FIXING 16th SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL THROUGH JAN MANCH PROGRAMME: AN INITIATIVE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE

Abstract

Himachal Pradesh is amongst the small and Himalayan states in India with 68 Lakh population inhabited in rural, hilly and mountainous terrains spread over 12 districts, 78 development blocks. The ninety percent rural population in living in 3226-gram panchayats scattered in more than 20,690 villages, where the public service. Recently this small state bagged many national awards including, best performing big state in education and health. State is first to pioneer the District Good Governance Index for measuring governance performance, implementing the H.P. Public Service Guarantee Act 2011 and committed to provide 187 time bound services. Apart from these initiatives, to redress the grievances of rural population government is trying reaching to people through its flagship programme called as “Jan Manch” which is being organized monthly in different assembly constituencies in all the districts. Present paper aimed to study the provision under this “Jan Manch Programme” and its performance. The study revealed that this programme is an important tool for accountable governance especially for the rural people are coming forward with their grievances immensely. These all initiatives are ultimately contributing to the sustainable development goals (SDG) 16 i.e. Promote Peaceful and Inclusive Societies for Sustainable Development, Provide Access to Justice for All and Build Effective, Accountable and Inclusive Institution at all Levels.