REPRESENTATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY
IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT:
THE PANCHAYATS OF KARNATAKAAnand Inbanathan
Abstract
Karnataka’s panchayats have several groups which, in the past, did not find representation in political institutions. Now, through affirmative action, they do. In the context of representing people’s interests, representatives elected through open or reserved constituencies have not been responsive to the people who elected them. Regular interaction between representatives and their constituents has been suggested as crucial for deliberation in panchayats, responsiveness to the people, and finally, for accountability. However, limited interaction has resulted in lack of responsiveness and accountability to the people. People’s participation in deliberation has also been weak in the panchayats