ABSTRACT
Based on various theories and concepts this chapter tests the level of accountability and transparency of the officials and activities of the local council (Union Parishads) respectively. It critically analyses how the officials respond to the demands of the constituents with ownership, developed by NGOs, and negotiate social accountability mechanisms. Moreover, the practices of the UPs regarding information dissemination and usages of the disseminated information by the citizens have also been examined. The results show that although people’s participation has increased, most of the participants possess no voice and display passivity and reluctance to engage actively. Through NGO intervention the officials have become alerted to the people’s demands, which have been confirmed with the presence of citizens’ demands in plans and budgets documents. The officials have seemed prepared to take responsibility for their activities. People’s committees have been formed in every council, but their activation remains an illusion. On the other hand, local bodies started to disseminate information in their localities through billboards, however, people have not yet become accustomed to examining the information boards or web pages for information as they seek information verbally. Evidence revealed that, through the efforts of the Sharique project, the UPs have become more transparent to the citizens.
