This is a collection of 20 essays, dedicated to Dr George Mathew, by eminent scholars and academics on decentralised governance and its importance in a globalising world. Based on emperical studies and paradigms of developed and developing countries, it has an overarching focus on India’s panchayati raj institutions. The Seventy third constitution Amendment Act of 1992, by making PRIs mandatory, was a historic move towards deepening democracy and advancing development through decentralisation. Decentralisation programmes in other countries (e.g S.Africa and Pakistan ) are also reviewed. The book offers a comprehensive account of development and governance at the grassroots through a broad canvas of multiperspective and interdisciplinary presentations.