Gram Panchayats of Purulia, West Bengal: A Study of Governance and Service Delivery

Abstract

This study examines the link between the role of people's participation and institutional structure of panchayat body in ensuring good governance and improving service delivery system. All the gram (village) panchayats of Purulia, one of the backward districts of West Bengal, are considered. Four composite indices-service delivery index (SDI), Participation Index (PI) and Institutional Index (II), combination of many indicators, have been constructed. The other dimensions of governance having influence on the service delivery are incorporated in the model as a qualitative variable. Analysis shows that II and qualitative variables have no significant impact on SDI. This calls for reviewing and revisiting our existing public policy.