The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has developed two training initiatives for Panchayati Raj Institutions. One module, prepared in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, focuses on Own Source Revenue (OSR) for Gram Panchayats. The second module is a specialised training package under Shashkta Panchayat Netri Abhiyan for women elected representatives.
The immediate policy relevance is clear. Gram Panchayats need stronger local finances for day-to-day functions and service delivery, while women elected representatives need institutional support to exercise their roles effectively in rural governance.
What happened
The Ministry has introduced a module on OSR to help elected representatives and Panchayat functionaries understand how Gram Panchayats generate revenue through tax and non-tax sources. The Ministry has also launched a specialised module for capacity building of women elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Why the OSR module matters
Own Source Revenue is central to fiscal decentralisation. Gram Panchayats that can mobilise their own resources are less dependent on higher tiers of government and better placed to respond to local needs. The training module is meant to improve understanding of revenue generation and strengthen the financial self-reliance of Gram Panchayats.
Related current affairs
- Measures by MoPR to enhance Panchayats’ Own Source Revenue (OSR) and financial capacity
- DDWS Organises National Workshop on Multi-Stakeholder Consultation for Capacity Building under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0
- Performance grants under 14th Finance Commission: criteria and state-wise release (2016-17 to 2019-20)
- Viksit Gram Panchayat Plan (VGPP) under Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin)
- MoPR report and initiatives to strengthen devolution and empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions (Devolution Index, RGSA, eGramSwaraj, AuditOnline, SAMARTH portal, OSR training)
- Curbs on panchayat powers in Bengal