NOTE:
Punjabi University , Patiala Lal Bahadur Shastri Arya Mahila College
Reference of this joint paper is
- “ Role of Panchayat Secretary in Punjab: A Case Study” in Journal of Government and Political Studies, Dept of Political Science, Punjabi University, Patiala, Vol. XXXI, Issue No. 2, September 2008, pp. 29-46.
ROLE OF PANCHAYAT SECRETARY IN PUNJAB :
A CASE STUDY
Dr Renu
Senior Lecturer,
Dept of Public Administration,
Miss Deepika Sharda
Adhoc Lecturer, (Public Administration),
Barnala
It goes without saying that along with the other
factors; the efficiency and success of the Panchayati Raj (henceforth PR)
system also depends significantly on its employees who are related with the
working of PR system at different levels. In the present study, the focus is on
one such important employee of PR, that is, Panchayat Secretary. Village
Panchayat Secretary is a very important functionary for the Village Panchayat
and the villagers. Panchayat Secretary is considered the backbone of Village
Panchayat. Normally a Panchayat Secretary works as a guide and a friend to the
representatives of Village Panchayat; however, his role grows crucially
significant in case the Panchayat leaders are not literate or a Panchayat is
suspended. It is important to mention here that the review of existing literature
in this field in Punjab shows that though a great deal of research efforts have
been made on the Panchayats, their elections, their working, the emerging rural
leadership, Panchayat’s finances and the other related aspects of PR system but
a little research work has been done regarding the Panchayat Secretaries who
are important employees of PR system. It is difficult to understand the reason
behind neglecting this significant area in the context of working of PRIs in Punjab . Hence, the present empirical study is a humble
beginning to explore this area.
ROLE AND
FUNCTIONS OF PANCHAYAT SECRETARY
Section 26 of the Punjab
Panchayati Raj Act, 19941 states that every Gram Panchayat shall
have a Panchayat Secretary1 and same is mentioned under Section 16 of the
Punjab Gram Panchayat Act, 19522. Panchayat Secretary is a government
servant officially appointed by the government of the state according to a
prescribed system and procedure for recruitment of Panchayat Secretary.3
But he draws his salary and allowances from District Panchayat Funds. He is
attached to one or more than one Village Panchayat. His primary function is to
see that the administration of the Village is run according to Acts of
Panchayati Raj as amended from time-to-time. For this purpose, he functions
closely with the Sarpanch and Village Panchayat being incharge of the office of
the Gram Panchayat and helps them to discharge their duties and responsibilities
relating to panchayat work. Although Village Panchayat is headed by Sarpanch
yet he is guided by the Panchayat Secretary on all important matters.
Generally, Village Sarpanch or Panches are uneducated or less educated and do
not know complications of so many matters. They also do not have any
administrative experience. Therefore, Panchayat Secretary’s role grows very
important. And in case any Village Panchayat is suspended due to conflicts, he
also acts as an administrator.
According to Sub-Section
(6) of the Punjab Gram Panchayat Act, 1952, the Panchayat Secretary of the Gram
Panchayat shall attend every general meeting of the Panchayat. Notice of
Ordinary as well as Special Meetings of Gram Panchayat is given through
Panchayat Secreatry. When the elections to the Gram Panchayat are held, all
record of Panchayat and Property is handed over to the Panchayat Secretary by
B.D.P.O., till election of the new Panchayat.
Panchayat Secretary is responsible for maintaining
up-to-date record of all the properties of Village Panchayat under the control
of Sarpanch or a Panch. Record of collection of income of the Panchayat
including Government Grants and Local Taxes is maintained and got audited by
the Panchayat Secretary. Village Development Board can authorize Panchayat
Secretary to withdraw money from the Bank account of Gram Panchayat on the
basis of Resolution. He helps in next years’s budget preparation for the
Village at the end of the year. He helps the Village Sarpanch in preparation of
next year’s budget for the Gram Panchayat at the end of the year.
The job of Panchayat Secretary is of paramount
importance for the Village Panchayat, Gram Sabha and the other machinery of
local self Government. With the increasing role of Village Panchayats in
various States and delegation of more and more powers to them, the role of
Panchayat secretary is also becoming more important day-by-day. For example, in
Punjab, Panchayat Secretary has been designated as booth level Officer for the
purpose of enrolling new voters, deletion of old voters and identification of
people for issuing voter cards and preparing and up-dating the list of the
voters in the Villages allotted to him. Recruitment of teachers at the Primary
and Middle level has been given to the respective Village Panchayats in local
jurisdiction the school or college. Maintenance of their record of service,
Payment of Salaries and other condition of Service has come in the hands of
Panchayat Secretary through the Village Panchayat.
