Decentralisation

The Definition of Decentralisation

Because there are so many types and sub-types of decentralisation, it is difficult to give an exact definition of its meaning. The various definitions of types and sub types of decentralisation can be confusing as Diane Conyers points out. She argues that it is more helpful to look at each system of decentralisation in its own context. Her general definition states that decentralisation involves:

“the transfer of power and / or authority to plan, make decisions and /or manage public functions from a higher level of government to a lower one.” (Diane Conyers, 1990)

Decentralisation is generally regarded as being democratic and referred to as democratic decentralisation where the lower-level authorities are a) largely or wholly independent of the central government, and b) democratically elected. (James Manor, 1997)

Broadly any definition of decentralisation would indicate that it involves a transfer of authority to perform some service to the public from central government to some other individual or agency which is closer to the public to be served. The basis for such transfers is often territorial and may be driven by the desire to place authority at a lower level in the territorial hierarchy and thus geographically closer to service providers and clients. Whilst this is more common, transfers may also be made functionally whereby authority is transferred to an authority or an agency that is functionally specialised.

Peoples Campaign for Decentralised Planning in Kerala

Among the various provisions for strengthening local governance (Panchayati Raj institutions) the 73^rd Amendment in India called upon the Pachayti Raj Institutions to conduct local programmes of planning for social and economic justice. Local level planning has been most thoroughly undertaken in the state of Kerala. In 1994 the state enacted the Kerala Panchayti Raj Act and its State Planning Board initiated the Peoples Planning Campaign in an attempt to try and strengthen village level governance and empower local panchayats to draw up plans based on a participatory village-based planning process. Planning was supported through the mobilisation and the involvement of neighbourhood groups; training camps for thousands of resource persons from state, district and local levels, as well as for retired experts. 40% of the state budget was set aside for the support of projects planned and implemented locally.

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The Advantages of Decentralisation

Ø redistribute resources in favour of the poor

Ø deliver services more effectively and responsively

Ø enhance accountability,

Ø enhance the participation of local people in the decision making process

Ø deepen democracy

The Pitfalls of Decentralisation

It is also necessary to keep in mind the possible pitfalls of decentralisation. Not all decentralisation schemes seek to give power to the people. In some cases, decentralisation has been seen to reinforce the local power structure and cause local elites to capture more political power. It should thus be remembered that, by its very nature, decentralisation is inevitably a political process. This is because it concerns the redistribution of power and resources, and thus alters the balance of power in society.

Those involved in decentralisation initiatives world-wide are increasingly pointing out that for decentralisation to be meaningful, the political will and commitment of central government to the process is absolutely critical. Contrary to popular assumptions, decentralisation actually implies more from central government, its ministries and institutions, rather than less. The creation of a conducive environment in which development can take place through the decentralisation process is a task which faces any government involved in decentralising its power

In his recent work, James Manor has shown that decentralisation has often come as a result of either pressure from donors or as a ‘top-down’ initiative of governments rather than pressure ‘from below’. It is important to look at the motives that may lie behind the decision to decentralise. Such motives may include attempts by governments to:

· Further political power at local level

· Capture local support

· Channel money or patronage to particular sections of society

· Build political alliances

· Smooth out regional differences

· Dump responsibilities and costs for the provision of services