Question : Scheme for Development of Panchayats

(a) whether it is a fact that several programmes are being implemented by the Government for strengthening the Panchayati Raj System and for the development of Panchayats, if so, the details thereof;
(b) the number of Gram Panchayats in the country which have failed to comply with the development norms as instructed by the Government, State / UT-wise;
(c) whether the Government proposes to provide more powers to Panchayats and Gram Sabhas, if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the names of various schemes, which the Government proposes to directly implement at Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) level?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ
(SHRI PARSHOTTAM RUPALA)
(a) The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has implemented a number of schemes like Backward Regions Grant Fund, Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Yojana, Panchayat Mahila Evam Yuva Shakti Abhiyan and Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan to strengthen the different aspects of Panchayati Raj system.
(b) No specific development norms have been prescribed by the Government for the Gram Panchayats.
(c) ‘Panchayat’ is a State Subject, and the Constitution vests the State Legislatures with the authority to endow Panchayats with powers. States have been encouraged to devolve more powers (functions, functionaries and finances) to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) through advisories and incentivisation of States that devolve most powers to PRIs.
(d) As per information received from the State Governments, 26 States have formulated guidelines for preparation of Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP) as a sequel to utilisation of funds under the Fourteenth Finance Commission award disbursed directly to the Gram Panchayats. The GPDP guidelines framed by the States indicate names of the schemes which are to be implemented at the Panchayat level. Central Government schemes that have been indicated in the Guidelines of the States include MGNREGS, Swachh Bharat Mission, Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan, Integrated Child Development Scheme, National Health Mission and Mid Day Meal Scheme.
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