Decoding Rural Governance in India

This paper is based on an interview with Dr Vikas Jha, Director, Governance & Policy Advocacy, Sehgal Foundation as part of Academic Interface series. Dr Jha obtained his diploma in policy studies from University of London and master's as well as doctoral degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He has been involved in developmental outreach and activism on a range of issue such as citizen participation, community engagement, capacity building and accountability of grassroots leaders. In this interview, Dr Jha shares his candid views on governance-related issues at the village level, how Panchayati Raj Institutions are tackling those issues, strategies for improving rural governance and augmenting community participation in resolving local problems.