Participation Of Villagers Research Articles

Abstract 17: The Effectiveness of a Community Health Worker-Led Intensive Blood Pressure Intervention on Stroke

Background: Hypertension is the most important modifiable risk factor for stroke, a leading cause of death in China. Despite national efforts, stroke incidence and mortality rates remain high in China, with significant urban-rural disparities. Objectives: We aimed to examine the effectiveness of non-physician health worker-led antihypertensive interventions on the risk of stroke in rural China. Methods: We included 33,995 hypertensive participants from 326 villages in rural China using 48-month follow-up data from the China Rural Hypertension Control Project (CRHCP). In the CRHCP trial, non-physician healthcare workers initiated and titrated antihypertensive medications using a simple stepped-care protocol recommended by clinical guidelines. The primary outcome was total stroke during the 48-month follow-up period. Secondary outcomes included fatal and nonfatal strokes. We conducted a secondary analysis adjusted for pre-defined baseline covariates to examine the robustness of the intervention effect on stroke. Safety outcomes were also assessed at 48 months. Results: During a median of 48.2 months of follow-up, 1,151 strokes (1.7% yearly rate) occurred in participants in intervention villages compared to 1,484 strokes (2.4% yearly rate) in participants in usual care villages. The non-physician health worker-led intervention reduced stroke by 28% (hazard ratio = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.67, 0.77) in intervention compared to usual care participants. Similar reductions were also observed for fatal (hazard ratio = 0.74; 95% CI 0.63, 0.87) and nonfatal stroke (hazard ratio = 0.71; 95% CI 0.66, 0.78). Participants in intervention villages had a significantly lower rate of hospitalizations and deaths compared to usual care participants (risk ratio = 0.94; 95% CI 0.91, 0.98). There were no significant differences in rates of injurious falls, symptomatic hypotension, or syncope between the intervention and usual care villages. Conclusion: This study shows that a nonphysician health worker-led intensive BP control was effective at reducing stroke among rural residents in China. The non-physician community health worker-led intervention should be scaled up in China and other low- and middle-income countries to reduce the burden of stroke.

Research on the Development Logic and Sustainable Transformation Path of Suburban Villages from the Perspective of Relational Turn: A Case Study of Panlongling Village

Against the backdrop of urban–rural element flow and rural transformational development in China, suburban villages, as frontier zones connecting cities and rural areas, are pivotal in promoting urban–rural integration and fostering sustainable growth. This study takes Panlongling Village in China as a case study, utilizing theoretical methods from the perspective of the relational turn in geography to analyze the relational logic of rural socio-economic phenomena and address related conflicts. Based on data from multiple field surveys and interviews, this study identifies problems already discovered in Panlongling Village’s development, such as superficial economic enhancement, low villager participation, unidirectional benefit flow, and so on. This study proposes a hypothesis about the causes of these problems and validates this hypothesis through Actor–Network Theory, including unequal benefit distribution, insufficient technical support, inadequate governance and supervision, and a lack of self-improvement awareness among the actors. This study further offers targeted future development pathways for the village’s industrial transformation through actor–network reconstruction, taking into account the multidimensional relationships of stakeholders within the village, urban–rural relations, and socio-economic–natural interactions. It highlights the importance of a people-centric approach, shared benefits among actors, and cross-regional and cross-scale relational connections, offering insights for promoting sustainable development and the transformational development of suburban villages.

Analisis akuntabilitas, partisipatif, dan transparansi pengelolaan dana desa berdasarkan Permendagri Nomor 20 Tahun 2018 (Studi kasus Desa Wiau Lapi Barat, Kecamatan Tareran, Kabupaten Minahasa Selatan)

Village Fund management is a major issue in village development in Indonesia. Regulation of the Minister of Home Affairs Number 20 of 2018 regulates the management of village funds, prioritizing accountability, participation, and transparency. The purpose of this study was to determine and evaluate the accountability, participation, and transparency of village fund management in Wiau Lapi Barat Village, Tareran District, South Minahasa Regency. This study used a qualitative descriptive method and the data collection techniques used were documentation and interviews. This interview involved stakeholders related to village fund management in Wiau Lapi Barat Village. The results of this study conclude that Wiau Lapi Barat Village has made good efforts in transparency, accountability, and participation to manage village funds in accordance with the Regulation of the Minister of Home Affairs Number 20 of 2018. However, there are still things that need to be improved in transparency to the community to achieve more optimal village fund management. The results of this study conclude that Wiau Lapi Barat Village has made good efforts in transparency, accountability, and participation to manage village funds in accordance with the Regulation of the Minister of Home Affairs Number 20 of 2018. However, there are still things that need to be improved in transparency to the community to achieve more optimal village fund management.

