Decentralization, Local Governance, and Social Wellbeing in India : Do Local Governments Matter?

1. The Promise of Decentralization 2. Decentralization in India - Rooting the State 3. Karnataka - Advances with the Help of Competitive Local Governments 4. West Bengal - Continuity and Domination at a Cost 5. Uttar Pradesh - Fractionalized Power and Local Governments 6. Political Power, Local Governments, and Social Welfare Appendix A: Powers to be Delegates to Panchayats by State Governments Appendix B: Methodology Appendix C: Field Research Questionnaire