Local Democracy in India and China: Opportunities and Challenges
10 May, 2006

Speaker: Dr George Mathew, Director, Institute of Social Sciences (ISS), Delhi
Chair: Mr Dick Gupwell, Secretary General, European Institute for Asian Studies

View the speakers presentation: Adobe PDF or Flash/Shockwave

Listen to an interview with the speaker (mp3)

Attendees include EIAS members and other interested parties.

Experts wishing to discuss a possible topic for a Lucheon Briefing are invited to contact EIAS

Local Democracy in India and China: Opportunities and Challenges
10 May, 2006 from 13h00 – 14h30

Speaker: Dr George Mathew, Director, Institute of Social Sciences (ISS), Delhi
Chair: Mr Dick Gupwell, Secretary General, European Institute for Asian Studies

Listen to an interview with the speaker (mp3)

The European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) is honoured to welcome Dr George Mathew to its premises to examine the development of local democracy in India and China. What opportunities and challenges exist for these two Asian giants as they strive to promote domestic development and reform? Can any comparisons be drawn or lessons gained from individual experiences?

The Institute of Social Sciences is India’s leading research centre on panchayati raj, India’s system of elected local councils, and the impact this has on India’s social development, especially in rural areas. Its findings and recommendations are made available to members of decision-making organisations, such as government bodies, trade unions, people's organisations, corporate bodies and scientific communities, to encourage them to enlarge the options for action.

As Founding Director, Dr George Mathew has held several important academic positions, such as Visiting Fellow of the University of Chicago South Asian Studies Centre (1981-82) and Visiting Professor, University of Padova (1988); and was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship in the of summer 1991 for working at the University of Chicago. He is a member of several committees of the federal government and is on the board of governors of national and international organisations.

Dr Mathew is currently specialising in the local government system, decentralisation and gender equity within the context of India, whilst also undertaking research on the introduction of local democracy in China.

View the speakers presentation: Adobe PDF or Flash/Shockwave

Listen to an interview with the speaker (mp3)