Social Accountability of State: A Study of Education Sector in Haryana

Abstract

Accountability of public officials is very significant for good governance and a prerequisite for an effective democracy. Social accountability of state contributes to overall development of a state. This is achieved through improved public service delivery and more informed policy design. Improper implementation of social welfare policies, corruption, improper training to personnel and misallocation of resources are some of the problems that hinder the social accountability of state government. These problems are perpetuated because the three key groups of actors in the public policy and service delivery chain – policymakers, service providers and citizens – have different (sometimes conflicting) goals and incentives, compounded by information asymmetries and lack of communication. By enhancing the availability of information, strengthening the citizen's voice, promoting dialogue and consultation between the three groups of actors and creating incentives for improved performance, social accountability mechanisms can go a long way towards improving the effectiveness of service delivery and making public decision-making more transparent, participatory and pro-poor. Social accountability initiatives can lead to empowerment, particularly of the weaker sections and poor people. Education plays a vital role in curbing social evils from the society, achieving high economic growth of the state and uplifting the life status of citizens. Obtaining education is also the fundamental right of citizens.In this study, educational policies of the Haryana state government, the impact of educational programmes, loopholes in the implementation of educational policies and providing incentives to the educational personnel have been described.