The impact of the reform of rural collective property rights system on villagers' public participation: An empirical study based on CRRS 2020 data.

The reform of rural collective property rights system is of great significance for protecting the collective asset rights and interests of villagers, activating rural resource elements, and achieving rural revitalization. This study is based on 284 village committee questionnaires and 7451 villager questionnaires from 10 provinces in China, and uses multi-layer linear regression models to explore the impact of the reform of rural collective property rights system on villagers' public participation. Research has found that:(1) the reform of rural collective property rights system that has been completed at the rural level can significantly enhance the public participation of villagers, including total participation (β = 0.102, p ≤ 0.1), interest expression (β = 0.044, p ≤ 0.1), and election voting (β = 0.076, p ≤ 0.05). However, the impact on volunteer service is not significant (β = -0.004, p>0.1); (2)mechanism analysis shows that the reform can reduce the probability of migration for work, and thus enhance the level of public participation; (3)heterogeneity analysis reveals that the reform has a greater impact on the villagers' public participation in suburban villages and villages with better collective economy; (4)further analysis discovers that villagers have heard that reform can significantly enhance their public participation. This study comprehensively explores the spillover effects of the reform at the village level on public participation at the individual level through the use of more accurate measurement indicators, empirical analysis methods, and large-scale authoritative data, providing strong support for proposing strategies to promote villages' public participation.

Research on the Tourism-Promoting Rural Revitalisation Model Based on Grounded Theory: The Case of Shibadong Village in Huayuan County, Hunan Province

In villages with certain foundations and conditions for tourism development, tourism plays an important role in rural revitalisation, and the effect of tourism on promoting rural revitalisation is closely related to its model of tourism development. Taking Shibadong Village in Huayuan County, Hunan Province, as a typical case site, a model of tourism promoting rural revitalisation was constructed through grounded research, and its characteristics were analysed in depth. The study found that at the present stage, tourism in Shibadong Village to promote rural revitalisation belongs to the typical government-led model, in which the government plays a leading role in the initiation and initial development of tourism in Shibadong Village with the participation of cooperatives, villagers, tourism enterprises, and NGOs, which jointly contribute to the development of the countryside. However, with the further development of rural tourism, the drawbacks of the insufficient endogenous power of this model have begun to appear, and gradually changing the role of the government and strengthening the participation of multiple subjects is necessary to promote the sustainable development of rural tourism and enhance the effect of tourism to promote rural revitalisation.

ANALYSIS OF THE INFLUENCE OF KNOWLEDGE LEVEL AND OTHER FACTORS ON COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN POSYANDU PASIR-BENGKOK VILLAGE, CISANGU VILLAGE IN 2023

Background: Posyandu is a form of Community Resource Health Effort (UKBM) which is implemented by, from and with the community. to empower and make it easier for the community to obtain health services for mothers, babies and toddlers. Efforts to increase the role and function of Posyandu are not solely the responsibility of the government, but of all components in society, including cadres. Research Objectives: To determine the influence of the level of knowledge, education, and attitudes on community participation in Posyandu Pasir-Bengkok village, Cisangu village in 2023. Research Method: The research used is analytical with a cross-sectional observational approach, the research sample is 40 respondents, then testing will be carried out using an independent sample T test. Result: The results of this research show that there is a relationship between knowledge, education, and attitudes towards community participation in Posyandu Kampung Pasir-Bengkok Cisangu Village in 2023. Conclusions and Suggestions: There is still a lack of community participation in coming to the posyandu, this is influenced by factors of knowledge, education, behavior and attitudes. One effort to increase public awareness is to provide education regarding the importance of coming to the posyandu by health workers.

