Panchayati Raj, Participation and Decentralization

Book Details

• Author: Ramesh K. Arora

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: English

• Edition: 2009

• ISBN: 8131602524

• Binding: Hardcover

• Pages: 326

• Cover: Hardcover

• Package Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 1.1 inches

About the Book
India’s parliamentary democracy is marked by its dynamic grassroots structure. The participatory and democratic institutions at the local level have significantly strengthened the democratic fabric of the nation, making governance more effective and responsive. Especially after the 73rd and 74th amendments to the Indian Constitution, the decentralization of governance has injected new vigor into participatory democracy. Although these constitutional amendments have yet to be fully implemented, the democratization process has gained irreversible momentum. It is hoped that in the years ahead, India will witness a robust and responsible democracy, extending to every community, group, and region of the country.

This anthology explores the critical issues surrounding the impact of Panchayati Raj Institutions, the participatory democracy framework, and the design of decentralized governance in India. It emphasizes the key features of India's participatory democracy, while also addressing the gaps that need to be bridged through institutional mechanisms. The volume is descriptive, empirical, and instrumental in its approach, making it a valuable resource for students, teachers, and policy-makers interested in understanding governance challenges at the grassroots level.

About the Author / Editor
Ramesh K. Arora completed his higher education at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, USA, where he obtained his Master’s and Ph.D. He was also a Senior Fulbright Fellow at Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University (N.Y.). Dr. Arora has served as a Professor, Head, and Dean at the University of Rajasthan. He is currently a Visiting Professor at HCM Rajasthan State Institute of Public Administration and Chairman of the Management Development Academy in Jaipur. An author and editor of over forty books, he also serves as the Editor of Prashasnika and Administrative Change.

Meenakshi Hooja, a Senior IAS officer, is currently Principal Secretary to the Governor of Rajasthan. With over 30 years of experience in the Government of India and Rajasthan, she has contributed significantly to public administration. She has been a Senior Fellow at Queen Elizabeth House, University of Oxford, and has served on the International Editorial Board of Global Dialogue on Federalism in the 21st Century. An accomplished writer, she has authored several books and articles on Panchayati Raj, rural development, and civil service reforms, along with two collections of Hindi poetry.