Decentralization in India: Reflections from Bihar

Democracy provides space for participation of people in political process. It allows people to govern themselves. It is self-governance of the people. The institutional mechanism of self-governance at the primary level is Local Self Government (LSG). It brings government closer to the people and promotes interactive governance. The objective of the democratic state is welfare of the people. The institutional mechanism of development at primary level is community. The community is aware of local resources and the taken decisions are sustainable. Social audit is a major step to bring transparency and accountability in governance. The 73rd constitutional amendment provides reservation to Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and women. In some of the states there is provision of reservation for other backward classes (OBCs) also. The provision of quotas to women and marginalized groups is an attempt to bridge gender and caste inequality. The inclusion of women and disadvantaged groups in the process of participation and decision-making is a significant step towards social transformation. Decentralization is devolution of authority and financial resources. Democratic polity adopts decentralization for development. In the Indian context the primary unit of self-governance, development and inclusion of women and disadvantaged group at rural level is “Panchayat”. Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) is increasingly considered as an agency of good governance, sustainable development and social change and empowerment. The sustenance and growth of PRIs in Bihar is dependent on certain socio-economic and political variables, which are not necessarily independent of one another. The paper attempts to analyse the role of regimes, social and political base of the regimes, and their impact on the functioning of PRIs as an agency of empowerment. The paper is based on qualitative research method and applies content analysis of secondary sources to draw conclusion.