Critical Mass to Critical Action : a Study of the Process of Empowerment

ABOUT THE BOOK:- This book is the outcome of a major research project conducted in rural Tamil Nadu with the support of the Indian Council for Social Science Research on the conditions of the elected women representatives and their performance in the rural local bodies, specifically on the critical developmental issues. The whole research investigation was undertaken in the backdrop of the empowerment framework developed by Ruth Alsop. By using a well constructed interview schedule, data have been collected from the respondents (Elected Women Representatives). The data, thus collected, have been analysed by using appropriate statistical tools. From the analysis one could infer the conditions of the elected women representatives, state of affairs at the institutions of local governance and the problems faced by the elected women representatives. Further, it brings to light the major achievement they have made in their new found responsibility. In the obtaining scenario, this study attempts to capture and highlight the gap between the existing capacity and expected capacity of the elected women representatives in the discharge of the duties and responsibilities assigned them. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:- Prof. Ganapathy Palanithurai, Rajiv Gandhi Chair for Panchayati Raj studies, Department of Political Science and Development Administration, Gandhigram Rural Institute - Deemed University, is an academic activist working with academic community, civil society, policy and political community to bring home the importance and need of democratic local governance in India to enable the poor lead a decent and dignified life. His academic, research and outreach activities are supported by an array of multilateral agencies namely, the World Bank, UNDP, UNICEF, Hunger Project, SDC, DANIDA, Action Aid International, Ford Foundation, Population Foundation of lndia, Rajiv Gandhi Foundation , Tool kit Foundation Netherlands, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, State Planning Commission, UGC, ICSSR, and IORC, etc. He was a visiting professor in Cologne University. Germany. He has authored 73 books, 126 research articles, 112 popular newspaper articles and 83 monographs. He is the coordinator of UGC-SAP and UGC innovative programme. He held several administrative positions like Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Dean Student's Welfare, Member, Syndicate, Member Senate, and Member, Academic Council in Gandhigram Rural Institute besides being a member of advisory committees of t he Government of India and Tamil Nadu pertinent to local governance and rural development. Over a period of 20 years, he has trained more than 8000 Gram Panchayat leaders, assisted 73 Gram Panchayats to prepare micro Plans for development. He worked with 17 Gram Panchayats in Tsunami affected areas to evolve disaster management plan. Currently he is working with Tata Institute of Social Science for strengthening Panchayati Raj activities. CONTENTS:- Acknowledgements . 9 Chapter - I Introduction . 13 Chapter - II New Panchayati Raj System in Tamil Nadu . 29 Chapter – III Agency . 57 Chapter - IV Opportunity Structure . 83 Chapter - V Empowerment and Achievements . 127 Chapter VI Integrated Analysis . 157 Chapter VII Conclusion . 177 Bibliography . 185 Appendix - I ICSSR Sponsored Project on Critical Mass to Critical Action: A Study of the Process of Empowerment Interview Schedule . 193 Appendix-II Capacity Building Exercises Done by Rajiv Gandhi Chair for Panchayati Raj Studies . 209 Index . 227 The Title 'Critical Mass to Critical Action : a Study of the Process of Empowerment written/authored/edited by Professor G. Palanithurai', published in the year 2016. The ISBN 9788121213264 is assigned to the Hardcover version of this title. This book has total of pp. 232 (Pages). The publisher of this title is Gyan Publishing House. This Book is in English. The subject of this book is Sociology. Size of the book is 14.34 x 22.59 cms Vol:-