Social network analysis of heterogeneous subjects driving spatial commercialization of traditional villages: A case study of Tanka Fishing Village in Lingshui Li Autonomous county, China

Rural spatial commercialization has emerged as a focal point of interest in the field of rural geography. This study, Taking Tanka Fishing Village of Xincun Town in Lingshui Autonomous County of Hainan Province as a case, and based on the data and materials collected from field investigation and semi-structured questionnaire interview, analyzed the evolution process and characteristics of spatial commercialization, and examined the social network relationships and its underlying mechanism driven by multiple heterogeneous subjects utilizing Social Network Analysis. The aim is to provide practical guidance for the industrial transformation, upgrading, and preservation utilization of Tanka Fishing Village, as well as other traditional villages with similar profiles. The findings indicate that, firstly, as rural spaces transition from productivism to post-productivism and multi-functional countryside, the spatial commercialization of Tanka Fishing Village has also undergone a transformation from being predominantly fisheries to a fusion of fisheries and tourism, and subsequently to an integration of fisheries, tourism and culture. Secondly, the evolution of spatial commercialization within Tanka Fishing Village is a practical process where various heterogeneous subjects, including governments, businesses, village committees, Tanka people, and tourists, establish social relationship networks through a series of negotiations and strategic interactions. The social network relationship of heterogeneous subjects has gradually shifted from an ‘enterprise-driven cluster network’ to a ‘government-led tight network’ and ultimately to a ‘relatively balanced network driven by rural talents’. The role of external heterogeneous subjects, such as enterprises and government departments, in the social networks has progressively weakened, whereas the importance of internal heterogeneous subjects, including social groups and rural talents, has correspondingly increased. This shift has fortified the endogenous momentum of spatial commercialization in Tanka Fishing Village. Ultimately, strengthening government policy guidance, fostering innovative business models, encouraging villager participation, and refining the benefit-sharing mechanism are crucial strategies for promoting the sustainable commercial development and preservation of Tanka Fishing Village in Lingshui Autonomous County, China.

A061: The Role, Conflict Dilemma and Optimization Path of Chinese Miao Nationality's Traditional Customs

In 2022, with the spreading of local villagers' self-media, the Taipan Village "Eating New Festival" basketball game had spread rapidly on social media, that had attracted the attention of citizens across the country, formed a hot topic on Tiktok and Weibo, and was affectionately called "Village BA" by citizens. From the perspective of Chinese Miao traditional customs, this paper analyzed the function mode and conflict dilemma of Chinese Miao traditional customs participating in the holding of rural sports events. Field visit to Taijiang County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, in-depth tracking, understanding the actual development of "Village BA", collecting data and materials of rural sports events in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture. "Village BA" is embedded in the traditional Miao festival "Eating New Festival", which emphasizes the collective participation of villagers and has a public character, which not only has the universal characteristics of modern basketball games, but also has the traditional customs of local traditional Miao villages. First, all public affairs activities in Miao village are spontaneously raised by all the villagers and participate in the regulation, which provided funds and venues for the continued holding of the "Eating New Festival" basketball game. The construction of the basketball court in Taipan Village was first built by the local villagers spontaneously raising money, and the prizes of the event are also jointly raised by the villagers. Second, Taipan Village mediates civil disputes in basketball games through the "three 120" of Chinese Miao nationality's traditional customs. The conflict dilemma of Chinese Miao nationality's traditional customs participating in the holding of rural sports events. With the phenomenon of "village BA" spreading on the Internet, a series of conflicts between tradition and modernity arise among foreign fans. First, the competition organization concept conflict. Whether the "village BA" basketball competition is commercialized has become the core focus of the conflict of ideas. Second, the conflict between the traditional Miao culture and modern culture. The traditional "three 120" of Miao Nationality could not restrain the watching behavior of the non-local audience, resulting in disputes between the local audience and the non-local audience. Third, sports organization systems conflict. As the convener and organizer of the basketball game, the villager, represented by the elders, held sports events in the way of informal organization, which conflicted with the development concept, organization process, regulation system and organization structure of modern sports events.

