Participation of marginalised sections in Gram Sabha: Rhetoric and reality

The devolution process of democracy to people in the real sense should mean that the ‘Panchayat’ functions as the executive body to give concrete shape to the wishes and aspirations of the village community as represented by the Gram Sabha. The objective of the Panchayati Raj, thus, is to establish a participatory democracy so that at the village level, the Gram Sabha, consisting of all adult residents of the village, should not only deliberate, but also participate in the Gram Panchayat in planning and implementing various programmes for economic development and social justice. On the basis of the experiences derived from the functioning of the Panchayati Raj system over the years it was felt that it needs constitutional backing with main thrust on reservation to marginalized sections and participation of people through Gram Sabha and hence resulted in 73rd Amendment. But inspite of 73rd Amendment there are a number of social hurdles in terms of political space for everyone to participate equally.

A ripple has been created by the spirit of 73rd Constitutional Amendment in terms of reservation of seats and ensuring of regular conduct of Gram Sabha and attendance. This has created counter waves against existing dominant forces in rural areas. A new “social dynamism” is likely to surface if the people actively participate in Gram Sabhas. Reservations for weaker sections at the grass root level built into the system will operationalise only when there is a congenial atmosphere and cooperation among the people. Inspite of the limitations this will help the marginalized sections to move up the ladder in governing their own affairs in the rural areas. Keeping in view of the above facts few recommendations/ suggestions are made in this paper, which will help, in better ensuring of participation of weaker sections in gram sabha. The difficulties of implementation of the provisions of 73rd Amendment should not deter us from finding solutions to make sure that marginalised sections will have their due say in the process of direct democracy.