This book examines the empowerment of citizens in general and of the poor and marginalized groups in particular by the process of decentralization. It discusses the precise role of Panchayat and local governance on the quantity and quality of services. Some of the findings include – long term impacts of political reservation for women, positive relationship between local revenue generation and quality of governance, significant welfare gains due to parochial politics and even bribes. The mechanisms through which improvements in governance are achieved include Gram Sabha meetings with specific agenda related to services, participation of households in such meetings, and, the impact of specific institutions such as VECs, VWUSCs, and the Pani Panchayats.