India, June 15 -- In the last twelve years, India has seen significant transformation and progress in rural India marking a significant phase in the strengthening of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) as effective institutions of self-government. Guided by the vision of building capable, accountable and financially empowered Panchayats, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj has undertaken a series of initiatives that have deepened democratic decentralization, expanded digital governance, strengthened local planning, enhanced fiscal devolution and promoted inclusive development for rural citizens across the country.

A major focus has been on strengthening institutional capacity. Under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), introduced in 2018...