The Paradox of Democratic Decentralisation in India: Constitutional Promises, Institutional Autonomy, and Women's Political Agency in Panchayati Raj

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, gave Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) constitutional recognition and created a framework for elected rural local government. It provided for regular elections, representation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and reservation of seats and chairperson positions for women. Yet constitutional recognition does not automatically ensure that Panchayats can govern independently. Their authority depends on the extent to which states transfer functions, finances and functionaries, and on whether participatory institutions such as the Gram Sabha work effectively. Women’s reservation has widened access to elected office, but representation alone does not guarantee that elected women can exercise authority independently. Drawing on constitutional provisions, government reports, parliamentary material and academic studies, this paper examines these connected gaps. It argues that the 73rd Amendment established an important democratic framework, while the extent of its substantive outcomes continues to depend on state-level implementation, institutional capacity and local social relations. Meaningful decentralisation therefore requires both stronger local institutions and conditions that enable elected women to exercise their mandate.