DEMOCRATIC DECENTRALIZATION AND DEVOLUTION OF POWERS AT THE GRASSROOTS LEVEL DEMOCRACY: ISSUES CHALLENGES AND IMPLICATIONS

This article attempts to evaluate the Grassroots democracy and the problems which are associated with the ineffective functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions. It argues that how constitutional provision has created a scope for accomplishing development with social justice, which is the mandate of the new Panchayat Raj system. The new system brings all those who are interested to have a voice in decision making through their participation in Panchayat Raj Institutions. How it becomes the Panchayati Raj system is the basis for the Social Justice and Empowerment of the weaker section on which the development initiative has to be built upon for achieving overall, human welfare of the society. My research paper also analyses the working status and various issues and challenges of PRIs for 26 years after the 73rd constitutional amendment establishment of panchayats and municipalities as elected local governments devolved a range of powers and responsibilities and made them accountable to the people for their implementation, very little and actual progress has been made in this direction. Local governments remain hamstrung and ineffective mere agents to do the bidding of higher-level governments. Democracy has not been enhanced despite about 32 lakh peoples representatives being elected to them every five years, with great expectation and fanfare. My study would explore the grey areas such as lack of adequate funds, domination of bureaucracy, untimely elections, lack of autonomy, the interference of area MPS and MLAs in the functioning of panchayats also adversely affected their performance.