The Performance of Tribal Sarpanches in Andhra Pradesh

Book excerpt: The local administration system in India has a vast history, extending from the ancient and medieval periods today. The local government system was, however, formally launched in 1882 by Lord Rippon, and is popularly known as Magna Carta. Article 40 of the Indian constitution states the directive principles of state policy and the importance of local government administration to the functioning of Indian democracy. The government of India has appointed several committees to focus on the functioning and restructuring of Panchayat Raj bodies, including the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act and the Burya committee recommendations, which gave importance to political reservation for the Scheduled Tribes in Panchayat Raj bodies. The PESA Act paved the way for the political empowerment of Scheduled Tribes in Panchayat raj systems, allowing them the opportunity to utilise various politico-administrative powers and functions. This book explores the role and performance of Scheduled Tribe Sarpanches in Panchayat Raj local bodies in the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh. It sheds light on the development of, and welfare activities undertaken by, the Sarpanches. Further, this book also reveals the utilization of powers, functions and grants by the Tribal Sarpanches, giving a vivid picture of the decision-making style of Scheduled Tribal Sarpanches at the grassroots level of the Panchayat Raj system.