1

REPORT

ON

NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON DEMOCRATIC

DECENTRALISATION-INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT:

ISSUES & CHALLENGES FOR THE THIRD DECADE OF PRI

20TH

& 21ST

MARCH, 2014

ORGANISED BY:

RAJIV GANDHI CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY STUDIES,

MUMBAI UNIVERSITY, KALINA CAMPUS

SANTACRUZ, MUMBAI

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Contents

Background Information: ....................................................................................................... 3

Objectives of the conference:..................................................................................................... 3

Summary of the proceedings: ................................................................................................. 4

Keynote address by Chief Guest: ............................................................................................... 6

Plenary Session: ....................................................................................................................... 7

Technical sessions: ................................................................................................................... 9

Technical session – 1: Inclusion in PRI, chaired by Mr. N.S.Dixit ........................................... 9

Technical session – 2: Women in PRI, chaired by Adv. Surekha ........................................... 11

Technical session – 3: Evaluation of PRI, chaired by Dr. Shiva Prasad ................................. 12

Technical session – 4: Impact of PRI, chaired by Dr. Shrikant Gaikwad ............................... 13

Technical session – 5: Governance in PRI, chaired by Mr. Anand Kasle ............................... 14

Technical session – 6: Best practices of PRI, chaired by Dr. Chandrakant Puri ..................... 15

Resolutions and recommendations: Chaired by Dr. Chandrakant Puri ................................ 16

Valedictory Remarks: ............................................................................................................ 18

Annexure – Programme Schedule: ........................................................................................ 19

Annexure – List of Participants:............................................................................................ 21

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Background Information:

Democratic Decentralization refers to the programmes and techniques which imply

devolution of governmental powers and responsibilities, decentralization of political

institutions, development of local leadership and strengthening the efforts for economic

modernization. The institutional arrangement for the policy of democratic decentralization in

India is known as ‘Panchayati Raj'. The 73rd

Constitution Amendment Act brought historic

power to the grass-root bodies recognizing them as the third tier of government and creating

channel for effective decentralization.(Sharma, Swarn Lata ,2011).

It was very evident from various reports submitted by the committees constituted to

understand the functioning of the democratic decentralisation machinery which alarmed for

necessary timely intervention to overcome the challenges. The reports have clearly

highlighted that there are legal inadequacies, lack of funds, functions, functionaries and

capacity, adverse socio- economic environment, vested political Interests and lack of political

will to effectively manage this machinery. On the basis of experiences of past two decades, a

need to critically review and to conclude as to in what direction the third decade of grassroots

democracy should head so that the grassroots democracy can become more effective in

ensuring inclusive development aroused. Hence, under the leadership of Dr.Chandrakant

Puri, Chair Professor, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Contemporary Studies, Mumbai University, a

two day National Conference on, “Democratic Decentralisation Inclusive Development:

Issues And Challenges For The Third Decade Of Panchayati Raj Institutions” was organised

on 20th

and 21st March, 2014, at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Contemporary Studies main

conference hall. More than 60 elected representatives, activists, academicians, research

scholars and NGOs, from all over India, attend this conference.

Objectives of the conference:

• To trace the history of democratic decentralization in India;

• To critically review achievements of democratic decentralization;

• To take a closer look at the deficiencies of democratic decentralization;

• To study best practices of democratic decentralization;

• To suggest ways for more inclusive development in the third decade of Panchayati Raj in

India.

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Summary of the proceedings

Introduction of the participants:

Dr. Jagadish Jadhav facilitated this session. He requested the participants to introduce

themselves with their names, the institution they were representing in this conference and

their expectations from the conference. Post introduction he summarized the expectations and

requested Dr. Sanhita Joshi, to handle the inauguration session of the conference.

Inauguration of the conference:

Cheif Guest Prof. Bhalchandra Mungekar, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha and Ex-Vice

Chancellor & Ex-Member of Planning Commission of Government of India lit the lamp and

opened the conference.

Prof. Mungekar lighting the lamp and inaugurating the conference

Dr. Puri expressed his satisfaction and Prof. Mungekar for inaugurating the first ever national

event of the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Contemporary Studies. He also explained the objectives

of the conference and mentioned that the conference was more focussing on the work by the

grassroot activists. He further explained that the purpose of the conference was to revisit on

the work of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI) and look into as to what has gone well and what

has not. He requested the participants to use platform of the conference for forming concrete

resolutions and recommendations to the government which would further help in effective

managing the PRI. He also thanked all the participants especially the academicians,

representatives of PRI and other participants who came from other states also.

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Dr. Sanhita Joshi introduced Prof. Bhalchandra Mungekar and requested Dr. Chandrakant

Puri to felicitate him. Dr. Puri to felicitated Prof. Mungekar with a shawl and bouquet. He

was also felicitated Dr. Gautam Gawli and Smt. Archana Tai, an elected representative from

Maharashtra

Prof. Mungekar felicitated Smt. Sushilaben, an elected PRI representative from Gujarat.

