M. R. Sharan

M. R. Sharan, an assistant professor at the University of Maryland and author of "Last Among Equals," dives deep into the dynamics of local governance in India. He discusses the critical role of local political actors and the effects of decentralization on public service delivery. The conversation also covers the challenges of caste and gender representation, the evolution of the Panchayati Raj system, and the interplay between migration and welfare. Sharan highlights the potential for local leadership to empower marginalized communities amid the complexities of corruption and governance.

M R Sharan, an economist and assistant professor at the University of Maryland, delves into the controversial VB-RAM-G Bill, which dramatically alters the employment guarantees of MNREGA. He discusses the sweeping changes, such as limits on work demand and the implications for rural employment and social movements. Sharan critiques the shift from decentralized local planning to centralized control, revealing potential disruptions to collective action. He also highlights how these reforms impact local governance and the political landscape surrounding rural employment.