LOW PARTICIPATION IN GRAM SABHA MEETINGS

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj released a National Study Report (30 June 2026) on low participation in Gram Sabha meetings, identifying factors such as livelihood constraints, weak awareness, poor communication, limited grievance responsiveness, and absence of officials. The report also notes gender‑specific barriers like household duties, social hesitation and male dominance. To address these issues, the Ministry has issued advisories and launched several initiatives: the Revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) for capacity‑building of elected representatives, the Shashkta Panchayat Netri Abhiyan training module for women representatives, the Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS) in schools, and the People’s Plan Campaign for participatory planning. Digital tools under the e‑Panchayat Mission Mode Project – eGramSwaraj and Panchayat NIRNAY – are being deployed to improve transparency and management of Gram Sabha meetings. The information was provided by Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh in a Lok Sabha reply on 11 August 2026.