1. Centralization and Decentralization
M.A.M.Fowsar
Lecturer in Political Science
Department of Political Science
South Eastern University of Sri Lank

2. Meaning of Centralization
the process of transfer of administrative authority from a lower to a higher level of government is called centralization (L.D. White).
it signifies the concentration of authority and decision – making power at the top of the administrative pyramid. The top level may be the chief executive or the headquarters.
the field agencies are merely executing and implementing agencies without any power to act on their own initiative.
centralization inclines toward power and domination of the headquarters over field stations.

3. Reasons for Centralization
Personality Factors:
lack of trust in the aptitude of employees at the subordinate level
insecure personality of the chief executive
‘I am the best’ syndrome with most chief executives
Political Factors:
sharing power
obstruction to speedy disposal of business
urban bias
military budget and defence spending
technology and security issues
legacy of colonialism
Economic Factors:
big budget policies
Foreign aid
control over the social security spending

4. Advantages of Centralization
effective control over the entire administration system
uniform policies, methods and procedures of administration
effective central control of administration checks:
the abuse of authority
misuse of administrative powers
avoids expensive duplication of work

5. Disadvantages of Centralization
middle and lower levels powerless and weak
overburdened central authority
autocratic control over subordinates
leads to delay in arriving at decisions
makes decisions without any knowledge of local conditions
not provide any opportunity to the people participation

6. Meaning of Decentralization
the process of transfer of administrative power from a higher to a lower level of government is called decentralization (L.D. White).
Decentralization implies the establishment of relatively autonomous field and regional offices and delegation of decision – making powers and functions to them.
Decentralization signifies the central authority divesting itself of certain powers, which are given away to the autonomous local authorities

7. Dimensions and Forms Distinction by hierarchy and function:
Territorial Decentralization: transfer of centrally produced and provided public goods & services to local level units in the govt. hierarchy of jurisdiction.
Functional Decentralization: transfer of authority to perform specific tasks to specialized organizations.

8. Dimensions and Forms
Political Decentralization: transfer of diction making power to citizens or their elected representatives.
Spatial Decentralization: reducing excessive urban concentration in a few large cities by promoting regional growth poles having potential to become centers of manufacturing & agricultural marketing.
Market Decentralization: creating conditions that allow public goods & services to be produced & provided by market mechanisms.
Administrative Decentralization: hierarchical and functional distribution of powers & functions between central and non-central governments.

9. Types of Administrative Decentralization
Degree of administrative decentralization:
De-concentration
Delegation
Privatization
Deregulation
Devolution

10. De-concentration the least extensive form of decentralization
transfer of authority by administrative means to different levels under jurisdictional authority of central govt.
Ministries retaining power
Transferring the implementation roles
Shifting of workload
Field administration
Local administration

11. Delegation
a more extensive form of decentralization than de-concentration.
transfer of decision-making and management authority for specific function to organizations.
indirect control of the central government / ministries.
legally accountable
public corporations, regional planning and area development authorities, etc.
transfer or creation of broad authority to plan and implement decision concerning specific activities within specific spatial boundaries.

12. Deregulation & Privatization
Reduce the legal constraints on private participation in service provision or allows competition among private suppliers for service that in the past had been provided by government or by regulated monopolies.
In recent years privatization and deregulation have become more attractive alternatives to government in developing countries. Local governments are also privatizing be contracting out service provision or administration.
Privation and deregulation are usually. But not always accompanied by economic liberalization and market development policies.

13. Devolution the most extensive form of decentralization
Implies divestment of functions by the central government and creating of new units of governance outside the control of central authority.
It is the strongest form of a measure against centralization. It is irreversible and is complete decentralization.
The subordinate officials obtain the legal authority to design and execute local developmental programmes and projects

14. Rationale of Decentralization
rising demand for public goods & services
shifting emphasis in development strategies
widespread participation in planning & decision making
preparation and implementation of projects in accordance with local needs base
use of scarce resources more efficiently
opportunities for co-ordination & co-operation among decision makers & local people
improvement of socio-economic condition of the people
involvement of people in the decision making process
making the govt. officials accountable to peoples representatives
bridging gap between people and administration

15. Condition for Successful Decentralization
favorable political and administrative control
strong political commitment and support from national leaders
commitment of central bureaucracy to transfer authority local units
organization factors conductive to decentralization
appropriate allocation of planning and administrative functions
concise and definite decentralization laws, regulations and directives
behavioral and psychological supporting decentralization
change attitude and behavior
effective means of overcoming resistance
resource condition required for decentralization
transfer authority to obtain sufficient financial resources, equipment
adequate financial infrastructure, transportation and communication

16. Advantages of Decentralization
democratic participation
improved management
penetrate national policies to remote areas
representation of various groups
capacity building and developing local leadership
utilization of local resources
reduce cost and time
access to basic social services
closer contact between officials and local people
ensure human development
relieve central govt. from routine tasks
expansion of economic activities

17. Challenges of Decentralization
committed political leadership
rigid control (institutional & financial)
bureaucratic dominance
distrust among parties involved
lack of comprehensive planning
change may not be acceptable
election of local bodies are not proper
problem of communication
political stability / change of policy
lack of coordination / dual instruction
inadequate authority power

18. THANK YOU