19 March 2025 : Daily Answer Writing
Q1) Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals requires consideration of regional context and local situations. In light of this statement examine the role of Panchayats as catalysts for grassroot development and advancing sustainable development. (15 marks, 250 words)
ANSWER
“Local spaces are ultimately the key site of delivery and development and, as such, local government is central to the success of sustainable development.”: UNDP. The SDGs are a set of 17 goals and 169 targets adopted by UNGA to be achieved till 2030. These goals, though being universal, require adequate local interventions. The SDGs are implemented at local levels, affecting the local population. Therefore, the implementation of SDGs should be driven by grassroot governing bodies.
In India, the Panchayats are the grassroot tier of governance and act as catalysts for grassroot development. They play a major role in implementing SDG goals at village level.
For complete implementation of SDGs through Panchayats, the Government of
India has launched Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA):
ROLE OF PANCHAYATS AS CATALYST FOR GRASSROOT DEVELOPMENT AND ADVANCING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
- Representation and Participation of Population: The decentralisation of power has allowed the hitherto unrepresented population to participate in representative politics. For example, there are almost 3 million elected representatives in the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) which covers almost 99.4% of the rural population. Through the institution of Gram Sabha, every citizen participates in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes at the village level.
- Representation to Women, SCs and STs: Almost 49% of elected representatives to the local bodies are women. Similarly, almost 30% of elected representatives come from SCs and STs. Through this women participation is improved which reflects the advancement of SDG 5.
- Continuity in Governance: The local bodies are relatively less rigid and more continuing institutions of governance. For example, during the recent CoViD-19 crisis, local bodies became the most important units of governance. The benefits like ration distribution, awareness programmes, vaccination programmes were mostly done through local bodies. This helps in better dealing with the issues of poverty as given in SDG 1.
- Subsidiarity: Under the principle of subsidiarity, local institutions are being seen as the focal point for implementation of important policies like local health, sanitation, rural electrification, skill development, education etc. For example, the 15th Finance Commission has realised the importance of local institutions and to empower them financially Rs. 4,40,000 crore has been granted to local institutions. This helps in the advancement of SDG 2 and 3.
- Service Delivery: Panchayats play an important role in delivery of essential services like nutrition, medicines, etc. ensuring there is equity across populations, reducing regional disparities.
- Livelihood: Panchayats also play an important role in providing livelihood opportunities to the local population, especially in programmes like MGNREGA. This helps in implementation and advancement of SDG 8.
- Sanitation: Panchayats by virtue of Schedule 11 powers, are responsible for sanitation and cleanliness and play an important role in provision of clean drinking water. For example, Panchayats are the focal point in both SBM and JJM.
- Monitoring: Panchayats as an institution are primarily responsible for monitoring and auditing the developmental works being carried out in rural areas. This is done through provisions like Gram Sabha, Social Audit, etc. The achievement of the SDGs depends on the ability of local and regional governments to promote integrated, inclusive and sustainable territorial development.
The local institutions are the backbone of federal governance in India and empowering them helps getting better feedback from the beneficiaries which helps in better governance. Thus, there is a need to empower the local institutions to work efficiently and effectively.
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