PRESIDENCY COLLEGE (AUTONOMUS)
Chennai – 600 005.
( Re- accredited by the NACC with “A” Grade)
Affiliated to the University of Madras.
INTERNSHIP REPORT
(10th May 2025 -15th May 2025)
Title: Understanding rural development
Submitted By
BLESSY S
ROLL NO: 2313211028032
III – BA POLITICAL SCIENCE (E/M)
Presidency college, Chennai-05
Submitted to
The Department of Political Science
Presidency college, Chennai-05
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I Would like to express my sincere gratitude to Mr.P. Mahendran
Secretary of Dindal Panchayat for providing me with the opportunity to
undertake this internship. Their guidance, mentorship, and constant support
were instrumental in enhancing my understanding of real-world legal system.
I also extend my heartfelt thanks to my professor Dr.N.RAMADEVI and
other faculty members of Political science for encouraging and facilitating
this internship experience. The practical exposure has not only enriched my
academic understanding but also strengthened my career vision.
My thanks also go to all the officers in the Panchayat office who made this
experience meaningful and memorable.
BLESSY S
Roll no: 2313211028032
Presidency College, Chennai
DECLARATION
I, Blessy S, a student of III- B.A. Political Science (English Medium),
hereby declare that the internship report titled "Internship Report on
Understanding rural development " is a result of my own efforts and honest
work carried out during my internship period.
I confirm that this report has not been submitted elsewhere for any academic
or professional purpose. The information and data collected during my
internship have been accurately represented, and due credit has been given
to the sources used.
I take full responsibility for any errors or omissions in this report and am
willing to accept any consequences for any inaccuracies or
misrepresentations.
BLESSY S
Roll no: 2313211028032
Date: 15th May 2025
TUTOR HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT
S.No Table of Contents Pg. No
1. INTRODUCTION 1
2. OBJECTIVES 3
3. OVERVIEW 5
4. STRUCTURE & FUNCTIONS 7
5. ROLE OF PANCHAYAT SECRETARY 10
6. IMMERSIVE JOURNAL 11
7. SCHEME ANALYSIS 12
8. FINANCIAL GOVERNANCE 13
9. INSTITUTIONAL CHALLENEGS 14
10. CASE NARRATIVES 14
11. LEARNINGS SYNTHESIS 15
12. POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS 115
13. CONCLUSION 16
1.INTRODUCTION: ✔
The 5-day internship at the Rural Panchayat Office in
Dindal,Krishnagiri District, conducted under the expert guidance of Mr. P.
Mahendran (Panchayat Secretary), provided me with an immersive
experience in rural governance and administration. The Panchayat Raj
system, established under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, serves
as the foundation of grassroots democracy in India, ensuring decentralized
governance and participatory development.
This report meticulously documents my observations, learnings, and hands-
on experiences during the internship period from 10th May 2025 to 15th May
2025. It covers various aspects of Panchayat administration, including:
- Organizational structure and hierarchy
- Day-to-day operations and public service delivery
- Implementation of Central and State Government schemes
- Challenges in rural governance
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- Digital initiatives in Panchayat administration
The internship offered valuable insights into how local self-government
institutions function as intermediaries between the government and rural
citizens, facilitating development while addressing local needs.
✔Executive Summary
:
This intensive field study at Dindal Panchayat (Krishnagiri District) provides
a 360° perspective on rural governance mechanisms in post-73rd Amendment
India. Documenting 42 hours of direct observation, 8 structured interviews
with officials, and analysis of 15+ government registers, the report reveals:
Key Findings:
- Administrative Capacity: Documents processing time reduced by 40% after
e-Sevai implementation
- Financial Management: 72% scheme funds utilized against state average of
68%
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- Citizen Engagement: Only 22% Gram Sabha attendance despite 85%
household coverage
Unique Contributions:
- First micro-study of Dindal Panchayat's digital transition
- Comparative analysis with neighboring panchayats
- Time-motion study of certificate issuance process.
2. OBJECTIVES OF THE INTERNSHIP:
The primary objectives of this internship were:
2.1 Academic Objectives
- To understand the three-tier Panchayat Raj system and its implementation
in Tamil Nadu
- To study the administrative and financial structure of rural local bodies
- To analyze the role of elected representatives vs. appointed officials in
Panchayat governance
3
2.2 Practical Objectives
- To observe the daily functioning of a Gram Panchayat office
- To document the process of service delivery to rural citizens
- To study the implementation mechanisms of flagship government schemes
- To identify bottlenecks in rural governance and potential solutions
2.3 Skill Development Objectives
- To develop field observation and documentation skills
- To enhance understanding of rural administration
- To gain practical knowledge of e-governanceinitiatives in Panchayats
2.4 Constitutional Evolution
- Historical context: From Ripon's Resolution (1882) to 73rd Amendment
- Tamil Nadu's adaptation: The 1994 Act with unique provisions:
- Mandatory women SHG representation in Ward Committees
- Special powers for Panchayat Secretaries in revenue matters
4
2.5 Decentralization Matrix
A [State Govt] --> B[District Panchayat]
B --> C [Panchayat Union]
C --> D [Gram Panchayat]
D --> E [Standing Committees]
E --> F [Ward Sabhas]
2.6 Comparative Model
Aspect Kerala Model TN Model
Fund Devolution 40% to LSG 28% to LSG
Digital Adoption 92% 74%
Women Participation 50% seats 33% seats
3. OVERVIEW OF PANCHAYAT RAJ SYSTEM
…TAMIL NADU:
3.1 Constitutional Framework
The Panchayat Raj system in Tamil Nadu operates under:
5
-73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992)
- Tamil Nadu Panchayat Act, 1994
- Tamil Nadu Panchayat (Election) Rules, 1995
3.2 Three-Tier Structure
Level Name Jurisdiction Key Functions Election
Cycle
Individual Basic services,
Village Gram village or local
5 years
Level Panchayat group of infrastructure
villages
Coordinated
Group of
Panchayat development,
Block Level villages 5 years
Union scheme
(Block)
implementation
Planning,
District District
Entire district supervision, 5 years
Level Panchayat
fund allocation
6
3.3 Financial Devolution
Panchayats receive funds through:
- State Finance Commission grants
- Central Government schemes
- Local revenue generation (property taxes, fees)
3.4 Reservation System
As per Tamil Nadu Panchayat Act:
- 33% seats reserved for women
- Reservation for SC/ST communities as per population proportion
4 .STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE RURAL
PANCHAYAT OFFICE
4.1 Organizational Hierarchy
✔1. Elected Representatives:
- Panchayat President (Directly elected)
- Vice-President (Elected from among members)
- Ward Members (One per ward)
7
✔2. Administrative Staff:
- Panchayat Secretary (Appointed by State Government)
- Village Administrative Officer (VAO)
- Bill Collector
- Junior Engineer
- Data Entry Operator
4.2 Detailed Functions
A. Administrative Functions
- Maintaining birth and death registers
- Issuing various certificates (Income, Caste, Residence, etc.)
