The idea of Panchayati Raj System in India have taken from India’s indigenous grievance redressal system and problem solving system within the community, it has been known as PANCH.
Surprisingly, more than 20 years already passed after giving constitutional validity to Panchayati Raj System It has not implemented even 50 % percent of its ideas at ground.
Today I got a chance to talk with a Srapanch (Village head) from one of the panchayat of Haryana. His words astonished me.
He told ” Sir Ye jo panchayati raj system hai ise to khatam hi kar dena chahiye, pahle ham apne gao me bahot mel jol se rahte the, panchayat raj system ke wajah se hamara gao gandi rajneeti ka shikar ho raha hai”
The essence of his words talk about “Political Freedom” of Panchayat which is one of the core idea of Panchayati Raj System. Political freedom of Panchayat is also an important part of Gandhi’s advocacy of Swaraj. Intervention of political parties in Panchayati Raj System may dilute the objective of Panchayati Raj System and create an obstacle in order to achieve Gandhi’s Swaraj.