Role of Local Government in Rural DevelopmentThe Case of India

Decentralization is an avowed national policy for governance in the majority ofCIRDAP member countries from Asia-Pacific region (15 members, CMCs). Evidently,many countries of this region have moved towards decentralisation, whatever may be thepolitical regime. In fact, decentralisation has acquired special importance and space indevelopment discourse and emerged as an important policy agenda. So is the case withIndia. The national goals and aspirations are supportive of decentralisation and efforts areto strengthen local democracy. To realise the progressive intent of national policy, alandmark decision was taken to amend the Constitution of India in 1992. It is the 73rdAmendment to provide Constitutional back up to rural local government, which is called‘Panchayati Raj Institutions’ (PRIs) in India. This has several distinct features in order toprovide continuity and sustainability in the system. These elected local government bodieshave been identified as vehicles for social transformation, help rural community toarticulate their felt needs and develop rural areas accordingly. The PRIs have beendevolved with such powers and functions to make them institutions of self-governancewhere people’s participation is the prime agenda so as to have accountability, transparencyand effectiveness in the system. The 73rd Amendment envisages the ‘Village Panchayats’as a forum and fulcrum for action where local problems will get local solutions. Moreover,it will remedy lacunae in bureaucratic and top-down approach.