In the volume, Prof. Amal Manda explores nuances and outcomes of the Gram Sabha as it functions in India. The Gram Sabha is seen as the instrument for making local governance participatory, transparent and accountable in the real sense. Surveying data and information obtained from Gram Panchayats across the state of West Bengal in eastern India, he examines to what extent the Gram Sabha has evolved as an institution of the villagers with the purpose of serving them. He pays special attention to examining conditions that promote participation of people from all walks of life in the Gram Sabha. He also examines how political machinations condition decentralisation and render it ineffective and thus impede proper functioning of rural institutions for the betterment of the people.