Decentralised Democracy in India: Gandhis Vision and Reality

This book provides a vantage point of comparison, of the actual reality of decentralisation in India with Gandhis vision of decentralised democracy, or what he referred to as Gram Swaraj. It looks at the historical evolution of panchayats from ancient times to Indias independence, and critically discusses the developments after. It examines the functioning of the present Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and the performances of urban local bodies. The basic thrust of this work is the need for constitutional reforms meant to strengthen and deepen democracy.

The book will be useful to those in political studies, policy studies, public administration and development studies.