{"id":18763,"date":"2023-12-07T12:03:53","date_gmt":"2023-12-07T12:03:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/?p=18763"},"modified":"2024-02-26T09:53:45","modified_gmt":"2024-02-26T09:53:45","slug":"the-strength-and-sustenance-of-local-institutions-in-india-has-shifted-from-their-formative-phase-of-functions-functionaries-and-funds-to-the-contemporary-stage-of-function-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/the-strength-and-sustenance-of-local-institutions-in-india-has-shifted-from-their-formative-phase-of-functions-functionaries-and-funds-to-the-contemporary-stage-of-function-2\/","title":{"rendered":"The strength and sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of \u2018Functions, Functionaries and Funds\u2019 to the contemporary stage of \u2018Functionality\u2019. Highlight the critical challenges faced by Local institutions in terms of their functionality in recent times. (250 Words, 15 Marks)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-gs-advance-and-mentorship-program-ampcsat?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Link&amp;utm_campaign=GS+Advanced\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Attempt-our-Daily-Weekly-Current-Affairs-Quiz-now-8.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43397\" srcset=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Attempt-our-Daily-Weekly-Current-Affairs-Quiz-now-8.png 1280w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Attempt-our-Daily-Weekly-Current-Affairs-Quiz-now-8-1170x274.png 1170w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Attempt-our-Daily-Weekly-Current-Affairs-Quiz-now-8-585x137.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Local institutions in India have evolved from initial concerns of &#8216;Functions, Functionaries, and Funds&#8217; to prioritize &#8216;Functionality.&#8217; However, challenges persist, including bureaucratic hurdles, insufficient resources, and political interference, impeding effective governance. Ensuring the functional efficacy of local institutions remains crucial for sustainable and inclusive development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><strong>UPSC Mains General Studies Paper \u2013 2 Mains 2020<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-mains-civil-services-ias-exam-question-paper-2021\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">U<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-mains-civil-services-ias-exam-question-paper-2020\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PSC Mains Civil Services IAS Exam Question Paper \u2013 2020<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tags: <\/strong>Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69ffef818f52b\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69ffef818f52b\"  \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/the-strength-and-sustenance-of-local-institutions-in-india-has-shifted-from-their-formative-phase-of-functions-functionaries-and-funds-to-the-contemporary-stage-of-function-2\/#Approach\" title=\"Approach\">Approach<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/the-strength-and-sustenance-of-local-institutions-in-india-has-shifted-from-their-formative-phase-of-functions-functionaries-and-funds-to-the-contemporary-stage-of-function-2\/#Answer\" title=\"Answer&nbsp;&nbsp;\">Answer&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/the-strength-and-sustenance-of-local-institutions-in-india-has-shifted-from-their-formative-phase-of-functions-functionaries-and-funds-to-the-contemporary-stage-of-function-2\/#Formative_Years_of_Local_Institutions\" title=\"Formative Years of Local Institutions\">Formative Years of Local Institutions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/the-strength-and-sustenance-of-local-institutions-in-india-has-shifted-from-their-formative-phase-of-functions-functionaries-and-funds-to-the-contemporary-stage-of-function-2\/#Challenges_to_Functionality_of_Local_Institutions\" title=\"Challenges to Functionality of Local Institutions\">Challenges to Functionality of Local Institutions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/the-strength-and-sustenance-of-local-institutions-in-india-has-shifted-from-their-formative-phase-of-functions-functionaries-and-funds-to-the-contemporary-stage-of-function-2\/#Measures_to_strengthen_Local_Institution\" title=\"Measures to strengthen Local Institution\">Measures to strengthen Local Institution<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/the-strength-and-sustenance-of-local-institutions-in-india-has-shifted-from-their-formative-phase-of-functions-functionaries-and-funds-to-the-contemporary-stage-of-function-2\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/the-strength-and-sustenance-of-local-institutions-in-india-has-shifted-from-their-formative-phase-of-functions-functionaries-and-funds-to-the-contemporary-stage-of-function-2\/#In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\" title=\"In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;\">In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/the-strength-and-sustenance-of-local-institutions-in-india-has-shifted-from-their-formative-phase-of-functions-functionaries-and-funds-to-the-contemporary-stage-of-function-2\/#Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\" title=\"Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;here\">Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;here<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Approach\"><\/span>Approach<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>In Introduction, try to write about the Formative Years of Local Institutions.<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>In Body,<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul><li><strong>Challenges to the functionality of Local Institutions in India.<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Measures to strengthen Local Institutions.<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>In Conclusion, try to comment on the need to strengthen Local Institutions.<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Answer\"><\/span>Answer&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhen the panchayat raj is established, public opinion will do what violence can never do.\u201d \u2013 <strong>Mahatma Gandhi<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In order to increase the democratic decentralisation, Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Governments were set up through the 73rd &amp; 74th Amendment Act. Today in 2021, there are many issues which have rendered the 3rd tier of government in a state where it has more responsibility but less power and resources. While traditional challenges in terms of funds, functions and functionaries (3Fs) remain quite relevant even today, we cannot lose sight of challenges being faced in terms of \u201cfunctionality\u201d<strong> .<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Formative_Years_of_Local_Institutions\"><\/span>Formative Years of Local Institutions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Balwant Rai Mehta Committee in 1957, reviewed the working of the CDP and suggested a three-tier PRIs, namely, Gram Panchayats at the village level, Panchayat Samiti at block level, Zilla Parishad at the district level.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>Ashok Mehta Committee in 1977, recommended compulsory power of taxation.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>GVK Rao Committee in 1985, recommended assigning a role with respect to planning, implementation and monitoring of rural development programmes.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>The Gadgil Committee in 1988, made comprehensive recommendations on Local institutions. Based on its recommendations, 73rd and 74th Constitutional amendments were passed which suggested:&nbsp;<ul><li>Gram Sabha as foundation of the Panchayati Raj System.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>Three tier system for local government and assigned them constitutional status.