Decentralisation and Empowerment: The Odisha Model for Urban Development discusses the key approaches and factors that underlie the highly successful urban development initiatives implemented in Odisha, India for close to a decade. The application of the governance principles of decentralisation and empowerment across sub-sectors, including drinking water supply, environmental sanitation, municipal waste management, slum land rights, and upgrading infrastructure, has led to the development of the Odisha Model. This book details the conceptualisation, design, learning and implementation processes behind the rapid and significant achievement of various urban initiatives rolled out in the State, many of which have been awarded multiple national and global accolades. The book explains the reasoning behind the various innovative approaches designed and adopted while planning, implementing and monitoring these initiatives. It provides an insider’s perspective on the thought processes that informed the development of these public programmes which focus on the wellbeing of citizens. The academic and research community, including students, will benefit greatly from the insights provided in the book, which will be a source of inspiration and valuable guide for governments, city administrations, and urban practitioners.