• Ramalingappa G Nayak

Panchayatraj is a system of local governance in India that aims to promote democratic participation at the grassroots level. It refers to the system of gram sabhas that traditionally existed in rural India. It was constitutionalized in 1992 through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act. As a result, the concept of Panchayat Raj system can be viewed from various perspectives. From a political, social and economic perspective, as per Schedule 11 to the then Constitution, the Panchayat Raj system was enshrined as a means of democratic decentralization and grassroots political participation. Today it is providing opportunities for local communities to have a say in decision-making processes and take ownership of their own development. A major political benefit of the Panchayat Raj system is that it allows people to elect their representatives and participate in decision-making processes and today's major socio-economic benefits are that it helps promote rural development. And by devolving power to the local level, the system is enabling local communities to take ownership of their own development needs and work together to address them. As a result, today is providing access to basic services such as health, education and sanitation, as well as promoting sustainable rural livelihoods.

Institutional Structure, Village Level, Gram Panchayats, Balwant Roy Mehta Committee, Ashok Mehta Committee, Constitutional Amendment (73rd Amendment) Act.

"Panchayat Raj System Then and Today", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 3, page no.a636-a638, March-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2403086.pdf

"Panchayat Raj System Then and Today", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 3, page no. ppa636-a638, March-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2403086.pdf