IMPROVING THE ACCOUNTABILITY IN PRIS: KEY STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS

Abstract

The term ‘Accountability’ refers to the obligation of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to answer to their constituents for their decisions and actions. It includes Financial Accountability, focusing on Financial Management, and Social Accountability, focusing on Service Delivery and responsiveness to citizens’ needs. Promoting accountability enhances transparency in Panchayat governance. This paper examines the accountability components in PRIs and discusses measures taken by the Central Finance Commission, Comptroller & Auditor General (C&AG) of India, and the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) in the last two decades to enhance accountability in Panchayats. Key strategies and actions introduced by these authorities include the Model Accounting System, Vibrant Gram Sabha, Participatory Planning, Social Audit, Panchayat Citizen Charter, e-GramSWARAJ, and AuditOnline. The policymakers and stakeholders need to collaborate in implementing these reforms to ensure PRIs are accountable to the citizens they serve and provide effective good governance at grassroots level.