"Decentralization in India has led to democratization but not necessarily development." Critically analyze.

73rd & 74th Amendment Act brought the system of local bodies ushering in an era of democratisation.

Decentralisation led to democratisation

1. Decentralisation shifted the locus of power and authority from capitals to local settings leading to increased democratic participation.

2. 33% of women reservation provided gender empowerment and voice to women in democratic politics.

3. Reservation for SC & ST have provided access to power to marginalised & excluded sections.

However, this decentralisation has not led to development necessarily -

DECENTRALISATION WITHOUT DEVELOPMENT

1. Agrarian crisis : Agrarian sector still suffers from fragmented landholdings, ecological crisis, rising indebtedness and farmer suicides;

2. Rural distress migration continues with footloose labour accumulating to urban centres.

3. Urban bodies hold relatively no fiscal powers. slums, informal sector, urban pollution have become the characteristic of urban life.

4. Real decentralisation evades due to nexus of caste, class & power while the phenomena of proxy candidates & 'panchayat pati'.