Dr. Chandrakant Puri felicitating Prof. Bhalchandra Mungekar at

the inauguration ceremony of the conference

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Prof. Bhalchandra Mungekar delivering keynote address

Keynote address by Chief Guest:

Prof. Bhalchandra Mungekar, started his keynote with explaining the process of establishing

the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Contemporary Studies. He explained as to how important it was

to start such institutions and his recommendations to the planning commission of India to

start such institutions all over the country was accepted without any question by Shri Arjun

Singh, who was then heading the Planning Commission. He took the participants through the

important pages of constitution of India which are directly dealing with decentralisation

system specifically referring to the Articles 243(A) to 243(O). He expressed his satisfaction

on 1/3rd

reservations under PRI for women and also for the women belonging to SC/ST

communities. He explained how he enjoyed conducting Gram Sabha meetings initially. He

also narrated his wonderful experience of conducting Gram Sabha meeting with 700-800

women from Kerala state. He stressed on decentralisation and said how important

decentralisation is for the success of any country. He also mentioned that there are few

challenges still relating to castes system and gender discrimination which needs immediate

attention to make the decentralisation process meaningful and thanked all the participants for

gathering to discuss such an important issue in RGCS.

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Plenary Session:

Dr. Chandrakant Puri, explained the entire programme schedule and importance of the

plenary session to the participants and introduced Dr. Jagadish Jadhav as a Chair of the

plenary session to them.

Shri Bhim Raskar, a grassroot social worker from Mahila Rajsatta Andolan, based on his

abstract titled, “Women in Panchayat Raj Institution: Concerns & constraints” spoke out about the

disparities between the facilities being provided to the rural areas as compared to the urban

areas. He said 73rd

& 74th

amendment has not created much impact for the rural people.

Pointing out at the poor economical conditions of the villagers from Maharashtra is the result

of poor functioning of the finance commission in Maharashtra and raised question over the

same. He asked, “Samvidhaan mein Lokshahi aur gaon mein tanashahi”, which means

democracy in constitution and dictatorship in villages. He further added that decentralisation

is not happening in rural areas only because caste system and men, both are playing important

role which is pushing the minorities into dark. Transparency is not seen today in the

decentralisation process and hence the need of Lokpal is much necessary to create

transparency and establish faith between people. He said social workers and universities are

working in isolations. Unity of both will help ease the decentralisation process in true sense.

Adv. Surekha Dalvi, alias Surekha Tai, was introduced as dashing activists by Dr. Puri. He

said Surekha Tai took lead in the land issues of Raigad district and requested her to present

her views about the decentralisation issues. Surekha Tai critically tabled the issues of

“Power” and acknowledging the fact of increase from 1/3rd

to 50% reservation for women

which helped 18 lakhs women being elected under the PRI system. She pointed out that still

true sustainable development has not happened till date. Equal distribution of power is seen

lacking at many levels. 74th

amendment focussed on reservations more but failed to look at

the caste based system which was prevalent very strongly at village levels. Tai said, caste

system is so strong that we are unable to break this vicious circle. Most of the decisions are

taken by the state without any provision for doing enough planning for proper

implementation of supporting schemes for villagers. She gave example of the 114 schemes

that were rolled out by the government without any proper funds being allocated for its

implementation, which eventually failed. There are many parallel bodies with more funds are

working simultaneously and of the funds (MP funds) are not utilised for the welfare of

villages. Finally she concluded with saying that the concept of Mahila Gram Sabha which is

blocked with the Self Help Group needs to be promoted for increasing its stake under the

decentralisation system.

Shri Jawed Alam Khan, a financial analyst represented from Centre for Budget and

Governance Accountability, New Delhi, presented his work on, “Fiscal Development to

Local Governments: A comparative Assessment of UP, Rajasthan, Kerala and Maharashtra”.

In his presentation he gave the analysis of the unequal distribution of revenues from the

centre to the states and the states to the districts based on the data which was available from

the four states where he had conducted his extensive study on the subject. He said proper

budget analysis will help the decentralisation process to understand the distribution pattern

and will help to maintain transparency and accountability of funds. His presentation focussed

on lack of funds being allocated for implementation of decentralisation process at the PRI

levels.

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Dr. Jagadish Jadhav, thanked all the distinguished speakers and summarised the speaker’s

thought on the entire decentralisation process in the country and said only if in true sense the

whole decentralisation system converts into a political declaration, transparency and

accountability will be easily seen.

Post plenary session the technical session began based on the abstracts received, which were

divided into six thematic areas namely, Inclusion in PRI, Women in PRI, Evaluation of PRI,

Impact of PRI, Governance of PRI and the best practices of PRI.

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Technical sessions:

Technical session – 1: Inclusion in PRI, chaired by Mr. N.S.Dixit

All presenters of TS-1 Mr. Amit Mane, one of the presenters of TS-1

The following were the presenters

for the session:

1. Mr. Amit Mane

2. Prof. Shiva Prasad

3. Mr. Anand Kalse

4. Ms. Yogini Dolke

5. Dr. Th. Bharat Singh

6. Dr. Balaji Kendra

Prof. Shiva Prasad, presenting on Tribal Customary

Rights and PESA

Mr. Amit Mane, from National Commission on Child Rights, presented his paper oon,”

“Panchyatiraj System: Scope and Possibilities of Child Participation”. He advocated for inclusion

of children in the democratic decentralisation. He pointed out that in the entire process of

democratic decentralisation interest of the children are lost and modalities to be strategise to

ensure that children are equally heard under the PRI.

