Report highlights erosion of gram sabha decision-making powers and participation issues
A new report, based on Rural Development Ministry surveys, reveals the erosion of India's grassroots democracy, particularly concerning gram sabhas. It notes "participation fatigue" among citizens, partly due to a lack of outcomes and systemic issues like precarious rural labour. Gram sabhas are increasingly reduced to clearinghouses for central and State schemes, dependent on grants, and their decision-making powers are bypassed, especially regarding land acquisition and mining, despite the PESA Act. The report criticizes the state's failure to institutionalize attendance as a paid component of social protection, leading to gram sabhas becoming a domain for the leisured elite.
Key Points
- A report highlights the erosion of gram sabhas' decision-making powers and declining citizen participation in grassroots democracy.
- Gram sabhas are often reduced to merely approving central and state schemes, with limited autonomy in identifying local issues or generating revenue.
- The report points to "participation fatigue" stemming from a lack of tangible outcomes and systemic issues affecting rural livelihoods.
- Despite the PESA Act, gram sabhas' right to prior informed consent for land acquisition and mining is frequently bypassed by the state.
- The state's failure to provide paid attendance for gram sabha meetings contributes to lower participation and elite dominance.
Exam Facts
- The report is based on Rural Development Ministry surveys.
- The 73rd Amendment empowers gram sabhas.
- The NIRNAY app is promoted for uploading gram sabha meeting minutes.
- The Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) (PESA) Act 1996 grants gram sabhas the right to prior informed consent for land acquisition and mining.
Read it. Retain it. Recall it.
Get spaced-repetition flashcards, daily quizzes and offline access — free on Android.