Karnataka was a pioneering State in local governance and decentralization. It was the first state to recommend constitutional amendment to strengthen local governments in the country in the early 80s and brought to the national attention the new era of panchayats since 1987. Karnataka showed the path and Rajiv Gandhi took it forward by introducing the Constitutional Amendment to give constitutional status to the Panchayats, making them the institutions of self-government. This book is the outcome of an indepth analysis of the 20 years' journey of the new panchayats in Karnataka. The papers and views presented in this volume by experts, political leaders and elected panchayat representatives analyze the achievements and shortfalls of the local government system in the state. The book provides invaluable information for policy makers, academics and students of local government and decentralization.