what are the different issues and challenges of Panchayati Raj at village level?
Answers
Answer:
Panchayati Raj system in India signifies the system of rural local self-government. It was constitutionalized through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992.
Panchayati Raj institutions are simultaneously a remarkable success and s staggering failure. The three challenges faced by Panchayati Raj institutions in India are:-
1) The prime challenge that the institution faces is the problem of lack of finances. The lack of financial resources hinders their functions and growth.
2) There is very little devolution of authority. Panchayati Raj institution cannot govern unless they are given the authority to actually perform functions related to governance.
3) Lack of awareness and non-fulfillment of promises made by these bodies make village people suspicious of the utility of Panchayati Raj bodies.
Answer:
Low human capital indicators
In the World Bank’s Human Capital Index, the country ranked 116th.
The National Family Health Survey-5 for 2019-20 shows that malnutrition indicators stagnated or declined in most States.
The National Achievement Survey 2017 and the Annual Status of Education Report 2018 show poor learning outcomes.
In addition, there is little convergence across States.
India spends just 4% of its GDP as public expenditure on human capital:1% and 3% on health and education respectively— one of the lowest among its peers.
Initiatives to address these issues
Investing in human capital through interventions in nutrition, health, and education is critical for sustainable growth.
The National Health Policy of 2017 highlighted the need for interventions to address malnutrition.
On the basis of NITI Aayog’s National Nutrition Strategy, the Poshan Abhiyaan was launched, as part of the Umbrella Integrated Child Development Scheme.
The latest Union Budget has announced a ‘Mission Poshan 2.0’ and the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan has been the Centre’s flagship education scheme since 2018.
Relation between decentralisation and human capital
International experience suggests that one reason why these interventions are not leading to better outcomes may be India’s record with decentralisation.