Synopsis In whatever form democratic decentralization, popularly known as Panchayati Raj in our country, was introduced, it faild to deliver good due to the lack of political will. Several committees and Commissions have been appointed since 1957 by the Government of India to suggest ways and means to improve the functioning of these institutions so as to make them an effective instrument of change and development. The present study is an attempt in this direction. The study highlights three alternative roads for the success of these institutions but the whole discussion boils down to giving constitutional status to these institutions. Several suggestions, as a result of field experience and interactions with the officials and general public, have been made in the study which are likely to prove highly useful to policy planners as it will enable them to take immediate steps in right direction. The book is strongly recommended for the benefit of policy planners, practitioners, academics and students of Panchayati Raj.