Panchayat Secretary is
actively involved when a new project is started in the village. He is a member
of various committees for village development. He also performs important role
in agricultural development of the village4. Panchayat Secretary is
also responsible for new plants grown by the Village Panchayat and proper
watering and care of the plants. He is a familiar face in the village and village
people know him personally and many of them meet him for solution of their
problems within the ambit of law through Village Panchayat. Thus, he has become
‘indispensable for the village, Village Panchayat and Sarpanch.'5
OBJECTIVES
AND METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY
The main objective of
the present paper is to study the functioning of Panchayat Secretary as well as
his own perceptions/views regarding various aspects of his job. It is worth
exploring if this key official of the PR is satisfied with his job and what
kind of problems he faces during the discharge of his duties and what are the
suggestions in his mind to improve the working of Panchayat Secretaries as a whole because it
will in a way, enhance the effectiveness of the working of Panchayats at the
grassroots level.
For this, an empirical study was undertaken in
2006-2007 in Bhunerheri Block of Patiala District of Punjab. A sample of 22 Panchayat Secretaries were randomly
selected out of the total 33 Panchayat Secretaries of the selected Block of Patiala
District. Their interviews were
conducted with the help of a Schedule to collect the relevant data.
PROFILE OF THE PANCHAYAT SECRETARIES
It is important to know the social profile of the
sample of Panchayat Secretaries before analyzing their perceptions/views
regarding various aspects of their job and working. The Table 1.1 presents a summary of the social profile of the respondents comprising of 22 Panchayat
Secretaries of the selected Bhunerheri Block of Patiala District in Punjab .
From the Table 1.1, it is clear in the case
of age wise analysis that the majority of them are in the age group of 31 to 45
years and none of them is above 56 years of age. Regarding the caste
composition of the sample of Panchayat Secretaries, the Table 1.1 reveals that
majority of them are from General Category whereas a few belong to Backward
Classes. None of the respondents in our sample is from Scheduled Castes/Tribes.
The gender analysis of our sample displays that a high percentage of Panchayat
Secretaries is of males and there are a very limited number of female Panchayat
Secretaries. It appears that the job of Panchayat Secretaries is largely the
domain of male segment of society. From education angle, the Table 1.1 shows
that fifty per cent of the sample has graduate degrees while those having
Matric degree are only 9 per cent of the total sample. Religion profile of the
Panchayat Secretaries in the Table 1.1 shows very high percentage of those
having faith in Sikh religion and the remaining respondents have faith in
Hinduism. Incidentally, no Panchayat Secretary was found to be Muslim or
belonging to any other religion in our selected sample. It can be also noticed
from the Table 1.1 that a high majority of the Panchayat Secretaries are
proficient in Punjabi language only. Only a limited number (13.6 per cent) of
respondents claimed to have proficiency in all the three languages viz. Hindi,
English and Punjabi.
Table 1.1: Social Profile of the Panchayat Secretaries of Bhunerheri
Block of Patiala District (Pb.)
|
Attributes
|
Ranks
|
Number/ Percentage
|
|
Age
|
18 to 30 Years
|
5 (22.72)
|
|
31 to 45 Years
|
15 (68.17)
|
|
|
46 to 55 Years
|
2 (9.09)
|
|
|
56 Years and Above
|
--
|
|
|
Caste
|
General Category
|
19 (86.36)
|
|
SC
|
--
|
|
|
OBC
|
3 (13.63)
|
|
|
Others
|
--
|
|
|
Gender
|
Male
|
20 (90.9)
|
|
Female
|
2 (9.09)
|
|
|
Education
|
Matric
|
2 (9.09)
|
|
10+2
|
5 (22.72)
|
|
|
Graduation
|
11 (50)
|
|
|
Post Graduation
|
4 (18.18)
|
|
|
Religion
|
Hindu
|
4 (18.18)
|
|
Sikh
|
18 (81.81)
|
|
|
Muslim
|
--
|
|
|
Others
|
--
|
|
|
Language Proficiency
|
Punjabi
|
19 (86.36)
|
|
Hindi
|
--
|
|
|
English
|
--
|
|
|
All of the Above
|
3 (13.63)
|
|
|
|
Total
|
22 (100)
|
Figures in the
parentheses are the percentages.
