Crisis of Governance in South Asia: Assessing Decentralization’s Promise
SOUTH ASIA PARTNERSHIP
SOCIETE ASIATIQUE DES PARTENAIRES CANADA
Invites you to a lunch-time* seminar on
THE CRISIS OF GOVERNANCE IN SOUTH ASIA:
ASSESSING DECENTRALIZATION’S PROMISE
Presenter: Dr. George Mathew, Director, Institute of Social Sciences, New Delhi
When: Tuesday, October 7, 2003, 12-2 pm
Where: Room 202, 1 Nicholas St. Ottawa
South Asia is a region torn by conflict, corruption and poverty. The absence of good governance � the implementation of laws, accountable politicians and bureaucrats, independent judiciary, honest police and so on � is seen as a major barrier to tackling the region�s problems.
This presentation and discussion will ask the questions:
Is a secure, democratic, well-governed South Asia, with coherent and accountable public institutions possible? What role can civil society play in achieving this goal?
Can the process of decentralization, pioneered in India a decade ago and which has been visibly embraced by some neighbouring countries, lead the way to good governance?
Dr. George Mathew will raise these and other questions about the governance challenge in South Asia. Governance is one of three themes SAP Canada is addressing over the next five years, alongside sustainable livelihoods and peace and security.
Dr. George Mathew is Founding Director of the Institute of Social Sciences, New Delhi, which specializes in India�s local government system (Panchayati Raj), decentralization and gender equity. He is a regular contributor to The Hindu, a national daily and a member of Committees/Task Forces constituted by the Government of India and the Planning Commission.
PLEASE RSVP: Janice Burke, jburke@sapcanada.org; Tel: 613-241-1333 x 223
*Bring your own lunch; tea and coffee provided.