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            What are the real problems? One problem is devolution of power. No one wants to share the power with others. After the Central Government, the State Government then comes the Panchayat Raj institution. What will happen if you give them power, what is called activity mapping? Some of the States have very efficiently done it and some of the States are now doing and some of the States will do it in future. What are the real problems that today our Panchayat Raj system or institution is facing?

            With devolution of power, if there is no devolution of finance, how can the development work be implemented by the Panchayats? In West Bengal, in 1978, the election was held on the basis of the 1974 Act. That Act was passed when the Congress was in power.[MSOffice17]              At that time, the Left Front Government did not think that without amending this Congress-enacted Act, they would not hold the election because the commitment was given to the people of West Bengal that within one year, panchayat elections would be held. On the basis of the Act which was enacted in 1974 when the Congress was in power, the election was held.

            Today, after 24 years, we are still discussing about devolution, devolution of power, devolution of various Departments and various subjects. What is our experience of the last 24 years? Why have we not yet been able within these 24 years to fulfill the task, which was set out in 73rd and 74th amendments to the Constitution?[s18]  Hence, our Minister had to go around the country. He has visited almost all the States. He has also attended the Gram Sabha meetings. He went to the villages to get the experience of how the Panchayati system is running. But even after 24 years, we are still discussing the devolution of powers. According to me, more and more powers are to be devolved. Otherwise, the dream of Mahatma Gandhi would not be fulfilled that real power should be given to the people of our country.

            The second point is about devolution of power.  Regular election of panchayats does not mean democratization as we desire.   Devolution of power is the main thing.  After the 73rd amendment of the Constitution, it has been identified in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution that 29 subjects should be transferred to the panchayati raj system.  But the progress in this respect is very poor.  How many States have so far done this devolution of power properly?    Have they transferred these 29 subjects to the panchayat system?  So, the progress is very poor and not sufficient.  How is the Panchayat Raj Ministry looking into this aspect and helping the States so that devolution of power takes place properly within a time-bound programme?  It is not that it will go on in an unlimited manner.