ABSTRACT
Chapter 3, “Community action solving problems through polycentric systems”, investigates how and why communities come together to solve local problems. First, the types of projects are investigated. These include community saving groups, applications (voter ID, Aadhaar cards, licences and certificates), street lighting, sanitation and water. Second, we hear the voices of the residents to provide a deeper understanding of the drivers and motivations around these community solutions in the three neighbourhoods – Sanjay colony, Bhalswa and Ajit Vihar. Finally, we construct, using Ostrom's theories, a model to explore how community residents work together in a deliberative and collaborative manner with other stakeholders to maintain and generate assets and services to improve the neighbourhoods. That is, we create a model of collective action through polycentricity in Delhi neighbourhoods.
