Decentralisation takes a beating

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Decentralisation has revolutionised local planning, no doubt. But a comprehensive study conducted by the Planning Board has found that two decades after the process was set in motion, the core mechanisms of decentralisation are in danger of coming apart.

Fundamental decentralisation functions have weakened considerably, the study led by Planning Board member C. P. John said. Grama sabhas (GSs) have turned into an agency only for the selection of beneficiaries; working groups are not constituted; resource mobilisation is not taken seriously; development seminars are only in name; stakeholder consultations are mostly done away with.

“As more emphasis is given for discussing the beneficiary oriented schemes, a comprehensive vision on the challenges faced by the panchayat is not reflected in the discussions in the GS for project formulation,” the report said. It has also been found that officers do not brief the locals who have gathered at the GSs about ongoing projects. As a consequence, participants rarely offer instructive suggestions.

The working groups - which offer technical, financial and monitoring expertise - are not constituted in certain panchayats. Even when they are, representation of subject experts is not ensured. Representatives of banking institutions, too, are not generally considered in the working groups. What’s more, the working group meets only once in a year in several grama panchayats.  

The efforts of grama panchayats in mobilizing resources from other sources are decreasing, the study noted. Reflecting their apathy, it has been found that about 10 per cent of grama panchayats have not taken any effort to mobilise share of assistance from centrally sponsored schemes.

Development seminars, a key element of people’s participation, are no more venues for detailed sector-wise discussions of draft plans. A development seminar is conducted after preparing development reports, which in turn are compiled after intense field work.

Generally, it has been found that the elite in the society keep away from development seminars. In fact, the study noted that the participation of people in the major decentralisation activities have come down.