John, Oommen creator text xu| 2000 continuing ng p.648-656. Following a look at the financial position of panchayats in Kerala, the author shows how introduction of people's participation in the planning process has helped in bringing about marked improvement in the financial position of PRIs. According to him, through undertaking implementation of projects catering to the felt needs of people, these bodies have acquired functional, financial and administrative autonomy to mark a new phase. - Reproduced Panchayat - India - Kerala Panchayat Indian Journal of Public Administration 180718