Since the 1980s, decentralization vis-à-vis development planning has figured among the popular, though widely debated, policy issues in both federal and unitary systems of governance. Considered central to development effort, India made a historic move (in 1992) towards decentralized governance according constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) throughout the country. And, thus, effecting decentralization at the grassroots levels. Beginning with the historical evolution of decentralization in India, this book tries to understand the ground realities of decentralized governance in the Sikkim -- one of the youngest states of the Indian Union. Focusing on the status of decentralization in this northeastern Indian state, the author seeks to explore how far its has influenced good governance and rural development.

Dr Durga P. Chhetri, (b. 1974), is Assistant Professor of Political Science at Southfield (formerly Loreto) College, Darjeeling, West Bengal.