Panchayati Raj institutions as tool for empowerment at grassroots

Higher GDP rates during the recent years have not helped the larger masses in getting integrated with the process of development. The present pattern of growth has the potential of widening the inequality. If this inequality increases further, social displacement will result and it will be a major obstruction to higher growth. Being closest to the people, the Panchayats and their elected representatives have the feel of the pulse, the sufferings of the people and local conditions. The involvement of Panchayats ensures greater transparency in working and fund utilization than in execution carried out by central or state agency, many a times. It is important that Local governance be brought centre-stage as the principal governance reform to reinforce economic reform in such a manner as to secure inclusive growth. Local self-government, offers this opportunity, as communities, citizens, right from the Gram Level, can participate in the designing of the development in their area. When grass-roots planning processes strikes deep roots, economic empowerment is both strong and sustainable.