Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Development and Decentralization

The book deals with all aspects of developmental and decentralized administration in the remotest part of India – Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The introduction of the developmental administration in Andaman and Nicobar Islands aimed to provide the basic minimum needs to the populace for improvement of their living standard and to ensure faster progress of this island territory. In due course of time many developmental administrative measures were taken to increase people’s participation in the developmental works. But desired results were not produced due to lack of connectivity and continuity. The devolution of power to the people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands through the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts 1993 has been hailed as a significant step in the direction of decentralization. However there is need to be bring in more transparency in regard to financial and administrative power sharing for a smooth functioning of the system. The present administrative set-up is unique in many respects. This is the model administration for entire country. This book contains highly useful and informative material on Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration and development of democratic institutions in last five decades. This book is useful for students and academicians having keen interest in the field of Panchayati Raj and democratic decentralization. It would be useful for policy makers, social activists, NGOs and others who have stakes in the Island’s development.