Community participation in Panchayati Raj institutions for sustainable rural and agriculture development

More than 65% of Indian population living in rural areas and majority of them dependent on the agriculture sector for livelihood makes it a priority area for governance. A three-tier structure of government in our country based on the devolution of necessary powers at each level requires effective participation from its subjects i.e., Community. Most of the problems in the contemporary times whether it is sustainability issues, climate change, livelihood, exploitation etc. are prominent in rural areas. The chances of vulnerability get increased and to tackle them a futuristic and visionary approach is required in the form of “Community participation”. The parameters of sustainable development need the proper community participation to meet its desired goals by 2030. Community participation provides a protective shield to the society by helping the authority in the preparation of different plans and policies. Third tier of our government system i.e., Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) holds the key for overall development of the nation. It acts as the assistance in fulfillment of the agendas set up by the experts. If the sustainable development goals are achieved then a well-established community will sustain with the proper management of the resources. How well these PRIs are empowered and delegated with necessary powers to strengthen the grassroots of our economy and culture are discussed in the paper.