National Conference on Strengthening Grassroot Democracy in North-Eastern States: Challenges and Way Forward

National Law University Tripura, Agartala is organising a National Conference on Strengthening Grassroot Democracy in North-Eastern States: Challenges and Way Forward on 23 and 24 September 2026 (Wednesday and Thursday), in collaboration with the Department of RD (Panchayat), Government of Tripura. The conference is being held in hybrid mode (in-person and online).

National Law University Tripura, established in 2022 at Agartala, is envisioned as a premier institution of legal education and research in India's North-East. The University emphasises an interdisciplinary approach to law, integrating contemporary issues such as technology, environment, human rights and tribal justice, and engages in research, policy advocacy, training and community outreach to strengthen grassroots democracy and uphold constitutional values.

• To deliberate on the status and effectiveness of PRIs and ULBs in North-Eastern States.
• To deliberate on the interface between constitutional institutions and customary/local governance structures.
• To identify capacity, financial and institutional challenges in strengthening grassroots democracy.
• To share best practices and innovations from across the region and beyond.
• To evolve a set of policy recommendations and actionable strategies for empowering grassroots democratic institutions in the North-East.

Research papers on the following sub-themes, or any aligned sub-theme, are invited:

• Constitutional Framework and Grassroot Democracy in the North-East
• Role of Autonomous District Councils under the Sixth Schedule
• Customary Practices, Traditional Institutions, and Local Self-Governance
• Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP) as a Micro-Level Administrative and Participatory Tool
• Women, Youth, and Marginalized Groups in Local Governance
• Fiscal Decentralization and Resource Mobilization
• Capacity Building, Digital Governance, and Service Delivery
• Best Practices and Way Forward for Strengthening Grassroots Institutions

• College and university teachers from multiple disciplines (Law, Political Science, Sociology, Economics, Arts & Humanities, Engineering and others) from across India.
• Ph.D. scholars of law and other disciplines.
• Masters and undergraduate students of multiple disciplines.
• Policy makers and representatives from Union and State Governments.
• Members of Autonomous District Councils, PRIs and ULBs.
• Representatives from civil society organisations, NGOs, and grassroots leaders.

• Submit an abstract of 350 words with five keywords, clearly outlining the title, research problem, methodology, and key argument/conclusion/suggestions.
• After abstract shortlisting, full papers of 4,000 to 6,000 words are required.
• Formatting: Times New Roman, font size 12, line spacing 1.5, OSCOLA citation style only.
• The cover page must include name(s), affiliating institution, and contact details.

• Paper Presenter (Single Author): Rs 1,000
• Co-Authors: Rs 1,700
• Participants: Rs 500

Fees are payable to the account of the Registrar, National Law University, Tripura (Account No. 50100690974022, HDFC Bank, IFSC HDFC0006419, Usha Bazar Branch), or via the QR code printed in the brochure.

Submit your abstract to conferences@nlutripura.ac.in by 2 September 2026. Confirmation of abstract selection will be communicated on 7 September 2026, after which online registration is open from 8 to 22 September 2026 through the registration link for participants. Full papers are due by 18 September 2026. Selected papers are to be published by January 2027.