RETHINKING PANCHAYATI RAJ

This book advances the understanding of local governance in the context of myriad changes unfolding in the age of globalization, examining the concept of local governance using international reports and other diverse resources to derive meaningful insights into the imminent need of local governance. This volume adds to our understanding of functioning of Panchayati Raj institutions in the context of globalization. It examines the ground realities of Panchayati Raj institutions in Thane district of Maharashtra, evaluating the efficacy and efficiency of these institutions – whether the objectives laid down in the 73rd Amendment Act have been realized or not.

Through the assessment of selected villages, the book covers a host of important issues including electoral process and practices, functioning of Gram Sabha, people’s empowerment and deepening of democratic values. Throughout the volume, an attempt is being made to deepen the understanding of the importance of local governance as a medium to advance humanitarian values, percolation of equality and building a strong community life.

Sanhita Joshi is an assistant professor at the Civics & Politics Department, University of Mumbai. She has over eight years of experience in teaching graduate and postgraduate students. She was invited by FLE Learning, Oxford to present her work on rural local governance in India. She has published widely in national and international journals. Her areas of research interest are rural and urban governance, public policy, development, ancient Indian political thought and political theory.