Initiatives: Information Exchange

The Society for Participatory Research in Asia prepares fact sheets for National Roundtable discussions

The Government of India has requested the Society for Participatory Research in Aisa (PRIA), the LogoLink Partner from South Asia, to be the official nodal agency for preparing fact sheets on state devolution to Panchayati Raj Institutions. These fact sheets will inform a series of official roundtable discussions for Minister Incharges and Secretaries (of Local Governments) from federal states.

The Kolkata roundtable took place from 23-24 July and was attended by the Union Minister of Panchayati Raj along with 13 Minister Incharges from different states. In addition 27 state governments and 5 Union ministries participated in the deliberations, and each state was represented by its Minister and/or secretary.

As a result, the state governments agreed to undertake activity mapping for Devolution of Functions to three tiers of PRIs, and then the devolution of Functionaries and Finances in each state will be aligned to these state specific activity mapping. Resolutions were then passed by the roundtable to call upon state governments to develop a time-bound devolution framework.

PRIA produced four fact sheets for the Kolkata roundtable on "Devolutions to PRIs" in terms of the functions, functionaries, finances and empowerment of Gram Sabha. Due to the impact of the fact sheets a great sense of respect for NGOs was visible during the roundtable, and one of the main achievements was felt to be a step towards changing the relationship between government and civil society.

The PRIA network is already working towards the preparation of a national fact sheet on "Panchayati Raj: Planning, Implementation, Parallel Bodies and Rural Business Hubs" for the second roundtable to be held in Banglore on 28-29 September 2004.

Find out more about this initiative by contacting PRIA, the LogoLink coordinator in South Asia.