(a) whether in order to bring about a spirit of competitiveness in development amongst village panchayats, the Government have introduced any schemes for infusing competition in infrastructural development amongst village Panchayats at national, regional and State levels; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and the parameters and standards laid down therefor ?
MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI SUNDAR LAL PATWA)
(a) & (b): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 310 DUE FOR REPLY ON MARCH 16, 2000.
While the Government of India had earlier communicated to the State Governments a set of objective criteria to assess the performance of Gram Panchayats, no such scheme has been introduced. Certain State Governments have, however, instituted a system whereby Panchayati Raj Institutions are adjudged according to their performance, and given Awards for best performance.