Published Paper Details:

Democratic decentralization entails those representative local authorities (individual or collective bodies) are entrusted with significant powers. The distinction between participatory approaches and democratic decentralization is that the latter is specifically about including whole populations in decision making based on representative authority. Effective decentralization is a key tool for strengthening democracy. Decentralization is not unique to India, but a global trend. Institutions of local governance - Panchayati Raj, have existed in India since 1882. Gross roots governance has been a major concern of the planning process in Indian ever since the introduction of Panchayati raj in 1959. In order to improve the participation of rural people in the process of development and involvement in decision-making and decentralized planning, the government of India has made 73rd Constitutional Amendment in 1992 to provide constitutional recognition to Panchayati Raj Institutions. Like the 73rd amendment, the 74th amendment also lays down the structure of urban local bodies; provides for their regular, free and fair elections; makes provision for reservation of seats for SC, ST and OBCs; fixes their term to five years; protects them against arbitrary dissolution, specifies their powers and responsibilities; and attempts to strengthen the fiscal base of the urban local bodies. In the 43rd year of the Republic of India, 1992 the Constitution (74th Amendment) was passed which came into force on 1st June 1993.