Prof. Shiva Prasad, an Anthropologist from University Hyderabad presented his paper on

Rights or Wrongs: Tribal customary Rights and PESA (Panchayat extension to Scheduled

Areas) which focussed on the deprivation of resources for the Tribal community. He said that

central Act was total dilution of the Bhuria Committee report. PESA came into existence to

protect the tribals but still there was no support and their lands were grabbed by powerful

people and government turned blind eye on this. He stressed the need for adequate resources

and equal treatment for the Tribals under the PRI system.

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Mr. Anand Kasale, a noted Social Worker and a Ph.D. Scholar of Law from Mumbai

Univeristy, presented his thoughts based on his paper titled, “Democratic decentralization and

inclusive development with reference to protection and improvement of scheduled caste’s and

scheduled tribe’s social, economic and political life”. He stressed the need for inclusion of the

SC/ST communities under the PRI system and focussed on the need for equal representation

of the SC/ST communities at all levels under the PRI system. He said social protection

should not only benefit to few people and exclude others, there should be equal distribution

of the resources to the really deprived communities.

Ms. Yogini Dolke, noted social worker from Yeotmal, Ph. D Scholar from SNDT University and

a field Activist, presented her thought on. “Empowering Excluded Groups though democratic

decentralisation: Challenges at the grassroots”. She expressed here disappointment by saying

that real decentralisation has happened in India, properly. She further said when many of the

gram panchayats have not even undergone the election processes then how can it be said that

decentralisation has happened? She referred to the pathetic conditions of the tribal

communities from Yeotmal and stressed the need for transparency and accountability for

bringing the PRI systems to real life.

Dr. Thiyam Bharat from Manipur University presented his thoughts on Decentralization &

Inclusive Development in Manipur, with special context to Manipur Panchayat Act 1994. He

complained that due the central and state government has failed to empower the elected

representatives and as a matter of fact, lack of confidence of the elected representatives is

evident in North East. Absence of enabling environment, accountability and transparency has

forced the exclusiveness instead of inclusiveness. Lack of infrastructure and unequal funds

distribution has been a set back in the smooth functioning of the PRI systems in Manipur.

Manipur Panchayat Act, 1994, has ignored the just needs of its subjects. He pointed out that

studying the needs of the people and their increased inclusiveness will help real

decentralisation in Manipur.

Dr. Balaji Kendra, from the Sociology department of Mumbai University, presented his

paper, titled, “Democratic decentralization and issues of inclusion: Dr. B.R.Ambedkar’s perspective”

and said since 1952, the Community Development Programme was initiated but untill 1990

considerable achievement was not seen. The real idea of democratic decentralisation in India

based on the vision of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar has not seen happening. In his presentation he said

committees suggesting workable strategies for inclusive development and stressing the need

for accountability, were ignored point blank by the government. Hence, the decentralisation

process in India has been seeing set back in its implementation.

Mr. N.S. Dixit, summarised the outcome from the session and thanked all the speakers from

the session for bringing out the reasons for lack of inclusiveness under the PRI and called for

immediate action to overcome such challenges by forming resolutions to be submitted to

RCGS and government for policy change.

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Technical session – 2: Women in PRI, chaired by Adv. Surekha

Speakers tabling issues of women in PRI Smt. Lathaji from KMVS, sharing her experiences

The following were the presenters for the session:

The following were the presenters for the session:

1. Smt. Lathaji, KMVS, Kutch, Gujarat

2. Ms. Archana Jatkar, Mahila Rajya Satta Andolan

3. Ms. Harshala Valke, Mahila Rajya Satta Andolan

4. Ms. Archana Janaganawar, Mahila Rajya Satta Andolan

5. Mr. Datta Gurav, Mahila Rajya Satta Andolan

Smt. Lathaji, from Kutch Mahila Vikas Sangathan, Kutch, presented the pre and post

evaluation of their organisation’s work in Gujarat based on their paper titled, “Changing

forms of patriarchy: two decades of 73rd

amendment in India: Experience of KMVS, Kutch,

Gujarat” In her presentation she said that there are 615 panchayats and 205 women

sarpanchs in Gujarat. Training provided by KMVS increased the capacities of women

representatives and now they are empowered to challenge any atrocities against women. The

presentation gave an insight of women empowerment in Gujarat and the strategies that

worked towards such empowerment process supporting the women inclusion in the

decentralisation process. She also introduced two other women sarpanchs who actively

participated in the conference and added value to Lathaji’s presentation.

Ms. Archana Jatkar, Ms. Harshala Valke, Ms. Archana Janaganawar and Mr. Datta

Gurav, all from the Mahila Rajya Satta Andolan (MRSA), presented their views on women

inclusion in the Panchayati Raj system based on their work from Maharashtra. MRSA,

actively works with 25 districts and 24040 villages. MRSA engages in educating women on

their rights by building their capacities to advocate for their inclusions. The team focussed on

the some challenges faced by the elected women representatives which includes lack of

resources for travelling to the Zilla Parishad’s office and the harassments they face in various

forms. Challenges faced by women in contesting elections were the highlight of their

presentations. Challenges like – women with basic amenities/facilities cannot contest the

elections is a major barrier pushing away from the inclusion process of women into the

decentralisation process.