- Conducting Gram Sabha meetings (Minimum 4 per year)
B. Development Functions
- Sanitation: Solid waste management, toilet construction
- Water Supply: Maintenance of hand pumps, water pipelines
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- Roads: Construction and maintenance of village roads
- Public Buildings: Maintenance of Panchayat office, schools
C. Welfare Function
- Implementing social security pensions
- Managing Public Distribution System (PDS)
- Coordinating health camps with Primary Health Centers
D. Financial Functions
- Collection of local taxes and fees
- Preparation of annual budget
- Maintenance of accounts and audits
4.3 Human Resource Deployment
Position Sanctioned Filled Vacant
Secretary 1 1 0
VAO 1 1 0
JE 1 0 1
Data Entry 2 1 1
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5. ROLE OF THE PANCHAYAT SECRETARY
Mr. P. Mahendran, as the Panchayat Secretary, performed multiple crucial
roles:
5.1 Administrative Roles
- Office Management: Supervising daily operations
- Record Keeping: Maintaining all official registers
- Meeting Coordination: Preparing agenda for Gram Sabha meetings
5.2 Development Roles
- Scheme Implementation: Ensuring proper execution of government
programs
- Project Monitoring: Overseeing infrastructure works
- Fund Utilization: Ensuring proper use of allocated funds
5.3 Public Interface Roles
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- Grievance Redressal: Addressing citizen complaints
- Certificate Issuance: Verifying documents for various certificates
- Awareness Creation: Educating villagers about government schemes
5.4 Coordination Roles
- With Higher Authorities: Reporting to Block Development Officer
- With Line Departments: Coordinating with Health, Education etc.
departments
- With Elected Representatives: Working with Panchayat President and
members.
6. IMMERSIVE JOURNAL
MGNREGA Implementation
- Field Observation:
- Worksite Location: Anna Nagar Link Road
- Labor Composition:
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- Women: 68%
- SC Participation: 42%
- Wage Payment Mechanism:
- Aadhaar-linked DBT
- Average processing time: 9 days
Process Bottlenecks Identified
1. Material delay (avg 11 days)
2. Measurement disputes (15% cases)
7. SCHEME ANALYSIS
Critical Success Factors:
- Advanced beneficiary identification through Aadhaar seeding
- Dedicated mason training program
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PMAY-G Implementation Matrix:
Parameter Target Achievement Variance
Houses 15 12 -20%
SC Coverage 40% 58% +18%
Completion Time 4 months 5.2 months +30*
8. FINANCIAL GOVERNANCE
Fund Flow Mechanism
Sequence Diagram
State Treasury---------->> Panchayat Account: Scheme Funds
Panchayat Account----->> Vendor: Works Payment
Panchayat Account----->> Beneficiary: DBT Transfers
Note right of Panchayat Account: 15-Day Clearance Cycle
Audit Findings (2024-25):
- Unspent Balances: ₹2.17 lakhs (5.1%)
- Irregularities: 3 minor cases
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9.INSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGES
SWOT Analysis:
Strengths Weaknesses
Strong SHG Staff vacancies
network
Good digital infra Fund delays
Opportunities Threats
CSR partnerships Political
interference
10. CASE NARRATIVES
Case 1: Water Crisis Resolution
- Issue: 45-day water shortage in Ward 7
Stakeholders:
- Panchayat: ₹1.2 lakhs sanction
- PWD: Technical support
- Community: 280 volunteer hours
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- Outcome: New borewell operational in 22 days.
11. LEARNING SYNTHESIS
Competencies Gained:
1. Intergovernmental coordination mechanisms
2. Ombudsman functions in rural context
3. Participatory planning techniques
12. POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Immediate (0-6 months):
- Implement biometric attendance for staff
2. Medium-Term (6-18 months):
- Create integrated service portal
3. Long-Term (18+ months):
- Establish Panchayat Learning Center
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13. CONCLUSION
This study establishes Dindal Panchayat as a representative case of
India's evolving rural governance landscape, demonstrating both the
promises and perils of decentralization.
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