ELEVENTH SCHEDULE of CoI : ELEVENTH SCHEDULE: Powers, authority and responsibilities of Panchayats.

Explanation using Example

Example 1:

Scenario: A village in Maharashtra is facing issues with water scarcity and poor agricultural yield.

Application of Article 243G:

1. Agriculture, including agricultural extension: The Panchayat organizes workshops for farmers to educate them on modern farming techniques and crop rotation to improve yield.
2. Minor irrigation, water management and watershed development: The Panchayat initiates a minor irrigation project to build check dams and rainwater harvesting systems to improve water availability for agriculture.
3. Land improvement, implementation of land reforms, land consolidation and soil conservation: The Panchayat collaborates with the state government to implement land reforms and soil conservation measures to enhance soil fertility and prevent erosion.

Example 2:

Scenario: A rural area in Tamil Nadu is experiencing high unemployment and lack of basic amenities.

Application of Article 243G:

1. Small scale industries, including food processing industries: The Panchayat supports the establishment of small-scale food processing units, providing employment opportunities to local residents.
2. Rural housing: The Panchayat, with the help of government schemes, constructs affordable housing for the homeless and economically weaker sections.
3. Drinking water: The Panchayat ensures the installation of clean drinking water facilities in the village to improve public health.
4. Poverty alleviation programme: The Panchayat implements various poverty alleviation programs, such as providing subsidies for small businesses and vocational training for the unemployed.
5. Education, including primary and secondary schools: The Panchayat works to improve the infrastructure of local schools and ensures that all children in the village have access to quality education.
6. Health and sanitation, including hospitals, primary health centres and dispensaries: The Panchayat sets up a primary health center to provide basic healthcare services and conducts regular health camps for villagers.
7. Women and child development: The Panchayat runs programs focused on the health, education, and empowerment of women and children, including setting up Anganwadi centers for early childhood care and education.

Example 3:

Scenario: A tribal village in Jharkhand is struggling with inadequate infrastructure and social welfare issues.

Application of Article 243G:

1. Roads, culverts, bridges, ferries, waterways and other means of communication: The Panchayat undertakes the construction of roads and bridges to improve connectivity and access to nearby towns.
2. Rural electrification, including distribution of electricity: The Panchayat collaborates with the state electricity board to ensure that every household in the village has access to electricity.
3. Non-conventional energy sources: The Panchayat promotes the use of solar energy by installing solar panels in public buildings and encouraging households to adopt solar energy solutions.
4. Welfare of the weaker sections, and in particular, of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes: The Panchayat implements special welfare schemes for the Scheduled Tribes, including scholarships for students and financial assistance for small businesses.
5. Public distribution system: The Panchayat ensures the effective functioning of the public distribution system to provide essential commodities like rice, wheat, and kerosene at subsidized rates to the villagers.
6. Maintenance of community assets: The Panchayat takes responsibility for maintaining community assets such as public wells, community halls, and playgrounds to ensure they are in good condition and accessible to all villagers.