Visitor Counter : 251