Ambiguous Institutions: Traditional Governance and Local Democracy in Rural South India |
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Authors: | Kripa Ananth Pur Mick Moore |
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Institution: | 1. Madras Institute of Development Studies , Chennai, India kripur@hotmail.com;3. University of Sussex, IDS , Brighton, United Kingdom |
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Abstract: | In India, ‘customary village councils’ are generally believed to be disappearing vestiges of a pre-democratic, hierarchical socio-political order. However, while remaining informal and maintaining a low public profile, in Karnataka state they are actively taking on new roles, adapting to the democratic, competitive political environment, becoming more representative and pluralist, and providing a wide range of services that are highly valued by the populations they serve. The relationship of customary village councils to the formal, elected local councils (Grama Panchayats) – and to electoral democracy generally – is more synergistic and complementary than competitive. |
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