TL;DR You can participate in local governance by attending gram sabha (village) or ward meetings (urban), raising issues there, and using grievance portals when needed. This handbook gives simple steps so you can take part with confidence.

In the village

Attend gram sabha when it is held. You can ask about local schemes, works, and spending. You can raise the Devolution Index — where does our state stand? You can ask for a timeline for a pending work. Keep the tone respectful and factual.

In the town or city

Attend ward committee or council meetings when they are open to citizens. Contact your ward councillor for local issues. Use the municipal grievance cell or State portal if the issue is not resolved.

What you can do

• Know your ward or village and your representative (councillor, sarpanch).
• Raise one issue at a time, with facts and a clear request.
• Use petitions or collective grievances when many are affected.

Related: Local Governance: Panchayats and Municipalities · Public Issues and Civic Participation