National Capability Building Framework (2014)

Capacity building of elected Panchayat representatives is cornerstone to ensure effective implementation of welfare schemes. NCBF was first published in 2006 to ensure proper capacity building of panchayat officials. This is the updated format of the framework.

• This report was published to assist states in expanding the outreach and enhancing the quality of their capability building initiatives. It provides numerous recommendations regarding training of large numbers, various modes of training, subjects of training, quality enhancing strategies, training of women as well as Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe representatives, improving training institutions, etc.
• It listed out following issues in expanding the outreach of training –
  • There are huge numbers of Panchayat elected representatives to be trained (more than 30 lakhs), which causes deterrence.
  • Apart from elected representatives, there is other staff like employees of Panchayat secretariat, Gram Sabha & its citizens, departmental functionaries from ministries who need to be well rehearsed with role of panchayat & its functions, Community based organizations etc.
  • While catering this large number, the quality is compromised as maintaining in quality requires a great deal of institution building, networking, monitoring mechanisms, etc.

The following recommendations were given –

• Expanding the outreach via use of SATCOM (Satellite Communication) to impart training in addition to direct training.
• Also, states must ensure infrastructural requirements for training must be met.
• Mass-media i.e. radio, television, print media, community radio etc. must be used effectively to impart training at lower cost.
• Training modules of SIRDs (Statistics Institutes of Rural Development) must consist of following sections –
  • Special courses for marginalized groups.
  • Special courses for Panchayat functionaries.
  • Leadership training.
  • Thematic focused courses.
  • IT and computer literacy.
  • Special training for sector functionaries.
• The Systematic Approach to Training Cycle, SAT-Cycle should be followed by all SIRDs to ensure quality of training of PRIs.
• States must create a sound institutional and human resource policy for sustained and systematic arrangement for CB&T of PRIs.

The report supplements initiatives under Rashtriya Swaraj Gram Abhiyan (erstwhile Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan).

Most of states have accepted the recommendation and SIRDs are working as per the suggestions.