CContinuing its work in the area of governance, Centre for Civil Society has come up with a new publication, Ward Power: Decentralised Urban Governance. The book was launched at a function held in collaboration with Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) on 2 March 2006. It was released by Dr. P.L. Sanjeev Reddy, Director, IIPA. Mr. T.S.R. Subramanian, former Cabinet Secretary of India, was the Chief Guest for the occasion. Various academics, members of civil society and students attended the launch.
Ward Power: Decentralised Urban Governance is the outcome of the Workshop ‘Ward Power: Reforms in Urban Governance’ held on 10 June 2005 at Jawaharlal Nehru University. The book focuses on the functioning of urban municipalities. It attempts to provide answers to very pertinent questions – ‘How can an ordinary citizen demand accountability from the mighty Municipality in whose hands are vital services like water, electricity supply, garbage removal, roads and primary education? Where does the person go to have a say in the decisions that affect the neighbourhood?’ The book, which is targeted at policy makers, urban planners and citizens associations, suggests creating a local self-governance unit at a level of a Ward for decentralized management. The book is edited by Dr. Parth J Shah (President, CCS) and Makarand Bakore, (Research Associate).
Mr. T.S.R. Subramanian, while addressing the audience remarked, “Given the current style of management, which is a mix of individualism and harsh political reality, our officers are forever running away from their responsibilities. The overall governance pattern has to be revamped and attitudes have to change.” Dr. Sanjeev Reddy suggested a consultancy be started for hand-holding various government agencies as a way forward. “Micro-planning is very crucial at the local level,” he said, emphasizing on the importance of choice and competition in public administration.

Other panelists included Mr. K.P. Singh and Mr. Kuldeep Srivastava, Executive Committee Members of the IIPA.