Decentralization in Development

Decentralization is an ideological principle associated with objectives of self-reliance, democratic decision making, popular participation in development and accountability of public officials to citizens. Thus decentralization is a political decision, and its implementation is a reflection of a country’s political process. Development is the exploitation and management of the resource of nature in such a way that they are put under the control of man and are harnessed to serve his purpose. The management of such resources is called development administration which involves a mental revolution and is a carrier of invoking values. Ordinarily it involves the establishment of machinery for planning, economic growth and mobilizing and allocating resources to expand national income. It naturally involves achievement of progressive political, economic and social objectives. In the broader definitional framework, the present volume examines the decentralization in development in micro perspective. How inter-organizational linkages and voluntary organizations can play an effective role in decentralized development is the thrust of present study. Based on the micro analysis of the problem the author examines the important role played by Panchayati Raj Institutions, decentralized planning, rural delivery system and banking services in development. It is a useful book recommended for policy makers, field level bureaucracy and academics interested in the development of the country on decentralization patterns.

Prof. S.N. Mishra (b. 1942), an eminent scholar of Political Science, is an established name in the area of rural studies. After graduating from Patna University in 1964, he was awarded Ph.D. Degree in Political Sociology in 1971. Before joining Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi in 1980, Prof. Mishra served Magadh University, Bodh Gaya as Lecturer, Reader and Professor of Political Science and taught Indian Political System, Constitutional Law and Development Administration to the Postgraduate students. Prof. Mishra has more than eighteen Research Books to his credit. He has also contributed more than hundred research papers to the edited volumes and prestigious journals published in India and abroad. He has successfully guided two dozen research students for their Ph.D. and D.Litt. degrees. Presently Prof. Mishra’s research interests revolve round Panchayati Raj, Development Administration and Rural Development. His recent publication Land Reforms and Distributive Justice has been widely acclaimed.