This book explores experiences, issues and challenges which have emerged since Constitutional status was granted to the local bodies at grassroots level in India in the early 1990s. Among other issues, it focuses on:
the contrasting political ideas of Mahatma Gandhi and B. R. Ambedkar on Panchayati Raj Institutions
the legal and constitutional provisions which were introduced through the 73rd and 74th Amendment Acts
the devolution process, status and challenges of democracy for local governmental bodies
empowerment of the women and lower castes through reservations in the local bodies
governance in Schedule V and VI tribal areas
Based on extensive fieldwork across India, this volume will be useful to scholars and researchers of political science, sociology, public administration as well as policymakers and civil society activists.