Panchayati Raj Institutions are a system of local self-government in rural areas of India. Established under the 73rd Amendment of the Indian Constitution in 1992, these institutions aim to decentralize power and promote grassroots democracy. They consist of three tiers: the Gram Panchayat at the village level, the Panchayat Samiti at the block level, and the Zila Parishad at the district level. These institutions empower local communities to make decisions regarding development, resource management, and public welfare. Elected representatives in these bodies work to address local issues and ensure that government schemes reach the intended beneficiaries effectively.