LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND INSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGES: ANALYZING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PANCHAYATI RAJ IN ASSAM

AUTHORS – JHORNA BORUAH* & DR. S. JAMES**

* PHD RESEARCH SCHOLAR, DEPARTMENT OF LAW, MANIPUR INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, IMPHAL, MANIPUR-795140, INDIA    

** PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF LAW, MANIPUR INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, IMPHAL, MANIPUR-795140, INDIA

BEST CITATION – JHORNA BORUAH & DR. S. JAMES, LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND INSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGES: ANALYZING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PANCHAYATI RAJ IN ASSAM, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (1) OF 2025, PG. 1364-1372, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

ABSTRACT

The Panchayati Raj system in India represents a vital mechanism for decentralized governance, aiming to empower local self-governments in rural areas. This paper critically analyzes the legal framework and institutional challenges affecting the effectiveness of the Panchayati Raj system in Assam. Despite constitutional provisions and legislative measures designed to enhance local governance, the implementation in Assam reveals significant barriers, including bureaucratic inefficiencies, inadequate financial resources, and socio-political dynamics that undermine local autonomy. Through qualitative analysis and case studies, this research explores the interplay between legal mandates and ground realities, emphasizing the experiences of local leaders and community members. The findings indicate that while the legal framework provides a comprehensive blueprint for decentralization, institutional weaknesses impede the realization of its goals. This paper advocates for strategic reforms to strengthen legal provisions and institutional capacities, thereby enhancing the efficacy of the Panchayati Raj system in Assam and promoting sustainable rural development.    

Given the vital importance of local governance in deploying health interventions and mobilizing community resources, the study critically analyses how effectively Panchayati Raj institutions respond to health emergencies. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative data on health indicators with qualitative insights from local leaders and community health workers. The findings highlight significant strengths and weaknesses within the framework of local health governance, revealing that while Panchayati Raj institutions can facilitate grassroots initiatives and community engagement, systemic issues such as inadequate funding, lack of training, and poor coordination with state health authorities hinder optimal responses. This paper ultimately calls for enhanced capacity-building measures and redefined roles within the Panchayati Raj framework to improve public health outcomes in Assam, ensuring that local governance becomes a proactive force in health crisis management.

Keywords: Panchayati Raj, Public Health, Local Governance, Health Crises, Capacity Building, force.