Powers and Responsibilities of Panchayats

The Constitution mandates that Panchayats be given genuine powers and authority so they can function as institutions of self-government. This means state governments are required to revitalise local representative bodies by delegating to them a specific set of powers and responsibilities.

Powers delegated to Panchayats include:

• Preparing plans and schemes for economic development
• Promoting schemes that enhance social justice
• Levying, collecting and appropriating taxes, duties, tolls and fees
• Helping in the devolution of governmental responsibilities, especially financial ones, to local authorities

Social welfare responsibilities of Panchayats cover a wide range of local needs:

• Maintenance of burning and burial grounds
• Recording statistics of births and deaths
• Establishment of child welfare and maternity centres
• Control of cattle pounds
• Propagation of family planning
• Promotion of agricultural activities

Development activities include:

• Construction of roads, public buildings, wells, tanks and schools
• Promotion of small cottage industries
• Care of minor irrigation works

Many central government schemes are monitored by Panchayat members. Two important examples are the Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP) and the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS).

Sources of income for Panchayats:

• Tax levied on property, profession, animals, and vehicles
• Cess on land revenue and rentals
• Grants received through the Zilla Panchayat

A crucial transparency measure was introduced: Panchayat offices are required to put up boards outside their offices listing the break-up of funds received and the utilisation of financial aid. This was done to ensure that people at the grassroots level have the 'right to information' — opening all functioning to public scrutiny. Citizens have the right to examine how money is allocated and to ask for reasons behind decisions taken for the village's welfare and development. …