Panchayat Act reforms

The Honorable Minister for Panchayats seems to be contemplating to have Panchayat Act reforms. These reforms are long overdue and such an action will bring much needed transparency and efficiency in the working of the panchayats. 

What is of utmost importance is the educational standard of the Panchas. When the Panchas are semi-literate they are neither able to study the files pertaining to the issues of their wards, nor can they understand the minutes of Gram Sabha resolutions. Many a time they have to seek the help of the peon who is better qualified, the minimum qualification being SSCE for the post of a peon.

Secondly when there is no bar of educational qualification of a Pancha, anyone and everyone can file nomination to contest the poll. This enables the influential people to field multiple dummy candidates, only with the objective to split the votes and ensuring their own victory. This has happened in the recent Panchayat polls, with the result the Panchas with money power and other resources winning.

Another issue that needs to be addressed is the issue of No Confidence Motions. These motions are becoming child's play. With no sound reasons No Confidence Motions are moved and passed with one vote majority.  The No Confidence Motion must necessarily be passed with two thirds majority. This will ensure greater stability in the Panchayat Administration. For a No Confidence Motion there should be sound reasons such as (a) Misappropriation of funds (b) Misuse of funds (c) Passing of Housing Complex Projects without proper amenities, like road access of required dimensions, supply of water and electricity and garbage disposal and (d) Passing Hotel Projects without meeting the earlier said requirements.

Above all, the powers of the Panchayat Secretaries need to be curtailed, more so regarding licences, where the authority of the Sarpanch and Panchayat are by-passed.

If these reforms are introduced it will go a long way to improve the smooth working of the Panchayats to the greater satisfaction of the public.