Comparative Analysis of Gram Panchayat Pradhan's Participation In Child Care Services in Lucknow And Bahraich Districts of Uttar Pradesh: A Non-Parametric Approach

This study examines the comparative engagement of Gram Panchayat Pradhans (GPPs) in child care service delivery across the districts of Lucknow and Bahraich in Uttar Pradesh, India. Utilizing data from frontline health workers—ANMs, ASHAs, and AWWs—and applying the Mann-Whitney U Test, the paper evaluates GPP participation in VHSNC activities, maternal and child health (MCH) discussions, and service monitoring efforts. Results indicate statistically significant differences across several domains, with GPPs in Lucknow showing higher engagement, particularly in organizing cleanliness drives and participating in budget-making. These findings point toward systemic disparities in PRI functioning and call for targeted policy interventions and capacity-building measures in lagging regions like Bahraich. The paper concludes with implications for decentralized health governance and offers evidence-based recommendations for strengthening grassroots participation.