Gram Panchayat Organisation Development (GPOD) framework

Panchayats have been constitutionally recognized as local self-governments in Part IX, Constitution of India, through its 73rd Amendment, 1992, and are to be constituted at the village, intermediate and district levels, referred to as Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs). The Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution provides a list of functions, which can be devolved to the PRIs, subject to appropriate legislation by the respective State government. Gram Panchayat is to be constituted for a village or a group of villages, as per notification of the State.

The GPOD framework involves application Organisation Development (OD) principles in this space of public administration, recognising Gram Panchayats as organisations with need for clarity on its different components such as vision, processes and systems, structure and roles as well as mechanisms to strengthen affiliation of its members with the institution.

The conceptual framework for applying OD principles to GPs was devised in an action research mode with two GPs in Karnataka in 2011. Change was initiated through a step-by-step framework in GP bodies, specifics of which were designed in collaboration with the members of the panchayats. Since its inception in 2011, the GPOD framework has been continuously evolving, incorporating learnings from our experiences in different states. Needless to say, this is broad framework and needs to be contextualized based on the socio-political and legal environment of the state where it is to be deployed. The GPOD framework is presently being deployed across Karnataka, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Projects

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Illustrations of shifts enabled through deployment of GPOD framework. GP Report Card

The systemic OD approach taken in the 2 Action Research GPs resulted in systemic and service delivery outcomes as summarized below.

  • Oorkunte Mittur and Dibburhalli GPs developed their own vision and instituted annual plans and budgets with a clear accountability structure for overseeing different functions of the panchayats. During the two year implementation period of the project, the GPs implemented up to 70 percent of their plans.
  • Systems were instituted to address complaints and resolution norms and timelines were fixed. For e.g., streetlights were repaired within a 48 hour period, contact numbers of Heads of portfolios in the GP were displayed across the villages for problems related to water, ration etc. Both GPs ensured that nearly all ration shops displayed the monthly grain stock received and daily stock position for all commodities, as per government norms.
  • Dibburhalli GP was a top performer in achieving NREGA goals in 2013-14 and collected water tax to the tune of Rs 1 lakh versus a targeted Rs 1.75 lakh in 2014-15. Oorkunte Mittur GP facilitated the formation of 10 Raita Samparka Kootas (Farmer Contact groups) and ensured timely distribution of subsidized seeds to over 2,300 farmers.
  • Mandated citizen committees such as the VWSC (Village Water and Sanitation Committee), Bal Vikas Samiti (Child Welfare Committee), SDMC (School Development and Monitoring Committee), which were previously defunct were activated. There was also a marked increase in citizens participating in mandated Ward sabhas and Gram sabhas.

The GPOD framework is presently being deployed across Karnataka, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Panchayat

Projects