Evaluation of Panchayati Raj:
1. The concept of grassroot democracy at both rural and urban levels has not flourished in the country.
2. Some of the major reasons behind this failure are politicisation of administration, entry of criminal elements in the elected bodies, rampant corruption, caste and group division, priority to self interest over public welfare and electoral malpractices.
3. The 73rd amendment seeks to radically alter the social structure of villages by reserving seats for scheduled castes, tribes, backward classes and women.
4. However, in the absence of proper education, training and economic independence, these groups are unable to assert themselves. Illiteracy, poverty and unemployment are the major handicaps.
5. Urgent steps need to be taken to effectively deal with these problems in order to facilitate participatory development.
6. Though the provision for reservation of seats for women has been manipulated by their male counterparts-mostly their husbands-it has certainly empowered them to some extent. They are increasingly becoming aware of their rights and responsibilities and are asserting themselves in certain cases. This is definitely a very positive development.
7. The latest Constitutional Amendments have certainly broadened the financial resources of the local self-governing institutions. However, they still remain starved of funds. Taxation powers have been given to them but they are unable to collect enough taxes. So due to scarcity of resources, panchayats are not able to fulfil their role as self-governing institutions or carriers of economic development in the countryside.
8. Panchayats are subject to various controls by the State Governments. The State Governments are authorised to cancel their resolutions and even dissolve them.
9. However,the 73rd Constitutional Amendment has made it compulsory for the States to hold election of panchayati raj bodies within six months of their dissolution.
10. It is necessary that the people participate actively in democratically elected panchayats. This can be ensured through Gram Sabhas. Through Gram Sabhas, the people can question and demand explanations from panchayats. Gram Sabha can harmonise needs and priorities of people and also plan direction of village development.
11. The Gram Sabhas can successfully play the role of securing democracy at the grassroots, lovel if they are endowed with sufficient authority. The overall socio-economic and cultural development of rural areas depends on strong panchayats.
12. Panchayats as the foundations of democracy at the grassroots can be strengthened only by reposing faith in them, endowing them with adequate administrative and financial powers and encouraging vigilance and active participation of the people.
