The concept of integrated governance lies embedded in the 73^rd amendment of the Indian constitution which clearly brings people’s planning to the forefront and paves the way for ensuring grassroot participation in governance. By making the gram panchayats a people’s body the 73^rd amendment entrusted them with the responsibility of looking after the following development functions, namely: Agriculture, including agricultural extension; Land   improvement, implementation of land reforms, land consolidation and soil conservation; Minor irrigation, water management and watershed development; Animal husbandry, dairying and poultry; Fisheries; Social forestry and farm forestry; Minor forest produce.; Small scale industries, including food processing industries; Khadi, village and cottage industries; Rural housing; Drinking water; Fuel and fodder; Roads, culverts, bridges, ferries, waterways and other means  of communication; Rural electrification, including distribution of electricity; Non-conventional energy sources; Poverty alleviation programme; Education, including primary and secondary schools; Technical training and vocational education; Adult and non-formal education;  Libraries;  Cultural activities; Markets and fairs; Health  and  sanitation,   including  hospitals,  primary  health  centres and dispensaries; Family welfare; Women and child development; Social welfare, including welfare of the handicapped and mentally  retarded; Welfare  of  the  weaker sections, and  in  particular,  of  the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes; Public distribution system;  Maintenance of community assets.

Thus the 73^rd amendment not only made the gram panchayats, a crucial link between the community and the state, but also made them the storehouse of information based on which development initiatives can be planned and initiated.