Decentralization
It is impossible to standardize the usage of the word 'decentralization' by seeking to give it meanings that would be acceptable universally,The English language took the word from Latin and it has innumerable applications.Through all of them,however,runs a common idea,which is inherent in the word's Latin roots,meaning 'away from centre'(Macmakon 1961:15). To some,decentralization denotes 'the transference of authority,legislative,judicial or administrative,from a higherlevel of government to a lower level' (White 1959).The process of decentralization basically seeks to create greater energy,a higher sense of responsibility and better morale among the field agents (Mukhopadhyay 1980: 5).Although the basic idea of decentralization is sharing the decision-making authority with lower level in the organization,power can be shared within the system,at a lower level,or by creating new mechanisms in the system.Power can also be sheared with outside organizations or agencies.
keeping these possibilities in view,some authors (Rondenelli et al.1984) indicate the followinng four types of decentralization:
1. deconcentration,i.e,handing over some amount of administrative authority or responsibility to lower levels within the government ministries or agencies;
2. delegation,ie.,transferring responsibility for specifically defined functions to organizations that are outside the regular bureaucratic structure and are only indirectly controlled by the central government;
3. devolution,ie,creation and strengthening of sub-national of the government,activities of which are substantially outside the direct control of the central government; and
4. privatisation,ie,passing all responsibility for functions to non-governmental organisations or private enterprises independent of the government.