Social audits are assessments of an organization’s social and ethical performance, often conducted by stakeholders or government to ensure compliance with ethical standards and social responsibility goals.
Introduction
In today’s dynamic world, where organizations play a pivotal role in shaping society, there is a growing need for transparency and accountability. One way to achieve this is through social audit, a process that holds organizations answerable for their performance from various perspectives. This article delves into the concept of social audit, its significance in India, and an associated tool called Jansunwai, which promotes public hearings as a means of fostering accountability and transparency.
Table of Contents
The Significance of Social Audit
Social audit is a method that allows organizations to document and be held accountable for their practices and performance. It serves as a valuable tool for evaluating how effectively an organization fulfills its social responsibility. This process is instrumental in ensuring proper resource utilization and is a reform tool aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and the effective implementation of projects and policies. Social audit not only improves the internal workings of an organization but also enhances its external relationships.
Social Audit in India
In India, the 1st initiative of social audits was conducted by Tata Iron and Steel Company Limited (TISCO) in 1979 later social audits gained significance following the 73rd Amendment to the Constitution, which empowered gram sabhas (village councils) to conduct social audits in addition to their existing functions. This was a groundbreaking legislative application of social audit, emphasizing the importance of citizen engagement in monitoring government activities. The Right to Information Act, 2005, played a pivotal role in supporting the social audit system in India by providing mechanisms to ensure proper implementation of citizens’ right to information.
A specific example of social audit in India can be seen in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), where Section 17 mandates regular social audits to ensure transparency and accountability. State governments are responsible for conducting these audits, making them an integral part of the governance process.
Jansunwai: A Tool for Public Accountability
“Jansunwai,” a Hindi phrase that translates to “public hearing,” is an informal court-like gathering where local participants and judges are local people themselves. It serves as a democratic means for local communities to understand government policies and the activities of public authorities. Jansunwai has evolved as an instrument of social audit, enabling participatory development and holding authorities accountable for their public responsibilities.
History of Jansunwai
The practice of Jansunwai gained prominence through the efforts of organizations like the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS). Between December 1994 and April 1995, MKSS organized a series of Jansunwai sessions in Rajasthan. These events were pivotal in the journey of Right to Information (RTI) in the state. They aimed to bridge the gap between self-governance and local people by allowing workers and villagers to voice their concerns regarding issues such as wage deductions, false employment records, and partially implemented policies.
Initially, these gatherings faced resistance from authorities. However, persistent pressure from workers and media coverage compelled the authorities to provide information and take responsibility. The information gathered during Jansunwai sessions was used to conduct a social audit, revealing significant disparities between government-reported data and the findings of MKSS.
Key Features of Jansunwai
Jansunwai stands out due to its unique features. Participants, including the illiterate and vulnerable, fearlessly question authorities based on the evidence at hand. These sessions are conducted in a familiar and friendly manner, often in the local language, maintaining an informal yet respectful tone reminiscent of a local court.
A panel of judges with independent credentials ensures that proceedings are unbiased, while the people act as the jury. The infrastructure requirements for Jansunwai are minimal, involving basic equipment like microphones, speakers, cameras, and a simple setting, often under a tree. This grassroots approach empowers people, making Jansunwai a truly egalitarian process.
Conclusion
Social audit and Jansunwai are powerful tools for promoting accountability and transparency in India. They enable citizens to actively participate in monitoring the performance of organizations and public authorities, ultimately ensuring that government policies and projects align with the needs of the people. These processes not only improve internal and external workings but also foster a culture of accountability and responsiveness within the government, making them essential components of a functioning democracy.
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