Block Panchayaths As Change Agents In India's Decentralisation: The Kerala Experience

Book Code: 1111018185608

Manju S. Nair, Saisrree K.G. & Vijayasree R.M.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Decentralised administrative structure in India generally has a three-tier classification, with Gram Panchayaths at the grassroot level, Block Panchayaths at the intermediate level and District Panchayaths at the top level, with Kerala following the same pattern. However, considering the limited geographic terrain of the state and the kind of administrative needs of the society, several studies points out the intermediate tier to be redundant in functioning. However, a generalized judgement cannot be formed on its redundancy. Nedumangad Block Panchayath, in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, stands out as a case with replicable merits, by effectively performing the specified general and sectoral functions assigned through an optimal mix of good governance, resource management and people's participation. Reiterating the facts, Nedumangad Block Panchayath is the proud recipient of Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayath Shaktheekaran Puraskar consecutively for 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20. The book 'Block Panchayath as Change Agents in India's Decentralisation : The Kerala Experience' is an analytical exposition of how Block Panchayaths can become change agents, illustrated through the case of Nedumanagad Block, wherein the multiple facets behind the successful functioning of the particular Block is identified and analysed. A framework integrating elements of good governance, environmental governance and sustainability is used in the study.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Manju S. Nair is Professor of Economics and Honorary Director, Centre for Agroecology and Public Health, Department of Economics, University of Kerala and specialized in
Agroecology, Public Health, Decentralized Governance and Public Policy. Currently she is undertaking collaborative studies with NABARD, Ministry of Food and Consumer Affairs
and European Union. Dr Nair has authored five books, several policy documents and numerous papers. She is a gold medalist for her graduation and post graduation from University of Kerala. With twenty five years of teaching and research experience she has produced nine Ph.Ds and twenty five M.Phil degrees.

Vijayasree R.M. is Ph.D student in Economics at University of Kerala. Her research is focused on integrating behavioral decision-making process within Urban Agriculture scenario. She has successfully completed several internships with leading national organisations. She has completed her Master's Degree from University of Kerala and is the first rank holder in Economics for graduation and post graduation.

Dr. Saisree K. G. is now working as Assistant Professor in Economics, Kerala Technical University. She has worked as Research Associate with policy institutes in Kerala and is also involved as consultancy expert in individual projects of Local Self Governments and has many published works to her credit. Health Economics, micro-level planning and public economics are areas of her research interest.

CONTENTS

Foreword ................................................................................................. 9

Preface .................................................................................................... 13

Acknowledgement ................................................................................... 17

I. Introduction .......................................................................................... 19

II. Agriculture and Animal Husbandry ........................................................ 37

III. Rural Industrialisation through Agri-businessincubation centre ....................... 51

IV. Killiyar Mission...................................................................................... 57

V. Resource Recovery Facility ..................................................................... 67

VI. Public Health .......................................................................................... 71

VII.Successful Decentralisation at Intermediate Level:Delineating the Factors Responsible ........................ 77

Appendices ..................................................................................................85

References .................................................................................................. 95

Index ............................................................................................ 97