Abstract
Analyses the impact of democratic decentralization on the chances of social excluded groups to participate in newly created local governance (Panchayat Rai) institutions. Discusses the results of an interview survey, finding that, in Kerala, women, lower castes and the poor are at least represented as other groups at the Panchayat level whereas in Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh they continue to be under-represented. Draws conclusions concerning the effect of raising political awareness.