Challenges to decentralized governance in Goa

Abstract

Very recently Goa celebrated 50 years of Panchayati Raj. Government decision to organized year long events to celebrate 50 years of Panchayati Raj triggered many debates over powers and functions of the Panchayat. No doubt this is also a time to pause and introspect. Panchayats were introduced in Goa in 1962 with limited powers. Since 1962 Panchayats have witnessed many changes. With the passing of the 73rd Constitutional amendment, Goa government passed the Goa Panchayati Raj Act (GPRA) in 1994. With initial hiccups Panchayats were introduced in line with the provisions of the 73rd Amendment Act However, reluctance on the part of government to devolve powers to the Panchayat has been witnessed at each level of its implementation. The Panchayats in recent years also witnessed noisy scenes over various issues related to development. There is growing discontent among people over the functioning of the Panchayat. One of the debates is also overpowers of Panchayats and gram sabhas. In the light of these developments the present paper tries to understand some of challenges to decentralized governance in Goa.