Strengthening Democracy at the  Grassroots Level: The role of  Panchayati Raj Institutions in Himachal Pradesh

Author(s)	Ms. Vanya Thakur, Anna Nath Ganguly
Country	India
Abstract	Democracy thrives when its foundations are robust, inclusive, and participatory. Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in Himachal Pradesh play a pivotal role in deepening democratic governance at the grassroots level by enabling local self-governance and empowering communities. This paper examines the role of PRIs in strengthening democracy by evaluating their institutional framework, functioning, and impact on governance and development in the state. It highlights how these institutions promote participatory decision-making, accountability, and social inclusion, particularly in the context of marginalized groups such as women and Scheduled Castes and Tribes. The study also assesses key challenges, including financial constraints, bureaucratic interference, and political dynamics, which influence the effectiveness of PRIs. Through an analysis of policy interventions, best practices, and empirical evidence, this paper offers insights into how PRIs can be further strengthened to enhance democratic governance and grassroots development in Himachal Pradesh.
Keywords	Panchayati Raj Institutions, grassroots Democracy, local governance, citizen participation, Himachal Pradesh, Rural Development.
Field	Arts
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 2, March-April 2025
Published On	2025-03-26
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i02.39789
Short DOI	https://doi.org/g892ps

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International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research