Vol. 10, Issue 4, Part E (2024)

Abstract
Poverty persists as a persistent state for about 35% of India's rural population. One of the primary factors contributing to poverty in rural areas of India, affecting both individuals and communities, is the limited availability of productive assets and financial resources. Moreover, impoverished rural populations often have a significant prevalence of illiteracy, insufficient healthcare provisions, and severely restricted availability of social services. Numerous initiatives and programs have been implemented by both national and state governments with the aim of eliminating rural poverty. They have been unsuccessful in attaining the intended goal. In recent years, there has been a growing interest among economists in India regarding the field of rural development. The Panchayats have been anticipated to assume a significant role in the pursuit of rural development since the era of independence. Therefore, the current research is situated within this framework to investigate the significance of panchayat raj systems in the rural development of Karnataka state. Additionally, it aims to provide appropriate strategies for enhancing the operational efficiency of panchayat raj institutions to enhance the socio-economic circumstances of rural populations. The research is grounded on a combination of primary and secondary data sources. The main data was obtained from a field survey conducted in a sample of seven districts within the state of Karnataka. The study revealed that several amenities provided by gram panchayats, such as road condition and sanitation, have been deemed insufficient. However, the rural population residing in certain regions within the sample has expressed their contentment with some services such as schooling, access to clean drinking water, and the provision of street lighting amenities. It has been observed that the implementation of poverty alleviation measures by panchayat raj institutions has resulted in notable structural transformations within rural communities.