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Synopsis Panchayats evolved I ancient India and is one of the oldest democratic systems still in use today. Its roots lie in the village council which was later refined to accommodate, on occasions, written constitution for the village. The panchayat acts as a conduit between the local government and the people. Decisions are taken by a majority vote, and are generally welcomed by the villagers. It is said that in such a system, each villager can voice his opinion in the governance of his village. Panchayat Raj system established a linkage between local leadership enjoying confidence of local people and the government, and translate the policies of the government into action. It plays an important role for rural development in general and especially upliftment of down-trodden people in rural areas. In this book, an attempt was made to examine the specific role being played by the Panchayati Raj institutions for overall development of rural areas. The nature of relationship of the Panchayati Raj with the elected body, the law and order officials and the state level departmental hierarchy and political parties etc., are also examined in this book.