PERCEPTIONS OF PANCHAYAT SECRETARIES
Based on the responses of the selected sample, the
tables given below display the views and perceptions of Panchayat Secretaries
themselves regarding PRIs, their relation with the PRI and Sarpanch and issues
related to the job, functions/duties, role and problems of Panchayat
Secretaries in the Panchayati Raj System.
Table 1.2: Does Sarpanch need your advice every time?
|
Sr. Number
|
RESPONSES
|
Number of Respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
a)
|
Always
|
21
|
95.45
|
|
b)
|
Mostly
|
1
|
4.54
|
|
c)
|
Rarely
|
--
|
--
|
|
d)
|
Selectively
|
--
|
--
|
The Table 1.2 clearly indicates that in
almost all cases Village Sarpanches seek the necessary advice from Panchayat
Secretary every time on every issue. It shows how important Panchayat
Secretaries are for Sarpanch as well as the Village Panchayat and that a
Sarpanch is dependent upon Panchayat Secretary for his administrative guidance.
None of the Panchayat Secretaries said that advice was rarely or never obtained
from them.
Table 1.3: Why differences take place
between a Panchayat Secretary and a Panchayat Sarpanch?
|
Sr. Number
|
RESPONSES
|
Number of Respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
a)
|
When Sarpanch goes against the government rules and regulations
|
13
|
59.09
|
|
b)
|
When there is ego clash of the two
|
3
|
13.63
|
|
c)
|
There are no differences generally
|
2
|
9.09
|
|
d)
|
None of the Above
|
4
|
18.18
|
This Table 1.3 reveals that why
differences take place between a Panchayat Secretary and a Panchayat Sarpanch. According
to a majority of Panchayat Secretaries interviewed, in majority of cases,
differences takes place when Sarpanch goes against the Government rules and
regulations to gratify his self interests whereas 13.63 per cent feel that differences
also take place when there is ego clash between the two. Just two of them opine
that there are no differences generally. Other respondents have preferred to
remain mum on this sensitive issue.
In the end, we can say that it is found
that most of the Panchayat Secretaries pointed out that the reason for having
differences with the Sarpanch is
violation of government rules by the Sarpanch.
Table 1.4: What type of relations do you have with Village Sarpanch and
Panchayat?
|
Sr. Number
|
RESPONSES
|
Relations with Sarpanch
|
Relations with Panchayat
|
|
a)
|
Very Good
|
19 (86.06)
|
16 (72.72)
|
|
b)
|
Good
|
1 (4.54)
|
--
|
|
c)
|
Just ok
|
2 (9)
|
6 (27.27)
|
|
d)
|
Strained
|
--
|
--
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
22 (100)
|
22 (100)
|
Figures in the
parentheses are the percentages.
The Table 1.4 displays the relationship of the
Panchayat Secretaries along with the Village Sarpanch as well as with the
Village Panchayats. A very high majority
of Panchayat Secretaries enjoy a very good relation with both of them as shown
in the Table 1.4. Only a few of them have just ok/good relations with Village
Sarpanches whereas 27 per cent labeled their relation with the Village
Panchayat as just ok.
On the whole, we can conclude that it is a good sign that none of them
has strained relationship with Sarpanches or Panchayats. It augers well for the
PR system as a whole.
Table 1.5: Is Panchayat Secretary free from political interference?
|
Sr. Number
|
RESPONSES
|
Number of Respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
a)
|
No, he is very much affected
|
8
|
36.36
|
|
b)
|
There is nominal impact of political interference
|
13
|
59.09
|
|
c)
|
Yes, he is not affected
|
1
|
4.54
|
|
d)
|
Can’t say
|
--
|
--
|
This
Table 1.5 reflects mixed response from the Panchayat Secretaries about
political interference in their working. Only one respondent said that the
Panchayat Secretaries were free from political interference and being
officials, they were not affected by such interference. It is interesting to note that 36 per cent
respondents revealed boldly that there was much political interference in their
working and they came under heavy political influence and sometimes had to bow to
the political pressure. However, it can
be observed that the largest opinion is somewhat diplomatic that there is
nominal interference only.
Table 1.6: When should a Panchayat Secretary be transferred?
|
Sr. Number
|
RESPONSES
|
Number of Respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
a)
|
After one or two years
|
12
|
54.54
|
|
b)
|
After a period of five years
|
3
|
13.63
|
|
c)
|
Should remain attached to same village/s
|
6
|
27.27
|
|
d)
|
No comments
|
1
|
4.54
|
The Table 1.6 covers the responses
regarding a question about the duration after which the Panchayat Secretary
should be transferred. A majority of the sample opined that after one or two
years, a Panchayat Sectretary should be transferred because this will help them
in being impartial and remain detached from the local politics of village. It
is also notable that 27.27 per cent of the sample, however, felt that Panchayat
Secretaries should remain attached to the same village or villages.
