Political decentralization without devolution of funds and functions to panchayats has resulted in representation but not empowerment. Examine whether devolution of funds and functions alone can transform panchayats into effective institutions of self-governance.

However, at gross root level, there exist many issues due to -

1. Devolution of funds and functions has not occurred.

2. Despite recommendations of Finance Commission and State FCs, most of funds to panchayats are of tied nature.

3. They have not been given enough powers to raise their own revenue.

4. There is also reluctance on panchayat members to collect taxes from their villages, (due to the village system bond).

5. States have also not devolved a majority of functions under 11th Schedule to Panchayats.

While devolution of funds and functions is very important, alone it is not sufficient, as -

Eg. "Sarpanch - Pati" where women are mere proxies.

4. Non-invol consultation with Sarpanches while devolving funds.

5. Reluctance of bureaucracy to give up powers.

However, Panchayats have also supplied Success Stories in the form of -

Successful vaccination drive

Running of MANREGA.

Organising Lok Adalats with NGOs

Use RTI route to get work done.

The holistic transformation of panchayats involves not only funds, functions, function-aries, but also greater empowerment of women and educating the village masses

— GAURAV OJHA · AIR 204