Grassroots Democracy Part 1,2,3 explains how democracy empowers people through Governance, Panchayati Raj, and Urban Local Bodies. It describes the structure, functions, and roles of each body to ensure fair participation and accountability at every level of democracy.
These parts together strengthen the democratic foundation of India by promoting citizen involvement and local self-government.
Democracy is a system of government where the power to make decisions lies with the people. It means "rule by the people," where citizens have the right to vote and choose their leaders. In a democracy, everyone has equal rights and freedom to express their opinions.
People can participate in making laws and decisions either directly or by electing representatives. This system ensures fairness, accountability, and protects basic human rights. Democracy is important because it gives people a say in how their country is run and helps keep leaders responsible to the citizens.
Democracy has three main parts, namely, Governance, Panchayati Raj, and Urban Local Bodies.
1. Governance means the process of decision-making and organizing society. It has three organs — the Legislature (makes laws), the Executive (implements laws), and the Judiciary (delivers justice).
2. Panchayati Raj Institutions represent local self-government at the rural level. Their main functions include village development, education, health, and resolving local disputes.
3. Urban Local Bodies operate in towns and cities, such as Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and Nagar Panchayats, which manage urban administration, sanitation, water supply, and other basic civic services.
The role of grassroots democracy is to give power to the people so they can choose their leaders and make decisions together. It helps protect everyone’s rights and freedoms. Given below are some important roles and responsibilities of grassroots democracy: