India, June 25 -- India's democracy draws its real strength from the ground up - from the panchayats and urban local bodies that are constitutionally recognised as the third tier of governance. The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments laid down the vision of self-governing villages and towns, backed by decentralised planning and execution. Yet, decades later, this vision still lacks a functioning administrative structure to support local elected bodies in delivering development effectively.

Across the country today, gram panchayats (GPs) are implementing major national schemes like MGNREGA, Swachh Bharat Mission, Jal Jeevan Mission, PM Awas Yojana-Gramin, and the National Rural Livelihoods Mission. Together, these account for public e...