This handbook examines 25 years of decentralised governance and development in India. It provides a historical overview of developments since the introduction of decentralisation reforms (73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts) and critically assesses the measures initiated to strengthen decentralised institutions and deepen grassroots democracy. It also discusses the status of service delivery and identifies the issues and challenges involved in achieving development at the local level. The volume studies themes such as the devolution of powers in India, administrative and fiscal decentralisation, decentralised planning, Panchayats in scheduled areas, the sociological aspects of decentralisation, caste, gender and local democracy, capacity building, ICT for local governance, urban local governance, workfare and decentralisation, and decentralised natural resource management. It also looks at Panchayati Raj institutions from a Gandhian perspective. The first of its kind, this handbook will be an essential read for scholars and researchers of decentralisation and development, development studies, fiscal decentralisation, political studies, political sociology, Indian politics, Indian government, public policy and governance, political economy, South Asian studies, and South Asian politics.

Is decentralisation good for development? This book explains when the answer is 'Yes' and when it is 'No'. It shows how decentralisation can be designed to drive development forward, and focuses on the institutional incentives that can strengthen democracy, boost economies, and improve public sector performance.

This volume examines the process of decentralisation in India since the 1992 legislation which devolved powers to local government bodies to ensure greater participation in local governance and planning. It studies the functioning of gram sabhas, panchayats, school development committees, water supply and sanitation committees, Residents Welfare Associations, and rural development schemes like the MGNREGS, analysing their effectiveness and tracing the political, administrative, and fiscal powers the local government wields. With case studies from different Indian states, the book examines the functioning of local governance mechanisms and institutions in relation to crucial issues such as citizen participation, the participation of women and disadvantaged groups, fiscal decentralisation, peace-building, economic development, and education, among others. Comprehensive and insightful, this book will be an essential read for scholars and researchers of development studies, political science, public policy, governance studies, regional development, political economy, political sociology, public administration, and South Asian studies, especially those focusing on India.

This book is a result of a piece of field-based research that discusses the institutional arrangements and workings of the rural local governments, otherwise known as the Panchayati Raj institutions, in rural and tribal areas (scheduled areas) in the context of the enactment of important constitutional and legal provisions. It focuses on understanding decentralised governance through political structures and workings of rural local governments and the contributions of these institutions in shaping the political economy of the tribal people in India through the case of Odisha. It highlights the Panchayati Raj institutions that have been instrumental in strengthening the local politics and governance, as well as propelling the economic development, of tribal communities in rural areas. It demonstrates that effective implementation is the tantamount of strengthening the livelihoods of poor tribal people.

Asian countries have introduced major reforms and new institutional mechanisms in recent years to promote the engagement of elected local governments, civil society, and the private sector. This book examines emerging issues in democratic local governance and factors that influenced the impetus for and the substance of reforms. It asks the following questions: - What have been the challenges in designing and implementing decentralization policies and programs? - What are the constraints on strengthening citizen participation? - Can reforms promote gender and rights perspectives in local governance? - What is the role of local government in service delivery and access? - How effective are the mechanisms for accountability and transparency in local governance? - What are the driving forces influencing democratic local governance reform? The book addresses these questions as it discusses studies from theoretical and comparative perspectives on specific issues as well as myriad cases across Asia, often dealing with country-specific reforms.

Lekha, Kumar M., and their team of contributors embark on a transformative exploration of 'Intersectionality' in the Indian context, where gender, culture, and development intersect to shape the destinies of diverse groups. Drawing from extensive research and nuanced analyses by scholars across the country and a few scholars on India from outside the country, the handbook uncovers the intricate connections between gender inequalities, cultural norms and practices, and developmental trajectories that illuminate how these factors intersect and shape the lives of individuals, communities, and societies beyond India's borders. The book encompasses discussions on the category of gender and the practice of gender studies, workspace economy, and technology. It explains the intricate intersections between gender, labour, migration, and informal economies, offering a deeper understanding of the composite factors that shape women as the workforce and their role within the workplace and the economy. It also delves into the multifaceted influences of culture on various aspects of society, including gender roles, language, agriculture, and development. The focus upon the sociocultural dimensions connected to the portrayal of gender in the media elaborated on how diverse media platforms, ranging from digital interfaces to televised serials, play a pivotal role in shaping and mirroring gender identities, roles, and societal norms within their specific environments. Most importantly, it critically engages with issues of education, marginalization, inclusion, and sustainable development. Case studies on marginalized communities such as the urban poor, elderly sweepers, and widows contribute to broader discourses on developmental paradigms vis-à-vis poverty and social exclusion. Academics, researchers, and students interested in gender, culture, and development studies will find this handbook invaluable in understanding and addressing gender inequities, cultural imbalances, and development complexities. Policymakers, NGOs, and activists committed to social progress will appreciate the evidence-based insights enabling them for informed actions and policies that transcend conventional boundaries.