ROLE, RECRUITMENT PROCESS AND THE NEED FOR A PERFORMANCE REVIEW OF PANCHAYAT EXECUTIVE ASSITANTS

ROLE, RECRUITMENT PROCESS AND THE NEED FOR A PERFORMANCE REVIEW OF PANCHAYAT EXECUTIVE ASSITANTS

30-JUNE-ENG 6

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------Currently, approximately 8,067 Panchayat Executive Assistants are employed in Bihar. At present, one Panchayat Executive Assistant is posted in each Gram Panchayat across the state. The state government plans to deploy two Panchayat Executive Assistants in every Gram Panchayat to further strengthen and enhance the efficiency of government service delivery at the panchayat level.

Panchayat Executive Assistants are recruited based on examinations and proficiency assessments conducted by the Bihar State Electronics Development Corporation (BELTRON) and the Bihar Administrative Reforms Mission Society. They perform various administrative and public service-related tasks at Panchayat Sarkar Bhavans and RTPS (Right to Public Services) counters. The Bihar government has ensured their tenure of service up to the age of 60.

However, before proceeding with the plan to appoint two Executive Assistants per panchayat, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive review of the work performed by the currently employed assistants. The government should impartially evaluate their work efficiency, attendance, quality of public service, performance, and overall contribution at the panchayat level. This will clarify the shortcomings in the existing system and identify areas requiring improvement.

If the review reveals a need for additional Executive Assistants—considering the increasing workload and demand for public services—then the decision to appoint two assistants will undoubtedly strengthen rural administration. However, alongside new appointments, mechanisms for accountability, performance evaluation, and regular monitoring must be ensured so that the general public receives better, transparent, and timely services at the panchayat level.

The objective of strengthening the panchayati system will only be achieved if equal attention is paid to addressing the shortcomings of the current system and improving the work culture, alongside making new appointments.