The Ministry of Panchayati Raj released the National Study Report on 'Low Participation in Gram Sabha across States and Union Territories' in New Delhi on June 30, 2026. The report was released by Dr. R. Balasubramaniam, Member of NITI Aayog, in the presence of Secretary Vivek Bhardwaj and other senior officials, academicians, researchers, and Panchayati Raj stakeholders.
The two-volume report was prepared by the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR) to assess factors influencing public participation in Gram Sabha meetings and identify measures to strengthen citizen engagement in grassroots governance. The study represents one of the country's largest field-based assessments of Gram Sabha participation, covering nearly 7,800 respondents across approximately 400 Gram Panchayats in 26 States and Union Territories, including 213 Districts, PESA areas, and Women-Friendly Gram Panchayats.
Dr. Balasubramaniam emphasized that Gram Sabha represents the truest expression of grassroots democracy in India and its vitality determines how effectively governance benefits reach the last mile. He noted that challenges extend beyond low public participation and are deeply rooted in systemic and institutional barriers requiring targeted reforms. The report provides evidence-based insights and a solution-oriented framework that can be adopted across the country, with State/UT-wise analysis of factors affecting participation and best practices from 10 States.
Secretary Vivek Bhardwaj stated that the Ministry will work closely with States/UTs to implement the report's recommendations, making Gram Sabhas more inclusive, participatory and outcome-oriented, particularly for women, youth and marginalized communities. The report aims to strengthen policy frameworks, reinforce institutional mechanisms, and promote meaningful citizen participation in Gram Sabhas as India progresses towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
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