Panchayati Raj in West Bengal : Structure Functions Process and Trends 

Dr. Biswanath Chakraborty 

"Panchayati Raj in West Bengal Structure Functions Process and Trends" written by Professor Biswanath Chakraborty is the first comprehensive book on Panchayati Raj Raj system in West Bengal. The book deals with evolution, structure, functions, roles and all forms of issues related to the West Bengal Panchayati Raj System. The theories, models and concepts of local government have been discussed in details in this book. The volume examines the emerging role of women elected members, nature of people's participation, role of State Election Commission, role of Bureaucracy, role of Anti defecation law and role of Panchayat in the implementation of rural development programmes in West Bengal. At the end, the book examines the "End of Panchayati Raj" thesis. There is a comprehensive bibliography on the Panchayati Raj system in West Bengal. This is a must reading book for the students of Political Science, Sociology, Journalism, Social Work, History, Law and other branches of Social Sciences. This volume will be very effective for the preparation of WBCS and IAS examinations.

About Author : 

Dr. Biswanath Chakraborty is a Professor in the department of Political Science, Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata. He is also director, Centre for Studies in Decentralisation and Rural Reconstruction (CSDRR), RBU. Previously, Dr. Chakraborty worked as a faculty member in the Department of Political Science, Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira, Belur Math, Howrah. Dr. Chakraborty is widely known in the Political Science circles of West Bengal. Endowed with a high academic accomplishment, he has the distinction of having been involved in various research projects funded by the Govt. of Netherlands, Govt. of West Bengal, ICSSR and University Grants Commission etc. During 1995-96, Dr. Chakraborty edited the quarterly journal Taraier Chithi published from Jalpaiguri, which deals with agriculture and rural development. He is presently involved in various research projects on Local Governments and Politics, International Politics and also State Politics. Alongside Dr. Chakraborty has earned the distinction of a Political Analyst and often takes part in discussions on current political events in the electronic media. He is a regular contributor to daily newspaper. Apart from contributing several articles in journals of repute, he has also authored twenty-six books on Government and Politics, International Relations, Voting Behaviour, Rural and Urban Development. He also participated in different National and International Seminar, Conference/Workshops as a resource person.