Decentralisation and the Strengthening of the State: A Case Study of the Province of Bihar

Abstract

This paper seeks to study a case of Panchayati Raj Institutions of the province of Bihar in general and Nawada district of Bihar in particular. The qualitative and quantitative methods have been used to study it. This paper delineates the dynamics of decentralisation and the shortcomings of the functioning of Panchayats in the province of Bihar, and it further argues that democratic and substantive decentralisation can really strengthen the institution of state. A state consists of people. If we empower the people by giving easy access to services at the local level by decentralising the power of the state, which is by and large populous and larger in geographical size, accompanied with proper election management and voters’ education for a free and fair election, the state will in turn get stronger.