(a) whether the working of Panchayats would have to be made more effective, efficient and people-friendly for the purpose of balance development; and
(b) if so, the national level plan chalked out by the Government for improving the functioning of Panchayats?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ
(SHRI PARSHOTTAM RUPALA)
a) Yes, Madam.
b) With a view to empower and strengthen the Panchayats, the Government is providing (i) substantial grant of Rs 2,00,292.20 crore exclusively for the Gram Panchayats over a period of five years as part of the Fourteenth Finance Commission award (years 2015-2020) which offers Gram Panchayats a unique opportunity to strengthen local governance; (ii) proactive support to the States to develop convergent local development plans and institutional support structures in order to utilize the funds available with Panchayats optimally; (iii) support to the States to develop budgeting, accounting and auditing manuals to improve the functioning of Panchayats; and (iv) financial support for capacity building of the various stakeholders of Panchayats for improved functioning.
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