Functions, functionaries and finances have been devolved to the panchayats in letter and spirit in Sikkim
T he success of panchayati raj in Sikkim is chiefly due to the state’s "determination to make the system work", says CM Pawan Chamling. "We are far more serious than many other states in implementing it." Here, the ‘3Fs’—functions, functionaries and finances—have been devolved to the panchayats in letter and spirit. "This is unique to Sikkim," feels the state’s rural management and development department (RMDD) minister Kedar Nath Rai. The state has social audit-cum-vigilance committees in each panchayat. "Since villagers wouldn’t have an idea of, say, the cement required to build a footpath, we conduct orientation camps to impart such knowledge," says V.B. Pathak, commissioner-cum-secretary in the RMDD. Only local contractors are eligible to bid for panchayat projects. This, says Chamling, "ensures that monopolies of the big contractors are broken. We’ve also seen that local contractors don’t cheat or use substandard materials. To tackle minor repairs—of, say, handpumps and wells—we’ve introduced the posts of ‘barefoot engineers’. Each GP has been provided the power to appoint one such person from within its area. We’re providing training to them at the state technical training institutes or ITIs and pay their salaries."
(Outlook India)
