Introduction Political factionalism in rural society refers to the division of a community into rival groups or factions based on political allegiance, caste, kinship, religion, or local interests. It is a widespread phenomenon in rural India, where social and political life are deeply intertwined. Unlike urban politics, which often revolves around ideological or party-based competition, … Read more
Introduction on Characteristics of Indian Village Community The Indian village community has always been the cornerstone of Indian civilization, culture, and social life. Nearly two-thirds of India’s population still resides in villages, making them an integral part of the country’s social structure. Sociologists such as M.N. Srinivas, A.R. Desai, and D.N. Majumdar have extensively studied … Read more
Introduction on Gram Sabha to Sammaan The landscape of rural India has been historically defined by a rigid social hierarchy, where power, resources, and voice were concentrated in the hands of a few dominant castes and classes. The constitutionalization of the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) through the 73rd Amendment Act of 1992 was not merely … Read more
Introduction on Panchayati Raj Institutions: 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 stands as one of the most radical pieces of legislation in the history of independent India. On the surface, it is a legal document that provided constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), mandating a three-tier system of … Read more
Introduction of Panchayati Raj Institutions The introduction of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India through the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee report of 1957 and its subsequent adoption, starting with Rajasthan on October 2, 1959, is often narrated as a political and administrative event—the decentralization of power. However, to view it merely through this lens is … Read more
Introduction The village Panchayat is one of the oldest forms of local self-governance in India, deeply rooted in the country’s socio-political history. Functioning as a decentralized administrative body, the Panchayat system has played a crucial role in maintaining social order, resolving disputes, and ensuring community welfare in rural India. From ancient times to the present, … Read more
Introduction Democratic decentralisation refers to the transfer of political, administrative, and financial powers from the central government to local self-governing institutions. This decentralized form of government is exemplified in India’s Panchayati Raj system, which gives rural populations the ability to take part in decision-making. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992) institutionalised Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) … Read more