Page 342 - economic review
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LOCAL GOVERNMENTS314
Outlook for Local Government in Kerala
8.20 It can be observed without doubt that the decentralization process has made its impact in
the local level planning and has been deep rooted. The systems developed under this process
have become part and parcel of the development activities at the grass root level. Moreover the
innovative initiatives to organize people’s participation through a different organizational set up have
been appreciated widely. However, more efforts are required to bring the socially backward sections
in the society including SCs/STs into the mainstream, and also provide assistance to old age people,
disabled and others facing difficulties for leading a normal life. Similarly conscious and consistent
efforts have to be made for the sustainability of the whole process. While adequate and increasing
budgetary funds are provided to LGs, there is inadequate capacity among Local Governments
to conceptualize, prepare detailed project reports, implement and monitor local projects. Project
management skills are yet to be attained. Capacity building is therefore the most important gap that
needs to be bridged.
Kerala State Planning Board