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They also pointed out that old rules like a women cannot contest if she has two or more than

two children etc. In their presentation all the presenters stressed the need for removing such

barriers which does not allow true inclusion of women into the decentralisation system. They

strongly recommended that the Gram Panchayat’s budget should be increased from 10% to

33% atleast.

Adv. Surekha Tai thanked all the speakers for being bold and recommending the abolishment

of such rules which forces women away from the inclusiveness. She said, “Mahila Shakti

Jagi Hai” and they should no more be deprived of their just rights. More needs to be done to

include women in the PRI.

DAY TWO

Technical session – 3: Evaluation of PRI, chaired by Dr. Shiva Prasad

The following were the presenters for the session:

1. Mr. Sanjay Chabuskar & Mr. Nitin Gurav

2. Prof. Swapnil M. Kamble

3. Dr. Sanhita Rahul Joshi

4. Dr. Ramesh Jare

5. Dr. Ranjana Vaishnav

Mr. Sanjay Chabuskar and Mr.Nitin Gurav, both Ph.D Schoars from Latur, presented

critical analysis on the Achievements and failures of Panchyat Raj Institutions in India It was

evident from their presentation that Community Development programmes failed due to

many reasons. Some of them being, lack of awareness about the whole concept of PRI and

the impact of castism on it. Upper caste representatives enjoy special privileges and poor

people are deprived of their inclusion rights under the PRI system. They also highlighted the

“Babugiris” in government setups referring as “Sarkari Kaam, Saha Mahine Thamb”,

meaning, for any government work one has to wait for atleast 6 months. Lack of support from

the government officials has also failed true implementation of the PRI work in Maharashtra.

Prof. Swapnil M. Kamble, from Shivaji University, Kolhapur, presented a case study based

on his study titled, “Participatory Rural Appraisal, Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Rural

Development A case study of village Belewadi, Dist-Kolhapur, Maharashtra” As per him,

lack of dissemination of schemes was one of the main reasons of failing the decentralisation

process in Balewadi. Under the PRA model the villagers were involved actively in the

assigned task helping them to understand the systems under the PRI. He said if the concept of

PRA is implemented, people will be benefitted with leadership qualities and power, both.

Dr. Sanhita Rahul Joshi, Professor from Department of Civics & Politics, Mumbai

University presented her work based on the study she had conducted in Thane district titled,

“Panchayati Raj Institutions: Central Processing Units of Democracy- Observations from

Thane District” and provided critical evaluation of the implementation of PRI systems from

the district.

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The area of her study was to assess the process based on implementation of various

programmes under PRI and the developmental work happened in the district. It was very

evident from her presentation that the villages which were connected to highway and had

other resources like educational facilities and water saw better living standards and

empowered villagers. Villagers which did lacked infrastructure faced many problems and

literacy rate was seen very low compared to the one which was supported with good

resources. Her comparative analysis suggested of equal distribution of resources for better

progress of the people through the decentralisation process.

Dr. Ramesh Jare, from TISS Rural Campus, Tuljapur, presented the outcome of his research

work titled, “Women’s Participation in Grass root Democracy in rural area of Tuljapur” from

Solapur district in Maharashtra. The research was to understand what worked well and what

did not worked well in the PRI system for dalits. His research commenced in 2002 and was

carried out in the same pockets of Tuljapur 3 times to understand the progress made in terms

of Dalits inclusion in the PRI. He said Gram Panchayats are dominated by the Upper Class

people who dominate dalits and deprive them of many schemes and benefits. He particularly

referred to the Jal Swaraj project which failed to reach the real beneficiaries and said that

NGOs did not work on their set objectives which failed the decentralisation movement in

Tuljapur. Defunct Panchayats and many panchayats being ruled by upper caste people has

also contributed in utter failure of the PRI system in Tuljapur, Solapur, Maharashtra.

Dr. Ranjana Vaishnav, represented from the THP project presented the work of her

organisation with special context to her study, “Transformation of Democratic

Decentralization: Women in Panchyat - A Story of Neglect to Empowerment”. The Hunger

project worked towards the empowerment of women in Rajasthan and critically analysed the

results of the same from time to time. Rajasthan was the first state to implement the PRI

system and since then Hunger project has been working extensively in building the capacities

of women there.

Dr. Shiva Prasad summarised the discussions of the session and thanked the speakers in

tabling the critical review on what has gone well and what has not gone well in the PRI.

Technical session – 4: Impact of PRI, chaired by Dr. Shrikant Gaikwad

The following were the presenters for the session:

1. Mr. Anil Gaikwad

2. Ms. Kartiki Subakade

3. Ms. Upasana Roy

Mr. Anil Gaikwad, Ph.D.Scholar from Pune University, presented his paper, “Panchayat Raj:

Its effect on Economical Development in Rural India” through a power point presentation. His

presentation focussed on the economical impact of the PRI. He said not much has improved

under the decentralisation process. There is an urgent need to support the PRI system with

adequate funds and proper education to the people delivering services under the system.

