Description

This paper presents an innovative model called “Consortium of Groups for Combating Corruption (CGCC) for the promotion of transparent and accountable government at the Gram Panchayat (GP) level in the Province of Rajasthan in India. Consumer Unity & Trust Society (CUTS), a Rajasthan based international organisation, has attempted to improve the functioning of government at the Gram Panchayat by means of this model. This model proved to be very successful in curbing corruption and creating transparency. The process of seeking information using the provisions of the Right to Information Act (hereafter termed RTI) not only brought several cases of corruption to light, but also increased citizens’ engagement. This further inhibited GP officials and other service providers from engaging in corrupt practices. In turn, this has mitigated instances of corruption. The intervention was implemented in a phased approach. Learning from each phase as it was implemented provided the groundwork for the intervention of the next phase. The CGCC was instrumental in all phases of intervention and worked as a sustainable model as people continue to approach it to seek its assistance.