National Consultative Workshop on Status of Devolution of Powers to Panchayats inaugurated in Goa

The 2-day long National Consultative Workshop on ‘Status of Devolution of Powers to Panchayats’ was inaugurated today by Shri Vivek Bhardwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India. The conference is being organised by the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) in association with the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

In his inaugural address, Secretary Vivek Bhardwaj emphasized on a shared vision, common goal and collaborative action towards advancing the process of Devolution to Panchayats.  He suggested that a Devolution Index be on the agenda for discussions. He noted that capacity of Panchayats need to be developed financially and human resource-wise to match the functions expected from them. “ Empowering Panchayats & strengthening Panchayati Raj system are not just about local self-governance; it’s about fostering self-reliance & sustainability. A self-sufficient Panchayat is a cornerstone for building an Atmanirbhar & Vikasit Bharat”, added the Secretary.

Day 1 of the workshop witnessed sessions on “Status of the Devolution to Panchayats in States” , and two experience sharing sessions on “Devolution of Functions and Finances to Panchayats”, and “Devolution of Functionaries and Capacity Building to Panchayats”. Discussions were held on six dimensions of devolution, namely Framework, Functions, Finances, Functionaries, Capacity building and Accountability.

The inaugural session was also graced by Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India,  Shri S. N. Tripathi, DG, IIPA and Dr. V. N Alok, Professor, IIPA. Additional Chief Secretaries/Principal Secretaries/Secretaries of the Panchyati Raj Departments of the State/UT Governments, senior officers of Ministry of Panchayati Raj, NITI Aayog, RBI, Comptroller and Auditor General of India, senior research faculty and officers of IIPA were also in attendance.