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Ms. Kartiki Subakada, Asst. Professor from Tilak Maharashtra University, Pune, through

her abstract titled, “Status of Women Representatives in Panchayati Raj Institutions of Rural

Maharashtra in perspective of women empowerment”, gave an insight of the plight of rural

women. She presented the situation of deprivation of women in the entire governance system

and said that men have forced and restricted women only till, “Chool and Mool” handling,

which means, “cooking and upbringing of child”. She said that unless a meaningful place is

not given to women under the PRI, the entire system will be defunct soon and hence,

government should seriously look into effective implementation of the PRI systems.

Ms. Upasana Roy, Ph. D Scholar from Jadhavpur University, Kolkata, presented her thoughts

about the decentralisation process based on her study titled, “An Analysis of the role of Local Self

Government in relation to the POSCO Project in Odisha”. She presented a video documentary

depicting the empowerment process based on the results of intervention by POSCO project in Odisha.

She stressed the need for training women representatives for taking active participation in the whole

PRI system.

Technical session – 5: Governance in PRI, chaired by Mr. Anand Kasle

The following were the presenters for the session:

1. Mr. Balasaheb Kamble & Mr. Biswabhusan Ghadai

2. Mr. Prakash Yadav

3. Dr. Nirja Matto

4. Shri S.M. Wagh

Mr. Balasaheb Kamble and Mr. Biswabhusan Ghadai, both from the TISS rural campus,

Tuljapur presented their joint abstract on, “Decentralized Governance for empowerment of

poor: A distant dream…?” Their presentations focussed on the lack of empowerment

processes in Tuljapur which has given a setback to proper implementation of the PRI system

in Tuljapur. Through their presentation the presented the factors that influenced and affected

the proper implementation of the decentralisation processes.

Mr. Prakash Yadav, Professor and H.O.D. of Social Work department from the Tilak

Maharashtra Vidhyapeeth, through his abstract titled, “Strengthening of Gramsabha: Leads to

Decentralised Democracy”, the need for strengthening the Gram Sabhas. He said Gram Sabha

are the head and tails of the PRI but the same are being ignored by the government in the

strengthening process. He said that women at the rural villages who are part of the gram

sabha are not aware of the entire process of it and hence progress is not seen. He said training

should be imparted to people to understand their rights under the PRI so that implementation

processes sees progress in India.

Dr. Nirja Matto, DOCC-SPJIMR, Mumbai University, based on her paper, “Inclusive

Development in the 3rd

decade of Panchayati Raj in India : Models for inclusion” suggested

5 models that worked based on the down to top approach that helped in the strengthening of

the decentralisation processes in rural set ups. She referred to her experiences that she gained

by implementing different working models through the social work students in the interior

and rural parts of India. She said planning and convergence is necessary and working models

should be picked up as examples for replicating the same which would further help in the

decentralisation process, truly.

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Shri S.M. Wagh, from Arts & Commerce College, Shivle, Murbad, through is paper

abstract, “Panchayati raj ani mahilancha sahbhag: Ek drushtikshep”. Shri Wagh said that

many of the case studies from Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and some of the other states

have clearly brought out the atrocities based on Caste systems. He said that upper class

people are enjoying and the poor & needy people are deprived of their just rights under the

name and game of decentralisation process. He narrated the story of some places where the

upper class people place their candidate for the Panchayat elections and use the PRI as a

source of weapon to push the poor into dark. In equalities based on the cast systems are

clearly seen in the PRI which needs to be looked into clearly for smooth PRI systems.

Mr. Anand Kasle, summarising the session said that to strengthening the governance system

in PRI, workable strategies are to be looked into and suggested for smooth implementation of

the democratic decentralisation but raised his apprehensions on the government’s acceptance

of the same. However, he concluded by saying that there is an urgent need for strengthening

the governance system in PRI.

Technical session – 6: Best practices of PRI, chaired by Dr. Chandrakant

Puri

The following were the presenters for the session:

Dr. Saraswathi Unni, Professor from the NES Ratnam College, Mumbai, thrugh a

presentation gave insight to her abstract titled, “Decentralisation in Electricity Services with

reference to Renewable Energy”. She said due to centralisation of energy 400 million people

are deprived of electricity in the country. Many of the villages still do not have street lights in

the villages. She gave an example of Hydro Plant of Kannur in Kerala and the SPV project of

Changthang, Ladakh and Bihar which supported with the energy to the villagers. “Right to

energy” should be promoted so that each and every individual houses get electricity and no

child is deprived of their education due to lack of energy and water supply in the villages.

Dr. Puri congratulated Dr. Saraswathi Unni for her presentation and said that people should

demonstrate their empowerment and use the resources optimally for their benefits under the

PRI system.

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Resolutions and recommendations: Chaired by Dr. Chandrakant Puri

An open forum discussion was initiated to draw resolution and recommendations based on

the learning’s from the two day conference. Each of the panellists gave their

recommendations to be submitted to the government for better implementation of the

decentralisation process of PRI in India.

