Abstract

Objectives: The main objectives of the study are as follows: To critically analyze the performance of the PRIs in West Bengal during the period 1990-1991 to 1997-1998 and 1998-99 to 2013-2014 in terms of receipts and expenditures and utilization rates. To analyze the allocation of released funds to different sectors and utilization of funds for the state.

Methods: In this paper Kinked exponential trend analysis and Dicky-Fuller Unit ischolar_main test were used for estimation of conditional/unconditional growth rates for the whole period, for the two sub-periods and the estimated trend breaks as well as for testing stationary for the time series data.

Findings: As per the findings of our study, Panchyat Finance in West Bengal was heavily dominated by the Central Government. Only about 3 to 4% of all revenue of gram Panchyats in West Bengal was derived from own source category and 94% obtained from grants and transfer. Except in year 1993-94, the utilization rates were greater than 100%. It was very difficult to explain more than 100% utilization rate experienced over such a long period at a stretch. This was largely due to the poor quality and non- availability of accurate data, without which any evaluation of decentralization became very difficult.

Application/Improvements: This study was based on all tiers in the PRIs in West Bengal foras an aggregative long run analysis where the underlying estimated annual trends in total revenue and total expenditure and other details in regards to allocation of funds to the main sectors of the rural economy were elaborately discussed and policy issues were prescribed to make, village Panchayats closer to self-reliant.

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