Achievment of Sustainable Development Goals requires consideration of regional context and local situations. In light of this statement, examine the role of Panchayats as catalysts for grassroot development and advancing sustainable development.

Sustainable development Goals are the set of economic, social and political aspirations of 21st century which needs the involvement of panchayats for fulfillment. Regional contexts and local situations for SDG implementation 1) Economic differences. Eg: bijawal and Sinal have different macro-economic evolutions. 2) Geographic variations. Eg: Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh will not deal with climate change in same manner. 3) Social and demographic differences.

Eg: UP and Kerala have different demographic challenges. 4) Rural-urban divide. Eg: Delhi and Sikkim have different SDG priorities. Role of Panchayats: Grass root level development and sustainable development 1) Analyzing the economic micro-variation and resource potential. Eg: CDG-1 ⇒ No poverty. UP is Agri culture (Andhra Pradesh) ⇒ Aquaculture. 2) Panchayats can involve community and stakeholders for needs-based development. Eg: Dongria Kondhs protest against mining in Miyangrio Hills ⇒ panchayat efforts for SDG-14. 3) Help in grievance redressal and local communication. Eg: Schedule 5+6 ⇒ NF ⇒ protest against dam construction. 4) Panchayats can lead to political empowerment and democratic decision making. Eg: Punganepuri Social Audit of NREGA ⇒ partnerships for development (SDG-17). Lacunae in unequal panchayat system 1) Lack of funds and revenue generation capacities. 2) Lack of functional autonomy and manpower resources. 3) Lack of communication and involvement in policy making stage at international representation. Therefore, for SDG fulfillment, empowerment of funds, functions and functionaries is very important at panchayat level.

[Continuation of lacunae section] Lacunae in unequal panchayat system 1) Lack of funds and revenue generation capacities. 2) Lack of functional autonomy and manpower resources. 3) Lack of communication and involvement in policy making stage at international representation. Therefore, for SDG fulfillment, empowerment of funds, functions and functionaries is very important at panchayat level.