Foreword vii
Preface ix
List of Figures and Tables xv
List of Acronyms xvi
Chapter One
Introductory Discussion 17
Introduction 17
Background of the Study 17
Justification and Significant 18
Objectives 21
Research Questions 21
Variables of the Study 21
Methodology 22
Limitations of the Study 28
Structure of the Book 29
Conclusion 30
Chapter Two
Theoretical and Conceptual Framework 31
Introduction 31
Operational Definition 31
Empowerment 31
Cycle of Empowerment 34
Characteristics of Empowered People 34
Participation 34
Elements of Participation 36
The Participative Process 37
Leadership 37
Components of Leadership 38
Local Government 39
Strengthening of local government System 39
Conceptual Framework 40
Leadership and its Development at Union Parishad 41
Local Government and Leadership in Bangladesh 44
Conclusion 49
Chapter Three
Review of Literature 51
The Contribution of Empowerment to Strengthen Local
Government System 51
Participation of Elected Local People Representatives is Mandatory
for Strengthening of Local Government System 53
The Role of Effective Leadership in Strengthening Local
Government System 55
Decentralization 58
Chapter Four
Union Parishad in Bnagladesh 63
Introduction 63
Evolution of Union Parishad in Bangladesh 63
Legal Basis of the Union Parishad 66
Union Parishad at Present 67
Issues of Union Parishad 68
Structure of the UP 69
Term of Union Parishads 69
Personnel Systems of Union Parishad 70
Responsibilities of the UP 70
The UP Standing Committees 71
Conclusion 75
Chapter Five
Empowerment, Participation and Leadership : Current Realities 77
Strengthening Local Government System through Effective Leadership 77
Effective Leadership in Union Parishad (UP) 79
Political Pressure 81
Excessive Control of the Central Government on Union Parishad 81
Mismanagement of Local Resources 81
Absence of Proper Co-ordination 82
No Transportation Facilities for Elected Members of Union Parishads 82
Strengthening Local government Bodies through Empowerment
(Institutional & Individual) 82
Which Policies are Followed in the Distribution of Delegated Duties,
responsibilities and allocation of wealth and resources in Union
Parishad (UP) 87
Whether Empowerment and People’s Representatives Participation
are Required or not for Implementation of Development Projects and
Plans in the Study Area. 88
Insufficient Fund 88
Inefficient Administration and Village Court 88
Partial Accountability and Transparency 89
Insufficient Manpower 89
Institutional Inefficiency 90
Strengthening local government System through People’s
Representative Participation 90
The Procedure of Involvement of Local People in the Development
Programs and Planning 94
Elected Representatives are Disagreed in the Participation
of Development Activities 97
The Level of Awareness is Growing up Among the Local People 97
Positive Approaches Exist through Personal Initiatives 97
Some Hindrances of People’s Representative Participation at the UP level 97
Chapter Six
Strengthening of Local Government: The Empirical Findings 99
Introduction 99
Knowledge of the UP Chairmen and Members on UP Ordinance,
roles and responsibilities 99
Problem with the Standing Committees 100
Limitation of the Knowledge Regarding Village Courts 100
Limitation of the Collection of UP based Revenue 101
Lacking of the Knowledge Regarding Using tax 101
Lacking of Knowledge Regarding Budget Procedure 101
Irregular Book Keeping 102
Awareness Regarding Audit 102
Irregular Office Timing 102
Uneven UP Meeting 103
Register Keeping 103
Selection of VGF Cards Beneficiaries 103
Annual Development Plan 104
Scheme Implementations 104
Coordination with Stakeholders 105
Negligible Women Participation 105
Elite Control 106
Chapter Seven
Concluding Remarks 107
Introduction 107
Analysis of the Study Findings 107
Recommendations 110
Conclusion 111
Bibliography 115
Annexure 121
Index
