COMPUTATIONAL ANALYSIS OF ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES’ PARTICIPATION IN GRAMA SABHA: A KARNATAKA STUDY

The Grama Sabha represents a foundational mechanism of participatory democracy within India’s Panchayati Raj framework, enabling direct interaction between citizens and elected representatives in local governance. While its constitutional mandate underscores inclusive deliberation and accountability, empirical evidence on the nature and depth of elected representatives’ participation remains limited. This study undertakes a computational analysis of participation patterns of elected representatives in Grama Sabha meetings across Gram Panchayats in Karnataka. Primary data were collected through a structured survey administered to 384 elected representatives, capturing participation across sixteen analytically defined dimensions, including attendance regularity, procedural awareness, agenda engagement, financial oversight, grievance handling, inclusiveness, conflict management, and post-meeting follow-up. Quantitative and descriptive analytical techniques were employed to identify participation trends and performance differentials across dimensions. The findings indicate relatively strong engagement in terms of attendance and awareness of institutional roles, while revealing notable deficiencies in inclusive consultation practices, conflict resolution, and systematic monitoring of resolutions. By integrating computational techniques with participatory governance analysis, the study contributes empirical insights into the functioning of Grama Sabhas and highlights critical areas for institutional strengthening. The paper concludes with policy-oriented recommendations aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of Grama Sabhas as instruments of grassroots democracy in Karnataka.