Participatory local government in urban India: analysing public engagement

This study examines how citizens participate in urban local governance in India, focusing on everyday forms of engagement, levels of involvement, and the structural barriers that shape participation. Using a mixed-methods approach, it draws on survey and interview data from citizens, ward committee members, and elected representatives across selected urban wards. The findings suggest that political parties play a decisive role in shaping participation, often mediating who participates and how. Although ward committees were created to deepen citizen involvement, they frequently function in symbolic rather than substantive ways. Digital tools, especially social media, have widened access to information, but this rarely translates into sustained or meaningful engagement. Despite India’s long-standing participatory framework, obstacles persist, including political interference, limited fiscal autonomy, weak outreach, and citizens’ time and motivation constraints. The study offers practical insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to strengthen inclusive, responsive, and accountable urban governance.