Post Independence, the system of Panchayati Raj was envisioned to provide efficient self governance to citizens at the grass root level. It was included in the Seventh Schedule as part of the State List in the Constitution of India, with an aim of ensuring political decentralization of power and providing direct democracy to the citizens. They are tasked with economic development, strengthening social justice and implementation of Central and State Govt schemes.

Panchayati Raj system was further strengthened by the 73rd Amendment, 1992 which gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions and had the following main features:-
Strengthened the PRIs by further delegating various administrative and financial powers.
Established a three tier system having elected administrative bodies at village, block & district level.
Abrogation of Article 370 and 35A has given a fresh breath of life to the long neglected Panchayati Raj System in the state. Last one year has seen a revolution in grass root democracy with energetic local leaders driving the winds of change.
A four month intensive training programme for the Panches and Sarpanches has empowered the local leaders to effectively plan, refine and execute small scale development projects with a clear understanding of the needs and aspirations of the villagers. Further, the innovative ‘Back to Village Programme’ launched by the UT Administration has been so successful that there are plans to replicate the model in other parts of the country. The programme is aimed to involve the people and government officials in a joint effort to deliver the mission of equitable development. The programme whose third tranche has recently concluded is aimed at energizing Panchayats and directing development efforts in rural areas through community participation. These steps have led to spread of political literacy and awareness and active participation by the Gram Sabha. Also, delegation of funds to Gram Panchayats under 14 and 15 FC (Financial Commission) has lead to effective implementation of development project at village level.
Mehrajudin Mir, a young sarpanch from Naidhkhai calls it a ‘Life changing experience’. A stone pelter turned village leader, he still remembers the yesteryears when he was too young to understand the politics of violence. Getting into the wrong company had pulled him into darkness from which he was able to return just in time, due to the unwavering efforts of his parents, teachers and village elders.
Winning the election on an independent seat, Mehrajudin has become a beacon of hope and guidance for the youth of the village to emulate. His clear understanding of the requirements of the village, resolute drive to implement development projects along with an in-depth knowledge of the project execution process has helped him in bringing about transformational change in the lives of the villagers.
Arshid Bafanda, sarpanch of Zalpora, who is the youngest sarpanch of the Nowgam block resonates a similar feeling. A graduate from Sumbal Degree College, Arshid has been a sports enthusiast from the very beginning. His realisation of the importance of channelling the energy of the youth in the correct direction has led him on a path of pursuing sustained efforts to develop playing fields and other sports facilities in his halka. For Arshid and the sports loving youth of his village, the developments in the last one year have been nothing short of a dream come true.
Wasim Ah Lone, a young government contractor from Gund Jahangir feels privileged to be part of the development story of his village for the past one year. As per him, earlier, government development projects were marred by lack of transparency, poor quality of work and erratic payment schedules. With the new system in place, the pace of work has accelerated manifold and also provided employment opportunities to the village folk under the MGNREGA scheme.
Moin-udin Wani, a resident of Tengpora is an elderly man in his mid 80’s, having seen the valley slip into the murky waters of militancy, living through tyranny and now seeing his village transiting towards the new light of democratic development, moistens his eyes with tears of happiness. The newly constructed road linking the village to rest of the region has brought in a new era of economic development and prosperity to this long neglected region.
A major impetus is now being given to implement the Central Government Flagship Schemes at the Gram Panchayat level. Implementation of schemes like ‘Atal Pension Yojana’, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gramin Kaushalya Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awaas Yojana, Livestock Insurance Scheme, MGNREGA, Midday Meal Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, etc is set to transform life in the villages in the years to come.
The recent amendment to the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act-1996, to effectively implement the three tier PRI System in the UT is a much awaited step to strengthen grass root self governance by ensuring effectual community participation. With the upcoming DDC elections just around the corner, local leaders and volunteers have taken the initiative to spread awareness among the community about their democratic rights and responsibilities. One can sense the wave of excitement in the population to exercise their right to vote and in anticipation of decentralisation of power which would usher a new era of peace, prosperity and economic development.