ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the applications of decentralisation in the sector of natural resource governance. Using this lens of decentralisation in the chapter look at how forest governance functions at the local level in the state of Tamil Nadu. The Tamil Nadu government following instructions laid out by the National Forest Policy of 1988 sets the basic objectives, essentials and strategies of its forest governance. The chapter looks into the interconnections, role and context within which they operate on the ground using the lens of decentralisation. Focused group discussions were conducted with Joint Forest Management (JFM) Committees and Eco-Development Committee (EDC) members, local community initiated institutions, production centres and village-level groups, members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and the villagers. The nested institutional arrangement is faced with a number of roadblocks it needs to o.
