Devolution Index 2024 Ranking of Panchayat Raj System

Context: Karnataka has topped the overall Devolution Index (DI) ranking of the Panchayat Raj system among States in India.

About Devolution Index (DI) 2024

• Purpose: The report ranks Indian States/UTs based on their devolution (transfer of power and resources) to Panchayati Raj institutions.
• Prepared by: Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj & Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi
• Ranking Parameters: Overall Devolution Index (DI), Framework, Functions, Finances, Functionaries, Capacity Enhancement and Accountability.

Performance of Indian States in Devolution Index 2024

• Top 3 States:
  • Karnataka : 23 (Rank 1)
  • Kerala : 59 (Rank 2)
  • Tamil Nadu : 38 (Rank 3)
• Other High Performers:
  • Maharashtra : 44 (Rank 4)
  • Uttar Pradesh : 07 (Rank 5)
  • Gujarat : 26 (Rank 6)
• Moderate Performers: Bihar, Assam, Sikkim, Uttarakhand.

Performance Across Key Dimensions

Framework (Legal and Institutional Setup)

• Top Performer: Kerala (83.56)
• Criteria Considered:
  • Regular panchayat elections
  • Reservation of seats for SCs, STs, and women
  • Establishment of the State Election Commission and State Finance Commission

Functions (Extent of Powers Given to Panchayats)

• Top Performer: Tamil Nadu (60.24) & Karnataka (57.62)
• Key Findings:
  • Karnataka delegates the maximum number of functions to panchayats.
  • Gram Panchayats (GPs) in Karnataka have strong taxation powers.

Finances (Availability of Funds and Fiscal Autonomy)

• Top Performer: Karnataka (70.65)
• Evaluation Factors:
  • Timely release of 15th Finance Commission grants
  • Financial autonomy of panchayats

Accountability (Transparency, Social Audits, and Governance Mechanisms)

• Top Performer: Karnataka (81.33)
• Key Indicators:
  • Social audit implementation
  • Gram Sabha participation
  • Panchayat-level transparency and anti-corruption measures
  • Performance-based incentives for Panchayats

Functionaries (Human Resources for Panchayat Administration)

• Top Performer: Gujarat (90.94)

Capacity Building (Training of Panchayat Representatives and Officials)

• Top Performer: Telangana (86.19)
• Evaluation Based on:
  • Presence of Panchayat Training Institutions
  • Training programs for elected representatives and officials

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