India launched the largest-ever exercise in democratic decentralization about...

India launched the largest-ever exercise in democratic decentralization about two decades ago. Administrative and legislative powers were transferred to village- and district-level bodies, and considerable thought and effort were devoted to making these institutions locally relevant. The key to the success of these institutions, we have found, lies in what we call inclusiveness. Our process of democratic decentralization has ensured the election of about 1 million women to representative offices at all levels. Empowering those who have traditionally been at the margins of society has strengthened and transformed both democracy and governance in our country.