Devolution of Power and Activity Mapping of ADC

G S Oinam *

The COPTAM has been demanding the restoration of original hill district boundaries, transferring of Land Records of the hill districts to the recently formed Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and devolution of adequate powers to ADCs.

Devolution of power of ADC we mean -- Funds, Function and Functionaries. Fund: - fund allotted from 13th finance commission (centre), 3th state finance commission, ADC own resources, NREGS, BADF fund and fund from centre sponsored schemes.

Functionaries: - staffs recruited, deputed staffs from parent departments and elected members.
Function:- activity mapping reports, subjects identified, distribution of function among ADC and Village Councils

Activity mapping is identification of subjects, activities of ADC and functional distribution between ADC and Village Council. Activity mapping is the instrumental argument for devolution, and is grounded in the democratic ideal.

It involves an identification of functions within a given sector and the disaggregation of these functions into tasks, activities and responsibilities for devolution to the two levels of ADC. Activity mapping is an important trigger for the devolution of functions to District Council/ Panchayats in the letter and spirit of part IX of the constitution, because it clarifies the role of each level of District Council.

Activity mapping is easily described, but it has proven to be somewhat difficult for States to achieve for several reasons. The most important impediment has been the persistent lack of clarity when deciding as to which of the disaggregated activities ought to be devolved.

Consequently, most policy papers and strategies place devolved activities in a kind of concurrent list, with different tiers of government expected to share responsibility for implementation. This seriously undermines their individual accountability to the people.

11th schedule of the constitution has enlisted 29 activities in which some of the activities are not being implemented in all India. Activity mapping is very much complex phenomenon; technical skills are required while preparing Activity mapping. Mistaken in activity mapping may be created disputes and problem between ADC and Village Council.

COPTAM are suggested to be calm and positive while preparing Activity Mapping of ADC. The term "Activity Mapping" is known by only few experts associated in this field and some government officials. This is not kind of mapping of land; Geographical areas and Villages etc. The term is often misunderstood by common people.

In the example of Activity Mapping: Department means Department of Health. Subjects' means: health care, sanitation, maternal & child health care and control of communicable disease in the department of health. Activity item means sanitation (1st activity), maternal and child care (2nd activity) etc.

Function of ADC for this activity: Assess the need and formulated projects for the establishment, improvement and maintenance of child care. Function of village Council of this activity: train health workers, arrange for the supply of medicine and health services, identification of patients/ beneficiaries etc.

According to news report of state government, so far 25 departments (subjects) have been identified for devaluation of functions of ADC. So, we are suggesting to COPTAM to be more patient and wait for the result of activity mapping of Hills Area Development Committee reports. More power devolution means more fund allocation, more functionaries, and more activity items.

In case of ADC own resources assigned are most probably, property tax on land and building, tax on community centre, professional tax, market fees, fees on registration of cattle sold, fees and loyalty from any license or permission granted for extraction of minor minerals by the ADC/VC, theater and other public entertainment, income from rural hubs (PPP model), fees for any license or permission granted by ADC. Fees for use and occupation of lands and other properties vested in or maintained by the ADC etc will be divided between ADC and Village Council.

For any doubt and latest information, please visit to Panchayati Raj website www.panchayat.nic.in. Regarding COPTAM demand of transferring land records of hills districts to ADC, honestly, we have no knowledge about it because such kind of function / conditions are not found in XI schedule of Indian constitutions and 73rd amendment of Indian constitution which are related to Panchayati Raj System and ADC.

In 6th schedule, certain power has been given to ADC for the collection land revenue but it does not mean land records must be kept in ADC. On more problems is that Border States are very sensitive for defence purposes and are getting defence clearance even for construction of roads near the border area for strategic consideration.

From the above all circumstances, Revenue Department / Settlement Department / State Government /Hill Areas Committee, Manipur will have certain power to reserve in this regards.