[29] INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS OF PANCHAYATI RAJ INSTITUTIONS IN STRENGTHENING LOCAL DEMOCRACY IN INDIA
How to Cite the Article: Jiarul Miah & Ashok Sarkar (2025). Institutional Effectiveness of Panchayati Raj Institutions in Strengthening Local Democracy in India. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Reviews. 4(4). 288-296. https://doi.org/10.56815/ijmrr.v4i4.2025.288-296
Abstract
Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become the symbol of democratic decentralization and people's participatory governance in India following the arrival of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992. Providing constitutional recognition to local selfgovernment was an initiative to promote participatory democracy, equality and broad-based inclusive development through elected local institutions. Since then, for over three decades, Panchayats have been instrumental in increasing people's participation; enhancing representation of women and weaker sections of society; and facilitating more inclusive development initiatives, and greater effectiveness of various rural development schemes. However, the institutional success or failure of PRIs in strengthening local democracy has been inconsistent and spotty in terms of its overall institutional capacity, devolution of powers and authority, financial independence, bureaucratic control, political interference, as well citizen involvement. This paper provides a qualitative analysis of the institutional strength of Panchayati Raj Institutions in strengthening people's local democracy in India, using secondary data such as constitutional provisions, government reports and scholars' writings. The paper assesses the performance and failures of Panchayati Raj Institutions in consolidating democratic governance, transparency, accountability and inclusive development. The paper suggests that the potential of PRIs can be harnessed for democratization and development in India only if Gram Sabhas become more participative and powerful, devolution is well-defined and functionaries are accountable and accountable.
