Training of Trainers Programme under RGSA

GS2 – Governance

Context

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched a Training of Trainers (ToT) programme under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) to enhance Panchayats’ capacity to generate Own Source Revenue (OSR).

Purpose:

• Train state-nominated Master Trainers in OSR generation and project implementation.
• Focus on local revenue mobilisation and financial self-reliance.

Constitutional Provisions:

• Art. 243H: States can empower Panchayats to levy taxes and fees.
• Art. 243I: Mandates Finance Commissions every 5 years to review Panchayat finances.
• Art. 280(3): Enables central recommendations to augment PRI resources.

Revenue Sources for Panchayats:

• Tax Revenue: Property tax, professional tax, land use conversion fees, etc.
• Non-Tax Revenue: Water charges, service fees, market fees, etc.
• Current Status: OSR accounts for only ~1% of PRI revenues (2022–23).

RGSA (Launched 2018, revamped in 2022, extended till 2026):

• Covers all States/UTs and ~3 lakh Panchayats.
• Objectives:
  • Strengthen local governance for SDG implementation.
  • Build institutional capacity and empower Gram Sabhas.
  • Improve Panchayat revenue generation.

Components:

• Central Level: Digital platforms (e-GramSwaraj, PRIASoft), incentivisation, ICT infrastructure.
• State Level: Training, HR support, community engagement.