Social Accountability

As the old adage goes, “a drop of water makes an ocean” similarly it is you and I who make this society. The fundamental definition of a society is that it is a group of humans who are delineated by the bounds of cultural identity, social solidarity and functional interdependence. A society is like a huge family. In a family each member is responsible for his or her actions and is answerable for the same, similarly in a society where we have representatives elected by the members of the society, answerable and accountable for their actions. This accountability for their deeds is important because they are bestowed upon with certain powers and authorities so as to do some good for the people who have elected them. Unless the concept of accountability exists there will be no order, everything will be in chaos. And unfortunately that was what has happened and is still happening (in minimal levels) in various parts of the world. Social accountability as a concept has to gain popularity and people should take active interest in the administration of the country. Till recent people generally had a much laid back attitude. They were undeterred of what happened to the society around them. They were selfish and were concerned of their well-being. The idea of partnership and togetherness had gone for a toss. Taking this as an advantage the elected representatives misused their power and authority and have worsened the state-of-affairs. Today in south-asian regions like India Bangladesh, Nepal etc. the major composition of the members of the society is segmented into two. 1. Illiterates

2. Youth The legacy of carelessness towards the society is carried forward by the illiterates. They do not understand the importance of their active participation in the administration of the society. The perception that people at the top will do still continues. What they need to understand is that, they will do something only when there is a thrust and pressure on them to do something and when there is some one who is monitoring their actions. This segment has to comprehend the fact that a set of representatives giving them some money, food and drinks are not the ones who are doing some good to the society. In the short run they are donating but in the long run they will eat away magnanimous amounts of society’s financial and natural resources.

With globalization and liberalization of various economies there are opportunities galore for today’s youth. There is no dearth of job prospects. Added to this the US bug has bitten today’s young generation in a big way. This has led to two repercussions; one brain drain and two educated members in the society. Even the ones who stay back in their respective countries seem to show no keen interest except for pointing their fingers at the representatives and criticizing them. They need to realize that condemning someone would do no good to the society. If they are really upset and appalled at the way things are run in the country, it is high time they play an active role in the governance of the economy. Implementation of Social Accountability will succeed when these two target audience are targeted at. These are the major chunk that will question, communicate and monitor. It is they who have the potential to bring every economy out of doldrums.

This is what I could think of and write. I couldn’t find answers to those questions. Hope you find this of some use.