Local self-government, particularly the Panchayati Raj system, plays a pivotal role in Bihars governance structure. This grassroots governance mechanism ensures decentralized decision-making, promoting democratic participation and empowering rural communities. The Panchayati Raj system in Bihar has undergone significant transformations over the years, reflecting the states socio-economic and political dynamics.
Historical Evolution of Panchayati Raj in Bihar
Pre-Independence Era
Traditional Panchayats: In the pre-colonial period, traditional panchayats served as informal governance bodies in villages. They resolved disputes, managed resources, and maintained law and order within the community.
Colonial Influence: The British colonial administration introduced statutory local governance through the Bengal Local Self-Government Act of 1885, laying the foundation for formal panchayati systems in Bihar, which was then part of Bengal.
Post-Independence Developments
Constitutional Provisions: The inclusion of Article 40 in the Directive Principles of State Policy under the Indian Constitution emphasized the need for village panchayats.
Bihar Panchayat Raj Act, 1947: Bihar implemented its first formal legislation for panchayati raj in 1947, making provisions for elected representatives in village governance.
Community Development Programme, 1952: The program aimed to integrate panchayats into rural development initiatives.
Key Milestones in Panchayati Raj in Bihar
Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957):
Suggested the establishment of a three-tier system: village, block, and district levels.
Bihar adopted the recommendations, forming gram panchayats at the village level.
Ashok Mehta Committee (1978):
Advocated for the two-tier system, emphasizing resource allocation to panchayats.
Its recommendations were partially implemented in Bihar.
73rd Constitutional Amendment (1992):
Mandated a three-tier panchayati raj system nationwide.
Reserved seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women.
Bihar amended its Panchayat Raj Act in 1993 to align with the constitutional mandate.
Bihar Panchayat Raj Act, 2006:
Overhauled the Panchayat Raj structure in the state.
Introduced direct elections for the position of mukhiyas (village heads).
Enhanced financial and administrative powers of panchayats.
Structure of Panchayati Raj in Bihar
Three-Tier System
Gram Panchayat (Village Level):
Constitution: Comprises the gram sabha (general body of voters), gram panchayat (elected body), and mukhiya (head).
Functions: Focuses on basic amenities, rural development, and local dispute resolution.
Gram Kachahri: A judicial body under the panchayat for minor civil and criminal cases.
Panchayat Samiti (Block Level):
Constitution: Includes representatives from gram panchayats within the block.
Functions: Coordinates developmental programs and acts as a link between gram panchayats and zila parishad.
Zila Parishad (District Level):
Constitution: Comprises representatives from panchayat samitis within the district.
Functions: Formulates and supervises district-level development policies.
Key Features of Panchayati Raj in Bihar
Reservation of Seats
50% reservation for women in all tiers of panchayats.
Proportional representation for SCs, STs, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
Decentralized Planning
Panchayats have autonomy in planning and implementing schemes for rural development, sanitation, and education.
Financial Empowerment
Revenue sources include taxes on property, water, markets, and funds from state and central governments under schemes like MNREGA and PMAY.
Judicial Functions
Gram Kachahri addresses petty disputes, reducing the burden on regular courts.
Role of Panchayati Raj in Rural Development
Implementation of Government Schemes
Acts as the executing body for flagship programs like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, and National Rural Health Mission.
Infrastructure Development
Ensures construction and maintenance of roads, schools, and healthcare facilities.
Empowering Women and Marginalized Communities
Provides a platform for political participation of women and disadvantaged groups.
Disaster Management
Plays a critical role in disaster preparedness and relief in flood-prone areas of Bihar.
Challenges in Panchayati Raj in Bihar
Financial Constraints
Insufficient revenue generation and delayed fund transfers hinder effective functioning.
Lack of Capacity Building
Limited training for elected representatives affects governance quality.
Political Interference
Excessive influence of political parties undermines autonomy.
Corruption and Mismanagement
Instances of fund misuse and lack of transparency in decision-making processes.
Low Public Participation
Poor awareness among citizens about the roles and responsibilities of panchayats.
Recent Reforms and Initiatives
Digital Governance:
Implementation of e-panchayats for better transparency and efficiency.
Online portals for grievance redressal and scheme monitoring.
Capacity Building Programs:
Training initiatives for panchayat members under schemes like RGSA (Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan).
Focus on Womens Empowerment:
Increased representation of women in leadership roles and skill development programs.
Strengthening Gram Kachahri:
Enhancing judicial capabilities to resolve disputes locally.
Case Studies of Successful Panchayats in Bihar
Maner Block (Patna):
Effective implementation of water conservation projects under Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan.
Rajgir (Nalanda):
Gram panchayats played a pivotal role in promoting eco-tourism and improving sanitation.
Barh (Patna):
Exemplary performance in MNREGA implementation, ensuring rural employment.
Future Prospects
Strengthening Decentralization
Delegating more administrative and financial powers to panchayats.
Technology Integration
Expanding e-governance tools for real-time monitoring and citizen engagement.
Enhanced Financial Independence
Exploring innovative revenue-generation methods like public-private partnerships.
Capacity Building
Continuous training for representatives to improve governance quality.
Public Awareness Campaigns
Encouraging citizen participation in gram sabhas for better accountability.