The Panchayati Raj system in India is a unique and indispensable feature of the country’s governance structure, designed to ensure decentralization and empower rural communities. Rooted in India’s traditional self-governance mechanisms, the system is a critical aspect of India’s democratic framework, as it fosters local democracy, promotes participatory governance, and ensures that grassroots voices are heard.
The modern structure of Panchayati Raj emerged as part of the constitutional framework after India’s independence. In 1957, the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee recommended the establishment of a three-tier Panchayati Raj system, covering the village, intermediate, and district levels. This laid the groundwork for the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992, which institutionalized the Panchayati Raj system across the nation.
This issue of kurukshetra is being brought out to commemorate the National Panchayati Raj Day celebrated annually on 24 April by Ministry of Panchayati Raj. Therefore, most of the articles have been contributed by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj covering major issues and sharing latest information and achievements of the Panchayati Raj.
This issue of kurukshetra is being brought out to commemorate the National Panchayati Raj Day celebrated annually on 24 April by Ministry of Panchayati Raj. The article “The Panchayati Raj System: Empowering Women's Leadership in Rural India” by the Union Minister of Ministry of Panchayati Raj & Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P.Singh Baghel delves into the increasing role of women in Panchayats and their political participation led to more inclusive development, as policies are now more representative of the needs of diverse sections of society.
Another article by the Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Shri Vivek Bharadwaj on “Contours of Devolution to Panchayats- A Fresh Look Panchayat Devolution Index-2024” thoroughly discusses about the Devolution to Panchayats making them to function effectively having greater financial autonomy. And how the Devolution Index is promoting evidence-based policy making and fostering healthy competition among States in strengthening local self-governments
The article titled “Three Decades of Empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions” by the Additional Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj concludes that Panchayati Raj has made remarkable progress in the direction of its goal for empowerment and self-sustainability of the PRIs by converging other Ministries’ plans and active public participation under the leadership of the local peoples' representatives in the States.
Other articles contributed by the professionals and experts associated with the Ministry on the subjects of “Revisiting State PRIs Acts”, “SUMVITA”, “Manchitra”, “Water management by PRIs” and “Capacity Building of Panchayats” have very succinctly covered all aspects related to the subjects.
The Panchayati Raj system holds immense potential to transform rural governance in India. While it has empowered local communities and brought governance closer to the people, the system is still grappling with challenges like political interference, resource constraints, and inefficiency. Strengthening Panchayati Raj requires not only legislative support but also sustained efforts to build capacity, promote transparency, and ensure financial independence. With the right policies and reforms, Panchayati Raj can be the driving force for rural development, creating an empowered and self-reliant rural India
Hope that this issue of Kurukshtra will broaden the knowledge of the readers and provide factual information on present scenario of Panchayati Raj and Government’s efforts in making Panchayats more empowered, self-reliant, and good-governed, with the goal of building a Viksit Bharat. ...Read More