Table 1.7: Do you feel that your pay is satisfactory?
|
Sr. Number
|
RESPONSES
|
Number of Respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
a)
|
Fully Satisfied
|
3
|
13.63
|
|
b)
|
Somewhat Satisfied
|
11
|
50.00
|
|
c)
|
Not Satisfied at all
|
3
|
13.63
|
|
d)
|
No Comments
|
5
|
22.72
|
The data in
the Table 1.7 reflects that half of the Panchayat Secretaries interviewed are only
somewhat satisfied with their pay scale. It is not heartening to find that only
13.6 per cent expressed their full satisfaction with their pay scale. The
remaining respondents are either not satisfied at all or have not offered any
positive or negative views regarding it.
In nutshell,
we can say that fifty per cent of the Panchayat Secretaries perceive their
present pay scales as somewhat satisfactory only and this important aspect of
job has potential to affect their morale adversely.
Table 1.8: Are you satisfied with your job?
|
Sr. Number
|
RESPONSES
|
Number of Respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
a)
|
Fully satisfied
|
3
|
13.63
|
|
b)
|
Satisfied to a large extent
|
10
|
45.40
|
|
c)
|
Satisfied to some extent
|
4
|
18.18
|
|
d)
|
Dissatisfied
|
5
|
22.72
|
Views were elicited from the Panchayat
Secretaries regarding their job satisfaction as shown in the Table 1.8. It is
positive that a majority of Panchayat Secretaries revealed that they were
satisfied to a large extent with their jobs and 13.63 per cent expressed their full satisfaction with the job they
are having. However, there is other side of the story also as 22.72 per cent
of them expressed dissatisfaction with their job.
Table 1.9: Are you satisfied with your training?
|
Sr. Number
|
RESPONSES
|
Number of Respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
a)
|
Fully Satisfied
|
17
|
77.27
|
|
b)
|
Satisfied to a large extent
|
--
|
--
|
|
c)
|
Satisfied to some
extent
|
5
|
22.72
|
|
d)
|
Dissatisfied
|
--
|
--
|
The
Table 1.9 reveals the level of satisfaction of the Panchayat Secretaries with
their present system of training. A high majority expressed their full
satisfaction with their training. It can be seen from the Table that none of
them is totally dissatisfied with the training system though some expressed
their satisfaction with the training to some extent only.
On the whole, we can say that it is heartening to note that most of the
Panchayat Secretaries are fully satisfied with their training. It can be
mentioned here that State Institute of Rural Development, Nabha organizes
in-service training courses for the Panchayat Sectretaries of varying duration.
Table 1.10: What needs to be added to the training being imparted to you?
|
Sr. Number
|
RESPONSES
|
Number of Respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
a)
|
Information About Panchayati Raj Acts
|
--
|
--
|
|
b)
|
Information About Problems of Panchayats
|
3
|
13.63
|
|
c)
|
Information About relations of Panchayats with the State
Government
|
11
|
50.00
|
|
d)
|
All the above
|
8
|
36.36
|
The Table 1.10 indicates the significant
suggestions given by the Panchayat Secretaries for making additions in their
present Training Courses. Half of the sample suggested that relations of
Panchayats with the Government should be a part of curriculum covered in their
Training Courses. A few Panchayat Secretaries felt that their Training Course
should include problems of Panchayats. 36 per cent of the respondents were in
favour of covering both the above aspects in their training. None talked about
adding PR Acts as they are already covered in their present system of training.
Thus,
it emerges from the Table 1.10 that relations of Panchayats with the Government
needs to be added as a thrust area in their training to make it more
informative and practically useful.
Table 1.11: Are there any chances of promotion for Panchayat Secretaries?
|
Sr. Number
|
RESPONSES
|
Number of Respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
a)
|
A Panchayat Secretary can be promoted as a Panchayat
Officer
|
3
|
13.63
|
|
b)
|
He can be given Higher Grade
|
4
|
18.18
|
|
c)
|
He can be paid Special Allowance
|
--
|
--
|
|
d)
|
There are no chances of Promotion
|
15
|
68.18
|
The Table 1.11 describes the views of
the Panchayat Secretaries regarding a very crucial matter related to their
jobs, i.e. the chances of promotion for a Panchayat Secretary. A small section
of Panchayat Secretaries favoured that Panchayat Secretaries can be promoted as
a Panchayat Officers or that they can be given higher grade. But a majority of
the respondents strongly resented the fact that there were no chances of
promotion for a Panchayat Secretary. When probed further, most of them revealed
their deep dissatisfaction regarding lack of their chances of promotion due to
variety of reasons and disclosed that mostly a Panchayat Secretary has to
retire as a Panchayat Secretary only. This aspect of their Service has left
them unhappy and reflects apathy of the Government towards them.