Participation of LPMD in Village Infrastructure Development

The general background infrastructure development is fundamental for enhancing the quality of life and economic prospects in rural communities. Specific background in Indonesia, institutions such as Lembaga Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Desa (LPMD) are pivotal in facilitating this process. Knowledge gap despite their critical role, there is a scarcity of research addressing the specific contributions of LPMD to infrastructure projects at the village level. Aims This study aims to bridge this knowledge gap by investigating the involvement of LPMD in the planning, implementation, and supervision of infrastructure development within a village context. The Results Utilizing a descriptive qualitative approach, the results indicate that LPMD actively engages in project implementation, proposes community-based programs, and oversees project execution to ensure accountability and transparency. Novelty This research contributes novel insights into the diverse roles played by LPMD, showcasing both active and passive participation in infrastructure initiatives. The implications highlight the necessity for local governments to recognize and strengthen the involvement of LPMD in development processes, ensuring that community perspectives are effectively integrated into planning and execution, which may lead to more sustainable and impactful infrastructure development in rural settings. Highlights: LPMD plays a crucial role in infrastructure planning and implementation. The study highlights both active and passive participation of LPMD. Community involvement is essential for sustainable development outcomes. Keywords: Infrastructure Development, LPMD, Community Empowerment, Village Participation, Sustainable Development

Efektivitas Penerapan Model Komunikasi Pembangunan dalam Program Kampung Keluarga Berkualitas (Kampung KB) Desa Sukaharja Kabupaten Tangerang

This study aims to describe (1) the effectiveness of development communication in the KB village program, (2) quality family villages can change community perspectives, (3) community empowerment through the KB village program. This study uses a descriptive research method with a qualitative approach. Data collection techniques used include observation, interviews and documentation. The research data sources consist of 4 people, namely one KB Village secretary. The results of this study indicate that the KB village, 1 KB village operator and 2 active KB village participants. The results of this study indicate that the KB village is not just a development program, but also a social movement that aims to change the community's view of its role in achieving development and progress. Through active community participation, the KB village has the potential to change the village environment and build a more advanced and prosperous Indonesia.

Short-term exposure to air pollution on peripheral white blood cells and inflammation biomarkers: a cross-sectional study on rural residents

Effects of short-term exposure to ambient air pollution on systemic immunological and inflammatory biomarkers in rural population have not been adequately characterized. From May to July 2021, 5816 participants in rural villages of northern Henan Province, China, participated in this cross-sectional study. Blood biomarkers of systemic inflammation were determined including peripheral white blood cells (WBC), eosinophils (EOS), basophils (BAS), monocytes (MON), lymphocytes (LYM), neutrophils (NEU), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). The concentrations of ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5), PM10, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O3) were assessed up to 7 days prior to the blood draw. A generalized linear model was used to analyze the associations between air pollution exposure and the above-mentioned blood biomarkers. Significantly positive associations were revealed between PM2.5, CO and WBC; CO, O3 and LYM; PM2.5, PM10, SO2, CO and NEU; PM2.5, PM10, SO2, CO and NLR; PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, CO, O3 and hs-CRP. Meanwhile, negative associations were found between SO2 and WBC; PM2.5, PM10, NO2, CO, or O3 and EOS; PM2.5, SO2, or CO and BAS; SO2, NO2 or O3 and MON; PM2.5, PM10, SO2, or NO2 and LYM. Moreover, men, individuals with normal body mass index (BMI), current smokers, and those older than 60 years were found vulnerable to air pollution effects. Taken together, short-term exposure to air pollution was associated with systemic inflammatory responses, providing insight into the potential mechanisms for air pollution-induced detrimental systemic effects in rural residents.

The Impact of Villagers' Participation in the Protection and Development of Traditional Villages on the Revitalization of Traditional Villages

Traditional villages carrying farming civilization are valuable historical and cultural heritage of China, and also the key to rural revitalization. Under the tide of modernization, Xihe Village, located in the mountains, is relatively intact as a traditional village. Under the guidance of the traditional village protection policy, the village has achieved remarkable results in protection and development. However, as the main body of village protection practice, local villagers still face corresponding problems in the protection and development of villages and the participation of relevant policies. These problems are manifested in residents' relatively low understanding of the protection policies of traditional villages; The government does not fully cooperate with the local villagers in carrying out cultural activities, and the village culture is not fully explored. Village infrastructure is still lacking, which is not conducive to retaining villagers to live and develop in the village. Therefore, in order to strengthen the participation of villagers in the protection of traditional villages, the government should strengthen the publicity of the protection and development policy of traditional villages. When carrying out cultural activities, the government should strengthen the cooperation with the villagers and explore the various cultural resources in the villages. Improve the infrastructure in the village, and provide better material guarantee for the life development of local villagers.

