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Abstract
The Panchayat raj (Hindi: पंचायती राज ) is a political system, originating from the Indian subcontinent, found mainly in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. It is the oldest system of local government in the India. The word raj means "rule" and panchayat means "assembely”(ayat) of five (panch). Traditionally panchayats consisted of wise and respected elders chosen and accepted by the local community.