Decentralization is referred to as a process of sharing of powers by the Central ruling groups with other groups, each having authority within a specific area or the State. From the point of view of norms, it means presence of formal political structures for each defined area representing a combination of local as well as Central interest, who exercise the powers of decision making at the local level and such allocation of powers is protected by formal as well as normative rules accepted by the Centre.

With focus on instrumentalities of Local self-Governance of Panchayati Raj (PR) bodies, the present work analyses the provisions in Central and State PR Acts, the critical issue of exercising powers and apprehensions thereof affecting effective and autonomous discharge of developmental functions between Centre and States, denial of overall control to Gram Sabha. Further, following the discussion on the concept of institution, distinction between public organization and bipolarity of institution-building process, the present work also discusses Panchayats as institutions and the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment. Then, with a diagnostic angle, it identifies the factors that could account for PRI's institutionalization-such as politicization, leadership, boundary management, environment, etc. We hope, the work will be of immense importance to those involved in policy planning, administrators, academicians etc.

The encyclopaedia on Indian Army covers the evolution, statecraft and warfare form Vedic Period updated to the modern times. A study on wide canvas was carried out an d articles by eminent writers were selected subject-wise and presented in a chronology to facilitate general reading and also to provide a platform for research at strategic level. As many views as were possible have been reflected to bring in the balance. The encyclopaedia has been set out in nine volumes:

Volume 1 Military in Ancient India
Volume 2 Military in Medieval India
Volume 3 Military in British Period
Volume4 Indian Army: An Overview Volume 5 Higher Defence Control
Volume 6-8 Post-Independence Conflicts-all wars and conflicts have been covered.
Volume 9 Treaties and Security Issues.

The system of local government has for long recognized as an integral part of the democratic life of a country though its functioning in practice has been a matter of debate and dispute. People's welfare depends on the efficient functioning of local bodies. The need for local government is not only theoretical but is also the means of effectively providing certain services which cannot be done by the central government. Since the time of John Stuart Mill local government has been justified as an integral part of democratic government and the values of liberty, equality and fraternity are consider to be provided by local government. But in modern society industrialization and urbanization have put increasing pressures on local authorities, which are then considered inadequate both in domestic and efficiency terms. As a result central government is taking away more and more functions from local authorities and vesting them with special purpose agencies.

The general impact of economic planning has been to promote centralization at the expense of citizen access and participation resulting in increased central control, reduced autonomy of local government and remoteness of the government from the citizens. There remains a need, nevertheless, for a review of intergovernmental relations and decentralization in decision making. This book is the outcome of painstaking research of the author on Finance and Local Self Government, depicting the Indian experience.

The present book attempts an analytical study of environment as well as the grievance management in India through Lokpal and Lokayuktas. The major purpose of the book is to elaborate the need for such institutions, its world-wide growth, Ombudsman plan in India since 1968 to 1998, Lokayuktas in States. The Ombudsman movement is an important landmark in the field of grievance management. This book is the major attempt to evaluate the institutions of Lokpal and Lokyuktas till present day and to provide a model role of the same. The author feels that it will of immense help to students, teachers and people at large.