Abstract
In view of the current emphasis in decentralisation on not only ‘vertical restructuring’ of powers and resources but also on analogous ‘horizontal restructuring’ in the decentralisation efforts, the present paper examines the process of stakeholder partnerships in urban service delivery. Drawing on a case study of Bangalore, with focus on urban environment maintenance service, it argues that much more needs to be understood if institutional pluralism in local government is to become an effective development strategy.