Institutional Barriers to Effective Local Governance: Experiences of Backward Class Women Representatives in Panchayati Raj Institutions of Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 strengthened democratic decentralization by providing constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and enhancing the political representation of women and socially disadvantaged communities. Despite increased representation, institutional barriers continue to affect the ability of elected representatives to perform their governance responsibilities effectively. The present study examines the institutional barriers experienced by Backward Class (BC) women representatives in Panchayati Raj Institutions in the erstwhile West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. A descriptive-cum-analytical research design was adopted using both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected from 100 elected BC women representatives through a structured interview schedule using Simple Random Sampling (replace with the actual sampling technique, if different). Secondary data were obtained from government reports, books, journals, and official publications. The study analyses the influence of administrative support, financial constraints, bureaucratic cooperation, leadership training, political interference, and institutional capacity on the effectiveness of local governance. Data were analysed using percentage analysis, Chi-square test, and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The findings indicate that inadequate administrative support, limited financial autonomy, insufficient training, and political interference remain the major institutional barriers affecting effective local governance. The study recommends strengthening institutional capacity, administrative coordination, and continuous leadership development to improve grassroots governance.