Role of Panchyati Raj Institution Members in Managing Elementary Education in Bihar

Elementary education is one of 29 delegated responsibilities upon Panchayti Raj Institution (PRI). This study
examined the role of PRI members in managing elementary education. It was conducted on 27 PRI members and 8 head teachers
of two blocks of Patna district Bihar, selected through multistage sampling technique. Self-developed interview schedule was
used for collecting relevant information on the role of PRI members in elementary education. The study found that i) only 19.23
% of the PRI members are involved in procuring infrastructure for the school, mainly involved in developing separate toilet for
boys and girls, hand pumps for drinking water, ii) no PRI members are involved in developing boundary wall, classroom, kitchen
for mid-day meal and bench desk, iii) no PRI members are involved in procuring the TLM for school like black board, chalk,
duster, chart, model, T.V, Computer etc, iv) all the PRI members are involved in preparation, distribution and monitoring the
quality of mid-day meal and v) 90% of PRI members want to take training about roles on school management. The study has
suggested for orientation of PRI members on their roles and responsibilities so that they can get better involve in functioning of
school.