Next week in Agra, there will be a national-level discussion on the shortcomings of the Panchayati Raj system. In some provinces where there is education and social awakening, especially in the southern states, the Gram Panchayats have opened the doors to development and progress, but generally, the achievements of local bodies are not worth mentioning or counting.

According to the data available in January 2019, there are 630 district panchayats, 6614 block panchayats and 253163 gram panchayats in India. Currently, there are more than three million elected representatives, of which more than one million are women, for panchayats at all levels.

... But, the ground reality is that the entire “grassroots democracy” has not been able to take root to date, and is suffering from many kinds of maladies. Neither the village panchayats are functioning properly, nor the city municipalities, with few exceptions.

The Panchayati Raj Institutions and municipal bodies in India are facing many challenges that hinder their effectiveness. Despite a well-thought-out framework intended to empower local governance, several factors contribute to its lack of functionality.

First, the issue of inadequate resources weakens the operational capacity of the village panchayats and municipal bodies. Many local governments function with limited financial support, often relying on state and central grants that are inadequate to meet the community's needs. This financial constraint hinders the implementation of development projects and social welfare initiatives, leading to frustration among citizens.

Sociologist Paras Nath Chaudhary, citing the example of Bihar, says, "Political interference and corruption further reduce the effectiveness of grassroots institutions. Local elected representatives often find themselves embroiled in state and national politics, thereby diminishing their attention to community issues."

In most cases, corruption is rampant in fund allocation and project implementation, and mismanagement of resources also hinders. Experts say that many village heads and sarpanches are accused of serious corruption, and no work is completed on time. Apart from this, gender and caste biases are widening and deepening the communication gap in rural society.

Additionally, the level of literacy and awareness among local citizens becomes an obstacle to effective grassroots democracy. Many community members are unaware of their rights and the functions of the Panchayati Raj system, leading to apathy towards local governance. This lack of active participation further weakens the democratic process at the grassroots level.

Finally, social stratification and caste dynamics often affect decision-making capacity within Panchayati Raj Institutions, marginalizing certain groups and impeding inclusive governance. The voices of the most vulnerable sections of society often go unheard, harming the inclusive character of democracy.

In conclusion, while the framework for grassroots democracy exists in India, systemic issues related to resources, political mobilization, awareness, and social structures hinder its effective functioning.

Villages were ruined and cities were built, but neither Gram Swaraj nor the dream city came. At the core of the issue is the failure of grassroots democracy, where the voices of local communities are often marginalized in decision-making processes.

The 74th Constitutional Amendment and the limited effectiveness of Panchayati Raj Institutions have contributed to a lack of autonomy and flexibility that paralyzes urban governments. With inadequate resources and capacity mobilization, city administrations struggle to address the complex urban challenges they face. These overlapping responsibilities have resulted in zero accountability, leaving states mired in bureaucratic red tape and inefficiencies. States often treat local bodies as fiefdoms or vassals, further reducing their ability to function effectively.

Going forward, stakeholders at all levels must work together to untangle the complexities that impede the progress of rural areas.