Decentralisation

Conceptual Variations: Compulsive or Evasive

On the basis of evidence from Third World countries, Dennis A Rondinelli and G. Shabir Cheema (1983) identify four main forms of decentralisation. These are:

 

 

1. Deconcentration: It involves redistribution of administrative responsibilities only within the Central Governments. To some authors it implies shifting of workload and not decentralisation. Fesler, argues that shifting of workload may not be decentralisation at all the states, that merely shifting of workload out of the capital may be efficient and convenient for the people, but it may not involve any decentralisation of power.

2. Delegation to semi-autonomous or para-statal organisations which are under the control of Central Governments: It implies transfer or creation of broad authority to plan and implement decisions concerning specific activities or a variety of activities within specific spatial boundaries to an organisation that is technically and administratively capable of carrying them out without direct supervision by a bigger administrative unit.

3. Devolution: Decentralisation through devolution seeks to create or strengthen independent levels or units of government, outside the control of Central Government.

4. Transfer of functions from governments to NGOs: Though rarely done as a matter of strategy, it is considered to be an effective way of ensuring people's participation. The World Bank has, in its Operational Manual Statement (1988), emphasised the need to involve NGOs, particularly in rural development programmes and issued guidelines for Third World countries to enlist their cooperation
   (Cernea, 1988).

These forms could be compulsive or evasive, depending upon the context and situations in which these are implemented.