Karnataka Tops Devolution Index 2024: Strengthening Panchayat Raj Governance

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Devolution Index Rankings Latest News
• Introduction
• Key Findings of the Devolution Index Report 2024
• Performance Across Key Dimensions
• Reasons for Karnataka Leading in Panchayat Governance
• Challenges and Areas for Improvement
• Conclusion
• Devolution Index Rankings 2024 FAQs

Devolution Index Rankings Latest News

• The Central government has released a report titled ‘Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States – An Indicative Evidence-Based Ranking’ (2024).

Introduction

• The Devolution Index (DI) 2024 report, released by the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi, ranks Karnataka as the top-performing state in India’s Panchayat Raj system.
• The index evaluates states based on six key dimensions:
  • Framework, Functions, Finances, Functionaries, Capacity Enhancement, Accountability
• Following Karnataka in the overall ranking are Kerala (2nd) and Tamil Nadu (3rd), while Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat also feature in the top six.
• This report highlights Karnataka’s strong financial management, high levels of accountability, and efficient devolution of powers, making it a model for grassroots governance.

Key Findings of the Devolution Index Report 2024

• Overall Index Score - Karnataka leads with a score of 72.23, followed by:
  • Kerala – 70.59
  • Tamil Nadu – 68.38
  • Maharashtra – 61.44
  • Uttar Pradesh – 60.07
  • Gujarat – 58.26
• The national average score is 43.89, with Bihar, Assam, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand ranking as moderate performers.

Performance Across Key Dimensions

• Framework (Legal and Institutional Structure)
  • Top State: Kerala (83.56)
  • Other high scorers: Maharashtra (74.74), Karnataka (74.43), Haryana (73.3)
  • This dimension assesses legal provisions for Panchayati Raj governance, including regular elections, reservation policies, and state commissions for Panchayat oversight.
• Functions (Powers Delegated to Panchayats)
  • Top State: Tamil Nadu (60.24)
  • Karnataka (57.62) and Odisha (57.46) rank close behind.
  • Karnataka allows maximum taxation power to Gram Panchayats, strengthening local governance.
• Finances (Fiscal Decentralization and Funding)
  • Top State: Karnataka (70.65)
  • Kerala (62.89), Tamil Nadu (55.78), and Rajasthan (54.56) follow.
  • The index evaluates how well states release funds under the 15th Finance Commission and implement recommendations from the State Finance Commission (SFC).
• Accountability (Transparency and Governance Monitoring)
  • Top State: Karnataka (81.33)
  • Kerala (81.18), Maharashtra (80.36), and Uttar Pradesh (76.07) rank next.
  • Karnataka excels in social audits, Gram Sabha functioning, financial transparency, and anti-corruption measures.
• Functionaries (Manpower and Resources at Panchayats)
  • Top State: Gujarat (90.94)
  • Tamil Nadu (84.25) and Kerala (82.99) follow.
  • Karnataka has a high number of Panchayat officials, ensuring efficient local administration.
• Capacity Building (Training and Skill Development for Officials)
  • Top State: Telangana (86.19)
  • Tamil Nadu (84.29) and Gujarat (83.96) rank next.
  • Karnataka is among the top 10 states, emphasizing continuous training for Panchayat officials.

Reasons for Karnataka Leading in Panchayat Governance

• Strong Fiscal Autonomy: Karnataka ensures timely release of funds, empowering Panchayats with financial independence.
• Effective Local Governance: The state has well-functioning Gram Sabhas and social audit mechanisms to promote transparency and accountability.
• Empowered Gram Panchayats: Panchayats in Karnataka enjoy significant authority in taxation and local decision-making.
• Capacity Building Programs: Training initiatives for Panchayat officials and elected representatives ensure efficient governance.
• Digitization and Transparency: e-Governance initiatives and digital monitoring systems improve service delivery and reduce corruption.

Challenges and Areas for Improvement

• Bihar, Assam, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand scored just above the national average, indicating the need for better financial support and institutional reforms.
• State Finance Commissions (SFCs) in several states, including Karnataka, need better implementation strategies to ensure effective devolution of resources.
• Capacity building programs need wider coverage to include more rural Panchayat functionaries.

Conclusion

• Karnataka’s top ranking in the Devolution Index 2024 highlights its commitment to empowering Panchayati Raj institutions, ensuring financial autonomy, accountability, and transparency.
• With Kerala and Tamil Nadu also performing well, these states serve as models for decentralized governance. Moving forward, other states should strengthen local governance by improving financial management, training programs, and institutional frameworks.
• A well-functioning Panchayati Raj system is essential for inclusive rural development and participatory democracy in India.

Devolution Index Rankings 2024 FAQs

Q1. What is the Devolution Index (DI) ranking?

Ans. The Devolution Index ranks Indian states based on the effectiveness of their Panchayat Raj governance.

Q2. Which state topped the Devolution Index in 2024?

Ans. Karnataka secured the top rank, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Q3. What are the key factors in the Devolution Index?

Ans. The index evaluates states on framework, functions, finances, functionaries, capacity building, and accountability.

Q4. How does Karnataka excel in Panchayat governance?

Ans. Karnataka leads in financial management, transparency, and social audits, empowering Gram Panchayats.

Q5. What improvements are needed in the Panchayat Raj system?

Ans. States need better fiscal management, improved SFC implementation, and enhanced capacity-building initiatives.

Source:  TH