The role of state in lift irrigation schemes of the pre-decentralisation era

This paper discusses the dynamics of collectively managed and technology driven energy dependent irrigation systems by drawing insights from an in-depth case analysis of diversified institutional arrangements for lift irrigation management put in place prior to decentralised interventions in Elamkulam panchayat in Kerala. It emphasises that the sustainability of these irrigation systems needs to be addressed as a continued state responsibility with urgent priority. It also brings out the disjuncture between macro state and local self-governments (micro state) in policy making and implementation during the present transformative phase of the decentralisation governance process.