Discuss whether the welfare schemes built on principles of participation and not simply imposed from above are more successful and effective. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)

Welfare Schemes work better when they are built on principles of participation and not simply imposed from above -

The Deen Dayal Upadhyay- National Rural Livelihood Mission works by promoting formation of SHGs, and providing them with rotting funds.

The scheme has turned out a great success in helping generate employment for rural poor.

The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan achieved success by converting cleanliness and toilet construction into a people's movement, with third-party verification.

MANEGA provide for social audit of work done. (Accountability)

The MPLADS scheme involves audit of 10% of works in a year.

Thus, it can be clear that people's participation and schemes with people's participation mechanism there are a success, as -

1. Participation adds a sense of responsibility.

2. Accountability mechanism ensure official behaviour is checked, and people can have their grievances addressed through RTIs, etc citizen charters, etc.

3. A counter example can be seen in the efforts by government to boost oxygen production in India after 1st phase of COVID pandemic. No accountability and no public participation led to utter failure of the efforts.

— Gaurav Ojha · AIR 204