Minister of State Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel to Release Devolution Index Report 2022-2023; Assess Panchayat Autonomy

The Devolution Index Report 2022-2023 will be released on January 9, 2025, by Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State for Panchayati Raj and Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. The event will take place at the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) in New Delhi, with Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, and other senior government officials in attendance.

Titled “Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States – An Indicative Evidence-Based Ranking,” the report highlights India's ongoing journey towards empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and realizing the vision of "Local Self-Government" enshrined in the 73rd Constitutional Amendment.

The Devolution Index is the outcome of rigorous research and empirical analysis, offering a comprehensive assessment of the decentralization process across Indian States and Union Territories. It evaluates six key dimensions critical to strengthening Panchayats: Framework, Functions, Finances, Functionaries, Capacity Building, and Accountability.

These factors measure how empowered Panchayats are in making independent decisions, reflecting the intent of Article 243G of the Indian Constitution, which directs States to devolve powers and responsibilities across 29 subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule.

The Devolution Index also plays a pivotal role in enhancing cooperative federalism and improving local self-governance. It provides valuable insights to States, enabling them to pinpoint areas needing attention, adopt best practices, and create more empowered Panchayats. This initiative aligns with the vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India), where strong and capable Panchayats are key drivers of rural transformation, fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development at the grassroots level.

This initiative is expected to have far-reaching implications for India’s rural governance, ensuring that Panchayats are better equipped to address local issues, implement development programs, and contribute to the nation's broader development goals.