Abstract

This paper by BK Joshi, in collaboration with the Centre for Budget and Policy Studies, argues for a reformation of the local governance structure in Uttarakhand, using this as a reference to illustrate a framework for the conception of a new form of local governance. This paper is divided into three sections. Section I provides a broad critical overview of the evolution of modern local government in India. Section II contains a review of the state of local government in Uttarakhand. The third and final section, prior to the conclusion, draws on the previous two and provides a framework for restructuring local government in Uttarakhand.

The paper looks at the major strands of thought that have influenced the evolution of India’s modern local governments, and how their influence has impacted the shape and powers of local government in India today. Building off of these concepts, Joshi suggests a structure looking more to amplify the primary idea of political and democratic representation, looking at the effective participation of people as the primary objective of a good government structure. He also advocates for reformations in the Collectorate and Civil Service systems.

Joshi, B.K. (2010). Towards a new architecture of local government with a special reference to Uttarakhand. Bengaluru: Centre for Budget and Policy Studies; Dehradun: Doon Library and Research Centre.