Shortcomings in the devolution of powers and functions in the Panchayati Raj system were highlighted and debated at a workshop organised by the Bihar Institute of Public Administration & Rural Development (BIPARD) and the Panchayati Raj Department at BIPARD, Patna, 17 June.

The Panchayat Samiti Chairpersons shared their concerns over the transfer of powers in their Panchayats. Om Prakash, Manager, PRIA- Bihar, shared that despite the delegation of work by the state government in 2001 in 20 departments of the three- tier Panchayati Raj system, the Panchayats have not been able to meet their objectives due to the lack of an appropriate work plan, funds and workers. The session laid stress on the role of the State Finance Commission, District Planning Committee, micro-level planning and the utilisation of the resources provided by the government. V. K. Pathak, Programme Coordinator, BIPARD, informed that all officers were educated on a number of issues relating to the Panchayati Raj system. Talking about the Right to Information Act, Ramanand Prasad, Joint Director, BIPARD, said that its main purpose is to promote and ensure participatory governance. About 20 Panchayat Samiti chairpersons from 15 districts of the state attended the workshop.