Yes and no: On the erosion of India’s grassroots democracy

A new report highlights the erosion of India's grassroots democracy, particularly concerning Gram Sabhas. It notes 'participation fatigue' among citizens due to a lack of outcomes and systemic issues like precarious rural labor. Despite the 73rd Amendment empowering Gram Sabhas, they are often reduced to clearinghouses for central/state schemes, with solutions like the NIRNAY app failing to address fundamental issues. Panchayats face fiscal constraints, dependent on central grants tied to national priorities (e.g., Jal Jeevan Mission, Swachh Bharat), limiting local autonomy. The PESA Act, which grants Gram Sabhas prior informed consent for land acquisition and mining in Scheduled Areas, is frequently bypassed, as seen in protests like Hasdeo Arand.