TIMORESE WOMENS PARTICIPATION IN POLITICAL LIFE 2018-2023

Womens participationin political life as an experience. In the two decades of self-determination, the era of national development is very important to raise Timorese potential women in the political field to contribute to national development. This research used several theories such asInternational Organization Theory, Feminism Theory, Gender Equality Theory, Participation Theory, Political Participation and Political Science Theory. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative method, first and secondary sources of data and techniques of data collection are done through interviews of potential women from CNRT party, Fronte-Mudanca party, head of Bemori-Dili village, and the data is also collected from documents, books, websites, the internet, news and newspapers on Timorese women in politics. The findings of this research show that womens participation in political life in Timor-Leste has started based on their participation invillage leadership, political party structures and members of the national parliament.Gender equality continuesto be promoted by various entities to raise womens involvement in all aspects of life. This participation shows a positive act of democracy of Timorese women,however, they still lack opportunities, material conditions, including formal resources that can show the quality of women at national and international levels.

Community Participation in Developing Penglipuran Village in Bali as Tourism Village

The research was conducted to determine the participation of the people of Penglipuran village in developing their village as a tourism village. Tourism development in an area certainly needed to be supported by the surrounding community. For this reason, community participation was essential, especially in tourism areas such as Penglipuran Tourism Village, Bali Island. The research applied a constructivism paradigm with descriptive qualitative research methods. The informants interviewed were the leaders of the traditional village, commonly called Kelian, as well as the people in Penglipuran village. The answers from the informants were analyzed using the theory of social change and the theory of community participation. Based on the results, community participation in Penglipuran village is on the partnership ladder. Currently, it is classified as a success because there is an opportunity for the community to be actively involved in conveying it to the village government. According to Cohen and Uphoff, in the decision-making process, Kelian, as a traditional village leader, has limited authority in connection with the concept of community participation. Program planning and decisions are formulated with all members of the village community. Likewise, during the implementation and evaluation stages of the program, even at the stage of enjoying the results, the entire village community is also involved.

ANALISIS PENERAPAN AKUNTABILITAS, TRANSPARANSI DAN PARTISIPASI PENGELOLAAN ALOKASI DANA DESA DALAM PENCAPAIAN GOOD GOVERNANCE

This research aims to analyze accountability, transparency and community participation in managing Village Fund Allocations in Candiwates Village, Prigen District, Pasuruan Regency in 2022, using a descriptive qualitative approach. with primary data sources and secondary data, using data collection methods through interviews and documentation. The results of the research show that the management of Village Fund Allocations in Candiwates Village is in accordance with the provisions stipulated in Domestic Regulation Number 20 of 2018. However, there are discrepancies in village administration because the recording of receipts and expenditures in the general cash book is carried out every 2-3 months for one report times. Transparency and participation in Candiwates Village is considered adequate from the planning to accountability stages and in accordance with the provisions of Domestic Regulation number 20 of 2018.

Evaluasi Kebijakan Perlombaan Desa Tingkat Provinsi di Provinsi Kalimantan Utara

This thesis examines the evaluation of the Provincial Village Competition Policy in North Kalimantan Province, focusing on its implementation and impact as per the Indonesian Ministry of Home Affairs Regulation No. 81 of 2015. It highlights the importance of rural development for enhancing the welfare of North Kalimantan's residents. While rural development aims to improve living standards and sustainably utilize natural resources, villages often face challenges like poverty and inadequate infrastructure. The Provincial Village Competitions serve as a strategy to boost rural development. This research uses a descriptive, qualitative approach employing policy evaluation theory. It involves stakeholders engaged in executing this policy, analyzing data through NVivo software. The study uncovers obstacles hindering village participation in these competitions despite North Kalimantan's potential. Factors such as individual motivation, insufficient preparation, and administrative shortcomings contribute to reduced involvement. The evaluation process comprises pre-competition, event execution, and assessment stages, determining winning villages based on specific criteria. Although regulations support these competitions, participation rates have declined, posing a significant concern. The research suggests improvements to enhance the Provincial Village Competition implementation, aiming for sustainable rural development and bettering the lives of North Kalimantan's rural communities.

