With a moderate show, Odisha ranks 13th spot in panchayat devolution index

Bhubaeswar: Odisha has been ranked thirteenth at the all-India level under the Panchayat Devolution Index (PDI) demonstrating a moderate show in different indicators. The State has received a score of 50.03 while Karnataka (72.23), Kerala (70.59), and Tamil Nadu (68.38) are the top three performing states, according to a study commissioned by the Panchayati Raj Ministry and conducted by the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA).

On Friday last, the report – Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States (2024) – An Indicative Evidence Based Ranking’ – was launched by S. P. Singh Baghel, Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, in New Delhi.

Apart from the overall PDI, Odisha has secured 69.20 score at the national level with sixth position with regard to the dimension of “Framework”, one of the six dimensions scrutinised to assess the performance of 28 States and seven Union Territories. (The National Capital Territory of Delhi does not have operational panchayats). Similarly, Odisha has scored 57.46 with third spot in ‘Functions’ dimension.

The “functions” dimension has two components – functions assigned to panchayats and the involvement of panchayats in important schemes.  Apart from devolving all core functions and other major functions to the panchayats, the State is utilising the services of the local bodies to carry out its schemes instead of unelected institutions.

Of the other four dimensions (finances, functionaries, capacity building and accountability), the State came 5^th in Finances (53.57), 17^th in Functionaries (27.42), 15^th in capacity building (43.43) and 10^th in accountability (51.92).

While the national average for the overall PDI was 43.89, the figures for the dimensions of framework, functions, finances, functionaries, capacity enhancement/building and accountability were 54.29, 29.18, 37.04, 50.96, 54.63 and 47.51 respectively.

In Odisha, there are 6,794 gram panchayats, 314 panchayat samitis and 30 district panchayats (Zilla Parishads). According to the IIPA’s study, the top-ranked States in terms of Panchayat involvement in important schemes are Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Odisha.