| Abstract: | The success of rural development programmes depends significantly upon the effectiveness of local governance institutions responsible for their implementation. The Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G), launched in 2016 with the objective of providing pucca houses to eligible rural households, relies extensively on decentralized administrative structures for beneficiary identification, implementation monitoring, grievance redressal, and community participation. Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), particularly Gram Sabhas and Gram Panchayats, occupy a central position in the governance architecture of the programme. Their involvement reflects broader constitutional commitments to democratic decentralization and participatory development following the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992. This paper examines the role of local governance institutions in the implementation of PMAY-G with particular emphasis on beneficiary selection, social accountability, programme monitoring, and service delivery outcomes. Drawing upon theories of decentralization, participatory governance, and local self-government, the study adopts a qualitative and analytical approach based on secondary sources including government reports, policy documents, audit reports, and scholarly literature. The paper argues that local governance institutions serve as critical intermediaries between the state and rural citizens, enhancing programme legitimacy, transparency, and responsiveness. The study finds that Gram Sabhas and Panchayats contribute significantly to beneficiary verification, grievance resolution, and community monitoring. However, their effectiveness is often constrained by administrative capacity limitations, political interference, resource shortages, and socio-economic inequalities. The paper concludes that strengthening local governance institutions is essential for improving the effectiveness and inclusiveness of PMAY-G and for advancing broader objectives of democratic decentralization and rural development. |
| Keywords: | PMAY-G, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Local Governance, Decentralization, Rural Housing, Gram Sabha, Participatory Governance, Rural Development. |
