Roadmap for Strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions in Chhattisgarh

1. Develop methodology for the preparation of a roadmap for panchayats.

2. Assess the present status of functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions in Chhattisgarh.

3. Review and modify Activity Mapping of the Government of Chhattisgarh.

4. Prepare the Roadmap in the form of a vision document for Panchayati Raj Institutions in Chhattisgarh.

Eight gram panchayats across two blocks from two districts – Bastar, a tribal district and Mahasamund, a non-tribal district – of Chhattisgarh

The Roadmap was prepared to chart the future path for decentralisation and devolution to Panchayati Raj Institutions in Chhattisgarh. It helps set out the policy of the state government to:

1. Activate new political structures and widen democratic functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions by including the stake of ordinary citizens.

2. Establish a new ethical framework projecting dignity for every citizen irrespective of their socio-economic status, by encouraging participation of all in community matters.

3. Facilitate clearer devolution of funds, functions and functionaries (3Fs) to Panchayati Raj Institutions, and strengthen financial management, administrative structures and accountability.

4. Improve delivery of services to meet the expectations of citizens and establish practices of good governance. Promote well-being of all and achieve greater equity, focusing more on outcomes concerning various components of economic and human development.

The preparation of the Roadmap started with a situation analysis from collated secondary data and consultations with important stakeholders, including 216 elected representatives from 3 tiers of Panchayati Raj Institutions; 152 government officials and functionaries from all 3 tiers; over 30 state government officials from different departments, State Planning Board, State Health Resource Centre, Minor Forest Produce Federation, SIRD, etc; over 70 CSO representatives and more than 300 gram sabha members. The analysis was shared during a two-day state level consultation workshop.

Assessment of the present status of the functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions was done through field studies in Bastar (a PESA district) and Mahasamud (a non-PESA district). The study was undertaken in four blocks and eight gram panchayats (two gram panchayats from each block) on sample basis. The findings of the study were shared and discussed in district consultations in the sample districts.

The status of devolution was reviewed on the basis of activity mapping undertaken by the Government of Chhattisgarh. To analyse the status, a framework was developed comprising of provisions for Health, Education, Nutrition and Livelihood (including Minor Forest Produce (MFP)) and Poverty Alleviation. A two-day state level consultation was organised to share the findings on the Status of Functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions and Review of Activity Mapping.

The final Roadmap was prepared on the basis of feedback received during the consultations and from the Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh.

• Documents prepared on:

1. Status and Functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions in Chhattisgarh

2. Review and Modification of Activity Mapping for Panchayati Raj Institutions in Chhattisgarh

3. Roadmap for Panchayati Raj Institutions in Chhattisgarh

These documents were prepared in both English and Hindi

• The Department of Panchayats, Government of Chhattisgarh has approved and published the Roadmap and the other documents. These have been made available to all panchayats in the state.

• Two district level and three state level consultations were organised in which over 250 participants including elected representatives from all the 3 tiers, CSO representatives, panchayats level functionaries, government officials and subject matter experts participated.

• The Government of Chhattisgarh has begun the implementation of the Roadmap on pilot basis in Bastar and Mahasamund districts.