Ground Zero

 

 

The story of Kerala’s Panchayats holds an important place in the modern history of rural India on how they revolted against Coca Cola, which was reducing water level and causing a host of diseases. It had a devastating impact on agriculture. They fought vigorously until the Coca Cola plant was shut down. This got publicity at the national level and was widely acclaimed. This instance might be somewhere in the mind of the government when it decided to constitute a separate ministry for Panchayats. The government thought that Panchayats could be instrumental in reshaping the destiny of rural India.

Undoubtedly, the role of Gram Panchayats at both district and panchayat level becomes all the more important as Gram Sabha is the most elementary unit in the country. Mahatma Gandhi originally envisaged Panchayats but it was Rajiv Gandhi who ensured that it took functional shape by decentralising power. It came in to effect on 23 March 1993 by the 73rd Constitutional amendment. It was included in the 11th Schedule. The subjects allotted were agriculture and livestock, development of irrigation facilities and conservation of water, distributing land to landless, fisheries and creation of rural infrastructure. They are also the implementing authority of various State and Central programmes. Of late, Minister for Panchayats Mani Shankar Aiyer has announced an award for better performance of Panchayats. Its main objective is to promote agriculture through Panchayats to really help uplift lifestyle in the villages. Says Farmers Commission Member Atul Anjaan, “The UPA government had entrusted the Commission with the job of preparing a farmer’s policy. Panchayats will certainly have enhanced role in the changed scenario.”

In the new definition of farm labourers, Adivasis and women have been included. Panchayats can play an active role in changing their life both at the district and block level. Their logic is simple – 60% rural population is landless. According to the ‘Tamil Nadu formula’, Gram Sabhas can help provide extra land to such people. If Panchayats seriously pitch for development of tanks for fisheries, it can help in garnering resources at the Panchayat level. Union Rural Development Minister Raghuvansh Prasad Singh says, “The unemployed work force can be engaged in productive work. We have taken the initiative by giving them rights. It will help in the development of necessary infrastructure.”