People as Partners in Panchayti Raj & Development: An Analysis of Attitude and Awareness

Abstract

Despite participatory development process envisaged in the Directive Principle of State Policy and 73rd amendment and enactment of Bihar Panchayati Raj Act 2006 giving sweeping power to panchayat, peoples participation in the governance process and development has not yet been institutionalized. The development projects are non-participatory baring few elites and powerful. The reason for this is mainly people are not aware about the provision of Panchayati Raj and peoples participation. Even though some people are aware, but they fear backlash from the elected representatives and elites. Gramsabha and panchayat meetings are mere formalities and most of the times their proceedings are recorded without their actual occurrence. The government seems apathetic to transfer the real power: fund, functions, and functionaries. This causes wastage of resources. Most of the people have very favorable attitude on participation and volunteering in development process. So there is a need for integrated and concerted action to strengthen the peoples participation on the part of the state.

Keywords: Panchayti Raj, Peoples Participation, Development, Awareness, Attitude

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