Context:

• The Ministry of Panchayati Raj released the ‘Panchayat Development Index (PDI) 2.0’ report for the financial year 2023–24 on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day.

What is PDI 2.0?:

• PDI is a statistical tool that assesses the development status of Panchayats. PDI 2.0 is an upgraded version of the previous edition, linked with the localization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Objective: To promote healthy competition among Panchayats and identify development gaps.
• Basis: Focused on data-driven governance.

Main Pillars of Analysis (9 Themes):

• Poverty-free and enhanced livelihood Panchayat
• Healthy Panchayat
• Child-friendly Panchayat
• Water-sufficient Panchayat
• Clean and green Panchayat
• Self-reliant infrastructure Panchayat
• Socially secure Panchayat
• Good governance Panchayat
• Women-friendly Panchayat

Category-wise Classification & Scoring Model:

• Achiever (Grade A+): Score above 90% (Blue)
• Front Runner (Grade A): 75% – less than 90% score (Green) — 3,635 Panchayats fall under this category
• Performer (Grade B): 60% – less than 75% score (Amber) — the largest group with 45.72% Panchayats
• Aspirant (Grade C): 40% – less than 60% score (Orange)
• Beginner (Grade D): Score below 40% (Red)
• Top Performing Panchayat: Jugal Kishore Nagar Gram Committee of Sepahijala district in Tripura secured first rank at the national level with a score of 88.44
• State Performance: Tripura, Kerala and Odisha showed outstanding performance
• Special Achievement: Under “Poverty-free and enhanced livelihood” (Theme 1), 3,313 Panchayats achieved ‘Achiever’ (A+) grade

Panchayati Raj

• Panchayati Raj is a system of rural local self-government in India, given constitutional status by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.

Three-tier Structure:

Under Article 243B of the Constitution, a three-tier structure is provided:

1. Gram Level (Gram Panchayat):

• Unit: Gram Panchayat
• Head: Mukhiya/Sarpanch/Pradhan (elected directly or indirectly as per state law)
• Members: Ward members elected directly by villagers
• Role: Implementation of local development plans and management of basic services (sanitation, lighting, water)

2. Intermediate Level (Block/Mandal Level):

• Unit: Panchayat Samiti (also called Janpad Panchayat or Mandal Parishad in different states)
• Head: Chairperson/Pradhan (elected indirectly)
• Members: Directly elected members, along with MLAs and MPs of the area
• Role: Acts as a link between Gram Panchayat and District Council, coordinates development at block level

3. District Level:

• Unit: Zila Parishad
• Head: Chairperson (elected indirectly)
• Members: Directly elected members, heads of Panchayat Samitis, MPs and MLAs
• Role: Supervises activities of Panchayat Samitis, approves budgets and advises state government

Important Committees:

• Balwant Rai Mehta Committee: Recommended three-tier Panchayati Raj system
• Ashok Mehta Committee: Recommended two-tier structure
• L. M. Singhvi Committee: Recommended constitutional status to Panchayats

Constitutional Provisions:

• Part IX of the Constitution (Articles 243 to 243O)
• Article 243 (Definitions): Defines terms like Gram Sabha, Panchayat, Panchayat area
• Article 243A (Gram Sabha): Basic unit including all registered voters of the village
• Article 243B: Three-tier system (exception: states with population less than 20 lakh)
• Article 243C: Composition; elections mainly by direct voting
• Article 243D (Reservation):
• Reservation for SC/ST as per population
• Minimum 1/3 reservation for women (including chairpersons)
  • Article 243E: Tenure of 5 years; elections within 6 months if dissolved
  • Article 243F: Disqualification; minimum age 21 years
  • Article 243G: Powers for economic development and social justice (29 subjects of 11th Schedule)
  • Article 243H: Power to levy taxes, fees, tolls
  • Article 243I: State Finance Commission (every 5 years)
  • Article 243K: State Election Commission
  • Article 243O: Bar on court interference in electoral matters

11th Schedule (29 Subjects):

1. Agriculture & Allied Sectors:

• Agriculture, land reforms, minor irrigation
• Animal husbandry, fisheries
• Social forestry, minor forest produce

2. Rural Development & Infrastructure:

• Small industries, khadi, cottage industries
• Rural housing, drinking water
• Roads, bridges, waterways
• Rural electrification, non-conventional energy

3. Social & Educational Sector:

• Poverty alleviation
• Education (primary & secondary)
• Technical training, adult education
• Libraries, cultural activities, markets

4. Health & Welfare:

• Health and sanitation
• Family welfare
• Women and child development
• Welfare of weaker sections (SC/ST)
• Public Distribution System (PDS)
• Maintenance of community assets

Other Important Points:

• State List Subject: Local self-government is a State List subject
• Gram Sabha: Foundation of Panchayati Raj system
• Reservation: Mandatory for SC/ST and women (minimum 1/3)
• Tenure: 5 years
• State Election Commission: Ensures free and fair elections
• State Finance Commission: Reviews financial status every 5 years
• First Implementation: Panchayati Raj system was first inaugurated on October 2, 1959 in Nagaur district of Rajasthan by Jawaharlal Nehru.