Published by ANAGH – Forum for Sustainable Outreach
CONCEPT :
The principles of democracy and decentralisation have been deeply ingrained within the administrative
and cultural fabric of India since ancient times. However, the advent of foreign invasions and
subsequent British colonisation in India ushered in a paradigm shift towards the implementation of
centralised administrative systems. This came as a significant setback to the process of decentralising
governance to local entities. As the process of governance underwent a gradual centralisation, the
devolution of powers to local bodies experienced a perceptible decline, rendering it a mere semblance
of substantive decentralisation.
While pre-independence nationalist movements in India placed significant emphasis on the
establishment of local governments, post-independence India did not put local governments at a
pedestal one would have hoped for. The Draft Constitution of India initially excluded local
governments, but their inclusion in the constitutional text was eventually secured due to the persistent
advocacy of some leaders. In 1950, when Indians adopted a constitution for the new democracy, local
governments were placed under the State List of the Seventh Schedule. This bestowed upon the States
the exclusive legislative authority over matters pertaining to local governments. Moreover, the village
panchayats found mention in the Directive Principles of State Policy whereas urban local governments
remained absent from the constitutional text.
The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in 1992 extended constitutional recognition to the rural
and urban local bodies in India, after a wait of 42 years. The constitutional amendments were
subsequently followed by the enactment of conformity legislation by the various States. Nevertheless,
it is noteworthy that as local government remained within States legislative competence with broad
discretion at the hands of the States, the implementation of these amendments has varied across
different States. While some States have fared well in terms of decentralisation of governance and
devolution of funds and functions, others have not been able to keep up.
Three decades after the constitutionalising the local governments, the implementation of the local
government reforms has remained a major concern. There are enormous challenges in implementing
the legal provisions regarding decentralisation. Several pertinent issues can be identified within the
realm of local governance. These encompass the collection of funds, the streamlining of various
programmes, the effective execution of policies pertaining to reservation, and the enhancement of
capacity and training initiatives for local body members among others.
A quick rewind of our memory to the happenings in the last decade would further suggest why resilient
local government is unavoidable today. With a burgeoning population of the nation, each legislator
has a big population to cater in their electoral constituency. This is taking representatives farther from
the constituents. In such a situation, the local government representatives remain closest to the
constituents. These local representatives cater to the demands of the public. For instance, during the
COVID-19 pandemic the representatives of the local governments stood tall as warriors against the
deadly disease. Similar quick responses have been called from the local government representatives
during floods, droughts, cyclones, and other emergent situations.
However, the capacity of the local governments to answer to these calls can be debated. While the
local governments have a long list of functions devolved to them under the Constitution, the actual
devolution of these functions by different State governments have varied. Where the functions have
been devolved to the local bodies, the finances necessary to carry on the functions have either not
been devolved or have been insufficient. The usurpation of powers by the line departments,
dominance of the bureaucracy, the prominent role played by the district collector, lack of revenue base
is some of the practical difficulties. Moreover, at the macro level, the tug of war of powers between
the Union, state and local governments in a multilevel federalism cannot be ignored.
Against this backdrop, we are seeking scholarly research manuscripts to reignite the discussion around
decentralisation and local governance in India.
ABOUT ANAGH :
ANAGH, a non-profit organisation, emerges as a manifestation of the collective human spirit, duly
constituted under Section 8 of the Company Act, 2013. Its noble purpose is to propel social
endeavours that bestow upon society the transformative power to transcend and attain sustainable
goals. Our chosen methodology, in its essence, embodies a profound and all-encompassing approach.
It transcends disciplinary boundaries, weaving together the threads of scholarly inquiry, the promotion
of public policy, and the fervent activism rooted in local communities.
In our relentless pursuit, we endeavour to propagate the principles of sustainable living, safeguard the
sanctity of natural habitats, and embolden individuals to manifest their agency in effecting change
within their respective communities. In our unwavering dedication to the pursuit of knowledge, the
cultivation of originality, and the harmonious union of minds, we pledge ourselves to the noble cause
of forging a future that is both enduring and beneficial for the countless generations that lie ahead.
THEMES
“Deepening Decentralisation: An Analysis of Local Governments in India Over the Last
Three Decades”. The author(s) are welcome to submit their chapter on any topic which is related to
the title of Book.
SUBMISSION PROCEDURE:
- The submissions are welcome from Academicians, Professionals, Social Workers, Political
Scientists, Development Economists, members of Civil Society Organisation, Legislators,
Lawyers, Students and/or anyone having a deep interest in the subject. - The submissions must be accompanied by an abstract, covering letter bearing the following
information: • Full Name of the Author(s) • Designation • Institutional Affiliations (if any) •
Contact Details of the Author(s) clearly explaining the topic and objectives of the proposed
chapter on or before 20.11.2023 to email: [email protected] - Submissions must be made in .doc/.docx formats only.
- All manuscripts will be accepted based on a double-blind peer review editorial process.
- There shall be a rigorous review process. The editorial board will ensure a greater standard of review and identification of quality academic writing. The authors shall be intimated about the status of their manuscript at every stage.
- The decision of the editorial board shall be final and binding regarding the manuscript. They
reserve the sole rights to the publication of the selected chapter in addition to; inter alia, any
edits/amends/reproduction.
PUBLISHER:
This book shall be published by ANAGH – Forum for Sustainable Outreach bearing an ISBN
978-81-965952-2-7
IMPORTANT NOTE: There are no submission or acceptance fees for manuscripts. This book is
anticipated to be released on 26 January 2024.
IMPORTANT DATES:
▪ November 20, 2023: Submission of Chapter
▪ December 15, 2023: Review Results
▪ December 31, 2023: Final Chapter Submission
▪ January 10, 2024: Final Acceptance
▪ January 26, 2024: Publication of Book
PERKS
- No Publication Fee will be charged at any stage of the Online Book Publication.
- Edited Book Publication Identity No – ISBN (Pre-Allotted) – 978-81-965952-2-7.
- Certificate of Publication.
PUBLICATION GUIDELINES:
The contributors must follow the guidelines mentioned below:
1.Any manuscript not meeting these guidelines will be returned to the author(s) for correction,
which may cause significant delays in the publication process.
- Word Count for the book chapter- 4000 to 8000 (excluding reference).
- Only ORIGINAL submissions will be accepted for publication. Manuscripts should not have been previously published or be submitted for publication elsewhere. Manuscripts should be submitted in Times New Roman, with font size 16 for title, 14 for headings and 12 for body text, line spacing 1.5’; justified, with justified margins on all sides. Manuscripts can be in the form of chapter. ‘Chapter’ refers to a comprehensive and thorough analysis of issues related to the title of Book.
- Co-authorship is permitted but there can be a maximum of two authors.
- Referencing Style to be followed: APA (7th Edition)
- The chapter shall go through strict plagiarism check and the plagiarism shall not be more than
the permitted limit by the University Grant Commission Rules. The author shall be solely
responsible for plagiarism if it is detected before or after publication of a book chapter.
FOR ANY MORE CLARIFICATION CONTACT BELOW :
[editor(dot)anagh(at)gmail(dot)com ].
