Decentralized Governance
Decentralized government was established for what reasons?
- The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments introduced decentralised government.
- These took effect in 1993 and provided a clear organisational structure for India’s democratic, decentralised administration.
- How was that received? They started a process that included predetermined elements like elections every five years, reservations for women and historically underrepresented groups, the development of participatory institutions, the creation of State Finance Commissions (SFCs), the establishment of District Planning Committees (DPCs), etc.
- After structural changes, a democratic system that was open, flexible, and participatory was adopted.
- It was in charge of putting social justice and local economic growth into action.
- Many village panchayats and “self-governing” grame sabhas were founded.
- To oversee local development, more than three million elected representatives were given responsibility.
- In the contemporary era, it was a daring attempt at democracy.
Has the result been favourable?
- The democratic processes in India were not greatly improved by this reform package.
- Local democracy hasn’t advanced that far.
- The capability, independence, or ability of the populace has not increased as a result of local panchayats.
- No matter where they choose to reside, they have rarely been able to provide all residents with a same level of essential services.
- Access to essential services including basic healthcare, clean water, public lighting, education, and food security is not always attainable.
- Despite a few success stories, they continue to be the minority.
- These are all signs of a social breakdown in local democracy.
What are some potential causes?
- It suggests that there is a fundamental problem with the third level of governance.
- Support – The 1991 political class-driven economic changes were backed by the bureaucracy.
- However, it didn’t seem like the States were doing much to support or foster decentralised governance.
- Implementation – The Parts IX and IXA requirements may be fully disregarded by States (Local Self Governments).
- longer than anticipated election times, absence of SFCs or DPCs, etc.
- These are the words that indicate how social justice and economic success will be given locally, which is more important.
- The two important advancements and their potential seem to have escaped the judiciary’s attention.
- Decentralization: Only Kerala experienced institutional decentralisation.
- It remains unclear what the duties of local governments are, notwithstanding activity mapping in several States.
- States are still in charge of the resources, activities, and staff.
- Therefore, autonomous government is practically unachievable.
- Interference: The majority of States keep developing substitute organisations.
- These restrict local governments’ ability to function.
- High-ranking officials and ministries are frequently in charge of them.
- For instance, a Rural Development Agency has been established by the Chief Minister of Haryana.
- The process of thinning out decentralised democracy gains legitimacy thanks to the legal recognition of these alternative institutions.
- District development plans must be created by DPCs.
- The strategy takes into account elements including integration of rural and urban areas, environmental protection, and spatial planning.
- This could be a way to lessen the escalating regional imbalances.
- But creating a DPC is not required.
- States like Gujarat, for instance, do not yet have the DPC.
