Document Abstract
Published:
2008
Emerging dimensions of decentralization debate in the age of glocalization
How to decentralise in the age of glocalisation?
The simultaneous operation of forces of globalisation and localisation which is being described as the process of glocalization, calls for fresh perspectives on decentralisation. This paper is an attempt at this. It says decentralization debate in the age of glocalization is not static. Decentralization is no longer seen as opposed to centralisation. Instead both are seen as complementary to each other.
The author says that the aim is no longer to decentralize just for sake of it but to ensure good governance. Till mid 1980s the major debate was: To decentralize or not? Today this is no longer relevant. The question at the centre of decentralization debate today is: How to decentralize?
However, the author notes that there is no simple and straight forward answer to this question. The context of glocalization has made the dilemma of balancing the contrasting forces of centralization and decentralization more pronounced. The complementary roles of national and subnational actors should be determined by analyzing the most effective ways and means of achieving a desired objective.
The new context has also raised new questions regarding drive, design, degree and pace of decentralization. There can be different motivations behind choosing decentralization policies. In fact there are contrasting value judgments on –‘why to decentralize’. These worldviews influence policymakers’ views on ‘how to decentralize’? How decentralization is designed and the pace with which the policies are implemented depend on the goals that policy makers seek to achieve.
The author identifies seven components of designing decentralisation which are crucial for its success in the changed context. They are:
The author says that the aim is no longer to decentralize just for sake of it but to ensure good governance. Till mid 1980s the major debate was: To decentralize or not? Today this is no longer relevant. The question at the centre of decentralization debate today is: How to decentralize?
However, the author notes that there is no simple and straight forward answer to this question. The context of glocalization has made the dilemma of balancing the contrasting forces of centralization and decentralization more pronounced. The complementary roles of national and subnational actors should be determined by analyzing the most effective ways and means of achieving a desired objective.
The new context has also raised new questions regarding drive, design, degree and pace of decentralization. There can be different motivations behind choosing decentralization policies. In fact there are contrasting value judgments on –‘why to decentralize’. These worldviews influence policymakers’ views on ‘how to decentralize’? How decentralization is designed and the pace with which the policies are implemented depend on the goals that policy makers seek to achieve.
The author identifies seven components of designing decentralisation which are crucial for its success in the changed context. They are:
- revenue raising authority must be linked, at the margin to the service provision responsibilities.
- there should be local access to right information to enable the local community to develop meaningful public opinion and decide priorities.
- mechanisms for making local priorities known must be put in place.
- credible incentives should be given to the people to participate
- there should be compelling incentives for politicians to be responsive and accountable.
- appropriate incentives should be provided for sub national governments to maintain fiscal responsibility.
- instruments of decentralization such as legal and institutional framework, structure of service delivery responsibility, financial devolution etc should be designed to support political objectives
