he Gram Sabha is the institutionalized foundation for decentralized participatory democracy. These institutions enable each and every citizen of the village to participate in decision-making at the local level, as the epitome of participatory and direct democracy. The Gram Sabha is a means to solve people’s problems and felt needs and to decide how to use the available resources optimally in ways desired by them, to benefit the deprived in the village through direct democratic and participatory planning. 2. To further strengthen the functioning of Panchayats, a new mobile application GS NIRNAY (National Initiative for Rural India to Navigate, InnovAte and Resolve PanchaYat decisions) has been developed to record and upload Gram Sabha proceedings open for public view. The app would be launched on 17th April, 2023 by Sh. Giriraj Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Government of India. 3. The recordings made through the GS NIRNAY app will provide a means of verification of facts where necessary or in case of queries that may arise regarding the resolutions undertaken during the Gram Sabha. This would bring in more transparency and increase efficiency in the functioning of Panchayats, which play a vital role in decentralized participatory democracy as enshrined in the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments. The app will also serve as a valuable repository of information for future reference.