Decentralization and Local Self Governance

In this post, notes of “Unit 2: Decentralization and Local Self Governance” from “DSC 10: Public Administration in India” are given which is helpful for the students doing graduation this year.

Table of Contents

a. Meaning and Types: Rural and Urban

Unit 2: Decentralization and Local Self-Governance

1. What is Decentralization?

Definition and Importance:

Decentralization means giving power from a central government to local or regional governments. This helps bring decisions closer to the people, allowing them to be more involved.

Importance:
- Increases efficiency: Local governments understand their communities better and can act quickly.
- Enhances participation: People can get more involved in decisions that affect them, leading to better community services.
- Promotes democracy: Spreading out power helps prevent too much control by one group, making decision-making more democratic.
- Facilitates local development: Local governments can tackle specific issues in their areas, improving things like roads, healthcare, and education.

Key Principles and Goals:

Principles:
- Independence: Local governments should make their own choices without too much interference from higher authorities.
- Responsibility: Local groups need to answer to the people they serve.
- Involvement: Citizens should be part of making decisions.
- Fairness: Decentralization should help reduce differences between regions.
Goals:
- Improve efficiency and services.
- Encourage local democracy and citizen involvement.
- Address local issues by empowering local governments.
- Ensure responsible governance at all levels.

2. Types of Decentralization

Deconcentration:

Definition: This means moving some administrative tasks to local offices of the central government, but the main decisions still come from the central government.
Example: A central government creates regional offices to manage health or education, but it still makes the main policy decisions.

Delegation:

Definition: This is when specific tasks and some authority are given from the central government to lower levels of government, while the central government keeps control over major decisions.
Example: A central government may hand over the management of local schools to a local education authority, but it still controls overall policies.

Devolution:

Definition: This is when power and responsibilities are given to local elected officials or governments, allowing them to make more of their own decisions.
Example: Local councils can decide on budgets and development programs in their areas.

Privatization:

Definition: This means selling public services or assets to private companies.
Example: The government may let private companies manage services like water supply or transportation.

3. Rural Local Self-Governance

Background: Evolution of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs):

The idea of Panchayati Raj comes from India’s tradition of village self-rule. Village councils helped make decisions and solve problems.
Modern Changes: After independence, rural governance faced challenges like central control and ignoring local needs. This led to the creation of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), which were officially recognized in 1992.

Structure and Functions of PRIs:

Gram Panchayat: The local village council that handles issues like sanitation and education.

Panchayat Samiti: The body at the block level that connects the Gram Panchayats and oversees regional projects.
Zila Parishad: The top tier at the district level, responsible for big development projects and managing funds.

73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992: Features and Impact:

Features:
- Three-tier system: Establishes village, block, and district levels.
- Seats for women and minorities: One-third of seats are reserved for women, and there is representation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
- More financial power: Local bodies got more control over funds.
- Regular Elections: Elections must be held every five years.
- Stronger local governance: Local councils gained more decision-making power.
Impact:
- Strengthened local democracy by involving people in governance.
- Improved rural development by letting local leaders address their community’s needs.
- Enhanced management of local resources.

4. Urban Local Self Governance

Background: Evolution of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs):

Urban governance developed differently due to cities growing quickly. Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) started in British India, but after independence, they were organized to handle urban challenges.
The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 created a structure for ULBs, similar to the 73rd Amendment for rural areas.

Structure and Functions of ULBs:

Municipal Corporation: The main governing body in larger cities, responsible for health, sanitation, and planning.

Municipality: A local government for smaller urban areas, handling similar tasks on a smaller scale.
Nagar Panchayat: The lowest tier for areas changing from rural to urban, addressing basic services and urban growth.

