Role of Democratic Decentralisation and Empowerment of Local Bodies: A Case of Kerala

Abstract

Kerala, the southernmost state of India, known for its unique development experience, has scripted another success story in the empowerment of local bodies. Through institutional reforms in devolution of powers, responsibilities and funds to the local governments, the state ensured successful transition from that of centralised to decentralised planning in the last 25 years. The present article is an attempt to understand the contributory factors for success of Kerala’s decentralisation experience and the challenges ahead. Direct participation of people in the plan formulation through gram sabha ensured deepening of democracy in the state. This helped improvement in the service delivery at the local level in education and health care sectors and better management of sanitation. Women empowerment through Kudumbashree Mission continues to be a role model for other states to emulate. Failure in the inclusion of outlier classes and castes even after 25 years continues as a black spot on the Kerala experience with democratic decentralisation.