Decentralization And Rights Realization: A Study On The Distribution Of Powers To Local Self Governments With Special Reference To Kerala’s Public Health Governance
- IJLLR Journal
- Jul 16
- 1 min read
Akshara Sadan, Assistant Professor, Bharata Mata School of Legal Studies, Choondy, Aluva, Ernakulam
ABSTRACT
Decentralization is critical in improving democratic government and ensuring the efficient implementation of individual’s rights, particularly in the field of public health. The devolution of powers to Local Self Governments (LSGs) in Kerala has altered health governance by allowing for greater community participation, need-based planning, and responsive service delivery. This approach anchored in the context of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments and carried out through the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act and the Kerala Municipality Act, has resulted in significant improvements in public health indicators. LSGs have been crucial in overseeing primary healthcare, sanitation, and disease prevention programs since they were given the power, resources, and institutional autonomy to do so. Notwithstanding these developments, issues like capacity limitations, a lack of legal clarity, and financial constraints still exist. In order to achieve equitable, inclusive, and rights-based public health governance throughout the state, it is nevertheless imperative that the institutional and legal framework supporting LSGs be strengthened. The paper evaluates the effectiveness of LSGs in planning, implementing, and monitoring health services while highlighting the governance, legal, and capacity-related challenges they face, and underscores the need for their continuous empowerment to achieve equitable, efficient, and rights-based public health delivery.
Keywords: Decentralization, Local Self Government, Public Health, Panchayat Raj, Health Services, Constitutional Amendments.
