Mahatma Gandhi’s conception of decentralisation and people’s empowerment – an analysis

Abstract

The concept of decentralization occupies paramount importance in Gandhian scheme of rebuilding India from below upwards. Gandhi s concept of decentralization can be properly appreciated and understood within the framework of his general philosophy which was built on the solid foundation of Truth and Non-violence. Non-violence was understood to be the basic tenets of Gandhiji s concept of decentralization. Centralization is a system is inconsistent with the non-violent structure of society. Centralization, as opposed to decentralization, means concentration of power and authority either in the hands of a few people or in an institution like the state. Then there will always be the likelihood of its misuse. Gandhiji was totally against the centralization of power for obvious reasons. Gandhiji was of the considered view that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely . Over and above, the more the centralization the less will be people s participation and the less of democracy. Further violence and the exploitation of the poor will be in the increase. Gandhiji was against all kinds of violence and exploitation and to eliminate both, centralization should be avoided. Gandhiji stated that centralization cannot be sustained without adequate force. If India has to evolve along no-violent lines it will have to decentralize many things.