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The Constitution provides for the devolution of powers and responsibilities to
Panchayats including the 29 matters listed in the Eleventh Schedule. Most States have enacted
State Panchayati Raj Acts and Rules, in which they have indicated subjects with regard to
which functions would be devolved to Panchayats. However, effective devolution has to still
be accomplished. The capability of Panchayats to effectively perform the responsibilities
entrusted to them needs to be ensured. The absence of training continues to be a handicap in
proper devolution of powers and empowering the PRIs.
Effective implementation of the provisions of Part IX of the Constitution will require
building of the capability of Panchayats encompassing training, provision of adequate
functionaries, technical assistance and other support to Panchayats. The objective of the
training is to enable Panchayat elected representatives to upgrade their knowledge and skills to
better perform their responsibilities, such as implementing programmes equitably, enabling
them to think in terms of concrete actions they can take or facilitate and equipping them with
the skills required for day-to-day performance of executive duties.
Orienting key officials associated with the devolved functions to (i) better function as
technical advisors and trainers and (ii) respect, be more receptive and learn from the ground
level experience of elected Panchayat representatives.
Improving the Gram Sabha functioning, particularly for the poor, to assert their
demands through participative planning, monitor plan implementation and to hold their
Panchayat to account through invoking Right to Information and social audit.
Sensitising the media, political parties, representatives in the legislatures, civil society
organisations and citizens to accepting and promoting Panchayati Raj as an effective level of
local government.
AS per the decision of the Govt, the operation & maintenance of hand pump tube wells
as well as Piped Water Supply schemes have been transferred to the PRIs wef 21.10.2006. This
has posed a major challenge before the PRIs, particularly on the part of Gram Panchayats to
undertake repair & maintenance in absence of trained Self Employed Mechanics(SEMs). No
SEMs are available in all blocks. Though SEMs have already been selected and deployed, they
need to be trained. It is proposed that the training (Rs.4,23,525/- ) cost be taken up under the
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