Decentralisation and Empowerment: The Odisha Model for Urban Development

Decentralisation and Empowerment: The Odisha Model for Urban Development discusses the key approaches and factors that underlie the highly successful urban development initiatives implemented in Odisha, India for close to a decade. The application of the governance principles of decentralisation and empowerment across sub-sectors, including drinking water supply, environmental sanitation, municipal waste management, slum land rights, and upgrading infrastructure, has led to the development of the Odisha Model. This book details the conceptualisation, design, learning and implementation processes behind the rapid and significant achievement of various urban initiatives rolled out in the State, many of which have been awarded multiple national and global accolades.

The book explains the reasoning behind the various innovative approaches designed and adopted while planning, implementing and monitoring these initiatives. It provides an insider's perspective on the thought processes that informed the development of these public programmes which focus on the wellbeing of citizens. The academic and research community, including students, will benefit greatly from the insights provided in the book, which will be a source of inspiration and valuable guide for governments, city administrations, and urban practitioners.

“Odisha's development journey holds remarkable learnings for cities embarking on a path towards inclusive urbanisation around the world.”

Anacláudia Rossbach, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)

“I strongly recommend this book to policymakers, water utility managers, academics and students, to learn how and why Odisha became a success story.”

Dr Asit K. Biswas, Academician and Distinguished Visiting Professor, University of Glasgow, UK; Chief Executive, Third World Centre for Water Management, Mexico; Stockholm Water Prize Laureate, 2006

“Odisha's urban transformation is perhaps one of the most inspiring stories of change seen in India in recent times… This book documents this comprehensive process of change, authored by two key agents of this urban transformation.”

Dr Amita Bhide, Professor, Centre for Urban Policy and Governance, School of Habitat Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India

“This book is highly recommended for city leaders, specialists, and students alike—and is a must-read for anyone interested in urban issues.”

Barjor Mehta, President, CEPT University, Ahmedabad, India

ISBN: 9781789064919 (paperback)

ISBN: 9781789064926 (eBook)

ISBN: 9781789064933 (ePub)