GS Paper II

News Excerpt: 

Panchayats which have a better say over power, people, and money also feature high on health, nutrition, and sanitation scores.

About the RBI study on Panchayats:

• According to a recently released study by the RBI, it shows that only 1% of the panchayat's income is generated through taxes, and the rest is sourced from central and state grants.
• RBI also suggested greater autonomy for panchayats and empowerment of local leaders as they collaborate with health departments to maintain clinics and dispensaries in rural areas. 
• Panchayats encourage institutional deliveries and ensure prenatal and postnatal checkups, thus helping reduce infant mortality rates (IMR). 
• Infant mortality is the death of an infant before his or her first birthday. The infant mortality rate is the number of infant deaths for every 1,000 live births.
• They also provide clean water and sanitation facilities. All these help improve health outcomes.

Key findings of the study:

CHART - 1

Chart 1 shows the State-wise average of panchayat-level health, nutrition, and sanitation scores calculated by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) on the vertical axis. On the horizontal axis, the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) of the State is presented.

• Chart 1’s trend line shows that higher the score on health, nutrition, and sanitation parameters, the lower the IMR.
• Performance of the states: 
• • The major states including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir (before it became a Union Territory), Karnataka, Maharashtra, and West Bengal have a high score and a low IMR. 
  • Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Rajasthan, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh have a low score and high IMR.

CHART - 2

Chart 2 checks whether these better-performing states also have greater autonomy at the panchayat level. 

• For this, the RBI study uses the devolution index prepared by MoPR using independent agencies. 
• The devolution index rates a State based on the following three parameters.
  • Transfer of subjects: How many functions including drinking water, rural housing, family welfare, and women and child development are controlled by panchayats.
  • Transfer of functionaries: The number of positions filled by panchayats on their own.
  • Transfer of finances: What share of funds were raised by panchayats on their own and what share can they spend based on their decisions.
• Chart 2 plots the States’ devolution index on the horizontal axis. 
• The States on the right: Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, have higher devolution scores.
• The States on the left: Assam, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, have lower devolution scores.
• Chart 1 and 2 when read together shows that panchayat autonomy plays a vital role in better health outcomes in rural areas.

MAP-3

Map 3 shows the percentage shortfall of primary health facilities in rural areas also concurs with chart 1 & 2's conclusion: States that perform better on the index have a surplus, with a few exceptions. 

• Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal have very high levels of shortage. 
• On the other hand, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Himachal Pradesh have none.

Conclusion: 

The RBI study underscores a direct correlation between the autonomy of panchayats and positive health outcomes in rural areas. States with higher devolution scores exhibit improved health, nutrition, and sanitation, emphasizing the pivotal role of local empowerment in enhancing healthcare access and facilities.

Related News: Panchayats earn only 1% of their revenue through taxes, Finances of Panchayati Raj Institutions