In an exclusive conversation with Shashi Singh, Jharkhand’s Rural Development, Rural Works and Panchayati Raj Minister Dipika Pandey Singh discusses the challenges and opportunities shaping rural governance in the state. From the implementation of PESA rules and women’s leadership in panchayats to employment generation, rural housing and migration, she outlines the government’s priorities for strengthening local institutions and expanding livelihood opportunities across rural Jharkhand. Here are the highlights from the conversation.
Q. Jharkhand remains largely a rural state. When you assumed charge of the department, what structural challenges in rural governance stood out to you?
A. When I took charge, one of the key challenges I noticed was the gap between the government system and the accessibility of services for ordinary people. While administrative constraints such as manpower and departmental capacity do exist, from the public’s perspective, the larger concern is communication and ease of access to government services. Our effort has been to make the system more decentralised so that people do not have to repeatedly travel to block or district offices for routine work. Many services should ideally be resolved at the panchayat level or through online systems. Programmes such as ‘Sarkar Aapke Dwar’ have helped government teams reach panchayats directly, collect applications from villagers and deliver services at the village level. However, there is still scope for improvement.
Q. Rural development is now seen as more than infrastructure. How are the government’s priorities evolving?
A. In earlier phases the biggest focus was road connectivity. Many people used to complain that reaching block or district headquarters took a long time. Significant work was done to improve road networks, and travel time has reduced considerably. Another major challenge that emerged was rural housing. After the timeline of the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana ended, a gap was felt in providing housing support. That is why the state introduced the ‘Abua Awas’ scheme to cover families who were left out. Now our priorities are evolving further. Along with infrastructure and housing, the focus is on improving governance, expanding digital access and strengthening local institutions such as Gram Sabhas.
Q. The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) – PESA rules were recently notified in Jharkhand. What changes are beginning to emerge after their implementation?
A. It has only been about two to three months since the PESA rules were notified, so it would be premature to make a full assessment of their impact. However, the state had begun preparations even before the rules were formally approved. In nearly 2,000 panchayats where the PESA provisions will apply, the government had already initiated capacity-building programmes and training for traditional village heads and gram pradhans, as their role is central to implementing these provisions. Passing the rules in the Cabinet is only the first step. The real challenge lies in ensuring effective implementation at the grassroots level.
Q. Financial autonomy is also crucial for local governance. How is the state addressing this?
A. Financial empowerment is essential for decentralisation. After the State Finance Commission’s recommendations, the government decided to transfer four per cent of its own revenue to local bodies. Of this amount, 60 per cent will go to panchayati raj institutions and 40 per cent to urban local bodies. This will provide a more predictable flow of funds and strengthen the financial capacity of panchayats. At the same time, we want to help Gram Sabhas develop their own revenue sources.
Q. Reservation has increased women’s participation in panchayats, but the issue of proxy leadership is often raised. How do you see this?
A. In Jharkhand, concerns about proxy leadership have been relatively less pronounced, as women have traditionally played an active role in family decision-making. When women are given responsibility and exposure, they are fully capable of handling leadership roles. Many women who were elected for the first time may initially have faced hesitation, but with training and institutional support, they have gained confidence in managing governance responsibilities independently. The government is also encouraging women’s participation in implementing the PESA framework. Alongside the traditional village head or gram pradhan, an assistant secretary will support administrative work, and wherever possible, educated women from the village are being encouraged to take up this role.
Q. Why did Jharkhand introduce the Abua Awas Yojana when PMAY-Gramin already exists?
A. The ‘Abua Awas’ Yojana was introduced because many families were left out when the earlier timeline of the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana ended. The state government felt it was necessary to bridge this housing gap so that economically weaker households could build a dignified home. Another concern was the level of financial assistance. With rising construction costs and inflation, the support under the central scheme has often proved insufficient. Several states have suggested that assistance under PMAY-Gramin should be increased to around Rs 2 lakh per unit. The ‘Abua Awas’ scheme therefore aims to support families who were not covered earlier and to provide more realistic assistance. In the current state budget, about Rs 4,500 crore has been allocated for the programme to expand rural housing coverage.
Q. Critics say schemes providing direct financial support to women are populist measures. How do you respond to that criticism?
A. I do not see this as an emotional or populist decision. Some critics describe such initiatives as short-term measures, but in reality, they recognise a long-standing gap. Women contribute enormously to their families and households, yet much of their work remains unpaid and economically unacknowledged. Providing financial support is a way of recognising that contribution. Even a modest amount can strengthen a woman’s ability to participate in self-help groups, build savings and support small livelihood activities. Similar programmes are being implemented in several states. In my view, this is a forward-looking step that can contribute to long-term social and economic change.
Q. Rural employment schemes continue to be central to livelihoods. How do you assess MGNREGA today?
A. MGNREGA played a critical role in providing livelihood security, particularly during difficult times such as the Covid pandemic. There is still a gap between the legal entitlement of 100 days of employment and the average number of days actually provided. That gap requires focused efforts. If the government wants to expand employment to 125 days, it would have been more logical to amend the existing law rather than introduce new programmes. The strength of MGNREGA lies in its rights-based guarantee.
Q. How is the state trying to reduce migration and create local opportunities?
A. Awareness and skill development are very important. Many young people migrate because they believe opportunities outside the state are better. Through skill training programmes, ITI courses and livelihood initiatives we are trying to improve earning opportunities within Jharkhand. We are also promoting small and medium enterprises and exploring rural industrial parks so that young people and women can work locally.
Q. What indicators should be used to evaluate rural development over the next five years?
A. The strength of Panchayati Raj institutions will be one major indicator. We also want to see how women’s livelihoods expand through self-help groups. Around 35 lakh women in Jharkhand are currently associated with SHGs. Their income growth and enterprise expansion will be important markers. We also need to track rural income levels, employment opportunities for youth and environmental sustainability.
Q. On the political front, the JMM has indicated its intention to contest the upcoming Assembly elections in Assam. Will the Congress accommodate Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s political expansion there?
A. Both the Congress and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha are part of the INDIA bloc, and discussions among alliance partners continue as elections approach. Recently, leaders such as Gaurav Gogoi and AICC general secretary in charge of Assam Jitendra Singh visited Jharkhand and held discussions with the state leadership as part of efforts to strengthen coordination within the alliance. The situation of tribal communities in Assam is also an important factor in these conversations. Many tea tribe communities there have historical and cultural links with regions like Jharkhand. If the JMM wishes to raise these issues or present its perspective in Assam, it has every right to do so. Ultimately, decisions on electoral cooperation will be taken through consultations among alliance partners, with the broader objective of strengthening the INDIA bloc and presenting a united challenge to the Bharatiya Janata Party