Parliamentary panel pulls up panchayati raj ministry over non-release of funds underneath RGSA

By PTI

NEW DELHI: A parliamentary panel has ticked off the panchayati raj ministry over non-release of funds to states underneath the flagship Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA).

In its report tabled in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, the Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj stated these funds are launched to the states primarily for capability constructing and coaching of elected representatives, functionaries and different stakeholders of the panchayats.

It stated that 19 out of 34 states and Union territories haven’t obtained any funds underneath the scheme for the monetary yr 2022-23 (as on 31.12.2022). Similarly, in 2021-22, no funds have been launched to 9 out of 34 states and Union territories.

“The Ministry to this effect submitted that timely non-submission of requisite documents and non-compliance of instructions stipulated by the Ministry of Finance, inter alia, are the reasons for non-release of funds. In Committees’ view, halting funds in such a manner to many states will hamper the progress of this important scheme which aims at strengthening of the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). In this context, the Committee recommend that the Ministry should be proactive in ensuring compliance of Ministry of Finance stipulations and submission of requisite documents by the States/UTs so that funds are released to all the States/UTs uniformly,” the committee stated.

It additionally stated that if vital, such issues needs to be taken up on the highest stage with the states/Union territories in order that progress of the envisaged schemes could not hamper on account of delay or non-release of funds underneath RGSA.

The committee additionally raised considerations over the non-availability of computer systems in gram panchayats.

“The Committee are concerned to note that out of 271102 Gram Panchayats in the country, only 219889 GPs have computers in them. Availability of computers is a prerequisite for using internet service facilities,” it stated.

It additionally identified that solely 80,742 rural native our bodies have energetic web connections as on 21-01-2023 out of two,71,102 rural native our bodies regardless that 1.92 lakh Gram Panchayats have been made service prepared.

“The Committee have additionally noticed lack of broadband connectivity within the Gram Panchayats and use of personal mobile knowledge for public service supply throughout its examine visits undertaken to States resembling Maharashtra.

“Considering the importance of the undertaking, the Committee urge the Ministry to take concrete steps in coordination with different two Ministries to make all of the 1.92 lakh service prepared GPs to have energetic web connection throughout 2023-24 and to attach all GPs with Broad Band connectivity by 2024-25.

The Committee wish to be apprised of the progress made on this regard,” it stated.

It additionally really useful that the ministry be sure that all gram panchayats present all mandated on-line assured providers as an alternative of confining solely delivery and loss of life certificates.

NEW DELHI: A parliamentary panel has ticked off the panchayati raj ministry over non-release of funds to states underneath the flagship Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA).

In its report tabled in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, the Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj stated these funds are launched to the states primarily for capability constructing and coaching of elected representatives, functionaries and different stakeholders of the panchayats.

It stated that 19 out of 34 states and Union territories haven’t obtained any funds underneath the scheme for the monetary yr 2022-23 (as on 31.12.2022). Similarly, in 2021-22, no funds have been launched to 9 out of 34 states and Union territories.googletag.cmd.push(operate() googletag.show(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2′); );

“The Ministry to this effect submitted that timely non-submission of requisite documents and non-compliance of instructions stipulated by the Ministry of Finance, inter alia, are the reasons for non-release of funds. In Committees’ view, halting funds in such a manner to many states will hamper the progress of this important scheme which aims at strengthening of the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). In this context, the Committee recommend that the Ministry should be proactive in ensuring compliance of Ministry of Finance stipulations and submission of requisite documents by the States/UTs so that funds are released to all the States/UTs uniformly,” the committee stated.

It additionally stated that if vital, such issues needs to be taken up on the highest stage with the states/Union territories in order that progress of the envisaged schemes could not hamper on account of delay or non-release of funds underneath RGSA.

The committee additionally raised considerations over the non-availability of computer systems in gram panchayats.

“The Committee are concerned to note that out of 271102 Gram Panchayats in the country, only 219889 GPs have computers in them. Availability of computers is a prerequisite for using internet service facilities,” it stated.

It additionally identified that solely 80,742 rural native our bodies have energetic web connections as on 21-01-2023 out of two,71,102 rural native our bodies regardless that 1.92 lakh Gram Panchayats have been made service prepared.

“The Committee have additionally noticed lack of broadband connectivity within the Gram Panchayats and use of personal mobile knowledge for public service supply throughout its examine visits undertaken to States resembling Maharashtra.

“Considering the importance of the undertaking, the Committee urge the Ministry to take concrete steps in coordination with different two Ministries to make all of the 1.92 lakh service prepared GPs to have energetic web connection throughout 2023-24 and to attach all GPs with Broad Band connectivity by 2024-25.

The Committee wish to be apprised of the progress made on this regard,” it stated.

It additionally really useful that the ministry be sure that all gram panchayats present all mandated on-line assured providers as an alternative of confining solely delivery and loss of life certificates.