Call for Papers | International Conference on 3 Decades of India’s Journey Towards Local Self Governance by Mar Gregorios College of Law: Submit by Apr 30

About Mar Gregorios College of Law, Trivandrum

Mar Gregorios College of Law (MGCL) was established in 2012 as a significant milestone in the educational ministry of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. The college was founded with a mission to be a centre of excellence in legal education. The inspiration for the college’s establishment came from the revered memory of His Grace Most Reverend Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios, who served as the second Metropolitan Archbishop of the Major Archdiocese of Trivandrum.

About International Conference on 3 Decades of India’s Journey Towards Local Self Governance

Local self-governments (LSGs) are pivotal in India’s democratic structure, functioning as foundational entities that facilitate development, governance, and participatory democracy. This conference aims to bring together policymakers, scholars, academicians, and stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions regarding the changing dynamics of local administration in India.

Conference Themes & Sub-Themes

Research papers are invited on the following indicative themes:

1. EVOLVING PERSPECTIVES OF DECENTRALISATION

• Nature of Local Self Governance in India – Decentralisation, Devolution Delegation or De-concentration
• Gandhian Perspectives on Panchayati Raj
• Local Self-Governance and Democratic Accountability

2. CONSTITUTIONAL & LEGAL FRAMEWORK OF LSGs

• Perspectives from the Constituent Assembly on Local Self Governance
• Context and Impact of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments
• Role of Constitutional Machinery for Local Self Governance – State Election Commission;
• Finance Commission; State Finance Commission; District Planning Committee

3. LSGs IN DEVELOPMENT

• Agriculture and Local Self Government
• Fisheries and Local Self Government
• Sanitation and Waste Management Responsibilities
• Health Institutions and Local Self Government

4. LSGs AND FISCAL AUTONOMY

• Fiscal Efficiency in Local Governance and Development
• Centre-State Transfers for Local Self Governments including the role of centrally sponsored schemes

5. DECENTRALISATION IN COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE

• Lessons from the EU Charter of Local Self Governance
• BRICS Countries and their approach to local self-governance

Submission Guidelines

Abstract Submission

• Maximum 150 – 250 words (not more than 6 keywords)
• Full Paper Submission
• Word Limit: 3500-5000 words
• Font: Times New Roman, 12
• Format for tables and figures: JPEG
• Spacing: 1.5
• Citation: APA 7TH Edition
• Plagiarism: Papers exceeding 10% similarity will be rejected

Deadlines

• Last day for abstract submission: April 30, 2025
• Last day for registration and fee payment: May 30, 2025
• Submission of full paper: May 30, 2025

Publication &Recognition

• Selected papers will be published in an edited book bearing an ISBN, following a blindfolded peer review
• Authors willing to consider their papers for publication should submit a duly filled and scanned “DECLARATION OF RESPONSIBILITY & COPYRIGHT FORUM”, to be provided with communication of acceptance of paper
• Selection for presentation doesn’t entitle publication

Registration & Fees

For Indian Participants

• Students/ Research Scholars: Rs 500
• Academicians/ Policy Makers/ Industrialists/ Professionals: Rs 1000
• For Participation: Rs 250
• For Foreign Participants
• Students: $20
• Professionals/Academicians: $25
• In case of co-authorship, both presenters have to register separately

Contact Information

• Thejas Krishna S D: +917902506866
• Saira Susan Jojoe : +919207532182
• Varun Satheesh : +918129462762

The brochure is here.