Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI)

1. Panchayati Raj – Definition
   Panchayati Raj is a system of decentralised local self-government in rural areas.
2. Objective of Panchayati Raj
   It empowers rural communities for participatory planning and development.
3. Three-Tier Structure
   Gram Panchayat at the village, Panchayat Samiti at the block, and Zilla Parishad at the district level.
4. Gram Sabha
   Gram Sabha consists of all adult members of a village and acts as a deliberative body.
5. Gram Panchayat
   Gram Panchayat executes development schemes and manages local resources at the village level.
6. Panchayat Samiti
   Panchayat Samiti coordinates development activities at the block level.
7. Zilla Parishad
   Zilla Parishad supervises and coordinates development activities at the district level.
8. Constitutional Provisions
   Article 243 of the Constitution provides a legal framework for Panchayati Raj.
9. 73rd Constitutional Amendment
   The amendment (1992) empowered PRIs with elected bodies, functional autonomy, and funds.
10. Reservation in PRIs
    Seats are reserved for SCs, STs, and women to ensure inclusivity.
11. Functions of PRIs
    PRIs implement poverty alleviation, health, education, water supply, and infrastructure projects.
12. Revenue Sources
    PRIs mobilise funds through taxes, grants, and government schemes.
13. Panchayat Secretary
    The secretary facilitates administration, record-keeping, and execution of schemes.
14. Planning at the Village Level
    Participatory planning ensures local priorities are reflected in development programmes.
15. Social Audit
    Social audits promote transparency and accountability in implementation.
16. Capacity Building
    Training elected representatives improves governance and service delivery.
17. Role in Rural Employment
    PRIs implement employment generation programmes like MGNREGA.
18. Role in Watershed Development
    PRIs facilitate soil and water conservation projects.
19. PRIs and Women’s Empowerment
    Women’s participation ensures gender-sensitive planning and decision-making.
20. PRIs and Poverty Alleviation
    They implement targeted schemes for marginalised communities.
21. Monitoring and Evaluation
    PRIs monitor local projects and report to higher authorities.
22. Challenges in PRIs
    Lack of funds, trained personnel, and political interference limit effectiveness.
23. E-Governance in PRIs
    Digital tools enhance transparency, planning, and service delivery.
24. PRIs and NABARD
    NABARD supports PRIs through capacity building, credit linkage, and project financing.
25. Significance in Rural Development
    PRIs are crucial for decentralised planning, participatory governance, and inclusive growth.