Describe the functions of Janpad Panchayat according to Madhya Pradesh Panchayat Raj Avam Gram Swaraj Adhiniyam,1993. Briefly state the problems confronting the Panchayat Raj.

Functions of Janpad Panchayat under Madhya Pradesh Panchayat Raj Avam Gram Swaraj Adhiniyam, 1993

Under the MP Panchayat Raj Avam Gram Swaraj Adhiniyam, 1993 (enacted in compliance with the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act), the Janpad Panchayat constitutes the intermediate (block/taluka) tier of the three-tier Panchayati Raj system in Madhya Pradesh.

Key Statutory Functions of Janpad Panchayat (Section 50 of the Act):

• 1. Integrated Rural Development & Planning:
  • Prepares annual development plans for the block and coordinates development schemes across Gram Panchayats.
  • Supervises and executes Centrally Sponsored Schemes and State schemes at the block level (MGNREGS, PM Awas Gramin, PMGSY).
• 2. Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Watershed Development:
  • Promoting agricultural extension, distribution of improved seeds and fertilizers, and soil conservation.
  • Construction and maintenance of minor irrigation works, community tanks, and water harvesting structures.
• 3. Education, Health & Sanitation:
  • Supervision of primary and middle school infrastructure and mid-day meal implementation.
  • Maintenance of rural sanitation, drainage, public health centres, and vaccination drives.
• 4. Social Welfare & Tribal Development:
  • Execution of special welfare schemes for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and backward classes (hostel supervision, scholarship disbursement).
  • Under MP PESA Rules 2022, coordinates with Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas for minor forest produce and community resource rights.
• 5. Supervision & Coordination of Gram Panchayats:
  • Scrutinizes budgets and audits of Gram Panchayats.
  • Provides technical, engineering, and administrative guidance through the Chief Executive Officer (CEO, Janpad Panchayat).

Conclusion: Janpad Panchayat acts as the crucial operational bridge between village-level Gram Panchayats and district-level Zila Panchayat, driving decentralized grassroots governance in Madhya Pradesh.