Page 28 - PDI_Report

“We do not inherit the earth from
our ancestors; we borrow it from
our children”

I. Panchayati Raj Institutions:
rd
The 73 Amendment to the Constitution of India introduced While the attention has been on GPs, being the lowest unit of
Article 243G, which envisages the Panchayats as institutions of local self-governance, the Block and District Panchayats have
self-government and provides that the legislature of a State two distinct roles - one, as the second and first tier of local self-
may, by law, endow the Panchayats with such powers and governance respectively; and second -as an aggregator of GPs
authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as in the area, and becoming an advocate for the desired change. In
institutions of self-government and for the preparation of plans terms of the first role, the devolution of powers to them is vastly
and implementation of schemes for economic development and different in different States and consequently is to be seen in
social justice. Devolution of powers to PRIs and to GPs (barring that context for their activities. The current expectation of them
Kerala and West Bengal, next being Karnataka) leaves much to is in their second role, which can make them more effective,

be desired. given the equivalent levels of governmental official machinery
II. Structure and Responsibility: implementing multifarious schemes in the GP area.

th
As a unit of governance and as enshrined in the XI Schedule III. Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
of the Constitution, the Panchayats can formulate/prepare plans The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the blueprint to
and programmes in 29 subjects spanning from primary achieve a better, more equitable and sustainable future for all.
agricultural activities to public distribution and further to The 17 SDGs were adopted and signed by all UN Member
provisioning of sustained livelihood to the villagers and States in 2015, as part of the 2030 agenda for sustainable
implement them for the socio-economic development of the development. Government of India is also a signatory to the
rural people. The Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP), United Nations SDGs 2030 agenda. The SDGs are a common
has the scope of becoming an all-compassing catalytic mission for a ‘One World-One Planet’ for all. It has been
component for villages. envisioned as a universal call to consider various sectors of

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PDI Committee Report - 2023: Introduction 2