Corporate Social Responsibility

Transformation in Governance since 1990s

Some Reflections

On the basis of field study, this paper argues that the third tier of government is today, 10 years after these amendments, no more than an agency – and not even the sole agency – of the state government. This is true in perhaps all of India’s states, in both the rural and urban sectors. The 73rd and 74th Constitution amendments open up an opportunity to change them to local self governments. This has yet to be realised.1 How it can be done is the question. Some suggestions are offered here.

VINOD VYASULU

“I’ll tell oo a Fable!” Bruno began in a great hurry. “Once there were a Locust, and a Magpie and an Engine-driver. And the Lesson is, to learn to get up early –” “It isn’t a bit interesting!” Sylvie said contemptuously. “You shouldn’t put the Lesson so soon.” “When did you invent that Fable?” said the Professor. “Last week?” “No!” said Bruno. “A deal shorter ago than that, Guess again!” “I can’t guess,” said the Professor. “How long ago?” “Why, it isn’t invented yet!” Bruno exclaimed triumphantly. “But I have invented a lovely one! Shall I say it?” “If you’ve finished inventing it”, said Sylvie. “And let the Lesson be ‘to try again’!” – Lewis Carroll, Sylvie and Bruno Concluded.

fter the transfer of power2 from the British in 1947, the government of India decided upon a path of major social and economic transformation in which the union government played a major role. The declared objective was for the ‘state’ (which was taken to mean the union government) to ‘control the commanding heights of the economy’ in order to ensure growth with social justice. Another reason was the belief, expressed eloquently by Ambedkar, that the union, distant from the caste and other conflicts of rural India, staffed by urban, western educated, upper caste men, was more likely to be just and impartial in its treatment of the oppressed castes and minorities of the subcontinent than the rural elite led state governments....