About the Book

In today’s era of economic crisis and rising inequality, there is a need to reexamine the existing economic models and policy approaches. There is a global trend favouring centralisation of economic and fiscal powers, where all development agendas originate at the national level. Rather than empowering local governments, the departure from decentralisation is becoming evident.

This book explores Gandhian principles of decentralisation and local government finance, emphasizing Gandhi’s belief that true democracy requires local autonomy. It offers a theoretical framework to compare Gandhian decentralisation ideology with the existing theories of fiscal federalism or fiscal decentralisation in public finance. The book argues that fiscal decentralisation could effectively address issues such as inequality, human development, environmental sustainability, unemployment, and urbanisation.

Proposing policy reforms aligned with Gandhian values, the book advocates for local financial systems that prioritise community needs and autonomy. It endeavours to rethink fiscal policies with a humanitarian perspective, offering insights into fostering more inclusive and responsive governance structures.

Contents

The Need for a Paradigm Shift

Debates on Development

Structural Analysis of Gandhi's Ideas of Decentralisation

Theories of Fiscal Decentralisation

Contemporary Issues of Fiscal Decentralisation in India

Gandhian Philosophy and Fiscal Decentralisation: A Need of the Hour

Yours and Mine: Our Development Dilemma

About the Author / Editor

Himani Baxi is an Assistant Professor at School of Liberal Studies, Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Her areas of research are public finance, fiscal policy, state and local government finances, and public goods in the context of development agendas. She has analyzed Gujarat State finances for the 14th and 15th Central Finance Commissions, Government of India, and also for the 3rd State Finance Commission, Government of Gujarat. She has published research papers in various journals. She is a frequent contributor to newspaper columns and has participated in various national and regional television debates.