Political Mobilisation and Panchayati Raj Institutions

Panchayati Raj Institutions at grass roots level have been playing a pivotal role in realizing rural development in general and especially upliftment of downtrodden people in rural areas. Panchayati Raj system establishes a linkage between local people and the government and translates the policies of the government into action. In this study, an attempt has been made to examine the role being played by the Panchayati Raj Institutions for overall rural development, and their impact on politicization, socialization and mobilization of rural masses. It seeks to study the factors such as groupism, factionalism, caste, class, elections etc., responsible for influencing political mobilization at grass roots level and to examine linkages between grass roots level politicians, state level politicians, and central level politicians, bureaucrats, police personnel, and their impact on the development of rural society. In the end, measures are suggested for further strengthening political mobilization at grass roots level.