INCLUSIVENESS, TRANSPARENCY AND PANCHAYATI RAJ INSTITUTIONS IN MANIPUR: CHALLENGES IN 21st CENTURY RURAL GOVERNANCE

The study examines how Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) act as the foundation of grassroot democracy, emphasizing a liberal, equitable society and good governance. As Decentralization and resource sharing are essential to bring inclusiveness in governance, it is crucial to make local-self government a self-reliant entity. The 73rd constitutional amendment Act 1992 is such an initiative enabling local bodies to function independently with accountability, participatory democracy and gender inclusiveness. While further globalization and neo liberalism reconnect regions and deepen economic integration, they also reshape democratic values by prioritizing market mechanisms resulting in expanded choices for some, but also creating complex challenges for local autonomy and socio-economic equity. Owing to the increasing importance of the digital age, Government initiatives like the e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project under the Digital India Programme are steps towards making local self-government accountable, participatory and transparent. Based on this, the study carries out a comparative analysis of the devolution of power, Inclusiveness and transparency across states of Manipur, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Interpretive research method and content analysis in a qualitative kind are carried out in the study. The gap between policy and implementation is a matter of concern to be looked at. The study outlines the challenges in implementing the provisions of the 73rd Amendment Act in valley districts of Manipur. This research paper adds value to the discussion as it covers the importance of e-governance and digital world in efficient working of PRIs in 21st century. Keywords 73rd Constitutional Amendment, Panchayati Raj Institutions, e-Panchayat Mission, Gender inclusiveness, Good governance.