ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the question of empowerment of the Dalits through policy of reservations in Panchayats. It focuses on assessing the efficacy of the policy of reservation and its manifestations in Panchayati Raj in empowerment of Dalits in Uttar Pradesh. The chapter evaluates its success and limits in the light of its impact and manifestation, which have come into light after the implication of policy, and a new political culture, which has emerged after policy has worked more than last two decades in changing political culture at grass-root level with specific reference to Dalits. The various welfare schemes through policy of reservation launched by UP government focused on educational and economic empowerment of Dalits but that had more impact on tangible development. Reservation policy in Panchayat has shown a good sign in achieving the constitutional ethos through bringing voices and aspiration of disadvantaged caste in participation of grass-roots democracy.
