The Stage of Direct Democracy - A Case Study on Participation of People

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act 1992 has made specific provision for the establishment of GramaSabha under Article 243A. It defines GramaSabha as "a body consisting of persons registered in the electoral rolls relating to a village comprised within areas of Panchayat at the village level". GramaSabha plays an important role in preparing village plans and deciding development priorities in the village. In democratic decentralization it is the fourth tier in the hierarchy of Panchayati Raj Instituitions. Article 243A states that the GramaSabha may exercise such powers and perform such functions at the village level as the Legislature of State may provide. It is the real duty of a citizen to attend the GramaSabha of his/her Ward. Now the participation of people particularly educated youths, high income people and the men is decreasing and there is a lack of participation of employed persons in the Government and Private institutions. The lack of participation in the stage of direct democracy (GramaSabha) leads the non - participation of people in our democracy. This situation needs a change. So the present study intends to develop an understanding on the same.