Public Services and Social Accountability

Dr. R Balasubramaniam Founder, Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement

Definitions
A proactive process by which public officials inform about and justify their plans of action, their behavior and results and are sanctioned accordingly. An approach towards building accountability that relies on civic engagement, i.e. in which it Is ordinary citizens and/or civil society organizations who participate directly or indirectly in exacting accountability.(World Bank)
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Dr. R Balasubramaniam, SVYM

How does it function

Relies on Civic Engagement, in which ordinary citizens or CSOs participate directly or indirectly to exact accountability. Eg: Participatory budgeting, social audits, citizen report cards, community score cards.

1/12/2012

Dr. R Balasubramaniam, SVYM

Benefits
Improved Governance, Increased development effectiveness through better service delivery, and empowerment

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Dr. R Balasubramaniam, SVYM

How can this be achieved

By enhancing the capacities skills, attitudes and behaviors of Government and civil society actors.

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Dr. R Balasubramaniam, SVYM

A practical approach
Need a careful understanding of the political, administrative, historical and social context Take into account appropriate entry points Explore possible synergy between state and society Contd..
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Dr. R Balasubramaniam, SVYM

 Have the right mix of social accountability tools See how these new practices integrates with formal accountability mechanisms, institutional arrangements and incentive structures for public servants

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Dr. R Balasubramaniam, SVYM

Parameters to think about when designing a social accountability initiative: Incentive structure punishment vs rewardbased approaches Accountability for what? Rule following versus performance orientation Level of Institutionalization the extent to which the participation of citizens is institutionalized in the law or by other formal means Contd
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Dr. R Balasubramaniam, SVYM

 Depth of involvement the degree to which citizens are permitted to observe and participate in areas of government normally kept secret or out of reach or society Inclusiveness of participation the extent to which participation is limited to only well behaved or socially acceptable groups from civil society or opened up to a wide variety of actors

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Dr. R Balasubramaniam, SVYM

 Branches of Government whether target of effort is executive, legislature, or judiciary. Accountability is limited to merely a negative connotation desisting from corrupt practices. It needs to be seen in the light of the affirmative task of effective performance and proactive decision making.

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Dr. R Balasubramaniam, SVYM

Final words
To be accountable is to work with society and accounting agencies to improve government honesty and performance instead of doing ones best to hide from scrutiny. This proactive behavior that accountability demands requires dialogue, explanation and justification.
Dr. R Balasubramaniam, SVYM

1/12/2012

Thank you!
1/12/2012

Dr. R Balasubramaniam, SVYM