Disaster management services by panchayati raj institutions

The Local self government (Gram panchayat) is a statutory body elected by the local people through a well defined democratic process with specific responsibilities and duties. The elected members are accountable to the people of the ward, rural community, block and the district. One of the main tasks of local self government is disaster management. This study was undertaken in cyclone “Aila” affected areas in West Bengal to assess the role of panchayats in disaster management. The empirical study revealed that main role performed by the panchayats in disaster management were providing relief materials, management of crops, management of disaster affected household articles, repair of damaged houses, health and sanitation measures and repair/ maintenance of infrastructure, transport and communication facilities. For this study, 60 local self government officials and 150 villagers were selected randomly as respondents. Data were collected through personal interview. Data were processed into frequency, percentage, mean score, rank order, score gap and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Local self government provided financial assistance for fully damaged or partially damaged house. Respondents seeking govt. support for cultivation of crops after the disaster. Agricultural production system was totally hampered after disaster due to high salinity and PH condition of soil. The roles performed by the local self-government in disaster management were in moderate. There was absolutely lack of involvement of people's representative. Therefore, adequate supports are suggested from the representatives in association with higher authorities.