Social Accountability Mechanism- A generic framework. A Guide for Consideration in Policy Design.

Abstract

The NIAR in this study has tried to study the various challenges and vulnerabilities that come in way of institutionalizing social accountability and how possibly these can be tackled. Also an attempt has been made to identify the manner in which the existing institutional designs can be made more accountable and accurate. In addition to this, it is equally important to strengthen the citizen voice to empower the community to hold the system accountable and in turn take benefit of the various schemes and programmes. Keeping this changing scenario in view, the NIAR has attempted to study the accountability failures in India and in turn study the potential ways of enhancing social accountability in two flagship programmes, namely, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). The framework was discussed during the workshop held at New Delhi on 25.5.2009 under the chairmanship of Additional Secretary & Officials of DAR&PG and experts from various organizations. The suggestions have been incorporated in the framework.