Community Development Programmes, Cooperative Movements and Panchayati Raj System Notes

Community Development Programmes, Cooperative Movements and Panchayati Raj System

13.1 Learning Objectives

  • Explain the concept of community development.
  • List the essential elements of Community Development.
  • Explain the objectives of Community Development Programme.
  • Explain the objectives behind launching National Extension Service.
  • Understand cooperation as a form of organization promoting economic interests.
  • List out the cooperative movements in Pre and Post-Independence India.
  • Explain the concept of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
  • Understand the historical backdrop of evolution, structure, and functions of PRIs.

13.2 Introduction

  • 1952 Committee appointed by the Food and Agriculture Ministry to look into food production issues.
  • Observations revealed that agricultural development intertwines with rural life standards, advocating a holistic approach.
  • Recommendations included:
    • Development blocks for better coordination (100-120 villages).
    • Village level workers to assist farmers for improved agricultural practices.
    • Establishment of an extension service similar to advisory systems in the USA and UK.

13.3 Planned Strategies for Rural Development in India

  • The Planning Commission highlighted failures in earlier rural development efforts due to:
    • Short-term schemes.
    • Lack of proper planning and community participation.
    • Untouched basic problems like land tenure and credit.
  • Emphasis on Community Development (CD) as a method outlined in the First Five-Year Plan (1951-52).

13.4 Community Development

  • Definition: Transition from traditional lifestyles to progressive community living.
  • A method to raise awareness in local communities and organize resources for better living.
  • Concepts of Community Development:
    • Movement emphasizing community self-reliance and active participation.
    • Enhancing local capacity for economic progress through education and organization.
13.4.1 Concepts of Community Development:
  • Community development as a self-help movement promoting participation.
  • Technically aided development driven by local initiative enriched by government support.
13.4.2 Essential Elements of CD
  1. Activities must align with community's basic needs.
  2. Establishment of multi-purpose programs.
  3. Change in community attitudes is crucial.
  4. Effective local administrative systems should be revitalized.
  5. Training local leadership is fundamental.
  6. Involvement of women and youth enhances projects.
  7. Requires both internal and external assistance.
  8. National policies and training needed for consistent implementation.
  9. Utilizing resources of voluntary organizations at multiple levels.
  10. Need for parallel development for effective local progress.
13.4.3 Objectives of the Community Development Programme
  • To improve living conditions for 640 million rural populations.
    • General: Enhancements in agriculture, homes, and community services.
    • Specific: Improvement in crop yield, health, and education.
    • Focus on social change among men, women, and youth.
13.4.4 Philosophy behind Community Development Programme
  1. Work based on community's felt needs.
  2. Assumption of a community's desire to escape poverty.
  3. Freedom in decision-making for economic and social institutions.
  4. Emphasis on community values like cooperation and social responsibility.
  5. Promotion of self-help for sustainable development.

13.5 Community Development Programme (CDP)

  • Launched in 1952 to promote economic development and local leadership.
  • Project areas included approximately 300 villages each.
  • NES introduced to support CDP implementation nationwide.

13.6 Evaluation of CDP

  • Evaluated periodically highlighting achievements in infrastructure but underperformance in agricultural output.
Causes of Failure:
  1. Unequal distribution of benefits.
  2. Lack of clear priorities.
  3. Ineffective community engagement.
  4. Untrained personnel and ineffective supervision.
  5. Emphasis on ceremonial activities over substantial outcomes.

13.7 Weaknesses in the Community Development Programme

  • Predominantly government-driven with insufficient community participation.
  • Over-emphasis on results rather than processes.
  • Ineffective education methods essential for community engagement.

13.8 Cooperatives in India

  • Long history of cooperative activities in India, from community pooling resources to structured credit societies.
13.8.1 What is Cooperation?
  • A voluntary association for mutual economic advantage based on democratic management.
13.8.2 The Cooperative Movement in India
  • Emerged due to agricultural distress and the lack of financial support for farmers.
  • Established cooperative societies for credit, agricultural support, and market involvement.

13.9 Functions of the Cooperative Department

  • The Registrar oversees registration, auditing, and dispute resolution for cooperatives.
  • Ensures compliance and operational effectiveness of cooperative societies.

13.10 Role of Voluntary Organisations in Cooperative Development

  • Promote self-reliance and empower communities through cooperative structures and educational initiatives.

13.11 Evolution of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)

  • Balwant Rai Mehta Committee: Advocated a three-tier local government system.
  • Ashok Mehta Committee: Suggested organizations should be empowered for more effective decentralization.

13.12 Structure of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)

  1. Village Panchayat: Local governance for basic community services.
  2. Panchayat Samiti: Mid-level governance linking villages to districts.
  3. Zilla Parishad: Apex body coordinating the efforts and development of blocks and villages.

13.13 Functions of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)

  • Achieve local governance, implement developmental projects, and ensure welfare services.

13.14 Let Us Sum Up

  • Historical essence of rural development shaped by community-led initiatives pre-and post-independence.
  • Development programs have emphasized local participation and cooperative structures to tackle poverty and enhance quality of life.