The Table 1.12 brings forth that
primarily out of station stay is a problem faced by a Panchayat Secretary in
the performance of their duties and functions. Some Secretaries perceive staying
out of station for most of the days in a month problematic whereas a large
number of them are highly unhappy that there is no arrangement by the Government
for their stay in the
Table 1.12: What type of problems are faced by you as Panchayat
Secretaries?
|
Sr. Number
|
RESPONSES
|
Number of Respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
a)
|
Have to stay out of station, mostly in the villages
|
5
|
22.72
|
|
b)
|
No Halting Allowance is paid for out of station stay
|
--
|
--
|
|
c)
|
No arrangement by the Government for their stay in the
village
|
16
|
72.72
|
|
d)
|
There is no problem
|
1
|
4.54
|
villages. Only one Secretary felt that
there was no problem to him as a Panchayat Secretary.
On being asked to give suggestions to
improve the working of the Panchayat Secretaries, the respondents responded
enthusiastically as shown in the Table 1.13 and came up with useful suggestions.
A majority of the sample emphatically suggested that Panchayat Secretaries
deserved encouragement by way of a regular channel of promotion or elevation to
higher rank.
Table 1.13: What suggestions do you give for improvement in the working
of Panchayat Secretaries?
|
Sr.no.
|
RESPONSES
|
Number of Respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
a)
|
There should be a regular channel of Promotion for
Panchayat Secretaries
|
10
|
45.45
|
|
b)
|
There should be an Allowance for out of station stay
|
2
|
9.09
|
|
c)
|
Panchayat Secretaries should be free from political
interference
|
8
|
36.36
|
|
d)
|
Panchayat Secretaries should be provided with a working
office type accommodation in the village
|
2
|
9.09
|
36 per cent of the Panchayat
Secretaries suggested that as sometimes they are under tremendous political
pressure, they should be free from political interference and be allowed to
work with greater degree of autonomy and they should not be made to yield
before the political masters. In addition to it, a few respondents suggested
that Panchayat Secretaries must be paid some sort of allowance or monetary
benefit for undergoing discomforts of his job like for out of station stay. A
few Panchayat Secretaries recommended that a Panchayat Secretary should be
provided with an office. They emphasized that it would help them to have the
record under their personal control instead of placing it in the Panchayat Ghar
or house of Village Sarpanch.
SUMMING UP THE FINDINGS
To sum up, the Panchayat Secretaries
respondents chosen from the Bhunerheri Block of Patiala District
enthusiastically discussed various aspects of their job, work experience and
functioning. An overview of the responses tabulated above brings forth the
following findings:
FINDINGS
1.
Ninety five per
cent of the Village Sarpanches always looked to the Panchayat Secretaries for
advice every time.
2.
Most of the
Panchayat Secretaries opined that causes of the differences taking place
between Panchayat Secretaries and Panchayat Sarpanch was when Sarpanch wanted
to go against the Government Rules and Regulations.
3.
A majority of
the Panchayat Secretaries enjoyed very good relations with the Village Sarpanch
and Panchayat.
4.
A majority of
Panchayat Secretaries diplomatically replied that there was nominal impact of
Political interference whereas thirty six per cent clearly admitted that there
is political interference affecting them.
5.
More than half
of the Panchayat Secretaries viewed period of one or two years as ideal for
transfer. This would keep them impartial and detached from village politics.
6.
Half of the
Panchayat Secretaries were only somewhat satisfied with their pay while only 13.63
were fully satisfied.
7.
A majority of
Panchayat Secretaries expressed their satisfaction to a large extent with their
jobs but 22.72 per cent expressed their dissatisfaction also.
8.
A majority of
the Panchayat Secretaries were fully satisfied with their training whereas
22.72 per cent were satisfied to some extent only.
9.
Half of the
Panchayat Secretaries suggested that area of relations of Panchayats with the
Government should be added to their training.
10. Most of the Secretaries resented that there were no
chances of promotion for a Panchayat Secretary.
