Write a note on ‘Problems and Prospects of Panchayati Raj Institutions'.

Or

Write various prolems before Panchayati Raj System and suggest remedies.

I Problem: The following points emerge with respect to the problems and prospects of Panchayati Raj Institutions:

(i) The Panchayati Raj institutions have been suffering from the lack of financial resources which hinder their effective functions.

(ii). The elections of Panchayats are held on party lines which results in casteism and political enemity.

(iii). There is not much scope for the election of the able and honest persons in the Panchayats and that results in corruption and nepotism.

(iv). The government machinery continues to maintain its hold on Panchayat bodies, which goes against the very purpose of these institutions.

(v). Lack of awareness and non-fulfilment of promises made by these bodies make village people suspicious to the utility of Panchayati Raj bodies.

II. Suggestions: (i) Effective measures should be adopted to the practice of corruption at various levels in the functioning of Panchayats.

(ii) Sufficient funds should be given directly from central as well as from state governments as aid for all local bodies related with the Panchayati Raj.

(iii) New sources of income should be suggested to rular democratic institutions.

(iv) Educational and mass media facilities should be provided. Banks, Insurance companies and foreign companies should provide financial and other helps.

(v) In the interest of democracy the villages may be trained in the art of self-government, even autonomy ......We must be able to reform the villages and introduce democratic principles (equality, justice, liberty and fraternity) of the government there.

(vi) It is necessary that in a democracy, tasks, which can be performed locally, should be left in the hands of the local people of rural India and their representation. Common people are more familiar with their local government and their problems that with the government at the state or national level. They are also more concerned with what local government does or has failed to do as it has a direct bearing and impact on their day-to-day life. In this way strengthen local rural government is like strengthening democratic processes.