Local Governments and Poverty Alleviation

Contents: Preface. 1. Financing of Panchayati Raj Institutions. 2. Panchayats- Remove the Weeds. 3. strengthering own revenue of the Panchayats. 4. Panchayati Raj System: Issues in Resouorce Transfers. 5. Enhancing financial autonomy of PRIs: Tasks before state finance commissions. 6. provery eradiction: Some myths and realities. 7. Safety nets and implementation  of macro economic adjustment programmes. Bibliography. Index.

Local governments in India have played a dominant role in improving the status and economic conditions of the rural people. India lives in her villages, Gandhiji\'s famous slogan about the significance of Gramapanchayat and local government. Since decentralization helps us to achieve the desired goal in a well conceived manner through the mobalisation of funds and allocation of resources to achieve sustainability.

Local bodies like municipalities, gram panchayats, zilla panchayats, etc; are working at grassroots level and are in the direct contact of impoverished masses. Plans like NREGA, JRX IAY, Antyodaya scheme etc. which are prepared and funded by Central and State governments fail to deliver properly in eradicating poverty of the masses. Their implementation and usage of funds lack clarity and has many lacunae at grassroots level. PRIs, and municipal corporations can be helpful in achieving the desired goals, and effective implementation of plans. A direct and effective participation of local governance bodies with the masses in implementation of plans can achieve the targets of poverty alleviation. These bodies can create good local infrastructure, good environment and create jobs for the rural and urban poor as well. They can also work in areas of providing healthcare, education and houses to the rural and urban poor. They can also be helpful in encouraging local cottage industries, agro-industries and in fields like sericulture, apiculture, forestry, fisheries, cattle rearing etc. (jacket)