Local governments in India have a long history. The panchayat or village governments its they were called were ancient institutions and were self-proclaimed republics. They exercised powers in various spheres such as industrial, commercial, administrative and social including civic education and religious ceremonies. Good governance should mean dependable delivery system of services (Agriculture inputs, water supply for drinking and irrigation, medical facilities infrastructure, education etc.). It also depends on whether support for an administrative system exists or not. Involving people in policy formulation and decision making is one way of improving governance at the local level. Article 40 of the Indian Constitution which enshrines one of the directive principles of state policy lays down that the state shall take steps to organize village panchayats and endow them to function as units of self-governments. Gramsabha in a village or group of villages may exercise such powers and performs such functions at the village level as the legislature of a state does. Seats have been reserved for SC/STs in proportion to their population at different levels of local government. Women have bera given l/3rds reservation. Over 29 powers have been transferred to panchayats by the state government. The Government of n India has initiated a member of good governance initiatives particularly :n decentralization and people centered governance for strengthening the local self-governments. This paper looks at the experience of India in decentralization and good governance.
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