The Central government of India has adopted various methods for decentralization of power to ensure that power is distributed to local bodies and communities. Some of the methods used are: 1. Constitutional Amendment: The 73rd and 74th Amendments passed in 1992 have given constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Municipalities. 2. Financial Devolution: The Finance Commission recommends the share of states in the divisible pool of tax revenue. This is supplemented by schemes like the Local Area Development Fund (MPLAD) and Urban Local Bodies Grant. 3. Reservations for Marginalized Groups: One-third of the seats are reserved for women in PRIs and Municipalities. Seats are also reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). 4. Capacity Building: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj implements a capacity building program to strengthen the skills of elected representatives and officials. 5. Citizen Participation: The government has introduced the concept of Citizen's charter and e-governance to promote transparency and accountability in local government. These methods have paved the way for increased participation of communities in governance, resulting in better service delivery, transparency and accountability.