• G.MOHAN
• Dr. PRAMEELA MARGARET

Grassroots governance plays a pivotal role in ensuring inclusive development and effective delivery of welfare schemes. In this context, the Government of Andhra Pradesh introduced the Grama/Ward Sachivalayam system as a unique model of decentralized administration. This study seeks to trace the genesis of the Grama Sachivalayam, analyze its organizational structure, examine the challenges in its implementation, and suggest measures for its effective functioning. The system has established 11,158 village secretariats and 3,786 ward secretariats, engaging 1.26 lakh employees along with 2.8 lakh village/ward volunteers across the state. By bridging the gap between government and citizens, the initiative has particularly benefited marginalized and below-poverty-line communities, including those in tribal regions, by ensuring timely access to welfare and development programmes. The findings highlight that village volunteers have become a crucial link in disseminating information and facilitating the application process for schemes. Overall, the Grama Sachivalayam has emerged as an innovative model of service delivery and citizen-centric governance at the grassroots level, with strong potential for replication across India.

Grama Sachivalayam, Panchayat Secretary, Welfare and Development Programmes, Grama Swaraj, Grassroots Governance

"Grassroots Governance in Andhra Pradesh: A Study of the Village Secretariat System", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 9, page no.e698-e703, September-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2509482.pdf

"Grassroots Governance in Andhra Pradesh: A Study of the Village Secretariat System", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 9, page no. ppe698-e703, September-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2509482.pdf