Abstract:
Since independence, reforms towards Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs) have focused on designing of
legal and administrative structures that institutionalize decentralized governance and planning, while
guaranteeing that such a system does not allow the local elite to dominate the marginalized units of
the people. With the advent of the 73rd amendment in Indian constitution, the panchayat system is
looked as a significant development in handling rural governance in India. In this aspect, the state of
Karnataka can be considered in many ways as one of the active states in promoting decentralization.
Karnataka is in the forefront when it comes to devolution of functions and financial powers to PRIs.
Hence, the current study has the broad objective to undertake a situational and adopting SWOT
analysis to determine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) related to existing
Watershed committees and Water User Co-operative Societies in Karnataka under Integrated
Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) in terms of the structure, function and factors
influencing in implementation of Watershed programme in the state of Karnataka, India. The findings
revealed that about 90 % percent of all committees are found to exist on record (structural level),
SWOT analysis clearly shown that community-led water use associations are performing better than
the department led water user associations in the implementation of IWMP. While the structure and
legal status of PRIs have matured over the years, it is clearly recognized that true public involvement
in progress and governance through PRIs has a long way to go.
