Contents: 1. Introduction and overview – normative model of local governance. 2. Panchayati raj in India: a vision and a roadmap for the future. 3. History of local governments in India (with special reference to Karnataka) lessons for future. 4. Democratic decentralisation, good governance and inclusive development in India. 5. Centrality of panchayats in rural development programmes: rhetoric or a reality? 6. Decentralised planning in India: a historical perspective. 7. Some landmark developments in the evolution of India’s federal finance. 8. Fiscal dependence of local bodies: insights from Karnataka. 9. Decentralized governance process and its implications for development: the case of Karnataka. 10. Decentralized governance process in Telangana state and its implications for development. 11. Redressal of regional imbalances in Karnataka. 12. Participation in democratic decentralized governance through grama sabha: a case study from Karnataka. 13. Habitation level peoples plan and its significance in Tamil Nadu. 14. Decentralisation and primary education: lessons from Sino-Indian comparative study. 15. Poverty reduction through panchayats: evidence from the field. 16. Dysfunctional school development and monitoring committees: a critical appraisal in lambani thandas of Karnataka. Subject index. Failure of the centralized system of governance and planning to resolve local problems and to promote local level development has led to an upsurge of interest in local governance in recent decades. The major justification for decentralization is derived from the fact that it is said to take Government and administration closer to people, involve people in decision-making process and ensure administrative transparency and accountability of the functionaries to people; effectively mobilize local resources for development; ensure fulfillment of the felt needs and aspirations of the people; and facilitate cost effective planning and implementation of local development projects using local resources and local wisdom. The rationale of decentralization is derived from the failure of national and State level governance in some areas and the ability of decentralized governments to start from where the former has left. However, it must be recognized that the local governance system will not provide answers to local problems and development imperatives unless such a system is responsive to these problems, effective and efficient in its reach. India's development experience with decentralization is the central focus of the book drawing rich insights from empirical verification of the extent to which the decentralization initiatives have succeeded in toning up local governance and development. The book is a tribute to Prof. Abdul Aziz who has contributed extensively to research on decentralization and local government institutions and to training programmes for elected members of Panchayati Raj Institutions. He also had the distinction of serving the first State Finance Commission in Karnataka.