Emphasising the critical role of public participation in grassroots governance, a policy review organised by Academy of Grassroots Studies and Research of India (AGRASRI) underscored that meaningful Panchayat Raj reforms can only be achieved through active community involvement and institutional strengthening.
Addressing the online policy review meeting, Dr. G. Venkata Narayana, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Chittoor Zilla Praja Parishad, said Panchayats play a multifaceted role in rural India, serving as the primary channel for delivering welfare and development programmes. He noted that since Independence, several reforms have strengthened the system, with the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act proving transformative for over six lakh Panchayats across the country.
Highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s recent administrative initiatives, he said the Secretariat (Sachivalayam) system has improved the timely delivery of welfare schemes in rural areas. Measures such as clear demarcation of duties and long-pending promotions within the Panchayat Raj framework have also contributed to better governance outcomes.
Panchayats yet to get full powers
Dr. D. Sundar Ram, Founder and Director of AGRASRI, pointed out that despite more than three decades since the 73rd Amendment, many states are yet to fully devolve funds, functions, and powers to Panchayats. This gap, he noted, continues to hinder holistic rural development. He welcomed the Centre’s move to introduce the Indian Rural Development Service (IRDS) as a step toward strengthening institutional capacity in rural governance.
He further stressed the need for immediate reforms, including capacity-building programmes for elected representatives, village-level planning, and the establishment of a Lokpal-like mechanism to address corruption and public grievances. He also advocated reserving 33 percent of seats in legislatures for experienced Panchayat representatives to deepen grassroots democracy.
Decentralisation and financial autonomy crucial
Experts at the event highlighted that decentralisation and financial autonomy are crucial for improving service delivery, infrastructure development, and administrative coordination. They also called for effective implementation of the recommendations of the Finance Commissions and direct transfer of funds to Panchayats.
Academics and practitioners observed that states like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana lag behind southern counterparts in implementing Panchayat provisions. They recommended regular training programmes for public representatives and stronger institutional frameworks at the village level.
The discussion also emphasised the growing importance of Gram Sabhas in ensuring transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance. Strengthening these institutions, participants said, is vital to achieving the vision of “Gram Swaraj” and the broader goal of a developed India by 2047.