Marginalized Communities and Decentralized Institutions in India: An Exclusion and Inclusion Perspective

This book explores the causes and consequences of social exclusion and the state of democratic decentralization in India in the context of globalization and changing development models. It examines the linkages between key themes such as the neoliberal model of development, grassroots-level public institutions, political executives from marginalized communities, and factors involved in peoples' active participation in the development process. The book argues that legislative enactments and constitutional provisions can only empower local bodies symbolically, depending on the overall development model, government support, and effective service and accountability.

Format: Hardback
Length: 142 pages
Publication date: 22 December 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate dynamics of social marginalization and the state of democratic decentralization in India, unfolding within the context of globalization and evolving perspectives on development models and institutions. As a pioneering work of its kind, it intricately correlates macro- and micro-level issues to unravel the complexities of social exclusion and inclusion, as well as assess the level of participation of democratic institutions at the grassroots level since the economic liberalization of 1991 and the 73rd Constitution Amendment Act of 1992, which marked three decades since the Panchayati Raj Institutions were granted constitutional status.

The study explores the intricate linkages between several key themes, including 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 influencing peoples active participation in the development process; and the challenges inherent in current political structures, the inclusion of marginalized communities in governance and development, and the actual empowerment of local bodies and institutions.

The book makes a compelling argument that legislative enactments, constitutional status, reservation of seats to marginalized communities, and similar measures can only empower local bodies and their leadership symbolically. The success of these provisions hinges 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 the effectiveness of service delivery and accountability.

Topical and rich in empirical data, including case studies, this book is a valuable resource for scholars and researchers in the fields of political science and development studies. It sheds light on the complex interplay between social exclusion, democratic decentralization, and the pursuit of inclusive growth, offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing India in its journey toward a more equitable and sustainable future.

Weight: 384g
Dimension: 159 x 241 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138607484