Synopsis This book is about the democratization process of both society and governance. It deals with the existing conditions and problems associated with the democratization and decentralization process. It highlights the necessary changes to be introduced in the administrative system at the grassroots the enable the decentralization to work, since the very purpose of creating lower level institutions for governance is the inadequacy of representative democracy to solve the problems in India. Based on the report of the Second Administrative Reform Commission, areas where attention is needed for strengthening local governments in India are clearly dealt with. Also the inclusion of vulnerable and marginalized in governance and development is emphasized. This book will be useful for policy-makers, researchers and academicians working in the area of decentralized governance.