India, June 7 -- Since the 1970s, decentralisation has emerged as a global trend. Countries across the world have embraced various degrees of devolution, shifting governance closer to the people. The rationale behind this shift has evolved-from one rooted in cultural and linguistic identity to a more pragmatic discourse focused on delivering economic and social transformation.

The theoretical case is compelling. Local governments are presumed to better understand and respond to community needs, making governance both more participatory and efficient. Take, for example, the United Kingdom. In Scotland, the elderly benefit from free personal care, while in England, the same service is deemed too expensive. This divergence underscores how d...