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Direct election by people of all members of local bodies and reservation of seats for SC\/ST and women at all three levels.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>State Election Commission for supervision of the elections.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>Formation of the State Finance Commission every five years for reviewing the financial provisions of local bodies.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Challenges_to_Functionality_of_Local_Institutions\"><\/span>Challenges to Functionality of Local Institutions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Structural Deficiencies:<\/strong> PRIs suffer from structural deficiencies i.e. inadequate secretarial support and lower levels of technical knowledge which restricted the aggregation of bottom-up planning.&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Emergence of Parallel Governance System at Local Level:<\/strong> Suppose, a Special purpose vehicle for the execution of the city development under Smart Cities Mission. Thus, creating a parallel institution vis-a-vis Urban local government. o This functional overlapping may eventually lead to weakening of local bodies.&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Top-Down Approach: <\/strong>NITI Aayog\u2019s Aspirational District plan envisages top-down development of these districts, which not only undermines the role of local governments but also goes against the spirit of Democratic decentralisation. o One-size-fits-all approach also affects the functionality of local governments.&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Limited Reach:<\/strong> The state governments have yet to delegate the actual functional autonomy excluding Kerala, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh etc., as most states have conformed to the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts only on paper.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Proxy Representation:<\/strong> Though women and SCs\/STs have got representation in PRIs through reservation mandated by 73rd amendment, proxy representation, for example, in case of women through Panch-Pati, acts as a major hurdle.&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Structural Issues: <\/strong>Some of the Gram panchayats or urban local governments do not have their own building or they exist but without basic facilities like toilets, drinking water, and electricity connection. o Moreover, there is a lack of support staff and personnel in local bodies such as secretaries, junior engineers, computer operators, and data entry operators, affecting their functioning and delivery of services.&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Funding:<\/strong> Functionality is dependent on financial aid but there have been issues with the implementation because local institutions are excessively dependent on the government for funding and lack their own revenue generating mechanisms through local taxes and receiving intergovernmental transfers.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Corruption: <\/strong>Local bodies are marred by corruption. Due to this, local bodies are not able to function properly and subsequently affect the development process.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Measures_to_strengthen_Local_Institution\"><\/span>Measures to strengthen Local Institution<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Government Programmes being merged<\/strong>: Convergence of various development programs could prove to be beneficial. In this context, <strong>Mission Antyodaya<\/strong> is a step in the right direction.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Activity Mapping:<\/strong> The 2nd ARC had recommended that there should be a clear-cut demarcation of functions of each tier of the government.&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Effective Auditing: <\/strong>Audit committees may be constituted by the State Governments at the district level to inspect the integrity of financial information, ethical conduct of all persons involved in local bodies, fairness of internal controls and the compliance with the applicable laws.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>E.g.: The initiative of the Meghalaya government to make social auditing mandatory is a great step in this pursuit.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Ensuring Fiscal Federalism<\/strong>:&nbsp; As functionality also depends on finances, fiscal autonomy accompanied by fiscal accountability can provide a long-term solution to the problems faced by local bodies.&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Recruiting and Training Personnel:<\/strong> Recruiting efficient personnel with necessary qualifications and providing capacity building could result in better functioning of the system.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Local institutions have been able to strengthen democracy at the root level. But as the institutions have evolved, new challenges have emerged. Their rectification will require raising awareness among masses and their representatives, clear demarcation of responsibility and a system of accountability. The fulfillment of the purpose of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act will lead to <strong>Atmanirbhar Panchayats<\/strong> which in turn would help realizing the <strong>goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat<\/strong>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-essay?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Banner&amp;utm_campaign=Essay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UPSC-Essay-Course-1280\u00d7300-1-3.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42688 lazyload\" width=\"781\" height=\"182\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 781px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 781\/182;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\"><\/span><strong>In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For UPSC Prelims Resources,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc-cse-prelims-resource-centre\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Daily Updates and Study Material:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Join our Telegram Channel &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/WithEdukemy4IAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Edukemy for IAS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>1. 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Mains Answer Writing Practice &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3mZuVxl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\"><\/span>Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@ShabbirsEduKemyforIAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Local institutions in India have evolved from initial concerns of &#8216;Functions, Functionaries, and Funds&#8217; to prioritize &#8216;Functionality.&#8217;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":18774,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[185],"tags":[186,299,354,142,232,145,353],"class_list":["post-18763","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-upsc-mains-solved-papers","tag-general-studies-1","tag-geography-general-studies","tag-history","tag-previous_year_questions","tag-upsc","tag-upsc-mains-question-paper","tag-upsc-model-answers"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18763","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18763"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18763\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29860,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18763\/revisions\/29860"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18774"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18763"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18763"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18763"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}