Define 'Accountability'. Discuss the factors that have led to weakening of accountability in civil services. Suggest ways to improve the mechanisms for accountability in civil services.

Hierarchical Bureaucracy

Centralized decision-making limits citizen input, reducing responsiveness and transparency. The rigid top-down structure often discourages innovation and local-level accountability.

Oversight Gaps

Inadequate monitoring enables corruption, highlighted by the Andhra Pradesh1 CFMS Audit’s ₹968 crore excess payments and delayed receipt notifications. Weak internal controls and lack of effective external scrutiny allow inefficiency and malpractice to persist.

Strengthen Oversight Institutions

Empower vigilance bodies, audit agencies, and parliamentary committees with autonomy, adequate resources, and legal authority to enforce accountability effectively. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission emphasized this need for institutional strengthening.

Promote Social Accountability

Citizen participation through RTI, citizen charters, and community-based monitoring schemes like Bhagidari in Delhi bridges governance gaps and fosters micro-accountability by involving people directly in oversight.

Leverage Technology

Digital platforms enhance transparency and real-time monitoring, reducing corruption and enabling quicker grievance redressal, as seen in efforts to improve the Andhra Pradesh CFMS system. E-governance tools facilitate better data access and citizen engagement.