This book examines the causes and consequences of marginalization of social groups and the state of democratic decentralization in India in the unfolding context of globalization and changing perspectives of development models and institutions. The first of its kind, it correlates macro-and micro-level issues to understand social exclusion and inclusion and the level of participation of democratic institutions at the grassroots level since economic liberalization (1991) and the 73rd Constitution Amendment Act of 1992, marking three decades since granting constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj Institutions. The study looks at the linkages between certain key themes: the neoliberal model of development, growth, and distributive justice; the role and mandate of grassroots-level public institutions enshrined in the Constitution, inclusive growth, and the Indian State; the role of political executives from marginalized communities; factors involved in people’s active participation in the development process; and challenges in current political structures, inclusion of marginalized communities in governance and development, and real empowerment of local bodies and institutions. The book argues that legislative enactments, constitutional status, reservation of seats to marginalized communities, and so on can only empower local bodies and their leadership symbolically. The success of these provisions depends on the overall development model of the country; the support of national and state governments; the socio-economic and political environment of the institutions; and effective service and accountability. Topical and rich in empirical data, including case studies, this book will be an essential read for scholars and researchers of political science, development studies, governance, public administration, sociology, public policy, and also for government agencies, administrators and bureaucrats, policymakers, international organizations, think tanks, and NGOs working in the area.

This book examines the causes and consequences of marginalization of social groups and democratic decentralization in India in the unfolding context of globalization and changing development models and institutions since economic liberalization (1991) and the establishment of Panchayati Raj Institutions.

This volume traces India’s developmental strategies and governance systems from state-led to market-driven models over seven decades, highlighting the disconnect between the values enshrined in the Constitution and the governance of policies. It examines a broad spectrum of development approaches addressing deeply entrenched socio-economic issues including poverty, unemployment, food insecurity, inequalities, agriculture, technology, pandemics, marginalized communities, people's participation, decentralized governance, and the challenges in socio-economic program implementation. Underscoring that policies require a clear purpose and trustworthy governance systems for empowering the marginalized, it points out that failures are primarily at the policy level due to a lack of ideological clarity, spurred by growth and welfare dilemmas. The volume further provides insights into India’s development and social transformation and serves as a resource for those engaged in the study or practice of policy-making. This book is particularly valuable for students and researchers of development studies, economics, political economy, public policy, political studies, sociology, governance, and South Asian studies.

Nearly all countries worldwide are now experimenting with decentralization. Their motivation are diverse. Many countries are decentralizing because they believe this can help stimulate economic growth or reduce rural poverty, goals central government interventions have failed to achieve. Some countries see it as a way to strengthen civil society and deepen democracy. Some perceive it as a way to off-load expensive responsibilities onto lower level governments. Thus, decentralization is seen as a solution to many different kinds of problems. This report examines the origins and implications decentralization from a political economy perspective, with a focus on its promise and limitations. It explores why countries have often chosen not to decentralize, even when evidence suggests that doing so would be in the interests of the government. It seeks to explain why since the early 1980s many countries have undertaken some form of decentralization. This report also evaluates the evidence to understand where decentralization has considerable promise and where it does not. It identifies conditions needed for decentralization to succeed. It identifies the ways in which decentralization can promote rural development. And it names the goals which decentralization will probably not help achieve.

Reviews recent lessons about decentralized governance and implications for future development programs and policies.