Describe the Amendments that constitute a new chapter in the process of democratic decentralization in the country.

The 73rd and 74th Amendments to the Constitution constitute a new chapter in the process of democratic decentralisation in the country. In terms of these Amendments, the responsibility for taking decisions regarding activities at the grass roots level which affect people's lives directly would rest upon the elected members of the people themselves. By making regular elections to Panchayati Raj/Municipal bodies mandatory, these institutions have been given permanency as entities of self-government with a specific role in planning for economic development and social justice for the local area. In totality, the intention of these Amendments is to assign a position of command to them in the democratic framework of the country.