Problems and Prospects of Panchayat Finances: A Study of Common Land

This study discusses the concept of common land, how it was started and what was the main purpose of having panchayat lands in the villages. Encroachment on common land has made the panchayats to depend on the govt. grants. Causes of unauthorised occupation of panchayat lands exiting legal provision and their implementation has also been examined. The present book has also suggested measures for removing the illegal possession and tapping additional sources of revenue. Issues of enhancing the finances of Panchayati Raj Institutions have also been addressed.

Dr. Surat Singh obtained Ph.D degree in Political Science in 1984. Presently, Dr. Singh is with Haryana Institute of Rural Development, Nilokheri as Senior Faculty. He was associated with NIRD, Hyderabad for a decade in different capacities. Dr. Singh has completed a large number of research project sponsored by Govt. of India, Govt. of Haryana and other Organisations. Some of the projects are : status of Panchayati raj in Delhi, Encroachment on Common Land and Panchayat Finances; Women Representatives in PRIs; National social assistance Programmes etc. Some of his other books are Facets of Development in Rural Society (1997); Women Panchayati Raj Representatives in Haryana (1998) etc. Dr. Singh has published about 30 research article in different journals of eminence. He has presented a paper on “Community Participation in Risk  Management” in an International Conference held in Sweden.