TOPIC : GS 2 Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States, Issues and Challenges Pertaining to the Federal Structure, Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local Levels and Challenges Therein.
Arise and rejuvenate the third layer of governance
What is the news?
The government must ensure that even the last man sitting in the remote corner of the last row should have access to the benefits of the plan. It is crucial that strong local bodies are formed to enable genuine feasibility and execution.
History
The Cholas were the pioneers in the formation of local bodies as part of a well organised hierarchy to oversee the implementation of progressive plans.
The journey of Panchayati raj
“The voice of the people is the voice of god, The voice of the Panchayat is the voice of the people,” is the quote attributed to Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.
Panchayati raj ensures that the voices of the people are heard loud and clear.
Realizing that seamless administration is impossible without power sharing, the British in 1884 passed the Madras Local Boards Act.
The British formed unions in both small towns and big cities and began to appoint members to ensure better administration.
Advent of gram panchayat laws in 1920, people over 25 years of age were bestowed with the right to vote and choose their panchayat members.
Even though Gandhiji was constantly laying emphasis on the importance of autonomously ruled villages, the idea received constitutional recognition only in 1992.Constitutional provisions
It was only after the 73rdAmendment in the 1990s, that the Panchayati raj law came into force.
This was the law that brought about massive turning points such as the initiation of grama sabha, a three tier Panchayati raj methodology of governance, reservation for the downtrodden and women.
It laid consistency in economic development, local body elections once in five years, the formation of the State Election Commission, Finance Commission, and the power to draft the rules and responsibilities of the Panchayat.
The regions which were better equipped with basic facilities and which were more developed than the villages were brought under one coordinated body, namely, the municipality.
The district capitals were further slotted into a combined parameter, namely, the corporation.
Ideal platform
For seemingly trivial and easily resolvable issues, the villages did not have to seek the assistance of the State or the Central governments.
Grama sabhas could and can be the platform to resolve such issues.
Every grama sabha meeting ensures the equal right to highlight the issues that disrupt life.
In addition to this, the elected members of the Panchayat are obliged to read out the financial statements and balance sheet to ensure transparency
Case study : According to the rules framed by the Tamil Nadu government, it is mandatory that grama sabhas meet at least four times in a calendar year.
Instability
The decisions taken during a grama sabha meeting and the proposed solutions with a feasible deadline are potent and powerful.
Unfortunately, the reality today is that grama sabhas have become more like auction houses.
Even though the government announced that people’s opinions would be considered, it went ahead and conducted meetings, which were marked by poor attendance and poor representation from the people.
Several projects are being implemented for the benefit of private and corporate entities.
Women do not find themselves in major administrative roles in the local bodies though on paper, women are shown to be a considerable force.
Model state
The Kerala example neighbouring State of Kerala has been diligently working toward ensuring the proper use of allotted funds, and ensuring the efficiency of administration and eligible member appointments.
Thus, it stands tall as being exemplary.
Way forward
The demand for federal rule in the Centre and autonomous rule in the States should resonate along with the need to have autonomous local bodies too.
There must collectively ensure that Panchayati raj should be strengthened. This should be the outcome of a peoples’ movement.
Gandhiji’s belief that the voices of people will resolve what violence can never be successful in resolving. Let the peoples’ voices be heard.
Mains question
Political acts depriving people of their rights must stop and there needs to be a movement to strengthen Panchayati raj . Discuss
PRELIMS PUNCHERS
1. National Internet Exchange of India
The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) is a non-profit Company incorporated under Section 25 of the India Companies Act 1956 (now section 8 under Companies Act 2013) with an objective of facilitating improved internet services in the country.
Its Primary purpose is to facilitate exchange of domestic Internet traffic between the peering ISP Content players and any other organizations with their own AS number. This enables more efficient use of international bandwidth, saving foreign exchange and also improves the Quality of Services (QoS) for Internet users by avoiding multiple international hops and thus reducing latency. NIXI also manages the National Internet Registry of the country delegation Internet Protocol addresses and Autonomous System numbers to its Affiliates.
