Rural Development Through Gram Panchayat in Odisha

Based on an empirical exercise the book analyses the role of Gram Panchayat in rural development in the context of a backward state like Odisha. It documents the experiences of women in local governance and their impact on aspects of rural development. The study notes the significance of women’s participation in Gram Panchayat for accelerating the development process and identifies the deficiencies of the existing system of local administration in rural areas which could be considered for policy options.