States reluctant to transfer power to panchayats: minister

Many states are reluctant to transfer powers to Panchayati Raj bodies though the Constitution has granted provisions for the same, Rural Development Minister Birender Singh said on Friday.

It is the joint responsibility of the Centre and the states to strengthen the Panchayati Raj institutions for achieving the goal of grassroot democracy, Singh said at a function to mark the Panchayati Raj Day here.

"Though the Constitution had provision for devolution of administrative and financial powers to Panchayati Raj bodies, but many states are still reluctant to transfer these powers," he said.

Singh said the 14th Finance Commission has awarded Rs. 200,292.2 crore to panchayats for 2015-2020, which is more than three and half times than the grant of the 13th Finance Commission.

Minister of State for Panchayati Raj Nihal Chand said the panchayats will have to prepare local plans, to ensure that these basic services reach everyone, including the most marginalized sections of society.