Reports

Discussion Papers

No.017 Peasantry and Bureaucracy in Decentralization in Bhutan

by Karma Ura

December 2004

ABSTRACT

Decentralization process became prominent in Bhutan since early 1980s. Starting with an account of historical precedents for decentralized authority, the paper gives theoretical perspectives and factual descriptions of this process. Limiting itself to a discussion of broader social and political issues, the paper interprets decentralization as an approach towards diversity and pluralism among different communities that is shaped as a dynamics between peasants and civil servants.

Keywords: autonomy, power, agency, participation, knowledge, Buddhist perspective.

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