Section Article

Grassroots Democracy: The Changing Role of Panchayati Raj Institutions in India
Author(s): Neha Singh

Abstract
Grassroots democracy is widely regarded as the foundation of participatory governance. In India the Panchayati Raj system represents the most significant institutional framework for realizing this ideal. Established through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment in 1992 Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) were designed to decentralize power promote local self-governance and ensure that citizens directly participate in decision-making processes. Over the past three decades PRIs have transformed rural governance by involving communities in development planning resource management and welfare delivery.