ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of the book. The book focuses on an examination of selective theories and practices of localizing development across globe. It offers two principal arguments: First, localizing development through participation is a powerful socio-political design in the discourses for empowerment. The second argument relates to the way in which the articulation of the phenomenon – localizing development – is fashioned. The book explores the efforts that are directed to comprehend the trajectory of localizing governance in India. It presents a case study of two systems of localizing governance in India: on the one hand, it deals with how Panchayati Raj redesigned governance at the grassroots in West Bengal and Kerala; and also elaborates the unique features of urban governance that sprang-up with the initiative of the incumbent government which endeavoured to redesign governance by emphasizing the stakeholders' perspective in decision making.
