ABSTRACT
The process of decentralization and devolution of power aims at bringing the government closer to people through devolution of power to the lower levels of government. The chapter attempts a comparative analysis of the extent of devolution of power to PRIs of major states using secondary data and feedback from various stakeholders particularly from three states, namely, Uttar Pradesh (UP), Rajasthan and Kerala. It deals with the functioning of PRIs in India and findings with regard to devolution of functions, functionaries, funds in major states. Power devolution apart, effective decentralized planning has not taken place which is essential for any sound development strategy. In India, the local self-government in terms of village bodies had existed since pre-colonial period. During the British colonial period, there was creation of a local self-government in India in terms of an accountable and representative institution.
