Just Rewards? Local Politics and Public Resource Allocation in South India

Abstract

This paper uses data on elected village councils in South India to examine the political economy of public resource allocation. We find that the pattern of policy-making reflects politicians' self-interest. Elected councillors benefit from improved personal access to public resources. In addition, the head councillor's group identity and residence influences public resource allocation.While electoral incentives do not eliminate politician opportunism, voters appear able to use their electoral clout to gain greater access to public resources.

Social identity and governance: The behavioral response to female leaders

“…This is because the head of the village council heads the sub-committee of planning and finance within the council and all the proposed projects must have the approval of this subcommittee for them to be implemented. Besley, Pande, and Rao (2012) and Chattopadhyay and Duflo (2004) provide evidence of considerable discretionary power enjoyed by the head of the village council. Hence we view the head of the village council to be the effective policymaker and leader of the council.…”

Traveling Agents: Political Change and Bureaucratic Turnover in India

“…8 6 On comparing decisions of appointed versus elected officials, see Besley and Coate (2003), Besley and Payne (2003), Khemani (2003), Lim (2008), and Weingast and Moran (1983). Di Tella and Fisman (2004), Besley, Pande, and Rao (2007), Ferraz and Finan (2008), and Smart and Sturm (2008) analyze the incentives for elected officials. 7 These officers are variously known as district collectors, district magistrates, and deputy commissioners in different parts of India.…”

The Power of Political Voice: Women's Political Representation and Crime in India

“…12 Most studies find significant positive effects of women or women-friendly leaders on femaleoriented policies (Chattopadhyay and Duflo, 2004;Powley, 2007;Washington, 2008;ClotsFigueras, 2011), as well as improved attitudes towards women leaders (Beaman et al, 2009). Similarly increased representation of disadvantaged castes in political office has been found to bring greater benefits for these castes (Pande, 2003;Besley et al, 2007;Bardhan et al, 2010). A 9 studies analyzing the Indian case compare outcomes across villages reserved for a female (or minority) council president and those that are not; i.e.…”