A new study finds that adding more ward representatives does not automatically improve governance outcomes
Smaller constituencies have not significantly improved welfare delivery or accountability
Limited authority, weak training, and poor financial control constrain local representatives
Financial decision-making remains concentrated with panchayat heads rather than ward members
Most panchayats still depend heavily on grants instead of generating their own revenue
Village bodies are expected to manage digital governance systems without adequate staff or support
Effective decentralisation requires funds, functions, and trained functionaries alongside political representation