ABSTRACT
This chapter summarizes the preceding chapters and concludes that the neoliberal model of development practiced over a quarter-century coupled with state government discrimination, adverse exclusion in terms of socio-economic and geographical conditions, among others, is eroding the lofty mission of strengthening decentralized institutions and the inclusion of marginalized communities to take part in the development of the hinterland. The national and state governments, on the other hand, are viewing development as providing infrastructure in the rural areas and making the rural local government units as their field agencies rather than equal partners in the development process. Thus, the premise that democratic decentralization can alter the social base of power relations in favor of poor and marginalized communities, democratization of society, and inclusive growth appears to be specious in the developing countries.