The following experts were the panellists:

1. Dr. Shiva Prasad – Andhra Pradesh

2. Ms. Latha - Gujarat

3. Ms. Upasna Roy, Kolkatta

4. Ms. Archana Jatkar – Maharashtra

5. Adv. Surekha Tai – Maharashtra

6. Shri Bhim Raskar - Maharashtra

7. Dr. T. Bharat, Manipur

8. Dr. Ranjana Vaishnav, Rajasthan

Resolutions and recommendations that were tabled during the conference are:

1. District Planning Committee to be properly decentralized

2. Elected members should be trained on duties and functions of PRI

3. Social audit should be implemented

4. Education eligibility criteria should be waived off

5. Gram Panchayat should receive funds for the work to be implemented at the Gram

Panchayat level

6. Gram Sabha should be documented (eg. Video Shooting)

7. Mahila Gram Sabha should be promoted in all states

8. Issues to be determined by the Gram Panchayat through schemes from Central

9. State Finance Commission should be restarted in the states

10. Minimum criteria of 100 member to be present in Gram Sabha should be removed

11. Govt. servants are supposed to visit Gram Sabha and provide with report but is not being

implemented. This should be strictly implemented or non-implementers should be

punished

12. Gram Panchayat should receive untied funds for effective implementation

13. Two children/toilet norms should be removed/dropped for contesting elections

14. Trainings to be provided and synergies should be built with other stakeholders

15. DT/NT inclusion should be promoted in all the process

16. Training policies should be strategic, need based and comprehensive

17. Dalit and Adivasi women should get incentives to get meaningfully involved into the PRI

18. Independent Monitoring and evaluation agencies should be roped in to evaluate the work

of PRI

19. Success models of NGOs working on PRI should be promoted (inter-state)

20. Gram Sabha attendance for members should be mandatory

21. Awareness on rights and duties should be promoted

22. Reservations for women and marginalized groups to be considered favorably

23. Election symbol should be given much in advance

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24. Gender discrimination and harassment from Sarpanch’s husbands should be viewed

strictly (Vishaka Guidelines/Protection bill should be used to punish the offenders)

25. Inclusion of NT/minorities/marginalised in Gram Sabha to be promoted and included

with different strategies

26. Gram Sabha meetings should be mandatorily conducted and information to the same

should be provided much in (time, venue etc.) advance

27. 1st May/15

th August/26

th January (Labour/Maharashtra day/Gandhi Jayanthi) etc. can be

considered for such meetings

28. PRI ministry should be separated (not to be included in any other…)

29. Village level committees should be strengthened (Eg. Education committee/Line

departments)

30. Synergy to be built for sharing funds from different departments

31. Decisions on rolling out/implementation of Scheme to be given to Gram Panchayats

32. Five year period should be minimum for women in the PRI…..

33. All proceedings and documents should be in local languages suiting to the local needs.

34. Audit report should be simple and made understood infront of village members

35. Elected representatives should get I-Cards

36. Honorarium of elected representatives (Sarpanchs) should be given/increased

37. Standard Operating Procedure code should be prepared/and be in place for GPs and PRIs

38. Knowledge level to be increased through awareness of surrounding news (eg. Article in

news paper etc)

39. Best practice bank to be established. Initiative to be taken by Rajiv Gandhi Centre for

Contemporary Studies

40. Role of University in creating awareness in the community as knowledge partners and

college students/research scholars should be encouraged to undertake Action Research

which can create awareness at village level

41. Public scheme transparency – awareness etc, with special allocations of funds at gram

sabha level

42. Women representatives under PRI should get safe space in the government department

43. For safe guarding SC/STs, Atrocity Act to be roped in and people should be trained to

understand the importance of the same

44. Gram Panchayat’s budget should be participatory budget (they should be consulted well)

45. Detailed information board should be displayed in the village (GP) – staffing, budget,

expenditure etc.

46. Industrialization/privatization of villages (property matter) should be opposed

47. Honorarium to be decided for all (universal structure)

48. Samajik Nyay Samithi – Vishaka Guidelines…..violence Act….should be part of the

PRIs

49. Functioning (NE region) of PRI, villagers should be made aware of systems in detail.

50. Right to quality implementation should be promoted.

18

Valedictory Remarks:

Shri Balkrishna Renke, Ex-Chairman of National Commission on NT/DNT, Government of

India, an Activist and popular Social Worker, was felicitated by Dr. Chandrakant Puri with a

bouquet and a shawl. Dr. Chandrakant Puri gave a brief introduction of Shri Renke and said

that due to his activism changes in the lives of many NT/DNT populations are seen in India.

He further said that Shri Renke, popularly known as Anna is always on his mission and

strives for the rights of NT/DNT communities in India. He requested Anna to express his

thoughts on democratic decentralisation through his valedictory remarks.

Anna said most of the time people use jargons while presenting their thoughts. Words like

Equity, Globalisation, Privatisation and rights are sometimes very casually used in speeches.

He said people should not forget the true meaning of the word, “Right” and “Inclusive” word

is also good but if decentralisation is not happening, these words are meaningless. Hence,

first the decentralisation should happen meaningfully. He further said decisions should be

taken for justified decentralisation and people who are needy should get special opportunity.

