“Village development is not possible without Panchayati Raj”. Give your opinion.

Rural development is not possible without Panchayati Raj because

1. Rural communities are often COMPLEX and have their own sets of rules and customs, which a central or state government cannot understand. Local communities might operate under certain social codes, and be reluctant to give up their ideals. Panchayati Raj helps to alter/reconstruct policies of development proposed at the central level to meet the local needs.

2. Panchayati Raj is the level of government that is CLOSEST TO THE PEOPLE. It is the tier of the government that people can approach most easily for a solution to their grievances. Hence, it is the tier that involves people most directly. Development of Panchayati Raj is essential for strengthening democracy and involving people in decision making, thereby making them responsible citizens and gives them a fair voice.

3. Panchayats can make the best use of local knowledge and have the best idea for the allocation of funds to specific programs. They can set the agenda for development in their village, based on the specific requirements of the community, thus making better use of economic resources allocated to their area.