This paper describes attempts to develop community enterprises and thereby to revive public service delivery systems in India. One case involves two defunct lift irrigation schemes in Andhra Pradesh, which were each designed to serve several hundred farmers. The other concerns rural electricity in Orissa, where much of the power was being stolen and most of what was billed was not paid for. In both cases, village committees were promoted to improve the management of the facilities. The paper describes how this promotion task was undertaken, over a two-year period, and summarizes the results. The similarities and differences between the two services, the background to the respective situations, and the enterprise promotion processes, are identified. Conclusions are drawn as to the circumstances, and promotion processes, which are more likely to be conducive to a successful outcome.
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