Gram Panchayats and Gram Sabha are seen happening but till today the destitute women are

not getting their opportunity and are many of them are being excluded knowingly. Many of

the people from the rural villages are purposely excluded from the BPL list today depriving

of their rights under the PRI, which is not fair. Reservation rights are not been given to the

people yet and hence there is an urgent need for promoting true participation of those who

are excluded. He said the Yeshwant Rao Chavan Yojana and other schemes promoted for

poor have not seen any development yet and the implementation of these programmes are

also not happening. Under the scheme lands are to be distributed to the NT/DNT

communities but due to urbanisation, industrialisation and commercialisation in the villages

there are no lands to be distributed to the poor and that the plight of India today, sadly. The

decision taking power should be decentralised in true sense so that people who are in real

need and are poor are benefitted and that is real meaning of decentralisation. He said

everyone should join their hands against the centralisation of power and ensure that true

decentralisation takes place only then we will be able to true India.

He thanked all the speakers and participants for taking their time and coming all the way to

Mumbai to discuss their thoughts on democratic decentralisation and requested Dr.

Chandrakant Puri to document the recommendations to advocate for decentralisation of

democracy through the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Contemporary Studies and declared the

closure of the two day National Conference On Democratic Decentralisation Inclusive

Development: Issues Challenges For The Third Decade of PRI.

19

Annexure – Programme Schedule:

20th March, 2013, DAY-1

No. Time slot Agenda Item Key

Speakers/Facilitator

I. 10.00-11.00 REGISTRATION & INTRODUCTION

10.00-10.30 Registration of the participants RGCS Team

10.30-11.00 Introduction of the participants Dr. Jagadish Jadhav

II 11.00-11.55 INNAUGURAL SESSION

2.1 11.00-11.10 Lighting of Lamp by Prof. Bhalchandra

Mungekar

Chief Guest &

Elected Reps.

2.2 11.10-11.15 Welcome and Introduction to the conference Dr. Chandrakant Puri

2.3 11.15-11.20 Introduction of the Cheif Guest - Prof. Bhalchandra

Mungekar Dr. Sanhita Joshi

2.4 11.20-11.25 Falicitation of the Chief Guest Dr. Chandrakant Puri

2.5 11.25-11.50

Innaugural and Key note address by Prof. Bhalchandra

Mungekar (Member of Parliament,Rajya Sabha, Ex-

Vice Chancellor-Mumbai University & Ex-Member of

Planning Commission, GOI

Prof. Bhalchandra

Mungekar

2.6 11.50-11.55 Vote of thanks by Vijay Nair

11.55-12.10 Break

III. 12.10-13.45 PLENARY SESSION

Chaired by:: Dr. Jagadish Jadhav

3.1

Shir Bhim Raskar

3.2 Adv. Surekha Dalvi

3.3 Shri Javed Khan

13.45-14.30 Lunch Break

IV

14.30-16.00

Technical Session-1, INCLUSION IN PRI

Chaired by: Shri N.S. Dixit

4.1 Mr. Amit Mane

4.2 Dr. Balaji Kendre

4.3 Dr.Th. Bharat Singh

4.4 Ms. Yogini Dolke

4.5 Mr. Anand Kasale

4.6 Prof. Shiv Prasad

16.00-16.15 Tea Break

V

16.15-17.45

Technical Session-2, WOMEN IN PRI

Chaired by: Advocate Surekha

Tai

5.1 Smt. Lathaji from KMVS

5.2 Ms. Archana Jatkar, Mahila Rajya Satta Andolan

5.3 Ms. Harshala Valke, Mahila Rajya Satta Andolan

5.4 Ms. Archana Janaganawar, Mahila Rajya Satta

Andolan

5.5 5. Mr. Datta Gurav, Mahila Rajya Satta Andolan

20

21st March, 2013, DAY-2

VI

09.30-

11.00

Technical Session-3, EVALUATION OF PRI

Chaired by: Dr. Shiva Prasad

6.1 Mr. Nitin Gurav & Mr. Sanjay Chabuskar

6.2 Prof. Swapnil M. Kamble

6.3 Dr. Sanhita Rahul Joshi

6.4 Dr. Ramesh Jare

6.5 Dr. Ranjana Vaishnav

11.00-

11.15 Break

VII

11.15-

12.45

Technical Session-4, IMPACT OF PRI

Chaired by: Dr. Shrikant Gaikwad

7.1 Mr. Anil Gaikwad

7.2 Ms. Kartiki Subakade

7.3 Ms. Upasana Roy

VIII

12.45-

14.00

Technical Session-5, GOVERNANCE IN PRI

Chaired by: Shri Anand Kasale

8.1 Mr. Balasaheb Kamble & Mr. Biswabhusan Ghadai

8.2 Mr. Prakash Yadav

8.3 Dr. Nirja Matto

8.4 Shri S.M. Wagh

14.00-

14.30 Lunch Break

IX 14.30-

15.30

Technical Session-6, BEST PRACTICES OF PRI Chaired by: Dr. Chandrakant Puri 9.1 Dr. Saraswathi Unni

15.30-

15.45 Tea Break

X 15.45-

16.30 Resolutions and Recommendations of the conference Dr. Chandrakant Puri

XI 16.30-

17.30

Velodictory Session by Shri Balkrishna Renke, Ex-

Chairman of National Commission on NT/DNT

21

List of participants:

