Decentralisation in India: A Review of Panchayati Raj Institutions in Gujarat

This paper examines how the decentralisation process has evolved over time in India from the ancient times through to the British regime to modern era. It focuses specifically on Panchayati Raj Institutions in Gujarat and takes critical stock of how these local institutions have functioned under different acts legislated from time to time in the state. The paper tries to find out how far the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act has been able to make difference to the lives of ordinary people in terms of bringing them close to exercising their power at the grassroots level. Further, the paper also looks into other determinants that are crucial to the overall performance of the Panchayati Raj.