The Hindu Business Line : Performance of panchayati raj bodies unsatisfactory: Study

A DECADE since the devolution of various powers to local self-government institutions in Kerala, the performance of many of these bodies is not satisfactory, according to a study done by the Thiruvananthapuram-based Sahayi - Centre for Collective Learning and Action.

Speaking at a seminar organised to discuss the study's findings, the Kerala Rural Development Minister, Mr C.F. Thomas, said the State Government is committed to fostering the growth of local self-government institutions. At the same time, it is also necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of the functioning of these institutions over the last 10 years, he added.

One aspect thrown up by the study is that there is a need for creating greater awareness in Kerala about local self-government institutions and the services they offer, he added.

Titled `Service delivery by local self-government institutions,' the report is based on research carried out in five districts of the State, said Mr G. Placid, Director, Sahayi. Researchers spoke to respondents in 32 grama panchayats and four municipalities.

Among the findings thrown up by the study is the fact that 95 per cent of the respondents do not have a clear picture of the various services offered by local self-government institutions in the State. This was despite the fact that most local-self government bodies covered by the study had published a charter of services available to citizens.

Similarly, most of those polled did not have much knowledge of the taxes levied by local self-government institutions, the study found. They also did not have any idea about the rules governing the levy of these taxes.

Respondents also declared that provision of public utilities such as streetlights, water supply and garbage removal — that are the responsibility of local bodies — is unsatisfactory. And where available, most of these services are not sufficient to meet the requirements of the local community, the study found.

Based on the study's findings, Sahayi has suggested that a massive campaign be launched to create greater awareness about the bouquet of citizens' services available at local self-government institutions. Similarly, it also recommended that proper training programmes be provided to all officials and elected representatives associated with local self-government institutions.

A charter of services available to members of the public must be prominently displayed at all local self-government institutions and other Government offices.

Cooperation between various government departments and local self-government institutions is vital if services such as street lighting, water supply and garbage removal are to benefit the public. Hence, special efforts must be initiated to ensure such inter-departmental cooperation, the report said.

Former Member of Parliament, Mr V.M. Sudheeran, officials of several local self-government institutions and representatives of various voluntary organisations were among those who participated in the seminar.

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