GRASSROOTS GOVERNANCE: Gram Sabha in West Bengal

Grassroots Governance explores, using survey data and information obtained from 10 Gram Panchayats across West Bengal, the nuances and outcomes of the Gram Sabha – often lauded as the elemental instrument for making local governance really participatory, transparent and accountable – and reflects on how far this unique grassroots institution has evolved as the cherished institution of the villagers and for the villagers. The author also identifies conditions that promote people’s participation and indicates how the political machination conditions decentralisation and impedes the functioning of rural institutions.