People’s watch: Principles of social accountability

Adhikari, Anindita (2026) People’s watch: Principles of social accountability. In: Realising right: a handbook of welfare in India. Azim Premji University, Bengaluru, pp. 348-370.

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Abstract

Social accountability refers to mechanisms within public programmes that seek to make the state responsive to citizens’ claims by creating direct linkages between citizens and government. These mechanisms have expanded state–society interfaces for participation, claim-making and oversight, extending the downward reach of the democratic state. The development and functioning of social accountability mechanisms in India’s welfare state can be understood through key instruments such as social audits, grievance redress systems and public information platforms. Rights-based legislations since the 2000s have transformed governance by embedding transparency, citizen participation and oversight within state institutions. However, persistent challenges remain and perhaps the gravest threat to these social accountability systems are sweeping legislative changes which undermine transparency and the retrenchment of social rights.

Item Type:	Book Section
Authors:	Adhikari, Anindita
Document Language:	Language English
Subjects:	Social sciences > Political Science > Public policy Social sciences > Political Science > Civil & political rights Social sciences > Public administration
Divisions:	Azim Premji University - Bengaluru > University Publications > Centre for the Study of the Indian Economy (CSIE)
Full Text Status:	Public
URI:	http://publications.azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/id/eprint/7643
Publisher URL:	https://azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/

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