{"product_id":"last-among-equals-hardcover","title":"Last Among Equals | Hardcover","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLast Among Equals: Power, Caste \u0026amp; Politics in Bihar's Villages\u003c\/strong\u003e by M. R. Sharan is a work of narrative non-fiction that examines the realities of governance, caste and grassroots democracy in rural Bihar. Through the experiences of ordinary citizens, local representatives and community activists, the book explores how power operates within village institutions and how people engage with public welfare programmes and local government. It offers readers a detailed perspective on rural politics, social change and democratic participation in contemporary India.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCentred on real-life experiences, the book follows the story of Sanjay Sahni and the anti-corruption initiative Manrega Watch while also examining the roles of elected representatives within the panchayati raj system. By connecting personal narratives with wider political structures, it presents a nuanced account of village life and local governance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout This Book\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eM. R. Sharan explores the intersection of caste, politics and public administration through stories from Bihar's villages. The narrative follows Sanjay Sahni's journey from working in Delhi to returning to his village, where he became involved in exposing irregularities linked to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and helped establish the citizen-led initiative, Manrega Watch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe book also examines the functioning of village institutions, highlighting the responsibilities and influence of mukhiyas and ward members within the panchayati raj system. By presenting perspectives from both citizens and elected representatives, it provides insight into the complexities of local governance, social representation and political power in rural India.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat You'll Discover\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe workings of local governance in Bihar's villages.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInsights into caste, power and grassroots politics.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe story of Sanjay Sahni and the Manrega Watch initiative.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe role of the MGNREGA programme in rural communities.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePerspectives on the panchayati raj system and village leadership.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReal-life accounts of civic participation and anti-corruption efforts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePerfect For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReaders interested in Indian politics and rural governance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStudents and researchers of political science and public policy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReaders exploring caste and social issues in India.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThose interested in grassroots democracy and local administration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFans of narrative non-fiction and investigative reporting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You'll Love This Book\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLast Among Equals: Power, Caste \u0026amp; Politics in Bihar's Villages\u003c\/strong\u003e offers a thoughtful exploration of rural governance through compelling real-life stories and political analysis. It provides valuable insight into the challenges, institutions and individuals that shape democratic life in India's villages.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"M. R. Sharan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54534059884819,"sku":"BY36.17","price":560.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/booksandyou.in\/products\/last-among-equals-hardcover","provider":"Books and You","version":"1.0","type":"link"}