Assessing the Role of Panchayati Raj in Social Inclusion and Empowerment of Marginalized Communities in Odisha

Panchayat Raj in Odisha operates as a three-tier decentralized governance system that empowers local communities and promotes grassroots democracy. Established to improve local administration and facilitate participatory development, the system includes three levels: Gram Panchayat (village level), Panchayat Samiti (block level), and Zilla Parishad (district level). Odisha was among the first states in India to adopt the Panchayati Raj system, following the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992, which made Panchayati Raj mandatory across India. The Panchayati Raj system in Odisha, while instrumental in promoting rural development and local governance, faces several challenges that impact its efficiency and effectiveness. In this juncture it is necessary to understand the structural and functional aspect of Panchayat raj in Odisha by taking case study of Kalahandi District