Local Democracy in India

1. Auflage 2006
ISBN: 978-0-7619-3533-9
Verlag: SAGE Publications Pvt. Ltd

Buch, Englisch, 328 Seiten, Format (B × H): 142 mm x 217 mm, Gewicht: 367 g

The fundamental objective of this large-scale study is to reconstruct the contemporary historical value of panchayats (a traditional rural Indian political system) in the decentralization of the country. Using interviews and discussions with all the central players in the field, the author presents a comparative and detailed account of panchayat-centric democratic decentralization in the states of West Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh.

The author covers the key issues of whether:

- the policy of reservations has created spaces for the weaker sections, including women;
- panchayats empower people and strengthen democracy at the local level;
- the people are satisfied with the performance of panchayats.

Additionally, the book assesses the impact of decentralization on the functional efficacy of social sector institutions such as primary schools and health centers.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Kumar, Girish

Fachgebiete

• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Internationale Beziehungen Entwicklungspolitik, Nord-Süd Beziehungen
• Interdisziplinäres Wissenschaften Wissenschaften Interdisziplinär Entwicklungsstudien
• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Politische Systeme Kommunal-, Regional-, und Landesverwaltung

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Introduction
Regime Character, Governability and Panchayats
An Overview
Panchayat Leaders
Profiles, Perceptions and Performances
Panchayats and the People
Expectations, Realities and Constraints
The Village Assembly
Issues, Discourses and Participation
Decentralization in Education and Health
The Promises and Pitfalls
Conclusion
An Unfinished Quest for Local Democracy