In spite of their seeming effectiveness, India’s internal control mechanisms have not been able to effectively combat the problem of administrative corruption. Say something. Additionally, talk about the different causes of the same. (150 words).
Model Answer Introduction Social accountability refers to the ability and capacity of citizens to hold the government and service providers accountable, ensuring they are responsive to the needs of the people. It plays a critical role in enhancing democratic governance and improving service deliveryRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Social accountability refers to the ability and capacity of citizens to hold the government and service providers accountable, ensuring they are responsive to the needs of the people. It plays a critical role in enhancing democratic governance and improving service delivery by empowering citizens and promoting transparency.
Improved Governance
Social accountability fosters a constructive relationship between citizens and the government by enabling citizens to access information, voice concerns, and demand accountability. For example, the Right to Information (RTI) Act allows citizens to obtain information from public authorities, promoting transparency and holding public officials accountable for their actions.
Increased Development Effectiveness
Social accountability pressures governments to be more responsive and transparent in delivering public services. Social audits are one such tool that evaluates the effectiveness of development projects. By assessing whether these projects align with the needs and priorities of the communities they serve, social audits contribute to better governance and more effective delivery of services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Empowerment and Citizen Engagement
Social accountability initiatives help citizens understand their rights and entitlements, thereby enabling active participation in governance. Citizen Report Cards empower individuals to assess public services, leading to improved government responsiveness and better service delivery.
Poverty Reduction
Social accountability mechanisms can contribute to poverty reduction by improving pro-poor policy design and service delivery. A notable example is Participatory Budgeting in Kerala, which has significantly enhanced rural infrastructure and helped reduce poverty in these areas.
Improved Service Delivery
As citizens become more aware of their rights, their demand for quality and timely service increases. This puts pressure on public officials to improve performance. The Citizen Charter provides citizens with clear information about their rights and the level of service they can expect, increasing accountability in service delivery.
Conclusion
Social accountability is a critical tool for improving democratic governance and service delivery. By empowering citizens, promoting transparency, and ensuring government responsiveness, it deepens democracy and strengthens governance.
See less
Answer: Public Service is a service which is provided by the government to the people, either directly (through the public sector) or by financing provision of services. Some of the key services provided by the Indian government include healthcare, education, law enforcement, environmental protectioRead more
Answer: Public Service is a service which is provided by the government to the people, either directly (through the public sector) or by financing provision of services. Some of the key services provided by the Indian government include healthcare, education, law enforcement, environmental protection, etc. Challenges associated with effective public service delivery in India include:
To ensure effective service delivery, the following should be ensured
Over the years, the government has made various efforts to create social, economic, and political systems to ensure effective service delivery. However, given the challenges being faced by India at the grassroots level, there is a need to strengthen the existing systems and if need be, create new ones with innovation and foresightedness.
See less