Question : Functioning of Panchayats

(a) the details of major schemes aimed to improve the functioning of Panchayats;

(b) the mechanism evolved to ensure the benefits of programmes being run under his Ministry along with the funds available for the Panchayats situated in remote areas, hilly areas and desert regions etc. in the country;

(c) whether any review has been conducted to ascertain the utility of various schemes and programmes of the Government; and

(d) if so, the details thereof along with the measures adopted or likely to be adopted to ensure the maximum benefits for Panchayats?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR PANCHAYATI RAJ
(SHRI NIHAL CHAND)
(a) to (d): Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) was implementing two major schemes namely Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan (RGPSA) and Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF) for strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). Under RGPSA, funds were provided to States for administrative and technical support and for physical infrastructure facilities to Gram Panchayats, besides capacity building and training of Elected Representatives and functionaries of PRIs. Under BRGF, untied funds were provided to the States to bridge critical gaps in local infrastructure and other developmental requirements in the identified 272 backward districts. The schemes were reviewed periodically through meetings, field visits and studies.

BRGF and the State component of RGPSA have been transferred to the States from 2015-16.


*****