(GIST OF KURUKSHETRA) Strengthening Rural India

(APRIL-2025)

Strengthening Rural India

Context:

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1993 laid the foundation for strengthening grassroots democracy by mandating the functioning of Panchayats at the village, intermediate, and district levels, as per Article 243B. The Amendment empowered State Legislatures with the necessary powers and responsibilities, to ensure these local self-governing Institutions work effectively (as per article 243G). Further as specified in the 11th schedule of this amendment, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have been entrusted with the crucial task of preparing and implementing plans for economic development and social justice aiming at providing rapid economic progress and social equity in rural areas through participatory planning and inclusive governance. Accordingly, all States have implemented a three-tier system of Panchayats - Gram Panchayats, Intermediate Panchayats and District Panchayats to fulfil this mandate.

The Need for Capacity Building in PRIs

The Implementation of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment marked a watershed moment in be integrated with developmental initiatives, ensuring structured and sustained knowledge and skill enhancement. Capacity building is not a one-time activity; rather, it should be a continuous process to ensure long-term sustainability.
A well-structured CB&T framework serves as the backbone for strengthening PRIs, equipping them with the necessary skills, awareness, and understanding to fulfill their responsibilities effectively.
To make PRIs more effective and efficient, continuous capacity building is essential. Without strengthening their capacities, the empowerment of PRIs remains incomplete. Capacity development must be integrated with developmental initiatives, ensuring structured and sustained knowledge and skill enhancement. Capacity building is not a one-time activity; rather, it should be a continuous process to ensure long-term sustainability.
A well-structured CB&T framework serves as the backbone for strengthening PRIs, equipping them with the necessary skills, awareness, and understanding to fulfill their responsibilities effectively.
PRIs have been an integral part of India’s democratic framework, playing a vital role in ensuring that the benefits of development reach the grassroots level. However, PRIs have faced multiple challenges related to governance, financial resource mobilization and management, and community engagement. These challenges, if left unaddressed, hinder their effectiveness and limit their capacity to deliver essential services.

Strengthening Governance through RGSA

The Revamped RGSA aims to enhance governance capabilities at the grassroots level by providing continuous capacity-building initiatives for ERs and other stakeholders of PRIs.
Leadership & Management Development Program (MDP)
To expand leadership training, the Ministry introduced the Leadership/Management Development Program (MDP), a strategic initiative designed to enhance the leadership and managerial skills of Elected Representatives, officials, and functionaries of PRIs. This initiative serves as a transformative tool to enrich the competencies of community leaders at the grassroots level.

Collaboration with Premier Institutes

The Ministry has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with six Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and Institute of Rural Management Anand. The MDP focuses on Leadership and Teamwork, Project Management, Financial Management, Creativity, and Rural Innovation, with flexibility to tailor modules based on specific State and Union Territory (UT) needs.

Ongoing Capacity-Building Initiatives

Training programs under RGSA are conducted throughout the year by institutions such as the National Institute for Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR), State Institutes of Rural Development (SIRDs), and other training centres. The first Leadership/Management Development Program for Elected Representatives and PRIs functionaries was held at IIM Ahmedabad providing expert training on leadership and management to strengthen grassroots governance.

Conclusion

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment significantly strengthened grassroots democracy by empowering PRIs to function as self-governing bodies. However, their effectiveness depends on continuous capacity building and active stakeholder participation. The government has consistently implemented initiatives like RGPSA, CB-PSA, and RGSA to enhance the competencies of elected representatives and PRI functionaries. The Revamped RGSA further reinforces this commitment by aligning PRI functions with SDGs.