Daily Mains Question - GS 2 - 26th August 2025
- TPP
- Aug 26
- 3 min read
Welcome to your Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – GS Paper 2 (Polity, Governance, Democratic Decentralisation).
Today’s question examines the challenges faced by Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India, despite the constitutional mandate of the 73rd Amendment Act (1992) and Article 40 of the Constitution. Panchayati Raj was envisioned as the foundation of grassroots democracy, enabling people’s participation in governance, decentralised planning, and inclusive development. With over 2.6 lakh Panchayats and nearly 31 lakh elected representatives (46% women), India runs the world’s largest experiment in local self-government. Yet, PRIs continue to be plagued by incomplete devolution of powers, financial dependence, capacity deficits, elite capture, and weak Gram Sabha participation.
For UPSC aspirants, this topic is highly relevant under GS Paper 2 themes:
Polity & Governance: The constitutional framework of local self-government and the 73rd Amendment.
Democratic Decentralisation: Why decentralised institutions struggle despite legal backing.
Inclusive Development: Role of Panchayats in social justice, rural development, and participatory planning.
Contemporary Governance Issues: Challenges of “Funds, Functions, Functionaries” (3F) and capacity gaps at the grassroots level.
Understanding this issue helps aspirants critically evaluate the gap between constitutional ideals and ground realities, the importance of functional devolution, and the way forward to realise Gandhiji’s vision of Gram Swaraj.
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QUESTION
Despite constitutional backing and decades of reforms, Panchayati Raj Institutions in India continue to struggle in becoming effective units of self-government. Critically examine.
Answer: Decentralisation is a cornerstone of democratic governance. In India, the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 provided constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), making them the “third tier of government.” Article 40 of the Directive Principles directs states to organise village panchayats and empower them to function as units of self-government. With over 2.6 lakh Panchayats and nearly 31 lakh elected representatives (of whom ~46% are women), India has the world’s largest experiment in grassroots democracy. Yet, despite this scale, their performance has remained far below expectations.
Achievements of Panchayati Raj
Political Representation: Reservation for SCs/STs and women has widened participation and created new local leadership.
Democratic Deepening: Regular elections (every 5 years) have strengthened accountability.
Local Development Role: Panchayats prepare plans for schemes like MGNREGA, PM Awas Yojana, and sanitation drives.
Women Empowerment: Studies by UNDP and MoPR highlight how women sarpanches improved service delivery in health, nutrition, and education.
Persistent Challenges
Incomplete Devolution – The 11th Schedule lists 29 subjects, but states often devolve only a few; power over finance and functionaries remains with state governments.
Financial Dependence – PRIs rely heavily on state and central grants; 15th Finance Commission noted that less than 5% of Panchayat expenditure comes from their own revenues.
Capacity Deficits – Limited administrative staff, lack of training, and weak planning skills at local level.
Elite Capture & Social Barriers – Influence of dominant castes and local elites undermines participation of the poor and marginalized.
Irregular Fund Flow – Delays in grants and tied funds restrict autonomy.
Low People’s Participation – Gram Sabhas often reduced to formality; attendance by women and weaker sections remains low.
Technology & Data Gaps – Despite e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project, digital divide and lack of awareness limit transparency.
Way Forward
True Devolution: Implement the “3F” principle (Funds, Functions, Functionaries) in letter and spirit.
Capacity Building: Regular training of elected representatives under schemes like Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA).
Financial Autonomy: Encourage Panchayats to mobilize local taxes, fees, and public–private partnerships.
Strengthening Gram Sabhas: Make them vibrant forums for participatory democracy through mandatory social audits.
Technology Integration: Expand SVAMITVA scheme (property mapping) and digital dashboards for real-time transparency.
Women & Youth Leadership: Build on 50% reservation for women in many states; foster youth participation.
The vision of Gandhiji’s Gram Swaraj and the constitutional spirit of Article 40 remain unfulfilled as Panchayats often act as agents of higher governments rather than self-governing bodies. Strengthening devolution, enhancing financial independence, and deepening citizen participation are vital for making Panchayats the real drivers of inclusive rural development and democratic legitimacy.
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