Local Self-Government and Panchayati Raj in Odisha

Local administration in Odisha starts with the division of the state into three distinct regions based on their geographic location. These regions, known as revenue divisions, streamline administrative processes for better governance.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the regional division of Odisha for administration.
2. Comprehend the three-tier Panchayati Raj system.
3. Recognize the functions and structure of Zila Parishad, Panchayat Samiti, and Gram Panchayat.
4. Identify the significance of Urban Local Bodies in Odisha.
5. Learn about initiatives taken to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions.

Regional Administration

For efficient administration, Odisha is divided into three revenue divisions:

1. Central Division: Headquarters in Cuttack, comprising districts like Cuttack, Puri, Balasore, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Khurda, Nayagarh, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur.
2. Northern Division: Headquarters in Sambalpur, including districts such as Sambalpur, Sundergarh, Balangir, Dhenkanal, Angul, Bargarh, Nuapada, Subarnapur, Jharsuguda, and Deogarh.
3. Southern Division: Headquarters in Berhampur, covering districts like Ganjam, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Koraput, Gajapati, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, and Boudh.

Panchayati Raj System in Odisha

The Panchayati Raj system in Odisha was established in 1961, following the recommendations of the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee. Odisha adopted a three-tier structure to cover all villages in the state, forming the basis for local self-government.

1. Zila Parishad: The highest tier at the district level. Established by the Odisha Zila Parishad Act of 1959, it became functional after amendments in 1961. Odisha has 30 Zila Parishads. Chairpersons of Block Samitis also participate in the Zila Parishad. A notable feature is the mandatory inclusion of women as either the Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson.
2. Panchayat Samiti: The middle tier, known as Block Samiti, facilitates development work. Each Panchayat Samiti comprises approximately 20 members, including two women members from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST). The Samiti is led by an elected Chairman and managed by a Block Development Officer (BDO). Odisha has 314 Panchayat Samitis.
3. Gram Panchayat: The base level, functioning as a village-level local self-government. It consists of 11 to 25 elected members (Panch) and is headed by a Sarpanch. Gram Panchayats operate for five-year terms. Odisha has 6798 Gram Panchayats.

Important Note: Odisha was the first state to hold elections per the Provisions of Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), 1996, to ensure social justice for Scheduled Tribes.

Tribal Blocks in Odisha

Odisha has 12 districts with significant tribal populations. Some districts like Kandhamal, Mayurbhanj, Sundergarh, Nabarangpur, Koraput, Malkangiri, and Rayagada are fully covered under tribal blocks. Others like Balasore, Keonjhar, Sambalpur, Gajapati, and Kalahandi are partially covered.

Gram Sabha

1. Structure: Composed of all village voters.
2. Empowerment: Can support or dissolve the Gram Panchayat and contribute to decision-making.
3. Group Gram Sabha: Established for villages with populations under 750.

Urban Local Bodies in Odisha

Urban local governance in Odisha includes Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, and Notified Area Councils (NACs).

Municipal Corporations

1. Location: Found in big cities like Berhampur, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Rourkela, and Sambalpur.
2. Structure: Governed by an elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Councillors, elected for five-year terms, represent various wards.
3. Executive: The Municipal Commissioner, a member of the Indian Administrative Services (IAS), is appointed by the government.
4. Functions: Includes public health, water supply, road lighting, primary education, disease prevention, and birth and death registration.

Municipalities

1. Establishment: Governed by the Odisha Municipal Act, 1950.
2. Constitution: Comprised of 35 Municipalities, including places like Angul, Balasore, Jajpur, and Paradip.
3. Roles: The Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Councillors manage the Municipality. Councillors are elected directly, and one-third of seats are reserved for women.
4. Executive Officer: Acts as a link between the Municipality and the Government.

Notified Area Council (NAC)

1. Definition: Represents regions transitioning from rural to urban.
2. Number: Odisha has 66 NACs, including Pipili, Sunabeda, Nayagarh, and Konark.
3. Constitution: Recognized under the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act.

Odisha’s Initiatives to Strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions

Odisha’s government has introduced several initiatives to empower Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs):

1. Transfer of Subjects (2003): Twenty-one subjects from eleven departments were delegated to PRIs, making District, Block, and Village officers responsible to Zila Parishad, Panchayat Samiti, and Gram Panchayat.
2. Reorganization of Gram Panchayats: Added 595 new Gram Panchayats, increasing the total to 6798.
3. Madhubabu Aain Sahayata Kendra (2016): Launched to provide free legal aid to rural poor, named after the distinguished Odia lawyer Madhu Babu.
4. Revenue Enhancement: Increased the minimum auction price of minor forest products to boost Gram Panchayats’ revenue.
5. Market Control: Transferred the operation of RMC markets to Gram Panchayats, ensuring revenue sharing.
6. Formation of New NACs: Initiated the creation of new NACs in Dhamnagar, Chandabali, Odagaon, and Raj Sunakhala.
7. Honorarium Revision: Enhanced sitting allowances for PRI members.
8. Scheduled Areas Administration: Introduced Odisha Gram Panchayats (Administration of Functions in Scheduled Areas) Rules, 2016.
9. BIJU KBK Plan (2007-08): Implemented in tribal districts, addressing developmental needs in water, electricity, and transport, later extended to other regions like Nuapada, Subarnapur, Malkangiri, and Rayagada.

Comparison of Local Bodies in Odisha

Important Concept: The Odisha Panchayat Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2011 increased women’s quota from 33% to 50% in Panchayats, reinforcing gender inclusion in local governance.

Functions of Municipal Corporations

1. Obligatory Functions: Public health, water supply, lighting, primary education, disease prevention, registration of births and deaths.
2. Optional Functions: Parks, gardens, libraries, and sports facilities.

Note: Municipalities are subject to the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, governing their formation and functions.

One Multiple Choice Question (MCQ)

Which constitutional amendment in India led to the establishment of the three-tier Panchayati Raj System?

1. 42nd Amendment
2. 52nd Amendment
3. 73rd Amendment
4. 74th Amendment

Correct Answer: 3. 73rd Amendment