Minister of State for Panchayati Raj, Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, is set to release the Devolution Index Report 2024 on February 13, 2025, at the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi. This report, titled “Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States – An Indicative Evidence-Based Ranking 2024”, is a significant milestone in assessing the autonomy and empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) across States and Union Territories. The event will also be attended by Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, along with other senior ministry officials and faculty members of IIPA.
Key Features of the Devolution Index 2024
The Devolution Index is an empirical tool designed to evaluate the progress of decentralization in rural governance. The Index goes beyond traditional metrics and assesses six critical dimensions:
- Framework – Legal and policy framework governing Panchayati Raj.
- Functions – The extent of functional responsibilities devolved to Panchayats.
- Finances – Financial autonomy and resource allocation.
- Functionaries – Administrative and human resources supporting PRIs.
- Capacity Building – Training and skill development programs for Panchayat representatives.
- Accountability – Mechanisms ensuring transparency and governance efficiency.
The Index specifically examines how independent Panchayats are in decision-making and implementation, reflecting the true spirit of Article 243G of the Constitution. This provision empowers State legislatures to devolve responsibilities across 29 subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule.
Significance of the Devolution Index
The Panchayat Devolution Index serves as a benchmark for States to measure progress in local self-governance and identify areas for improvement. It also strengthens cooperative federalism by enabling data-driven decision-making at the grassroots level.
- For Citizens: The Index enhances transparency by tracking Panchayat performance and resource allocation.
- For Elected Representatives: It provides insights for advocacy and governance reforms.
- For Government Officials: It acts as a roadmap for decentralization policies.
- For Policymakers: The Index helps assess the overall health of local governance and identify areas for urgent reform.
The initiative aligns with the Viksit Bharat vision, emphasizing strong and self-sufficient Panchayats as the foundation for rural transformation, inclusive growth, and sustainable development. The 2024 rankings are expected to provide a comprehensive picture of devolution status across States, helping shape future policies for effective rural governance.
