Problems and Challenges of Indian Rural Local Governments in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals: An Analysis of the Viable Perspectives

Abstract

Indian democracy has noble features of decentralization, devolution, and de-concentration. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (CAA) of the early 1990s is a landmark for democratic decentralization which accorded constitutional status to Panchayati Raj or Local Governance system within the country. Wherein Gram Panchayat (village level) is the basic unit of grassroots governance, Panchayat Samiti (block level) at the middle level and Zila Parishad (district level) is the highest level of local administration. With 73rd CAA, 29 functional items were put under Panchayats, relating to Sustainable Development Goals, such as Poverty Alleviation, Zero Hunger, Good Health & Well-being, Quality education, Gender equality, Clean water and Sanitation, Clean energy etc. The UNDP identifies Local Governments as vital partners in implementation. This paper analyzes the major challenges of Indian rural local government in achieving the sustainable development goals and examines its viable perspectives. The research methodology followed is descriptive research with narrative and qualitative analysis. The findings indicate significant challenges in attaining the SDGs in rural India and limited resources with rural local governments like. The silver lining, however, lies with the government willingness to translate the digital gains into productive information, mass awareness creation, and push for greater effective role of women the local governance.