PRE-ELECTION AWARENESS OF YOUTH ABOUT PANCHAYATI RAJ INSTITUTIONS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH: A CASE STUDY

The present study examines the level of pre-election awareness among youth regarding Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in Himachal Pradesh, with special reference to Kangra District. A descriptive research design was adopted for the study. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire from randomly selected youth respondents. The study focuses on youth awareness related to the structure, functions, electoral process, and voting rights of Panchayati Raj Institutions prior to election. It also analyses the influence of media exposure, political interest, and local political discussions on the level of pre-election awareness among youth. The study highlights the need for systematic and focused awareness programmes before Panchayati Raj elections to strengthen and informed youth engagement in grassroots democracy.