Routledge - Decentralised Democracy in India: Gandhi's Vision

Explore the complex relationship between Mahatma Gandhi's concept of Gram Swaraj and the practical reality of local governance in India. This book offers a detailed comparison between Gandhian ideals of decentralised democracy and the actual state of decentralisation in the country today. Readers will follow the historical evolution of panchayats from ancient times through the period of Indian independence. The text provides a critical discussion of post-independence developments, examining how local governance has changed over the decades. It specifically looks at the current performance of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and the effectiveness of urban local bodies. By analyzing these systems, the work highlights the necessity for constitutional reforms. It argues that such changes are needed to strengthen and deepen the democratic process within India. This is an essential resource for students, legal professionals, and anyone interested in the history and future of Indian administrative law and local self-governance.