Answer:

With the constitutional mandates deriving from the 73rd amendment the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) are key pillars of democratic governance in India. In more than two decades of their existence the PRIs have some impressive achievements along with unrealized potential seen as their failure.

Success:

♤ Number of elected Representatives: with nearly 3 million elected representatives at the village, intermediate and district level, the PRIs have enhanced representation

♤ Empowerment of women: A constitutional mandate of 33% reservation for women has yielded excellent results. Many states have provided for 50 percent reservation for women. Female PRI leaders are more likely to focus on issues pertinent to women.

♤ Political representation at the grassroots level for marginalized: This is the only level of government, where SC/ST candidates have a genuine voice in governance. Reports suggest that SC Sarpanchs are more likely to invest in public goods in SC hamlets.