Sources : https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1712056
2. Galwan valley
The Galwan River flows from the disputed Aksai Chin region administered by China to the Ladakh region of India. It originates near the caravan campsite Samzungling on the eastern side of the Karakoram range and flows west to join the Shyok River. The point of confluence is 102 km south of Daulat Beg Oldi. Shyok River itself is a tributary of the Indus River, making Galwan a part of the Indus River system.
The narrow valley of the Galwan River as it flows through the Karakoram mountains has been a flashpoint between China and India in their border dispute. In 1962, a forward post set up by India in the upper reaches of the Galwan Valley caused an “apogee of tension” between the two countries ( India and Pakistan ) . China attacked and eliminated the post in the 1962 war, reaching its 1960 claim line
Sources : https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/the-hindu-explains-who-does-galwan-valley-belong-to/article31879418.ece
3.Indian Council of world affairs
The Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) is a New Delhi based Indian think-tank. Established in 1943, it is devoted exclusively for the study of international relations and foreign affairs. By an Act of Parliament, it has been declared an institution of national importance in 2001. The Vice President of India is the ex-officio President of ICWA, while the Minister of External Affairs is its Vice-President. It is housed in Sapru House, the name being derived from Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru, who was also the founder President of the Council. ICWA is a member of the United Nations Academic Impact.
ICWA has been called by media as one of India’s influential think-tanks, but is seen only as an extension of the Ministry of External Affairs
Sources : https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/border-situation-cannot-be-swept-under-carpet-says-indian-envoy-to-china/article34367870.ece
4. Gogra hot springs are located in Manila, Ladakh.
It is a campsite and the location of an Indian border checkpost in the Chang Chenmo River valley in Ladakh near the disputed border with China. It is so named because there is a hot spring at this location. The Line of Actual Control near Kongka Pass is only 3 kilometres. Gogra is actually in a branch valley of the Changchenmo watered by the Khugrang River, northwest of Hot Springs. The Changlung River flows in from the northeast to join Khugrang at this location
A hot spring is a spring produced by the emergence of geothermally heated groundwater that rises from the Earth’s crust. According to the geological survey of India, India has over 300 hot spring locations and they are estimated to have the energy potential around 10600 MW
Sources : https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-hot-springs-gogra-post-india-china-ladakh-strategic-significance-7279037/
PRELIMS QUESTION
1. Consider the following statement with regarding Galwan valley
1. Galwan valley originates in the area of Samzungling on the western side of the Karakoram range
2. It flows west to join the Shyok River
Select the correct statement using code given below.
(a). 1only (b) 2 only
(c). Both of them (d). None of the above
Answer :B
The Galwan River flows from the disputed Aksai Chin region administered by China to the Ladakh region of India. It originates near the caravan campsite Samzungling on the eastern side of the Karakoram range and flows west to join the Shyok River. The point of confluence is 102 km south of Daulat Beg Oldi. Shyok River itself is a tributary of the Indus River, making Galwan a part of the Indus River system.
The narrow valley of the Galwan River as it flows through the Karakoram mountains has been a flashpoint between China and India in their border dispute. In 1962, a forward post set up by India in the upper reaches of the Galwan Valley caused an “apogee of tension” between the two countries ( India and Pakistan ) .
2. Consider the following statement with regarding National Internet Exchange of India
1. The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) is a non-profit Company incorporated under Section 25 of the India Companies Act 1956
2. Its Primary purpose is to facilitate exchange of domestic Internet traffic between the peering ISP Content players
Select the correct statement using code given below.
(a). 1only (b) 2 only
(c). Both of them (d). None of the above
Answer :C
The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) is a non-profit Company incorporated under Section 25 of the India Companies Act 1956 (now section 8 under Companies Act 2013) with an objective of facilitating improved internet services in the country.
Its Primary purpose is to facilitate exchange of domestic Internet traffic between the peering ISP Content players and any other organizations with their own AS number. This enables more efficient use of international bandwidth, saving foreign exchange and also improves the Quality of Services (QoS) for Internet users by avoiding multiple international hops and thus reducing latency. NIXI also manages the National Internet Registry of the country delegation Internet Protocol addresses and Autonomous System numbers to its Affiliates.