Role of Gram Panchayat in COVID pandemic: Some highlights from Haryana

Abstract

This paper explores the role of Gram Panchayats, a form of local self-government, in addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in Haryana, India. Local self-government involves empowering grassroots leaders through democratic decentralization, enabling local experts to oversee and manage targeted relief and development initiatives for the community, including areas such as education, welfare, and security. The paper emphasizes the importance of effective local environmental management, particularly in dealing with natural resources. It also discusses the steps taken by Gram Panchayats in Haryana during the COVID-19 pandemic.