The seventy-third Constitutional Amendment Act is a landmark in Indian political development, providing for devolution of powers to the people. It envisages the establishment of a uniform three-tier system of strong, viable and responsive Rural Local Governance institutions at village, intermediate and district levels. Article 243(G) of the Indian Constitution recognizes Panchayats as institutions of self-government, with the twin primary responsibilities of promoting economic growth and ensuring social justice. Panchayati Raj, as a system of governance at the grassroot level in rural India,...