19 Nov “Jan Yojna Abhiyan: Empowering Citizens through Government Scheme
SYLLABUS MAPPING:
GS-2-Governance-“Jan Yojna Abhiyan: Empowering Citizens through Government Scheme
FOR PRELIMS:
What are the key challenges faced by Jan Yojna Abhiyan in ensuring the effective reach of government schemes?
FOR MAINS:
What is the significance of awareness campaigns under the Jan Yojna Abhiyan, and how can they be enhanced to increase public participation in government schemes?
Why in the news?
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has initiated the People’s Plan Campaign (Jan Yojana Abhiyan) to formulate Panchayat Development Plans (PDPs) for the period 2025–26. This campaign aims to ensure the active participation of local communities in the planning process, promoting bottom-up development. It encourages Gram Panchayats to identify their needs and priorities, fostering inclusive growth at the grassroots level.
What is Jan Yojna Abhiyan?
Aim: The primary goal of the Jan Yojana Abhiyan is to accelerate people’s participation in the process of preparing the Panchayat Development Plan (PDP). It encourages active community involvement in shaping local development initiatives.
Launched: The campaign was launched by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj on 2nd October 2018 under the name ‘Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas’.
Implementation: The campaign is implemented at all three tiers of Panchayats—Gram Panchayat, Block Panchayat, and District Panchayat—with active participation from Elected Representatives, Government Frontline Workers, Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) like Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and other relevant stakeholders.
Components of the Campaign:
1. Structured Meetings: Ward Sabha, Mahila Sabha, Gram Sabha, Block Sabha, and District Sabha are organized to prepare Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP), Block Panchayat Development Plans, and District Panchayat Development Plans for FY 2025-26.
2. Identification of Development Gaps: The campaign involves preparing a Gram Sabha-wise calendar and identifying thematic developmental gaps based on the Panchayat Development Index (PDI), which is then presented during the Gram Sabha meetings.
3. Thematic Approach: The campaign adopts a thematic approach based on the localization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) using a ‘Whole of Government and Whole of Society’ approach to ensure comprehensive development.
4. Panchayat Development Index (PDI): The PDI is a multi-domain and multi-sectoral index designed to assess the overall development, performance, and progress of Panchayats, serving as a critical tool for planning and tracking development.
5. Inclusive Participation: Special efforts are made to engage youth and elderly individuals (especially those over 75 years) in the preparation of GPDPs, ensuring that all sections of society have a voice in local planning.
6. Collaboration with Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA): Over 15,000 students from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) participated in the campaign this year, contributing to the preparation of development plans in rural areas.
7. Digital Transparency: The approved Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) are published on the e-Gram Swaraj portal, ensuring transparency and accessibility for all stakeholders.
Constitutional Provisions:
1. Article 40(Directive Principles of State Policy – DPSP): This article emphasizes the organization of Village Panchayats and empowers them with the necessary authority to function effectively as units of self-government. It aims to decentralize governance and promote local democracy.
The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts further institutionalized the system of Local Self-Governments, providing them with constitutional legitimacy. These amendments paved the way for the establishment of a robust framework for governance at the grassroots level, ensuring the involvement of local communities in decision-making.
2. Article 243G: This article recognizes Panchayats as essential institutions of self-government and mandates them to prepare plans for economic development and social justice within their jurisdiction. It entrusts Panchayats with the responsibility of managing local affairs, ensuring a participatory approach to development. The preparation of such plans must be based on the 29 subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution, which covers areas such as agriculture, education, health, and infrastructure, ensuring a comprehensive and localized approach to development.
Significance Jan Yojna Abhiyan:
1. Enhancing Participatory Governance: The campaign promotes active citizen involvement in local governance, ensuring that development plans reflect community needs and priorities.
2. Decentralized Development: By empowering Panchayats as self-governing bodies, it fosters decentralized planning, allowing for tailored, localized solutions to development challenges.
3. Alignment with SDGs: The campaign supports the localization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that local plans contribute to broader global development agendas.
4. Holistic Development: Through the Panchayat Development Index (PDI), it ensures a multi-sectoral approach to development, addressing education, health, infrastructure, and more.
5. Inclusive Empowerment: The campaign focuses on engaging marginalized groups, including youth and the elderly, promoting social inclusion and equity.
6. Transparency and Accountability: The e-Gram Swaraj portal enhances transparency by making development plans publicly accessible and fostering responsible governance.
7. Collaboration with HEIs: Partnering with institutions like Unnat Bharat Abhiyan brings fresh perspectives and technical expertise to local development.
8. Strengthening Local Institutions: The campaign builds the capacity of Panchayats and community organizations, ensuring sustainable and effective governance.
Challenges of Jan Yojna Abhiyan:
1. Awareness and Capacity Building: Limited awareness and lack of training for local leaders hinder effective participation and planning in remote areas.
2. Inadequate Infrastructure and Resources: Many Panchayats face resource and infrastructure constraints, affecting the execution of development plans.
3. Digital Divide: Poor internet access and digital literacy in rural areas limit the effectiveness of online platforms like e-Gram Swaraj.
4. Inconsistent Participation: Varying levels of community engagement, especially from marginalized groups, can undermine inclusive development goals.
5. Coordination Issues: Challenges in aligning goals and coordinating between stakeholders, such as government bodies and NGOs, slow down progress.
6. Financial Constraints: Limited funding at the Panchayat level restricts the implementation of comprehensive development plans.
7. Monitoring and Evaluation: The lack of robust monitoring mechanisms makes it difficult to track progress and assess the effectiveness of development plans.
8. Resistance to Change: Traditional practices and lack of trust in government initiatives may lead to resistance to adopting new development strategies.
Way Forward:
1. Policy Integration: Align participatory planning with existing government policies to enhance effectiveness and inclusivity in development.
2. Strengthening Local Governance: Streamline local self-government processes to ensure greater community involvement and smooth plan implementation.
3. Technological Integration: Use digital tools like participatory GIS to improve citizen engagement and data-driven decision-making.
4. Community Capacity Building: Raise awareness about the importance of participation, particularly among vulnerable groups, and encourage their involvement.
5. Behavioral Change: Shift public attitudes to foster active citizen engagement and empower communities to drive their own development.
6. Resource Allocation: Ensure adequate funding and resources for Panchayats to implement development plans effectively at the grassroots level.
7. Monitoring and Feedback Mechanism: Establish strong monitoring systems to track progress, assess outcomes, and incorporate community feedback into ongoing development efforts.
Conclusion:
The Jan Yojna Abhiyan is a key initiative aimed at empowering local communities through participatory governance and bottom-up development. It aligns Panchayat Development Plans with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), fostering inclusive growth at the grassroots level. Challenges such as awareness gaps, resource limitations, and the digital divide must be addressed for effective implementation. Moving forward, integrating participatory planning with government policies, leveraging technology, ensuring adequate funding, and establishing robust monitoring mechanisms are essential to ensure the campaign’s success in strengthening local self-governments and promoting sustainable development.
Download Plutus IAS current Affairs (ENG) 19th Nov 2024
Prelims Question:
Q. What is the primary aim of the Jan Yojna Abhiyan?
A. To provide financial aid to Panchayats
B. To accelerate people’s participation in the preparation of Panchayat Development Plans (PDPs)
C. To promote industrial development in rural areas
D. To enhance digital literacy in villages
Answer: B
Mains Question:
Q.In the context of Jan Yojna Abhiyan, discuss the role of technology, specifically platforms like e-Gram Swaraj and participatory GIS, in improving transparency and accountability in local governance.
(250 words, 15 marks)
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