Pengaruh Kepemimpinan Kepala Desa Dan Partisipasi Masyarakat Terhadap Pemanfaatan Dana Desa

Regulations in the history of Village regulation, starting with the establishment of regulations regarding Villages, namely the enactment of Law Number 6 of 2014 concerning Villages, have given new enthusiasm to the community who have sometimes been spectators in development in the region. The community is given the authority to recognize their rights of origin (recognition), determine local scale authority and make local decisions for the benefit of the village community (subsidiarity), diversity, togetherness, mutual cooperation, kinship, deliberation, democracy, independence, participation, equality, empowerment and sustainability. In its implementation, especially regarding, among other things, the position of customary law communities, democratization, diversity, community participation, as well as progress and equitable development, there are still shortcomings, giving rise to disparities between regions, poverty, and socio-cultural problems that can disrupt the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, becoming an issue that interesting. This research method is a quantitative method with an explanatory research type. The sampling technique is systematic rondom sampling using an ordinal method, to determine the influence of each variable using the product mom hypothesis test, showing that there is an influence of the village head's leadership and community participation on the utilization of village funds.

Edukasi Persiapan Diri Ibu dalam Menghadapi Persalinan untuk Menurunkan Tingkat Kecemasan dan Persiapan Mental Ibu di Poskeskel Batu Hampa

Childbirth is a process that must be prepared for because it plays a major role in how first-time mothers will develop good self-esteem, positive feelings for the baby and an easier adjustment to the role of mother. Fear and unpreparedness in facing childbirth will have a negative impact both during the birth process which will have an impact on the health of the mother and fetus as well as in the lactation process and optimizing mother and baby bonding. The aim of this community service activity is to provide education on the mother's self-preparation for childbirth including the importance of preparing for childbirth, the mother's self-preparation for childbirth, self-empowerment that pregnant women can do in preparing themselves for the birth process, the importance of positioning during pregnancy to optimize the position of the fetus. and presentation and re-demonstration of pregnancy exercises. Activities were carried out at the Poskeskel Batu Hampa involving local village midwives and health cadres. This activity was very positively welcomed by the village midwives and participants as evidenced by the enthusiasm of the participants in participating in the activity. Hopefully this activity can become a routine agenda so that it becomes a provision for pregnant women when facing childbirth.

Community Participation in Development: Case Study in Teba Village

The focus of this research is on community participation. This focus is operated on the work program currently being carried out by Teba village: whether the work program implemented is the result of a decision of the village council forum or the village head's own initiative. Using Arnstein's participation ladder, we will analyze the level of community participation in development in Teba village, Biboki Tanpah District, North Central Timor Regency. Using the interview method and supported by documents in the form of village meeting minutes (musdes), village meeting attendance lists (musdes), and document work plan (RKPdes) from 2019- 2024, data collected and analyzed to determine the level of community participation. The study conducted found that community participation in Teba village was at the second level. At the information provision rung, the public is given information but the decision has been taken. Likewise, on the consultation ladder. The village head conducts discussions but, there is no guarantee the suggestions will be accepted. In taking heart, the government only makes promises that can easily be ignored.

Working of Gram Sabha in Punjab: Goals, Role and Challenges

Local self–government got a strong foundation after the 73rd and 74th amendments in the Constitution of India. The objectives of these amendments were to ensure the people’s participation at the grassroots level and bring uniformity in local self-government institutions across the country. The 73rd amendment is about the rural local governments which are also known as Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). Apart from the three-tier structure of PRIs, this amendment also made the provision for the mandatory creation of the institution of Gram Sabha at the village level comprising all the adult members registered in the electoral roll as a voter in the Panchayat area. Therefore, the institution of Gram Sabha has become a significant platform for the people’s participation in the deliberative bodies at the very grassroots level. Gram Sabha is the means of politicization of people which enhances their awareness towards state and national politics also. The objective of this research paper is to understand the role and functions of the Gram Sabha in a special context to Punjab Panchayati Raj Act 1994. It is also an attempt to analyze the role of Gram Sabha in strengthening and deepening democracy at the local level. In this study, the participation of the various sections of the society like women, scheduled castes and other backward strata in the functioning of Gram Sabha has also been analyzed. Many challenges and hurdles like the ignorance about and low participation of villagers in Gram Sabha have been recognized in this study which is responsible for the improper and weak working of Gram Sabha at the local level in Punjab and this body need to be strengthened more to ensure the participation of the people in this body of self-government. This study is specifically confined to the four villages of the Sangrur District of Punjab.