The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has announced the release of the National Study Report titled "Low Participation in Gram Sabha Across States and Union Territories," scheduled for June 30, 2026, in New Delhi. The report will be released by Dr. R. Balasubramaniam, Member of NITI Aayog, alongside Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, and other senior officials from the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR).
**Scope and Methodology**
Prepared by NIRD&PR, the report is the result of extensive field research involving approximately 7,790 respondents. The study covered around 400 Gram Panchayats across 26 States and Union Territories, specifically including PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) and women-led Gram Panchayats.
**Key Objectives and Dimensions**
The report examines several critical dimensions influencing citizen engagement in Gram Sabhas, including:
* Awareness levels and communication systems.
* Inclusiveness and institutional responsiveness.
* Governance practices and infrastructure availability.
* Citizen perceptions of local governance.
**Purpose and Constitutional Context**
The primary goal of the study is to identify practical measures and provide evidence-based actionable inputs for policy formulation and institutional strengthening. By addressing the factors affecting citizen participation, the report seeks to reinforce the Gram Sabha—the cornerstone of participatory local governance as envisaged under Article 243A of the Constitution—to foster more accountable and vibrant Panchayati Raj Institutions across rural India.
**Official Reference Data**
* **Release ID:** 2278735
* **Publication Date:** June 29, 2026, 10:10 AM
* **Source:** PIB Delhi, Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Key Entities Referenced
National Study Report on “Low Participation in Gram Sabha Across States and Union Territories”: A comprehensive research document identifying factors affecting citizen engagement and providing actionable recommendations to strengthen participatory democracy in rural India.
Ministry of Panchayati Raj: The nodal ministry responsible for the study's commissioning and the overall governance of Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Article 243A of the Constitution: The constitutional provision that establishes the Gram Sabha as the cornerstone of participatory local governance.
National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR): The research organization that conducted field research across 26 States and Union Territories to prepare the report.
Ministry of Panchayati Raj
National Study Report on “Low Participation in
Gram Sabha Across States and Union Territories”
to be Released on 30th June 2026
Report Highlights Challenges & Pathways to Strengthen
Gram Sabha Participation
प्रव तथ: 29 JUN 2026 10:10AM by PIB Delhi
The National Study Report on "Low Participation in Gram Sabha across States and Union Territories" will
be released on 30th June 2026 in New Delhi by Dr. R. Balasubramaniam, Member, NITI Aayog in the
presence of Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, along with other senior officials
from the Government, NIRD&PR, academicians, researchers, and stakeholders associated with Panchayati
Raj.
The Report has been prepared by NIRD&PR for the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and is based on extensive
field research covering approximately 7,790 respondents across around 400 Gram Panchayats in 26 States
and Union Territories, including PESA and Women-led Gram Panchayats. It examines dimensions
influencing Gram Sabha participation, including awareness levels, communication systems, inclusiveness,
institutional responsiveness, governance practices, infrastructure availability, and citizen perceptions, with
the aim of identifying practical measures for strengthening participatory democracy and grassroots
governance, and providing evidence-based actionable inputs for policy formulation, institutional
strengthening, and enhanced citizen participation in Gram Sabhas. The Gram Sabha, envisaged under
Article 243A of the Constitution, is the cornerstone of participatory local governance. This National
Study Report, seeks to identify the factors affecting citizen participation and recommend measures to
strengthen Gram Sabhas, fostering more vibrant, inclusive, and accountable Panchayati Raj Institutions
across rural India.
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