A study on functional efficacy of Panchayati Raj Institutions in Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) inter-alia have initiated the process of socio-economic development in rural areas by ensuring participatory management of masses and implementation of various social upliftment and poverty alleviation schemes. The study objective is to highlight the functioning of PRIs in the four districts viz., Solan and Una (developed districts), Chamba and Sirmaur (under-developed districts) of Himachal Pradesh using both primary and secondary data. Multistage random sampling technique was employed and a sample of 200 respondents was selected from 40 panchayats of 8 blocks. The findings of the study revealed that amongst all selected panchayats the maximum share in panchayats income was contributed by external sources i.e. Funds under Centre Sponsored Schemes like MGNREGA, PMAY, NRLM, etc. and funds from Finance Commission. Panchayats generate lot of income from various internal sources in which maximum share is contributed by liquor cess followed by house/land tax across all selected panchayats. Panchayats were effectively utilizing funds available with them by community asset creation, land development, sanitation, water supply, lightening and welfare, etc.