The Prime Minister minced no words in telling the Panchayat representatives from across the country on Panchayati Raj Diwas that the Central and State bureaucracies were not changing their mindset to absorb the imperative of sharing power with the elected representatives of the people at the grass roots level. But he made it clear that the Central Government was determined to empower the Panchayats in letter and in spirit as this was the very essence of a democratic Government. PM’s commitment is borne out by the fact that the budgetary grants for empowerment of Panchayats provided in the 12th plan is ten times more than what was proposed in the 11th Plan. The Prime Minister is convinced as well as firm that Amendment 73 to the Constitution providing empowerment in terms of administration and finances to the Panchayats has to be implemented. Devolution of power does not make the bureaucracy weak.
It is a wrong impression with them that something is being taken away from them. The fact is that proper implementation of the philosophy of Panchayati Raj means reducing the burden on bureaucracy and shifting it to the shoulders of the people in general. This is a practical step of educating our people on what real democracy is and how far can it go to ameliorate the condition of the rural masses. The bureaucracy should understand that this country is going through a big but silent social and economic revolution and they cannot hold it back do what they may. The new crop of younger bureaucrats gradually assuming public duties will work with a different mindset. They will also become the instruments of the silent revolution. This is the sum and substance of Prime Minister’s message conveyed on the occasion of Panchayati Raj Diwas.
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