Implementation of Panchayati Raj in Assam: Issues and Challenges

Abstract

The Panchayati Raj system, envisioned as a decentralized framework of governance, plays a critical role in empowering rural communities and promoting participatory democracy in India. In Assam, the implementation of this system has witnessed both structural progress and persistent challenges. This paper seeks to examine the current status and effectiveness of the Panchayati Raj institutions (PRIs) in the state, focusing on their role in rural governance, service delivery, and grassroots development. The research explores the functioning of the three-tier structure, financial and administrative devolution, and the extent of public participation in local decision-making processes. Drawing from both primary and secondary data, the study also identifies major obstacles that impede the optimal functioning of PRIs in Assam, such as lack of adequate funding, political interference, limited autonomy, and capacity constraints among elected representatives. The findings highlight a gap between policy design and ground-level implementation, stressing the need for policy reforms, better accountability mechanisms, and capacity-building measures. The study contributes to the broader discourse on decentralization by offering insights specific to Assam’s socio-political context, and suggests actionable recommendations to strengthen Panchayati Raj governance in the state.