COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT / DECENTRALISATION

Sikkim was ranked 3rd in the country and first in the north eastern region by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj in the performance and accountability of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) during 2009-10. During 2010-11, again Sikkim was 3rd in the country by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj in the performance and accountability of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). Also Mellidara Gram Panchayat received the Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Panchayat Award. In order to strengthen the last mile delivery, though the State has a two tier PRI at the village and district level, Block Administrative Centers (BACs) were established to provide administrative, accounts and technical support to a cluster of Gram Panchayats. 29 such centers were created to cater to the needs of the 165 Gram Panchayats in the State. 50% of all posts in PRIs will be reserved for women.

The progress of decentralization is as follows:

1. 70 % of the State budget goes towards the development of rural areas.

2. Women have been given 40% reservations. This also stands for the elections of the Adhakshya and Up-Adhakshya in Zilla Panchayat & Sabhapati, Up-Sabhapati in Gram Panchayat.

3. Gram Panchayat Units & Zilla Panchayats now have the power to prepare, sanction, supervise and implement the schemes up to Rs. 3 lakhs and 10 lakhs respectively in their own area, depending upon the nature of the work.

4. To enable the Panchayats to exercise these powers, the Government has provided funds of Rs. 10.00 lakh each to all 165 Gram Panchayat Units in the State and Rs. 50 lakh each to the four Zilla Panchayats since the financial year, 2003-2004. Besides, some Departments have also provided fund to Gram Panchayat Units and Zilla Panchayats separately for developmental purposes. The Government is contemplating on enhancing the grant amount during the current financial year. Under the 13th Finance Commission Rs. 6 lakhs is also provided per Gram Panchayat & 25.00 lakhs per Zilla Panchayat since 2010-11.