Local Democracy in India: Theory, Policy, and Practice – Certificate Course

The last date for applying is Nov 4, 2022

Azim Premji University was established as a not-for-profit, private university under the Azim Premji University Act 2010. The University has a clear social purpose of working towards a just, equitable, humane and sustainable society. Azim Premji University plays a critical role in developing new talent, building capacity in existing functionaries and creating domain knowledge in the fields of education and development. The Azim Premji Foundation is the sponsor of the University. The roots of Azim Premji University lie in the learning and experience of a decade of work in elementary education by Azim Premji Foundation. The University is one of the Foundation’s key responses to the challenges confronting the education and development sectors in India. The University offers Bachelors’ degrees in Physics, Biology, Maths, Economics and Humanities and Masters’ degrees in Education, Development, Public Policy and Governance, LLM (Law and Development),and MA-Economics and Development

Introduction
Despite efforts by some state governments and civil society organisations (CSO), the practice of local democracy in India has not been impressive. The Union government and the State governments, despite the promise of the Constitution, have more often than not treated the Panchayati Raj Institutions as their agencies rather than as local governments. Much remains to be done before the promise of the Constitution is fulfilled. The Civil Society Organizations of India, as some outstanding examples have shown in the past, can play a crucial role to develop a vibrant local democracy in the country. Fortunately, there are many CSOs which are willing to devote themselves to the cause, but do not have the domain knowledge to work on local democracy issues. The course has been designed to equip them with knowledge and understanding of the key issues related to local democracy.

Why this Course?
The course explores the theory, policy, and practice of local democracy in India, with a focus on rural local government, i.e., Panchayati Raj Institutions. Participants will be provided an overview of various ideas and policies that has informed India’s local democracy initiatives. Then the field experience of various issues related to local democracy such as participatory planning, poverty alleviation, empowerment of women and Dalits will be discussed. Case studies of successful collaboration between local governments and Civil Society Organizations will be highlighted. Finally, the participants will be guided to develop their own vision and projects related to strengthening of local democracy in their respective field areas.

What does the Course offer?
The course explores the theory, policy and practice of local democracy in India, with a focus on rural local government or Panchayati Raj. Participants will be provided a holistic overview of various ideas and policies that has informed India’s local democracy initiatives. Then the field experience of various issues related to local democracy such as participatory planning, poverty alleviation, empowerment of women and Dalits will be discussed. Case studies of successful collaboration between local governments and Civil Society Organizations will be highlighted. Finally, the participants will be guided to develop their own vision and projects related to strengthening of local democracy in their respective field areas

Structure of the Course
The course will be offered from Nov 28 – Dec 9, 2022 face to face in Bangalore. It’s divided into seven themes as shown along with a field visit and a way forward for the participants to plan their work in future. The themes cover the theoretical foundation, policy perspectives and dominant field realities, and major exceptions and good practices.

Who should attend?
The course is designed and intended for Civil Society Organizations who are working or are interested in working on local democracy/Panchayati Raj issues. This means that the course is best experienced by a minimum of two development practitioners from one organisation. The design of the course is aimed at mid to senior-level staff of the organisations having a minimum of seven years of experience.

Eligibility and selection
All applicants are expected to represent their organisation. A minimum of two participants from each organisation must participate. All applicants must possess a working knowledge of English. Applicants will be shortlisted based on their applications and telephonic interviews. The last date for applying is Nov 4, 2022. The selected candidates will be informed about the payment process by Nov 7, 2022. The last day for fee payment is Nov 18, 2022. The decision of the evaluation committee will be final.

Pedagogy

The course will be transacted in English. It shall utilize published texts, videos and class presentations followed by interactive classroom sessions to explore the issues that will be discussed. The course will be conducted face-to-face only

Course Faculty
The course will be anchored by Professor Ashok Kumar Sircar. Faculty members will be drawn from the Azim Premji University, Philanthropy and from a pool of noted resource persons from around the country.

Certificate of Participation
The participants will be awarded a Certificate of Participation after successfully attending all the days and submitting assignments.

• MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION English

• COURSE FACULTY Ashok Kumar Sircar

• UPCOMING BATCHES November 2022 Batch

Fee Structure
Course Fee: Rs.15000/- (including GST) – For Individuals
Course Fee: Rs.1180/- (including GST) – for University / Philanthropy partner organisations.

Accommodation Fee: Rs. 5040/- (Including GST).

(Rs 360/- (including GST) per person per night at university provided accommodation.

Food: Breakfast and meals are available at the cafeteria on direct payment basis.

Approximately Rs. 225/- can suffice for a breakfast and two meals per person per day.

For any questions, please write to: localdemocracy.development@apu.edu.in

Course Brochure: Click here

Application form: Click here

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