Impact of Panchayat Raj Institutions in Rural Development

Respecting the chronology, the author has given a clear description about historical roots of the local self-government in India from Vedic Period to present era of decentralization. He has given the reader a bird¿s eye view of the local self-government during Vedic age, Epic era, ancient period, medieval period, British period and post-Independence period. Having done this, he proceeds to discuss in some detail the working and impact of Panchayat Raj Institutions in Rural Development through a comparative study in the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. This volume is a masterly exposition of the most important Institutional and Constitutional recommendations of Balwnat Rai Mehta Committee, Ashok Mehta Committee, 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts. It traces the evolution of Panchayat Raj system in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and analyses the working of Panchayat Raj Institutions, implementation of various development programmes and the role of people¿s representatives in decision-making process.