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Research Paper | Political Science | Volume 15 Issue 1, January 2026 | Pages: 1308 - 1314 | India
Reviving Gram Sabhas for Youth Engagement in Rural Development of Amritsar
Abstract: The Gram Sabha is the cornerstone of India?s decentralized governance model introduced under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act and reinforced through the Punjab Panchayati Raj Act. Intended as a platform for participatory democracy, transparency, and inclusive development planning, it provides an institutional space for citizens to shape local policies and monitor their implementation. Despite this vision, Gram Sabhas across Punjab- particularly in Amritsar district- have not achieved their potential as vibrant participatory bodies. The participation of youth, who represent a substantial demographic in rural Amritsar, remains particularly low, limiting their influence in shaping rural development agendas. This study focuses on reviving Gram Sabhas in Amritsar by emphasizing youth engagement as a central lever for rural transformation. Drawing on constitutional mandates, government records, secondary data, and case examples, this paper examines how Gram Sabhas currently function, identifies systemic barriers to youth involvement, and suggests interventions to integrate institutional reforms, digital technologies, and capacity-building initiatives. By linking youth clubs, digital governance tools, and community-based leadership training, we present a structured framework that can transform Gram Sabhas into dynamic engines for rural growth. The findings contribute to strengthening participatory democracy and highlight actionable recommendations for local governance bodies, development practitioners, and policymakers to empower youth-led development in Amritsar?s rural areas.
Keywords: Gram Sabha, Decentralized Governance, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Digital Governance, Community Leadership
How to Cite?: Sharanjit Kaur, "Reviving Gram Sabhas for Youth Engagement in Rural Development of Amritsar", Volume 15 Issue 1, January 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1308-1314, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26121210506, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26121210506