Delhi. The first meeting of the Social Audit Advisory Body (SAAB) was held on 18 January 2024 at the Conference Hall, Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. This meeting was presided over by the Secretary of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment. This advisory body, which is the first of its kind, has been set up to guide the Ministry in institutionalizing social audit for its various schemes.
Key ministries and academic institutions including the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Rural Development, National Institute of Rural Development, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Delhi School of Social Work and Indian Institute of Public Administration Representatives of the institutions are members of this advisory body.
The meeting began with the welcome address by the Director of National Institute of Social Defense (NISD). Ms. Pratima Gupta, Deputy Director General-cum-Convener, Statistics Division, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (SAAB), presented a general overview of social audit, emphasizing the importance of this social accountability tool in promoting transparency and accountability.
Joint Secretary and Financial Advisor, Sanjay Pandey shared insights on the journey of institutionalizing social audit within the department, underscoring the commitment to ensure effective implementation.
In the keynote address, Secretary, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment highlighted the transformative power of social audit processes in raising community awareness and amplifying the voice of citizens. He stressed the important role of social audit in bringing transparency and taking corrective action based on valuable feedback received from citizens.
The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment has taken a pioneer step by setting up the National Social Audit Resource Cell (NRCSA) to ensure social audit through dedicated social audit units at the state level. The NRCSA team presented the approach to social audit processes developed and implemented by the Department and their significant impact on the effective implementation of the schemes.
SAAB members provided valuable suggestions to strengthen the social audit process and make it more in line with the principles of social justice. Secretary, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment appreciated his team for the dedicated work and new initiatives adopted for social audit and expressed hope that the success of these social audits under the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment will serve as a guide for other government departments. Can also serve as an example.
