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.
Dr. D. Sunder Ram Is A Founder And Director Of Academy Of Grassroots Studies And Research Of India (Agrasri); Secretary- General Of Rajiv Rural Development Foundation (Rrdf); And Editor Of The Grassroots Govenance Journal (Tggj) And Grama Sabha (Gs) Magazine, Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh). Prior To Joining The Academy Of Grassroots Studies And Research Of India, He Taught Political Science And Public Administration Disciplines At Sri Venkateswara University..