How empowered village mukhiyas can lead India to development by 2047
India has bestowed power with the PM (Prime Minister), the CM (Chief Minister), and ultimately reaches DM (District Magistrates). To achieve the status of a developed nation by 2047, it is equally important to empower VM or Village Mukhiyas as an authority to foster a citizen-centric approach to local governance.
AI image created using Lexica
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment recognized panchayats as a key institution of local governance in 1992. Village Mukhiyas play a leading role in developing annual development plans with input from citizen representatives. For effective local sustainable development, it is crucial for the Central and State Governments, along with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, to empower Village Mukhiyas by devolving functions, providing financial resources, and ensuring interdepartmental coordination at the panchayat level.
Village Mukhiyas and SDG Goals
India is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, and localizing these goals at the panchayat level is essential for success. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has categorized 17 SDGs into nine thematic areas, enabling panchayats to align their development plans.
As heads of local governments, Village Mukhiyas play a crucial role in promoting Localised SDGs (LSDGs) through annual development plans. Until 2022, the focus of these efforts was primarily on infrastructure and water projects. However, with the introduction of LSDG themes, planning has become more focused. A survey of 800 panchayats showed that while many themes are still chosen by Block officials or state guidelines, a growing number of Village Mukhiyas are actively participating in theme selection.
AI image created using Lexica
Some themes have naturally drawn more attention. For example, 38% of panchayats prioritized Poverty-Free and Enhanced Livelihoods. At the same time, there is increasing recognition of the need to strengthen the focus on areas such as Health (4%) and Education (3%). With continued support and capacity building, Village Mukhiyas are well-placed to balance these priorities and lead holistic development in their villages.
Village Mukhiya as a Pillar of Convergence
All challenges at the village level are interconnected. For example, when a 13-year-old girl drops out of school, her story is rarely about a single issue. The reasons may range from menstruation, poverty, migration, early marriage, or just the absence of a toilet. Addressing these issues requires a coordinated approach.
If financial hardship is a factor, the department of Social Justice and other departments has schemes to provide scholarships. If health is a concern, the department of Health can take lead. For families affected by migration, programs like NREGA from the department of Rural Development can offer support.
Village Mukhiyas, as central coordinating bodies at the village level can act as a bridge between citizens and government programs. When ministries collaborate under the leadership of the Mukhiya, the panchayat transforms from a local body into a local solution provider. This convergence can vitalise India's decentralised democracy.
Building Leadership for the Future
There is immense potential for building the capacity of Mukhiyas. India invests in leadership at every level, from corporate to community. Thus, it is equally important to build institutions for Village Mukhiyas. While India has world-class institutions like IITs and IIMs for engineers and managers, we now need a Centre for Decentralized Democracy that would be dedicated to empowering local governance not just in India but across the developing world. This way, India will take Gandhi's idea of Gram Swaraj to the world.
Systematic capacity building programs for Mukhiyas have started showing positive results. For instance, Village Mukhiya Jyoti Devi, developed a tailored development plan and launched a campaign that significantly increased school attendance. She also launched an Aadhaar enrolment drive, helping many citizens in the village access essential government services. Her success was not by chance–it was enabled through a structured capacity building and her own dedication to serve the citizen.
The Road to 2047
Imagine the scale of transformation if every Village Mukhiya was similarly equipped—not just with authority, but with capability. Building the agency of Village Mukhiyas is therefore critical.
These examples illustrate the profound impact of leadership training on local governance and the potential for institutional support for Village Mukhiyas across India. Jyoti Devi's success story is just one of many, with countless more waiting to happen. And when 250,000 Village Mukhiyas move forward, India will leapfrog toward its goal to become a developed nation by 2047.
Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer
Views expressed above are the author's own.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Gazette
2 hours ago
- India Gazette
Uttarakhand CM Dhami directs officials to provide job-oriented training to youth
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], July 14 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday directed the officials to provide training to the youth of the state in various trades as per the demand of industrial institutions. The Chief Minister directed the officials in a virtual review meeting of the Technical Education Department held in Dehradun. Chief Minister Dhami said that training programs based on cutting-edge subjects like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics should also be given priority. It should be ensured that maximum number of trainees get employment opportunities through campus placement. Also, students should be given educational tours of industries, so that they get practical experience. The Chief Minister said that work should be done in collaboration with IIT Roorkee to further improve the quality of training in technical institutes. There is a need to pay special attention to how the Center of Excellence, Roorkee can be used optimally in the interest of the youth of the state. Chief Minister Dhami directed that regular employment fairs should be ensured to connect the youth with employment. Also, while making plans, outcome indicators should be kept in mind especially, so that the actual impact of the schemes is clearly reflected. He said that the aim of the state government is to move Uttarakhand towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the year 2030. To fulfill this objective, youth are being trained in the fields of technical skills, soft skills, entrepreneurship and innovation. The Chief Minister said that employment and higher education opportunities are being ensured not only in the state but also abroad through programs like online placement portal, career guidance, faculty upgradation, internships and training in foreign languages. Earlier in the day, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and sought guidance on various issues related to the development of Uttarakhand, a release from Uttarakhand CMO said. Expressing gratitude to the Central Government for its cooperation in the development of the state, the Chief Minister said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Uttarakhand is ready to play its effective role in the vision of Developed India 2047. (ANI)
Hans India
a day ago
- Hans India
New SDG index shows stronger progress in Northeast India, Front Runner districts rise to 85 pc
New Delhi: With better data systems, broader district coverage and stronger state involvement, the 2023-24 edition of the NER District SDG Index offers a more refined and reliable picture of the development journey of India's Northeastern Region. The 2023-24 index shows remarkable progress in several areas. All districts in Mizoram, Sikkim and Tripura have now achieved 'Front Runner' status. Hnahthial in Mizoram emerged as the top-performing district. States like Nagaland and Tripura showed well-balanced and strong performance across various goals. Compared to the first edition, the proportion of districts in the Front Runner category has increased from 62 per cent in 2021-22 to 85 per cent in 2023-24. This improvement is the result of national flagship schemes, better localisation by states, and saturation efforts under initiatives like the Aspirational Districts Programme. Released on July 7 by NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MoDoNER), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), this is the second edition of the index, building on the first report from August 2021. This latest edition tracks how districts in the eight northeastern states are performing on 15 of the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). It covers 121 out of 131 districts, an increase from 103 districts in the first edition. The data for this index has also improved, with 84 indicators being used -- 41 from central sources and 43 from state systems -- reflecting better coordination and reporting. The Sustainable Development Goals, adopted by the United Nations in 2015, aim to reduce poverty, improve healthcare and education, ensure clean water and jobs, and create a more just and equal world by 2030. In India, NITI Aayog leads the national effort, linking these global goals to government schemes and working closely with all ministries. The UN team in India supports the process by ensuring inclusiveness and strong financial backing. The index not only ranks districts but also highlights gaps, challenges and disparities -- both within states and between them. It aims to encourage competitive federalism, support local planning, promote peer learning, and improve data systems.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Infra works delay: Bawankule slams NMC over non-utilisation of Rs310cr
Nagpur: With civic elections approaching, guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Saturday criticised the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) for inaction in utilising Rs310 crore sanctioned for urban development by the state govt in 2023–24 financial year. The govt has already specified the type of development works to be prioritised under these special infrastructure funds. These include water supply and sewerage works, construction, expansion or cleaning of drains to meet major urban demands, and installation of streetlights, high-mast lighting, footpaths, and stormwater drainage lines. During a high-level review meeting at NMC headquarters, Bawankule expressed strong displeasure over the civic body's failure to submit a zone-wise development plan, despite the funds being earmarked by then deputy chief minister and incumbent CM Devendra Fadnavis. He warned officials to urgently prepare and submit detailed proposals, ensuring the projects align with local needs and benefit citizens. The meeting was attended by city MLAs Krishna Khopde, Pravin Datke, Vikas Thakre, NMC commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari, district collector Vipin Itankar, and senior civic officials. Bawankule instructed that MLAs be actively consulted in identifying area-specific works and called for the appointment of sub-engineers in each zone to oversee implementation of projects under the District Planning Committee (DPC) fund. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like アマゾンで爆売れ「スゥーっと浸透した」爪に潜む菌まで殺菌する特殊ジェル クリアストロングショットアルファ Undo by Taboola by Taboola He emphasised that execution must begin without further delay. City MLAs also demanded that the civic administration eases mandatory online tender condition for works above Rs10 lakh and insisted that elected representatives be taken into confidence for all development works in their constituencies. The state has encouraged civic bodies to take up projects like building community halls, temples, gyms, libraries, and markets, along with public toilets and urinals. Other permissible works include the development of open spaces, parks, upgradation of existing gardens, conservation of heritage structures, construction or renovation of govt buildings, improving accessibility for persons with disabilities, and development of cremation grounds and green belts such as Amrutvan. Any other infrastructure project directly related to urban services can also be considered. Notably, this is not the first time NMC drew flak for failing to utilise available state funds. Under the 2022–23 district annual plan, the Maharashtra govt made a separate provision for urban infrastructure projects through a govt resolution dated March 28, 2022. The scheme, aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (particularly SDG 11), allowed 100% state funding for urban local bodies for civic infrastructure upgrades. Official sources confirmed that while urban local bodies (ULBs) across Maharashtra submitted proposals under this scheme, NMC failed to do so — missing a crucial opportunity to address persistent flooding and infrastructure gaps in the city. With elections to the NMC due later this year, the Mahayuti appears eager to show results. But NMC's repeated lapses in planning and proposal submission may become a major political liability unless urgent corrective action is taken.
