Panchayat Citizen Charter (Meri Panchayat, Mera Adhikaar - Jan Sevaayein Hamaare Dwaar Campaign)

Abstract

Panchayats implement many development programmes and provide basic public services to the citizens in their respective areas. All public services are paid for by individual citizens, either directly or indirectly through taxes. Therefore, the question arises - How to make Panchayats appreciate the needs of the citizens and improve the quality of public services? The answer probably lies in the ‘Citizen Charter.’ The citizens have the right to expect a particular quality of service that is responsive to their needs and Panchayats are obliged to provide the required services efficiently at a reasonable cost. Thus, the Citizen Charter is a practical proposition in terms of involving and motivating the elected representatives, Panchayat officials and the citizens to work out and adopt a more responsive Panchayat set-up with increased transparency and efficient service delivery as per citizens’ needs. Panchayat Citizens’ Charter preserves the trust between the citizens and Panchayats, helps to make the citizens aware of their rights and also makes Panchayats accountable to citizens.