This study analyses the constraints and possibilities in participatory planning and democratic decentralisation, with special reference to Kerala. Examining various aspects of the concept of people's participation, it presents an overview of people's compaign for decentralised planning in the State. Also, it presents a report on decentralised planning based on extensive field studies at two of Kerala's Gram Panchayats. The political process at the grassroots level has been discussed as well. The book will be of great use for researchers, policy-makers and development workers.