Abstract
Panchayats in Andhra Pradesh are not only obstructed by a lack of power and resources, the Secretariat system introduced by the State government has been perceived to erode the power of elected representatives in favour of Secretaries who have been appointed to each grampanchayat to look after its day to day affairs. Caste domination and marginalisation of women representatives are other problems afflicting panchayati raj in the State. Moreover, panchayats in A.P. are stymied by parallel structures that have obstructed their functioning, which suggests a need for organic links between the activities of panchayats, committees and the like, through a mobilisation process along the lines advocated by some NGOs. To that end, a VHS (Village Development Sangham) should be set up at the local level, comprising of members of panchayats, village level committees, self help groups, and politically conscious people, with the mandate of prioritising works based on the feelings and aspirations of the people, to be executed by the panchayats. Empowerment of theorem sabha, people's participation and capacity building for elected representatives are some of the other emerging concerns.
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