Panchayat May 2026

Although reservations ensure representation, substantive decision-making often remains with male family members (the "Sarpanch pati" phenomenon) or dominant castes. Gram Sabhas suffer from low participation due to illiteracy, poverty, and fear of reprisal.

The Sarpanch often lacks control over the Panchayat Secretary (a state government employee), who holds budgetary power. At higher tiers, sitting MLAs and MPs frequently dominate Zila Parishads, subverting the elected Panchayat leadership. Panchayat

State governments have been reluctant to fully devolve the 29 subjects listed in the 11th Schedule. Many subjects remain under departmental control. Furthermore, Panchayats depend on state and central transfers for 80-90% of their revenue, as their own tax base (property tax, profession tax) is narrow and poorly collected. Although reservations ensure representation