74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992: Features and Impact:

Features:
- Three-tier system: Creates a system for urban governance (Municipalities, Municipal Corporations, Nagar Panchayats).
- Elections: Ensures regular local elections.
- Reservations: Provides seats for women and minorities in urban bodies.
- Empowered local bodies: Gives ULBs control over urban planning and services.
- Financial powers: Increases local bodies’ abilities to fund projects.
Impact:
- Improved urban governance by giving more power to local elected groups.
- Enhanced urban services and infrastructure by enabling local planning and execution.
- Encouraged citizen involvement in urban decision-making to solve local problems.

b. PRIs and Implementation of Public Policies

1. Role of PRIs in Public Policy Implementation

Responsibilities in Providing Services:

Public Service Delivery means providing important services like education, healthcare, clean water, and roads to help rural communities.
- Gram Panchayats (village level) are in charge of making sure basic services like clean water, sanitation, education, and healthcare are available.
- Panchayat Samitis (block level) help coordinate these services between different villages, making sure resources are used well and programs are followed.
- Zila Parishads (district level) oversee services across the district, ensuring that block-level efforts and government programs work together.

Involvement in Planning and Development:

Participatory Planning: PRIs are involved in planning local development based on the 73rd Constitutional Amendment. They need to meet and talk with local communities to understand their needs and decide on projects.
- Gram Sabhas (village meetings) allow people to share their needs, suggest projects, and approve plans.
- PRIs focus on bottom-up planning, meaning plans are based on what local people want instead of orders from higher authorities.

Impact on Rural Development Programs:

MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act):
- PRIs play a key role in MGNREGA, which offers 100 days of paid work to rural families. They identify work sites, prepare projects, and monitor tasks like building roads and water conservation.
- Gram Panchayats and Zila Parishads are essential for planning and making sure MGNREGA works in local areas.
NRLM (National Rural Livelihood Mission):
- NRLM aims to reduce rural poverty through self-employment and skills training. PRIs help find target groups (like women’s self-help groups), work with banks, and ensure NRLM projects are successful.

PMGSY (Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana):
- PMGSY aims to build roads in rural areas. PRIs, especially Gram Panchayats and Zila Parishads, help find areas that need roads, manage construction, and check progress to ensure roads meet community needs.

2. Challenges in Implementation

Financial Issues:

Limited Financial Power: PRIs often lack enough money to carry out large projects, even though they are responsible for providing services.
- Dependence on Government Funds: PRIs rely on money from the central and state governments, which may not be enough, causing delays or incomplete programs.
Poor Revenue Generation: Many PRIs do not have good ways to earn their own money. They mainly rely on small taxes, which may not cover their needs.

Need for Training:

Lack of Skilled Workers: Local governments often do not have enough trained staff to run public programs. Local leaders may not have the skills needed for complex policies.
- Training Gaps: Many Panchayat members do not have the knowledge to manage public policies well, leading to waste and poor management of resources.
Insufficient Administrative Support: Local bodies may not have the staff needed to carry out big programs like MGNREGA or PMGSY, which limits their success.

Political and Administrative Issues:

Political Interference: Local governments can be affected by politics, leading to poor resource use or favoritism for certain groups.
- Local Politicians: Some politicians may manipulate decisions for votes, causing problems in how policies are carried out.
Administrative Delays: Bureaucratic challenges, slow approvals, and poor coordination between government departments can slow down rural development programs.

3. Ways to Strengthen PRIs

Financial Support:

Increase Financial Power: Giving PRIs more control over their finances is important for good governance. Allowing them to earn their own money (like through property taxes) will help fund projects better.
- More Funds: The 14th Finance Commission suggested giving more money to local bodies. Improving the funding process can help PRIs get the money they need.
Special Grants: Providing extra funds for building infrastructure and training can help PRIs deal with money problems and ensure programs like MGNREGA and PMGSY are well-supported.

Training and Skill Development:

Training for Elected Leaders: Regular training for Panchayat members can help them learn how to implement policies better.
- Using Technology: Training on technology and e-governance can simplify processes and make decision-making clearer.
Skill Training for Staff: Ensuring that PRI staff, like secretaries and engineers, receive training in managing projects and finances will improve how policies are carried out.

Legal and Institutional Improvements:

Empowering PRIs through Laws: Strengthening laws that support PRIs can help them make independent decisions without interference.
- Conflict Resolution: Clear legal processes can help solve issues between local authorities and political bodies to avoid delays in policy implementation.
Strengthening Institutions: Improving organizations like State Election Commissions and State Finance Commissions can help ensure PRIs function well and provide better governance.