Study ranks Karnataka first in devolution of power to panchayats

Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday expressed happiness over the state securing first rank in devolution of power to panchayats as per a study by the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) and the Union Ministry of Panchayat Raj and said this recognition highlighted his government’s commitment to grassroots democracy.. 

“Proud to share that Karnataka has been ranked 1st in the devolution of power to Panchayats - leading the nation in financial autonomy and accountability, as per a study by the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) and the Ministry of Panchayat Raj,” Siddaramaiah said in a post on ‘X’. 

He said the state had secured the top rank in devolution index (72.23). It was a leader in finances and accountability, effective financial devolution and timely release of funds.

“Efficient use of 15th Finance Commission grants, strong gram sabhas and social audits are our achievements,” he said. 

The CM said that the rural development & panchayat raj department, under Minister Priyank Kharge, had played a key role in ensuring that panchayats had the resources and autonomy to drive rural progress.  He said ‘decentralisation’ was not just a concept, it was a lived reality in Karnataka.

“A robust panchayat system means stronger rural development, participatory democracy and inclusive growth,” the CM said. 

Siddaramaiah said Karnataka had been ranked first in devolution of power to panchayats in terms of funds, functions and functionaries, followed by Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. 

The top six states got their rankings on the basis of index scores: Karnataka (72.23), Kerala (70.59), Tamil Nadu (68.38), Maharashtra (61.44), UP (60.8) and Gujarat (58.26), according to the report ‘Status of devolution of panchayats in states: an indicative evidence based ranking’.