Sir,
I would like to highlight the economics of Panchayat elections with special reference to cost and benefits of elections. As per a rough estimate the per capita expenditure on the election of Panches and Sarpanches amounts to rupees five lacs. The main heads of expenditure on Panchayats elections include salary and other allowances paid to the staff of election commission, pay and other allowances paid to the government employees deputed for the conduct of elections, cost of buildings and other infrastructure used in the process of elections, the wages lost by the voters on account of participation in the election, transport and other costs. The main objective of incurring this huge expenditure on the election is to get the long-term benefits to the society in terms of socio-economic development of a society.
We can get benefits only if the benefits of elections are more than the costs incurred on them which is possible only if the elected Panches and Sarpanches are efficient and honest enough to carry out their respective duties and responsibilities. The benefits are reflected in degree of change in standard of living of the people. To achieve this objective, there should be zero tolerance for corruption and hundred percent participation of people in the process of rural development.
As has been observed the costs of elections are more than the intended benefits. The Panches and Sarpanches who are responsible for preventing corruption begin to start corruption by taking contracts for various development works. Instead of supervision over the quality of rural development works, they start working as contractors which in turn leads to losses to the rural areas.
However, the benefits of elections can be maximised by imparting quality education and training to the newly elected Panches and Sarpanches. Besides, the Gram Sabhas should be strengthened by creating awareness about the duties and responsibilities of the concerned Panches and Sarpanches and it is hoped that appropriate steps will be taken in this context in near future.
O P Sharma
Bagnoti Nowshera
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