Democratic Decentralization and Empowerment of Local Government Associations in Kerala

N Ramakantan

doi:10.5130/cjlg.v0i2.995

Abstract

During the past decade the Indian state of Kerala has been successfully carrying out democratic decentralization, and has substantially transformed the functions of local governments in line with the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts, which institutionalised the local government system in India. In particular, formulation and implementation of micro plans with community participation has produced remarkable changes in the dynamics of local development and in the public management of local governments. This initiative for participatory planning at the local level taken by the government of Kerala enormously empowered local communities and the different actors in the local political system.

Highlights

During the past decade the Indian state of Kerala has been successfully carrying out democratic decentralization, and has substantially transformed the functions of local governments in line with the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts, which institutionalised the local government system in India
The democratic decentralization process in Kerala realized the complexities involved in political decentralization and restructuring of powers in favour of local governments
The greatest challenge before democratic decentralization was, to build the required level of capacity among the elected representatives to carry forward the process of political decentralization and to exercise the powers mandated by the Constitution and state laws

Summary

Introduction

During the past decade the Indian state of Kerala has been successfully carrying out democratic decentralization, and has substantially transformed the functions of local governments in line with the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts, which institutionalised the local government system in India. Instead of waiting while the capacity of elected representatives and officials of local governments and their associations was enhanced, the government took the revolutionary decision to devolve 35 to 40 percent of the Ninth Five Year Plan outlay to local governments at the same time as building capacity. This transfer of responsibilities and funds to local governments generated considerable pressure on the state government from various quarters to build competence, and to ensure that new responsibilities are carried out effectively and funds properly utilized. Emphasis has been given to empowering them to take actions and decisions in governance

Leadership by the Campaign Cell and Associations of Local Governments

Capacity Building to Empower Local Governments and their Associations

Training Strategy

Institutionalising the Capacity Building Process

Findings

Fresh Approach and New Strategy for Capacity Building