Citizen Participation in Local Government Decision-Making Process South Asian Perspective

Abstract

It is considered that citizen participation at local level decision-making process is fundamental because it empower the citizens. Citizen participation also promotes the transparency and accountability in decision-making process at local level. The main aim of this study is to explore the current status of citizen participation in South Asian countries by reviewing the related literature. Though South Asia is a diversified region for her famous culture, geo-political landscape, economic performance, democratization and local government system, the level of citizen participation in local government decision-making process is not satisfactory level. Subject political culture, lack of willingness of political office bearers; inequality and authoritarian leadership are the main impediments for strengthening the local government in South Asian countries. It is also evident that government of South Asian countries has been encouraged to engage citizen in local government decision-making process by adopting and making different policies and regulations.