Lack of initiative in strengthening participatory democracy
Grama sabhas have become a ritual
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Nearly two decades after the People’s Plan programme aimed at strengthening participatory democracy at the local level was launched, a majority of the local bodies figure in the list of non-performers.
The performance of just about 20 per cent of the 1,199 local bodies can be termed good in terms of high participation in grama sabhas, enrolment of volunteers, local level planning, project preparation, transparency, administrative efficiency and checking corruption.
The functioning of the 25 per cent of the local bodies is bad as they rank very low in performance parameters. The rest are average.
“Only 20 per cent local bodies have done well which include more than a hundred which have received ISO certification. The UDF government is not quite keen on strengthening local bodies. Our manifesto promises to revive the good environment for local bodies," former finance minister Thomas Isaac said.
While regular capacity building training is being given to 21,000-odd local bodies' elected representatives in the Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA), the desired effect is not seen on the ground in many areas. The reason varied from lack of support from political parties and members, and lack of initiative on the part of elected representatives.
In many local bodies, the presidents or chairpersons are not keen to devolve powers. “This year, Rs 50,000 each was granted to local bodies to set up grama kendras in wards. However, only 18 per cent local bodies set up such kendras meant for coordinating activities at the grassroots level. Most presidents and chairpersons fear that these kendras could become new power centres,” said KILA director P. P. Balan.
Mr Balan, who was the KILA director even during the previous UDF government’s tenure, is a former president of Chapparapadavu panchayat. Under him, Chapparapadavu panchayat had become a model for sustainable development under People’s Plan programme.
Lack of educationally qualified candidates is another factor adversely affecting the functioning of local bodies. “We have come across highly educated and qualified office-bearers of local bodies in North Indian states. We need to get similar candidates here as well in good numbers,” said Dr Balan.
According to Isaac, there was an urgent need to create a positive environment for strengthening local bodies in the state. Apart from qualified elected representatives, there is a need for committed officials, expertise of retired officials and devoted volunteers
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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