Decentralised Governance: Perceptions of Depressed Class Gram Panchayat Members in Karnataka

Abstract

Decentralisation of power is visualised as one of the ways to recognise the rights of the depressed class (Scheduled Caste-SC and Scheduled Tribe-ST) and women through affirmative action realised in terms of reservation of seats. Through participation in decision-making, these groups can address the community’s needs, fight for their rights, and question discrimination. This study follows a qualitative approach to understanding the transition process and challenges gram panchayat (GP) members, particularly SC men and women, face in political administration and participation. Social discrimination based on caste has faded over the years, but a few SC GP members reported that they were still unable to enter the temples. Many upper caste leaders and landlords allow SCs to enter their houses up to the veranda, but there are strict restrictions on entering the kitchen. In the initial years of their representation, the GP members did not know about their mandatory functions, transfer of funds, sponsored schemes, etc., but attributed their current level of knowledge to training programmes given by the government and other allied agencies. Members feel that reservation has helped them to enter politics but has contributed little to improving their social status. Decentralisation has given them an opportunity to work for their community and wards. Despite various training programmes, most of the members were unaware of social auditing and gender budgeting, both of which are crucial in terms of transparency and maintaining balances in GP. Members have realised the importance of education based on their difficulties in understanding the process and intervention in many GP activities. Since more than half of the female members participating in the focus group discussions (FGDs) had not entered the schools, they remained silent spectators in many actions of GP and their role was nominal. Along with all probabilities, they were still confident of winning the election for their second term.