ABSTRACT

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines public administration in Asia. It suggests that preferences for increased local and subnational governance are of recent origin in South Asia. The book describes that Ashoka divided the traditional administrative divisions of the empire into provinces or districts. It argues that “bureaucracy often plays a subtle role in shaping policy by influencing the manner in which policy issues are organized or detailed rules are worked out. The book assesses that e-government in India has resulted in “significant improvement in monitoring and implementation of various government schemes and projects,” resulting in “bringing accountability and transparency in government” and “improving quality of life for citizens in rural and urban settings.” It also describes the Mauryan Empire as an “elitist meritocracy” based on loyalty to the king, similar to the political patronage in the West.