Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States 2024 Report:
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has released a report titled “Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States – An Indicative Evidence Based Ranking” highlighting the progress in empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) across India.
- It is also referred to as the Panchayat Devolution Index 2024 which evaluates the autonomy and empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) by assessing the devolution of powers and resources across Indian states and Union Territories.
- It assesses Panchayats’ autonomy in decision-making and implementation, reflecting Article 243G of the Constitution.
- It assesses six critical dimensions i.e., Framework, Functions, Finances, Functionaries, Capacity Building, and Accountability of the Panchayats.
Key Findings:
- The overall devolution to rural local bodies increased from 39.9% in 2013-14 to 43.9% in 2021-22.
- State Rankings: Top 5 States are Karnataka (1st), Kerala (2nd), Tamil Nadu (3rd), Maharashtra (4th) and Uttar Pradesh (5th) .
- Lowest-ranked states/UTs are Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu (13.62), Puducherry (16.16), and Ladakh (16.18).
Improvements in Infrastructure: Government efforts have strengthened PRIs through infrastructure, staffing, and digitalization, raising the functionaries index from 39.6% to 50.9%. - The Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA, 2018) boosted the capacity enhancement component of the Index from 44% to 54.6%.
