Subject(s): Public opinion -- Rural poor -- Attitudes -- Scheduled tribes in India -- Panchayati raj in India, Karnataka, scope and objectives of study, organization -- Review of literature : Panchayati raj in India, Karnataka, panchayati raj and weaker section -- Environmental setting of district -- Structural pattern : Village panchayats, taluk development boards, district development council, gram sabha -- Primary survey and responses : Weaker sections awareness/ image of Panchayati raj, weaker sections participation in Panchayati raj, Panchayati raj and socio economic benefits to weaker sections, agriculture, animal husbandry, minor irrigation, sanitation and health, education, house sites, housing, drinking water supply, rural electrification, communication