11. Regarding the problems faced by the Panchayat
Secretaries, staying out of station emerged as their major problem. Most of the
Panchayat Secretaries clearly said that there was no arrangement by the
Government for their stay in villages.
12. To improve the working of Panchayat Secretaries, a majority of the sample expressed their deep desire for
more promotional avenues and strongly advocated that Panchayat Secretaries
deserved encouragement by way of a regular channel of promotion or elevation to
higher rank.
SUGGESTIONS
From the present study, the following suggestions
have emerged to make the role of Panchayat Secretary more effective and improve
his working:
1.
The most important
grievance that emerged during our fieldwork was lack of enough promotional
avenues for the Panchayat Secretaries. Therefore, it is suggested that
Government must formulate a policy for promotion of Panchayat Secretaries
giving them adequate opportunity to get promotions. They may be promoted as
Senior Panchayat Secretary or more posts of Panchayat Officers can be created
for them so that they do not feel stagnated after 10/15 years of Service.
Promotional avenues must be sufficient to check demoralized attitude of this important
functionary of PRIs.
2.
It can be
observed that the duties and responsibilities of Panchayat Secretary are
increasing day-by-day. If the strength of the Panchayat Secretaries is not
increased to cope with the increasing work, there may be deficiency in the
number and role of Panchayat Secretary, adversely affecting the working of the
Panchayats also. Therefore, it is advisable that government should go for
recruitment of the Panchayat Secretaries at regular intervals.
3.
Most of the Panchayat
Secretaries who were interviewed nursed a feeling that their pay was not
commensurate with the load of work they were performing and they were not fully
satisfied with their pay. Therefore, it is suggested that the Government should
consider giving reasonable hike in the pay of the Panchayat Secretaries.
4.
Training is
very vital area for any officials. The training courses of the Panchayat
Secretaries must incorporate new thrust areas as suggested by our sample, e.g.,
relations of Panchayats with the State Government, information about problems
of PRIs as well as new Acts related to them.
5.
According to
most of the respondents, their relations with the Sarpanch become strained only
when Sarpanch indulges in wrongful practices and he violates Rules and
Regulations. Therefore, it is important that the State Government should pay
more attention to imparting training to Sarpanches also in order to make them
aware of the relevant Acts, laws and rules.
6.
Panchayat
Secretaries are there to aid and help the Sarpanch who are the elected
representatives of the people. They must develop an orientation conducive to
the working of the third tier of democratic govt., i.e. Panchayats in rural
areas effectively and hence, avoid unnecessary ego clashes.
7.
Panchayat
Secretaries should be free from political pressure and it is strongly
recommended that they should be allowed to work according to the rules and in
the wider interest of the whole village community. Political leaders must not
interfere with their functioning and avoid pressurizing them or getting them
transferred for their narrow political gains as in the ultimate analysis, it
will finally affect the functioning of PRIs and defeat the goals for which PRIs
are constituted.
8.
Ideal time for
transfer of a Panchayat Secretary should be at least two years because the
duration of their stay should be sufficient to help them understand the local
people and their problems better and at the same time, it should not be too
long to keep them detached from the local group politics and village rivalries.
9.
Reasonable
size of Office and stay arrangement should be provided to Panchayat Secretary
in the Village so that he can have his record under
his personal control instead of placing it in the house of Village Sarpanch. In
this way, he will feel free and autonomous in the performance of his duties and responsibilities without any
obligation from village Sarpanch
In
the end, it can be said that the Panchayat Secretary is a very important
functionary of PR system and much depends on his efficient functioning. He must
be kept free from undue political pressure and interference. It is in the
interest of the village, Sarpanch and the PRIs as whole if the job satisfaction
and morale of the Panchayat Secretaries are high and they are well trained to
shoulder their increasing responsibilities well in the widening role of Panchayati Raj in Punjab .
REFERENCES :
1.
Bhagatjit
Singh Chawla, The Punjab Panchayati Raj Act, 1994, Chawla
Publication (P) Ltd., Chandigarh
2.
Jagjit Singh
Chawla, The Punjab Gram Panchayat Act,
1952, Services Law Reporters, Chandigarh
3.
For details, see Punjab Panchayat Secretaries (Recruitment &
Guidelines of Service) Rules, 1979.
4.
Yojna, 26th January, 1989, p.70.
5.
S.L.Goel and Shalini Rajneesh, Panchayati Raj in India – Theory and Practice, Deep and Deep
Publication Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, 2002, p.98.
