Review: Last among equals by M.R Sharan | Aamir Raza

BOOK REVIEW

by Aamir Raza

Last among equals:
Power, Caste and Politics in Bihar’s Villages

by M.R Sharan

Westland Publications
2021 / 229 pages
ISBN-10 †: ‎ 9390679664
ISBN-13 †: ‎ 978-9390679669

In India, the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) were established to promote self-governance at the grassroots level and facilitate the social and economic development of rural areas. However, despite initial enthusiasm for this decentralization movement, the system has been plagued by various issues, and little has been done to address them. M.R. Sharan, in his latest book titled "Last among Equals: Power, Caste, and Politics in Bihar’s Villages," examines the situation in Bihar and argues that even after two decades of their existence, the PRIs have not been able to live up to expectations and provide efficient services.

M.R Sharan is an Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland, studying questions centred around development economics and political economy.
In Sharan’s book, the narratives of two distinct but interconnected groups are intertwined: those who are striving to claim their entitlements under MGNREGA, and the intricate local-state apparatus of the village, comprising the mukhiyas and the ward members. The book presents a tale of optimism, asserting that marginalized individuals can contest entrenched power structures through a combination of government initiatives such as reservation, decentralization, and transparency measures, as well as through civic participation, social movements, and electoral processes. While the path to transformation may not be without challenges, positive change remains a viable outcome.

The book highlighted the prevalence of corruption and abuse of power within the Mukhiya system. Sharan argues that many Mukhiyas use their position to enrich themselves and their families at the expense of the community they are supposed to serve. Corruption and nepotism have led to a lack of transparency and accountability in local governance, hindering progress in rural development and poverty alleviation. This has led to the exclusion of marginalized communities, such as Dalits and women, from decision-making processes and denied them their rights.

The author explores the role of social activists and NGOs in rural development and poverty alleviation in India. The book focuses on the experiences of several individuals and organizations, including Sanjay Sahni and SPSS. the author explores the role of social activists and NGOs in rural development and poverty alleviation in India. The book focuses on the experiences of several individuals and organizations, including Sanjay Sahni and SPSS.

Sahni’s story illustrates the challenges and limitations faced by the MNREGA in its implementation, as well as the efforts of social activists and NGOs to promote its effectiveness and impact. The program has been plagued by corruption and inefficiency, which has led to delays in wage payments and reduced the program’s effectiveness. Sahni and his organization, Samaj Parivartan Shakti Sanghathan (SPSS), have been working to address these issues by monitoring the implementation of the program and advocating for greater transparency and accountability. His story also illustrates the broader context of rural poverty and unemployment in India. MANREGA was introduced as a response to these challenges, and it has provided much-needed employment opportunities for rural households. However, the program’s limitations and challenges highlight the need for a more comprehensive approach to rural development that addresses the underlying causes of poverty and unemployment.

While the book provides valuable insights into the Mukhiya system in Bihar and its impact on rural development and poverty alleviation, the book has several limitations in terms of its narrow focus, limited analysis of broader policy context and civil society and exclusion of marginalized communities. The book provides a critical analysis of the impact of the Mukhiya system on poverty alleviation and rural development but the author does not provide a detailed analysis of the broader policy context within which the Mukhiya system operates. Furthermore, the book highlights the exclusion of women and marginalized communities from decision-making processes within the Mukhiya system. However, it does not provide a comprehensive analysis of the broader challenges and opportunities associated with promoting gender equality and social justice within the Panchayati Raj system. The book’s narrow focus on Bihar limits its ability to provide a broader analysis of the Panchayati Raj system and its impact on rural governance and development in other parts of India. Additionally, the book lacks comprehensive quantitative data to support its claims and conclusions.

Despite its certain limitations the book is valuable addition on the existing literature on Panchayti Raj system in India. It’s insight and recommendations for promoting participatory democracy and social justice within the Panchayati Raj system are significant.