摘要：In 21st Century the development landscape worldwide is constantly being shaped and reshaped
by the simultaneous processes of globalization and localization (collectively called
Glocalization). In this scenario the subnational political units are emerging as the principle actors
in the global economy. With this the location or site of governance is changing. Thus the need is
to situate the debate on decentralization in context of glocalization. This paper is an attempt to
understand ‘why’ and ‘how’ of decentralization─ the questions that have perplexed the policy
makers and academicians in the age of glocalization. It has been argued that ‘how
decentralization is designed’ depends on ‘why decentralization is being carried out’: Drive
determines the design. The paper reflects upon various dimensions related to the design of
decentralization and shows that out of the competing approaches none is an ideal solution.
Solution, it is agued, is to be found not in antipodes but in an ‘optimal mix of policies
implemented with optimal pace’. Each country however must find its own ‘optimality’ given its
tradition, geography, economy, income level, social structure and political choices.
