a gram sabha meeting with a panel sitting behind a table, and women in colourful chunnis sitting on the ground as participants-panchayati raj

The state of India’s Panchayati Raj system

From legal frameworks to finances and functions, the Panchayat Devolution Index 2024 evaluates how states transfer power to local governments for a stronger democracy.

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Insights and analysis of specific sectors in the development arena—what works, what doesn't, and what needs to change.

See all coverage by topic:
  • Agriculture
  • Education
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Livelihoods
  • Rights
  • Water & Sanitation

  • How a central scheme allows private agencies to influence FRA
    One of the key aims of the Forest Rights Act has been to decentralise forest governance by conferring powers on the gram sabha. DAJGUA, a new umbrella scheme for forest-dwelling communities in India, may upend this.

    Photo essay: Kashmir’s pencil village faces a raw material crisis
    Oukhoo, a village in Kashmir, produces most of India’s pencil slats. But the felling of poplar trees is now threatening wood supply, jobs, and the region’s economy.

    The impact of climate change on agriculture: What we know 
    Using insights from existing IDR articles, we answer four key questions on the impact of climate change on crops, food security, and smallholder livelihoods.


    The state of India’s Panchayati Raj system
    From legal frameworks to finances and functions, the Panchayat Devolution Index 2024 evaluates how states transfer power to local governments for a stronger democracy.

    Reimagining fundraising for nonprofits
    Nonprofits must invest in fundraising capacity to build resilience. An impact study of 11 nonprofits shows how investments in fundraising can be a smart, high-return strategy.

    How a central scheme allows private agencies to influence FRA
    One of the key aims of the Forest Rights Act has been to decentralise forest governance by conferring powers on the gram sabha. DAJGUA, a new umbrella scheme for forest-dwelling communities in India, may upend this.

    Skills and functions that are core to growing programmes and organisations.

    See all coverage by topic:
  • Board & Governance
  • Fundraising & Communications
  • Leadership & Talent
  • Monitoring & Evaluation
  • Programme
  • Technology

  • Reimagining fundraising for nonprofits
    Nonprofits must invest in fundraising capacity to build resilience. An impact study of 11 nonprofits shows how investments in fundraising can be a smart, high-return strategy.

    Nonprofits need more than a programme lens
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