Information-Monitoring Evaluation and Social Audit (I-MESA)
Source : PIB
Governance
What is discussed under Information-Monitoring Evaluation and Social Audit (I-MESA) ?
- About the Scheme
- What is Social Audit ?
Why in News ?
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has formulated a scheme, namely Information-Monitoring Evaluation and Social Audit (I-MESA) in FY 2021-22.
Key Facts
- Under this scheme, Social Audits are to be conducted for all the schemes of the Department starting FY 2021-22.
- These social audits are done through Social Audit Units (SAU) of the States and National Institute for Rural
Image by mohamed Hassan from Pixabay Development and Panchayati Raj.
- Most States have set up an independent Social Audit Unit (SAU).
- Some states have even begun to facilitate Social Audit in other programmes, including Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, National Social Assistance Programme, Midday Meal Scheme and Public Distribution System.
- What is Social Audit ?
- Social Audit is the audit of a scheme jointly by the Government and the people, especially by those who are affected by the scheme or its beneficiaries.
- This audit helps to narrow gaps between actual and expected outputs.
- Also it will promote transparency, accountability moreover participation of peoples.
- Mahatma Gandhi National National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was the first Act to mandate Social Audit by the Gram Sabha of all the projects taken up in the Gram Panchayat.
- Section 17 of the MGNREGA has mandated Social audit of all Works executed under the MGNREGA.
- Major Benefits
- Strengthens decentralised governance.
- People Participation
- Informs and educates people
Way Forward
- Development functionaries found guilty of violating established norms for local development planning should be Taken care of.
- Rural poor or beneficiaries have the right to speak up against the misconduct of the scheme.
- Ensure the Involvement of key facilitators in the process.
- Relevant information shared with stakeholders, particularly of the rural poor, women, and other marginalized sections.
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