Is Lokraj Andolan not another name for a campaign to strengthen local self-governance in India?
It certainly is, but Lokraj Andolan also believes that effective citizens’ participation in decision making in municipalities and Panchayats is only the first stage of a process of deepening democracy. The voice of the citizens must also inform decision making at higher levels of government. For example, Gram Sabhas and Mohalla Sabhas should also have the power to give their opinion on state-level policies and legislations. In time to come, as democracy matures through citizens’ assemblies, people will also demand their democratic right to have a say in policies and legislations at the level of central government.