No. Name of Participants Place Ph.No. Email ID

1. Mr. Prashant B. Agale Thane 9029850075 prashantagale2000@yahoo.com

2. Dr. Thiyam Bharat Singh Manipur 8575108673 drthiyam@yahoo.com

bharat.thiyam@gmail.com

3. Ms. Mrudula Dewasthale Thane 9869512304 mrudulad@yahoo.com

mrudula1107@yahoo.in

4. Mr. P. Rabindra Kumar Mumbai - ashapuraa@gmail.com

5. Ms. Kartiki Subakade Pune 9923972992 kartisachin@yahoo.co.in

kartikijadhav1974@gmail.com

6. Mr. Prakash S. Yadav Pune 9689701738 Prakash_2705@yahoo.co.in

7. Mr. Nagnath Y. Dhulekar Nanded 909662944 Nageshdhulekar2012@gmail.com

8. Ms. Surekha Dalvi Raigad 9821140104 surekhadalavi@yahoo.com

9. Ms. Sadhana Vairale Mumbai 9869325496 Sadhanav44@gmail.com

10. Ms. Manisha Zende Ulhasnagar 9665146531 Manishazende1997@gmail.com

11. Mr. Dattatray D. Gurav Kolhapur 9860370791 Datman1976@gmail.com

12. Mr. Santosh Birwatkar Tuljapur 9004728421 Snatosh.birwatkar@tiss.edu

13. Dr. Shrikant Gaikwad Latur 9423345545 Shrikantgaikwad8@gmail.com

14. Mr. Bhimrao N. Raskar Navi

Mumbai 9869259194 rscd.1994@gmail.com

15. Ms. Archana S. Jatkar Yavatmal 9881585287 archanajatkat23@gmail.com

16. Ms. Archana P.

Janganwar Gadchiroli 9422675571 ajanganwar@gmail.com

17. Ms. Harshada H. Walke Sindhudurga 9405784874 Harshadahwalke7@gmail.com

18. Ms. Reshma R. Ambekar Mumbai 9833313218 Reshmaambekar2010@gmail.com

19. Dr. Jagdish Jadhav Rajasthan 9422067478 Jagdishjadhav20@gmail.com

20. Mr. Manish D.

Suryawanshi Mumbai 8652123114 Surya.sunny89@gmail.com

21. Mr. Vijay G. Kshirsagar Pune 9029033567 vijaysagar402@gmail.com

22. Mr. Vijay R. Nair Pune/Hyd. 9322022066 nairvijaynair@gmail.com

23. Mr. Jawed Alam Khan New Delhi 9899511163 jawed@cbgaindia.org

24. Mr. Radha Viswanathan Mumbai 9833240222 Radha.v@orfonline.org

25. Dr. Sanhita R. Joshi Mumbai 9869356296 joshisanhita@gmail.com

26. Mr. Anand M. Kasle Mumbai 9819380510 kasleam@gmail.com

27. Dr. Nirja Mattoo Mumbai 9820129733 nirjamattoo@hotmail.com

28. Ms. Hakimaben Theba Bhuj-Kutch 02832-223346 -

29. Ms. Lata Sachde Bhuj-Kutch 9426921526 panchayatkc@gmail.com

30. Ms. Sushilaben Pokar Bhuj-Kutch

31. Ms. Meena Rajgor Bhuj-Kutch 9427818026 panchayatkc@gmail.com

32. Ms. Saraswathi Unni Navi

Mumbai 9833275778 Saraunni228@yahoo.com

22

33. Mr. Swapnil M. Kamble Kolhapur 9823193862 vardhansm_jsp@rediffmail.com

34. Mr. Vijay R. Pachpor Akola 9422115748 vijaypachor@gmail.com

35. Mr. Amit Mane Mumbai 9654196760 advamit.tiss@gmail.com

36. Mr, Vinay P. Raut Mumbai 2225784267 vinaypraut@yahoo.com

37. Mr. Sanjay P.

Chabukswar Latur 9766444484 guravnitin31@yahoo.com

38. Dr. S.M. Wagh Thane 9221884384 smwagh2009@gmail.com

39. Ms. Mugdha B. Mouje Navi

Mumbai 9967531013 Mouje.mugdha421@gmail.com

40. Mr. N.S. Dikshit Mumbai 9820579551 neversaydiein@gmail.com

41. Mr. Nitin S. Gurav Latur 9766444484 Guravnitin31@yahoo.com

42. Dr. Ranjana Vaishnav Rajasthan 7597583974 Ranjana.vaishnav@thp.org

9929106242 vaishnavranjana@gmail.com

43. Ms. Upasana Roy

Barman Kolkata 9874217353 tua12002@gmail.com

44. Ms. Yogini Dolke Nagpur 9326585234 yoginidolke@gmail.com

45. Ms. Gurpreet Kaur

Hanspal Mumbai 9833060621 ghk_hanspal@yahoo.co.in

46. Ms. Vijaya S.

Durdhawale

Navi

Mumbai 9221698583 vijaya.tiss@gmail.com

47. Mr. Balasaheb Kamble Tuljapur 9049194511 balasaheb.k1927@gmail.com

48. Mr. Mohan Surve Mumbai 9869250410 mohansurve@uspindia.org

49. Mr. Gaikwad Nilesh S. Latur 8655600604 Nileshgkwd18@gmail.com

50. Mr. Anil T. Gaikwad Thane 9821141819 aygaikwad@gmail.com