Introduction: Developing countries having the workforce constraints face challenges in Tuberculosis (TB) control in hard to reach and vulnerable areas like villages. However, in India, at the grass root level, the presence of village administrative unit, referred to as the Panchayat, was hypothesized to contribute in active and enhanced tubercular case finding. The study was formulated to assess case finding by Panchayat and to evaluate this model in TB control. Material a Methods: The cross sectional study was undertaken with purposive sampling of the volunteering Panchayats having availability of nearby TB Diagnostic Microscopic Centre. One Panchayat was selected and 29 villages (1350 households) under this were surveyed. Pre- tested questionnaire was administered by the team led by Panchayat leaders. The team sensitized and trained in TB management by the Public Health Officials, aided the presumptive cases for sputum and clinical examination. Intensive awareness programmes and health camps were organized for community mobilization. Results: Presumptive tubercular cases were elicited by Active {36 (2.66%)} and Passive {58 (4.29 %)} case findings out of which 7 (19.44 %) and 9 (15.52 %) were TB confirmed respectively and were promptly initiated on treatment. Conclusion: Accessibility and acceptance of the Panchayat led team by the villagers was a boon for case finding in the region. Persistent collaboration of the Panchayat with public sector health functionaries boosted TB management practices across these villages. This model of Panchayat taking the onus of responsibility for TB control activities, when replicated in other villages can enhance TB incidence rates.
