(a) whether the Government are aware that Panchayati Raj Institutions has not yet achieved the status of a strong and accountable public body;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefore; and
(c) the steps taken/being taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to make the Panchayati Raj Institutions a more accountable public body?
MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI M. VENKAIAH NAIDU)
(a) to (c): Panchayati Raj being a State subject, the State Legislatures are required to endow the Panchayats with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as institutions of self-government. The Panchayati Raj Institutions can achieve the status of strong institutions after funds, functions and functionaries have been devolved on them. Instructions have already been issued to State Governments in this regard. Instructions have also been issued to the State Governments to empower Gram Sabhas to conduct social audit of all public works and beneficiary oriented programmes. Simultaneously steps have been initiated to built up the capacity of the elected representatives.