Report on the status of devolution to panchayats in states for 2024 : New rankings and position

Ministry has released report "Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States – An Indicative Evidence Based Ranking,"

Report Overview

It is known as the Panchayat Devolution Index 2024, it measures the devolution of authority and resources among Indian states and Union Territories in order to appraise the independence and strength of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

According to Article 243G of the Constitution, it evaluates Panchayats' independence in making decisions and carrying them out.

It evaluates six important aspects: the Panchayats' framework, functions, finances, functionaries, capacity building, and accountability.

States and their Ranks: Karnataka stood first, whereas Kerala at second position, Tamil Nadu at third, Maharashtra at fourth, and Uttar Pradesh at fifth position.

UT’s and their Ranks: Puducherry (16.16), Ladakh (16.18), and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu (13.62) are the states/UTs with the lowest ranks.

Infrastructure Improvements: By bolstering PRIs with staffing, infrastructure, and digitization, government initiatives have increased the functionary’s index from 39.6% to 50.9%.

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The capacity improvement component of the Index increased from 44% to 54.6% as a result of the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA-2018).

Increased devolution and improved infrastructure are two significant advancements in local body empowerment that are highlighted in the "Devolution to Panchayats" report. Poor accountability, uneven devolution, and weak financial autonomy are still problems, though. PRIs can be further empowered for sustainable local development and governance by filling in these gaps.