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The volume has numerous articles exploring the role and functioning of the panchayats in India and the effort to build model villages through rural development and addressing of concerns of rural areas. With case studies that include study of tribal areas and field experiences, it presents model gram panchayats and their role in building of model villages with reference to different states. In this context, it recognises and expands on microenterprise development and rural entrepreneurship as vital factors for development. It deals with communication of education as in Ngaaland, development of Bilaspur, Haryana as a model village through sanitation and the first legally literate panchayat in Cheriyanad, Tamil Nadu. It points out that much of the development of panchayats and model villages has happened due to planning from below, devolution of funds and functionaries, self-generation and productive usage of resources, and community participation in programmes.