THEBUSINESSBYTE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JUNE 29, 2026
In a significant step towards strengthening grassroots
democracy, NITI Aayog Member Dr. R. Balasubramaniam will release the National
Study Report titled "Low Participation in Gram Sabha Across States and
Union Territories" on June 30 in New Delhi. The report offers an in-depth
assessment of the challenges limiting citizen participation in Gram Sabhas and
outlines evidence-based recommendations to make these village assemblies more
vibrant, inclusive and accountable.
The report will be released in the presence of Vivek
Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, senior government officials,
representatives from the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati
Raj (NIRD&PR), academicians, researchers and other stakeholders associated
with Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Prepared by the NIRD&PR for the Ministry of Panchayati
Raj, the comprehensive study is based on extensive field research involving
nearly 7,790 respondents across around 400 Gram Panchayats in 26 States and Union
Territories. The study also covers PESA areas and women-led Gram Panchayats,
providing a broad perspective on the functioning of Gram Sabhas across diverse
socio-economic and geographical settings.
The report examines multiple factors influencing public
participation in Gram Sabhas, including awareness among citizens, communication
mechanisms, inclusiveness, institutional responsiveness, governance practices,
availability of infrastructure and public perceptions. It seeks to identify
practical interventions that can enhance community engagement and strengthen
participatory local governance.
Envisaged under Article 243A of the Constitution, the Gram
Sabha serves as the foundation of India's democratic decentralisation, enabling
citizens to directly participate in local decision-making. The study
underscores the need to revitalise these institutions by addressing barriers to
participation and promoting greater transparency, accountability and citizen
ownership in rural governance.
The findings are expected to provide valuable policy inputs
for the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and State governments, supporting
institutional reforms and evidence-based strategies to deepen democratic
participation and reinforce the effectiveness of Panchayati Raj Institutions across
rural India.
