Kerala has been in the forefront for adopting the decentralized governance system through Panchaythiraj Institutions in the country for the past one decade. Though 40% of the plan fund of the state is allocated for implementing through Panchayathi raj institutions, at local level, the Panchayaths are not enough capacitated to undertaking the projects effectively. Because of this, a good portion of the resources are spent for unwarranted projects and people seldom benefit out of it. This critical gap in capacity building was well identified by the state as well experts. RASTA since 1996, when the decentralization process started, has been actively involved in the process in the following ways.

In 2004, RASTA has been contacted by the Kila-Capdeck (Capacity building of decentralization programme in Kerala) programme to undertake a project in one Grama Panchayath that strengthen the decentralization process. The project aimed at the need assessments of capacity building, training a resource team on Panchayathiraj Systems, Conducting Participatory appraisal in tribal Oorukootam, a study on the functions of the Gramasabha and the services that received by the people form the Panchayath, awareness on right to information law, publication of booklet of decentralization and a conducting a model Gramasabha.