Governing Locally: Institutions, Policies and Implementation in Indian Cities

India and other countries chose a decentralised mode of delivering public services through elected local governments for increasing public welfare. The book is a detailed examination of how state and local governments function and why decentralisation outcomes vary considerably. It locates the primary reason in governance practices that compromised autonomy and capacity of urban local governments.

Format: Hardback
Length: 318 pages
Publication date: 03 February 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

India and other countries have adopted a decentralized approach to delivering public services through elected local governments, aiming to enhance public welfare. However, the reality has fallen short of these expectations, with widespread disappointment in the effectiveness of services, heightened accountability, and limited participation of the people. In response, this book conducts in-depth field research in cities across Gujarat, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, shedding light on the functioning of state and local governments and the diverse outcomes of decentralization.

The central finding of the book is that the varying success of decentralization is primarily attributed to governance practices that undermine the autonomy and capacity of urban local governments. It identifies the primary culprit as the tendency to compromise the independence and decision-making power of these local bodies, often driven by political considerations or bureaucratic inertia. This compromises the ability of local governments to effectively address the unique needs and challenges of their communities.

The book further demonstrates that despite a constitutional mandate for decentralized governance, policy implementation often gets derailed in the complex web of laws, rules, and administrative actions. Habitual practices and entrenched institutional rigidities create hidden barriers that thwart policy changes, even when they are well-intentioned and supported by democratic legitimacy. This highlights the need for proactive measures to navigate these challenges and ensure successful policy implementation.

To overcome these obstacles, the book offers valuable insights and recommendations. It emphasizes the importance of strengthening the autonomy and capacity of local governments through measures such as devolving more resources, promoting participatory decision-making processes, and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. It also suggests the need for effective policy coordination and monitoring mechanisms at the state and local levels to ensure that policies are implemented consistently and effectively.

Furthermore, the book explores the role of civil society organizations and grassroots movements in promoting decentralization and ensuring that the benefits of public services reach the marginalized and vulnerable sections of society. It highlights the importance of building partnerships between these stakeholders and the government to create a more inclusive and responsive governance system.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive examination of the challenges and opportunities associated with decentralization in India and other countries. It sheds light on the factors that hinder effective policy implementation and offers practical solutions to overcome these barriers. By promoting a more decentralized and inclusive governance system, the book aims to contribute to the improvement of public welfare and the realization of the constitutional vision of a democratic and accountable society.

Weight: 550g
Dimension: 236 x 159 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108832342