Mander, Harsh

This working paper looks at the MKSS movement as a case study in Rajasthan that has been a key player in the broader movement for the right to information in India. MKSS stands for Mazdoor Kisaan Shakti Sangathan, which literally means æorganisation for the empowerment of workers and peasantsÆ. The movement for the right to information in India has grown dramatically over the last 10 years, and is centred on the main goals of expanding democratic space and empower the ordinary citizen to exercise far greater control over the corrupt and arbitrary exercise of state power.

This paper examines the rationale for direct participatory democracy in the context of the contemporary India experience. A detailed account is given of gram sabhas or assembly of villagers, institutions for direct democracy in India with attention paid to the functioning of these sabhas and the laws governing them. Two case studies are presented to show the realities on the ground for self-governance.