Teesri Sarkar -The Beating Heart of our Democracy

The Panchayati Raj system has been a transformative force for grassroots democracy in India. As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the 73rd Amendment Act, which established this system, it's essential to acknowledge its impact on local communities and explore ways to make it even more effective.

Under Jawaharlal Nehru's leadership, the Panchayati Raj System was introduced in Rajasthan in 1959, and it was formally recognized through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment on April 24, 1993. Currently, India has a total of 2.51 lakh Panchayats, which includes 2.39 lakh Gram Panchayats, 6904 Block Panchayats, and 589 District Panchayats, according to recent data. These Panchayats are supported by more than 29 lakh representatives who work towards the development and welfare of their respective areas.

On National Panchayati Raj Day, it is noted that the Indian government has introduced several schemes to strengthen grassroots democracy, including the eGramSwaraj tool which promotes transparency in Panchayati Raj institutions. The application is being used by 100% of the country, with over 2.3 lakh GPs and Traditional Local Bodies utilizing it for online payments. Additionally, integration with Government eMarketplace aims to help rural economies.

One of the critical issues that need to be addressed is the financial freedom of Gram Panchayats. The system's success largely depends on ensuring these local bodies have the necessary resources to implement development projects effectively. Therefore, there is a need to explore new avenues of financing and increase the transparency of budgetary allocations. 

Today on National Panchayati Raj Day: PM Narendra Modi integrates eGramSwaraj-GeM to boost the rural economy is an essential step towards the objective. eGramSwaraj is a digital platform introduced by the Government of India to strengthen grassroots level democracy by empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions. It operates as a single window solution for all day-to-day functioning of the Panchayats, from planning to online payments. 

The Panchayati Raj system is a crucial aspect of India's journey towards sovereignty, especially as we commemorate the Aazadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, which marks 75 years of India's independence, it's important to reflect on the Panchayati Raj system's role in decolonizing the Indian mindset.  British rule had centralized decision-making processes, and the Panchayati Raj system's decentralization of power has enabled local communities to have more agency in their development. This, in turn, has enhanced their sense of ownership and accountability, marking a significant step towards building a more democratic and self-reliant India.

The triumph of Mendha Lekha village in Maharashtra exemplifies the power of Panchayati Raj in promoting community-driven conservation efforts. As the first village in India to assert their community forest rights under the Forest Rights Act in 2005, Mendha Lekha's village council leveraged the authority granted to them by the Panchayati Raj system to oversee and safeguard their forests, yielding improved conservation outcomes and enhanced financial prospects for the residents.

Furthermore, the Panchayati Raj system promotes inclusive democracy, aligning with the vision of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, and Sabka Vishwas." It ensures equal representation of all sections of society and provides a platform for their voices to be heard. However, there is still a need to increase the participation of women and marginalized groups in local governance to ensure their equal representation in decision-making processes. This will further strengthen the sense of ownership and accountability among local communities and create a more inclusive and democratic society.

With India having the highest youth population in the world, the active participation of young people in local governance is critical for the system's success. By creating platforms for youth engagement in the development process and providing them with opportunities to voice their concerns and participate in decision-making processes, we can ensure that the Panchayati Raj system remains an effective mechanism for promoting inclusive and democratic governance in India. This will not only help in enhancing the sense of ownership and accountability but also strengthen the foundation for building a better future for all Indians.

Bal Sabhas are an important platforms to promote inclusive democracy for children. They provide a platform for children to voice their opinions and concerns, enabling them to participate in the decision-making process at the local level. UNICEF India has been working towards creating Bal Sabhas or Children's Assemblies in villages across India to promote child participation in decision-making processes.

Having worked with Transform Rural India Foundation for building capacity of Ministry of Panchayati Raj , I've observed the profound changes that local democracy can bring to rural societies. Working with Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, and Zilla Parishads, we have empowered local communities to participate in decision-making processes, further enhancing our understanding of the system. However, there is still more to be done to build better democracy on the ground, including increasing the participation of marginalized groups and building capacity for policy implementation. I'm committed to promoting grassroots democracy and inclusive governance in India.

"The voice of the people may be said to be God's voice, the voice of the Panchayat." -Mahatma Gandhi

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