The course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles, processes, and challenges associated with decentralized governance in the Indian context. To understand the nuances of democratic decentralization and participation of citizens at the grassroots level, it is essential for the learners to familiarise themselves with the institutional and constitutional framework of local governance.
Through a scholarly lens, the course delves into the theoretical underpinnings of democratic decentralization and also provides a space for enquiry into the emerging developments such as glocalization and new localism. It seeks to examine the evolution and functioning of rural and urban local self-government in India, tracing its historical trajectory from pre-independence initiatives to contemporary constitutional provisions and legislative frameworks.
Using these concepts and analytical frameworks informed by the scholarly literature on the subject, buttressed by empirical details, the course aims at providing learners with the requisite domain and functional skills to enable them to engage in employment in rural and urban governance sectors as well as Non-Governmental Organisations. Further, to examine the actual functioning of local governing bodies, effective implementation of policies and programmes, and emerging issues and challenges in local governance, this course envisages active learning through conducting studies on various local governance practices at the ground level. Overall, the course endeavours to equip participants with the knowledge and analytical tools necessary to navigate the complexities of democratic decentralization in the Indian context and contribute effectively to decentralized governance processes.
Course Content
Unit I: Democratic Decentralization – A Conceptual Understanding
a) Meaning and Significance of Democratic Decentralization
b) Theoretical Roots of Civic Engagement in Governance:
- Liberal and Gandhian Perspectives
c) Dimensions of Participation:
- Constitutional
- Political
- Administrative
d) Local Self-Government in the Era of Globalisation:
- New Localism
- Glocalization
Unit II: Rural Local Self-Government in India
a) Evolution of Panchayati Raj Institutions in India:
- Main Provisions and Working of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992
b) Organization & Working of Panchayati Raj Institutions in Odisha:
- Legislations for PRIs in Odisha
- State Election Commission
c) Issues and Challenges of Rural Local Governance:
- Autonomy
- Financial Devolution
Unit III: Urban Local Self-Government in India
a) Historical Trajectories of Urban Local Governance in India:
- Main Provisions and Working of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992
- Urban Local Bodies in India:
- Municipal Corporation
- Municipalities
- Notified Area Committee
- Town Area Committee
- Cantonment Board
- Township
- Port Trust
- Special Purpose Agency
b) Organization & Working of Urban Local Government in Odisha:
- State Finance Commission
c) Issues and Challenges in Urban Local Governance:
- Urbanisation
- Structural, Spatial, and Administrative Challenges
- Financial Devolution
Unit IV: Local Governance in Practice
a) Functioning of Gram Sabha
b) Participation of Women in Gram Panchayat
c) Social Audit
d) Tribal Governance in Fifth Schedule Areas
e) Panchayat and Forest Rights Act
f) PESA (Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996)
Essential Readings
- Chakraborty, B., & Pandey, R. K. (2019). Local Governance in India. Sage Publications.
- Maheshwari, S. (2004). Local Government in India. Lakshmi Narain Agarwal Publications.
- Manor, J. (2010). Local Governance. In P. B. Mehta & N. G. Jayal (Eds.), The Oxford Companion to Politics in India. Oxford University Press, pp. 61–79.
- Mathur, K. (2013). Panchayati Raj. Oxford India Short Introductions. Oxford University Press.
- Mohanty, B. (2012). Glimpses of Local Governance. Kunal Books.
- Venkatesu, E. (Ed.). (2016). Democratic Decentralization in India: Experience, Issues and Challenges. Taylor & Francis.
Source: Undergraduate (UG) Political Science Syllabus – Core XXIII (Semester VIII): Democratic Decentralization in India.