Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) impact health, nutrition and livelihood status of millions of Indians every day. Decentralised governance is a key strategy for enhancing efficiency, equity and justice in this vital sector. Improving governance is not an option; it is, in fact, ‘essential’ given the enormous challenges faced by India. The volume critically examines the decentralisation of governance in particular to the water and sanitation sector in rural India.

The book showcases leading voices—including those of academicians, practitioners and policy makers—from various parts of the country. It includes an introduction to the basic core issues related to the subject, present scenario in the country/specific states, practical examples for their resolution, moving on to broader aspects of good governance in the field, and finally giving implementable remedies. The volume is a useful compendium for practitioners, academicians, civil society activists and policy planners, and also the common citizens—the ultimate consumer of these services.