Panchayati Raj Institutions are primarily the institutions of

Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) are primarily defined as institutions of local self-government in India [3]. Established to build democracy at the grassroots level, they were constitutionalized through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 [2]. These institutions provide rural populations with a measure of self-governance, allowing them to manage local issues and participate directly in development planning [1]. The Supreme Court has also recognized PRIs as "institutions of self-government" following their constitutional recognition. While they operate within a federal framework where 'Local Government' is a state subject under the Seventh Schedule, their core identity is centered on democratic decentralization and empowering local communities to handle their own affairs through elected representatives [2]. This distinguishes them from federal or quasi-government structures, which typically refer to the division of power between central and state levels [1].

Sources

1. [2] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 39: Panchayati Raj > Panchayati Raj > p. 383
2. [3] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 39: Panchayati Raj > Panchayati Raj > p. 383
3. [1] Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 11: Grassroots Democracy — Part 2: Local Government in Rural Areas > Before we move on ... > p. 171