Panchayat Devolution Index to Evaluate How ‘Free’ Panchayats Are; Highlight State Rankings on Rural Local Bodies Autonomy and Empowerment
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 on 13th February, 2025, at Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi. This report titled “Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States – An Indicative Evidence Based Ranking 2024” 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 event will be attended by Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj and other senior officials of the Ministry and faculty members of IIPA, New Delhi.
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. What sets this Devolution Index apart is its practical utility for multiple stakeholders. For citizens, it provides transparency in tracking Panchayat functioning and resource allocation. For elected representatives, it offers data-driven insights for advocacy and reform. For government officials, it serves as a roadmap for implementing effective decentralization policies. Policymakers can use the Devolution Index to assess the overall health of local governance and identify where reforms are most urgently needed. The initiative aligns 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.
