STRENGTHENING PANCHAYATS IN ODISHA
STRENGTHENING PANCHAYATS IN ODISHA
There are 6794 Gram Panchayats functioning in the State of Odisha. “Panchayat”, being “Local Government”, is a State subject and part of State List of Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. Panchayats are set up and operate through the respective State Panchayati Raj Acts which may vary from State to State, subject to the provisions of the Constitution. Article 243G of the Constitution empowers the Legislature of a State to make provisions, by law, for the devolution of powers and responsibilities upon Panchayat at appropriate level, subject to such conditions as may be specified, with respect to the preparation of plans for economic development and social justice and implementation of schemes for economic development and social justice as may be entrusted to them including those in relation to 29 subjects included in the Eleventh Schedule to the Constitution. Accordingly, all matters relating to panchayats including strengthening of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) falls within the purview of State Government.
The Government of Odisha has informed that they have taken several measures to strengthen PRIs as institutions of local self-government which includes devolution of powers to PRIs on 21 subjects of eleven departments in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, Legal and Institutional reforms , strengthening administrative support by creating posts at all levels of panchayats, participatory planning, effective capacity building etc.
Further, this Ministry is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme called Revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) with effect from financial year 2022-23, with the main objective of supporting the capacity building of Panchayati Raj institutions (PRIs) by imparting training to Elected Representatives (ERs) and other stakeholders to develop their governance capabilities for leadership roles, enabling Gram Panchayats to function effectively across all States/Union Territories (UTs), including Odisha.
Under the RGSA scheme, capacity building and training for elected representatives, functionaries, and other stakeholders of Panchayats are supported under different categories, viz. basic orientation and refresher training, thematic training, specialized training, Panchayat development plan training, etc. Additionally, the scheme also supports exposure visits for the elected representatives & functionaries of Panchayats to the Beacon Panchayats for exchange of learning of the exemplary practices on various development sectors.
Multiple training interventions have also been undertaken to strengthen the capacities of Panchayati Raj Institutions. Capacity building of elected representatives and functionaries has been rolled out through institutes of excellence such as Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)/ Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) under the Leadership/Management Development Programme (MDP) to enhance knowledge &skills of leadership of elected representatives & functionaries of PRI.
To enhance financial self-reliance of Gram Panchayats, a dedicated Own Source Revenue (OSR) training module was developed in collaboration with IIM Ahmedabad. Additionally, the Ministry has launched a Specialized Training Module for the Women Elected Representatives (WER) of Panchayats to develop leadership & managerial skills for effective delivery of their roles & responsibilities.
A total amount of Rs. 112.23 crores has been released under the RGSA Scheme to the State from the FY 2022-23 to 2025-26. Year wise Fund Release mentioned below:-
Sl.No
FY
Fund Released (in.crores)
1
2022-23
Rs.11.40
2.
2023-24
Rs.27.33
3
2024-25
Rs.20.00
4
2025-26
Rs.53.50(as on 03.02.2026)
Total
Rs.112.23
Panchayats / Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in the States are provided with financial grants recommended by the Central Finance Commission. The Fifteenth Finance Commission has recommended allocation of Rs.2,258 crores for the period of FY 2020-21 for Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in Odisha. Further, for the period FY 2021-26, it has recommended an allocation of Rs.8,800 crores for RLBs in the State.
A total of 7,50,736 participants were provided training from the FY 2022-23 to 2025-26 (till 31stJanuary 2026) under the RGSA scheme to the State of Odisha.
The Government of Odisha has informed that they have taken steps to improve service delivery at Panchayat level though e-Governance initiatives, Digital infrastructure, Financial transparency, Grievance redressal and Social Accountability.
Further, this Ministry is implementing the e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project (MMP) under RGSA, which has significantly enhanced transparency, efficiency, and governance at the grassroots level. The e-Gram Swaraj application, developed as part of the e-Panchayat MMP, has facilitated digital planning, accounting, monitoring, and online payments at the Panchayat level. The integration of e-Gram Swaraj with the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) enables real-time payments to vendors and service providers, ensuring seamless fund flow and reducing delays. As on date, all 6,794 Gram Panchayats in Odisha have uploaded their Gram Panchayat Development Plans on the e-Gram Swaraj platform. Further, all Gram Panchayats have been on boarded on the e-Gram Swaraj-PFMS interface.
The Ministry has also strengthened the e-Gram Swaraj platform through integration with other national digital platforms. Integration with the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) facilitates transparent, efficient and rule-based procurement by Gram Panchayats. Integration with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) enables Gram Panchayats to apply for internet connectivity at the Panchayat level. Integration with BHASHINI enables multilingual access to e-Gram Swaraj, thereby improving accessibility in regional languages. In addition, integration of weather forecast information supports informed local planning and timely decision-making, particularly in the areas of agriculture and disaster preparedness.
To enhance transparency and citizen access to information, the Ministry has developed applications such as ‘Meri Panchayat’, which provides public access to information on Panchayat plans, activities and progress of works. Similarly, Panchayat NIRNAY is an online application aims at bringing transparency and better management in conduct of Gram Sabhas by Panchayats.
Furthermore, ‘Audit Online’ application was launched in April 2020, for online audit of Panchayat accounts, financial management and transparent auditing of Central Finance Commission grants utilization.
This information was given by Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on 11th February 2026.