Describe the major problems & challenges faced by the local self governments.

The real power and success of local self-governments lay in their extensive reach and decentralisation of authority. However, this very feature of the local governments has led to serious problems:

1. Since Panchayati Raj is a state subject, the onus of demarcation and sharing of power with local governments falls on the state. Different states have different operating mechanism for the same, hence, there is a lack of clear demarcation of powers between the state and local governments.

2. Again, since the finances of Panchayati Raj is controlled by state governments, the allocation of funds is often a matter of dispute and tension. The funds are often fewer than needs, and this leads to lack of development activities.

3. At the local level, the role played by religion, class and caste in politics gets ruefully amplified. This leads to imminent divisions between people and social tensions are often high. In many areas where Panchayats double as pseudo-judicial bodies, these divisions can often lead to reckless judgments. E.g., honour killing etc.

4. While the main of local governments was to strengthen democracy, it is often observed that local level elected officials are poorly accountable to people. These individuals tend to amass power and work in tandem with local goons and other nefarious elements, thereby using the power vested in them, to self-fulfilling ends.