ABSTRACT
Local self-government or Panchayat Raj in Karnataka has been described variously as going through ups and downs, one step forward, two steps back, etc. On the one hand it is regarded as being in the vanguard of Panchayat Raj among all the states, on the other it is strongly criticized. In this chapter, we will enquire into the state of the institution of Panchayat Raj as it exists at present. But before we take a look at the ground reality, we will take a brief look at the history of PRIs in Karnataka through its Acts.
