Social Sector Development: From Outlays to Outcomes

Social sector development is a complex and challenging issue, which necessitates an active discourse at multiple levels aimed at the fundamental definitional questions on the one hand and the choice of institutions, strategies and mechanisms towards the realization of accepted objectives on the other. Given the intensity of prevailing conflicts of interest and power structure, which define the very framework of action and inaction in society and polity, this is not an easy task. Yet this is extremely important as crucial dimensions of social sector development are linked to these questions. The post-independence Indian state and society have been grappling with social sector development issues. Considerable effort has been put in through planning, policy-making and institution-building exercises. In the context of the recent initiatives of the government to shift the focus from ‘outlays’ to ‘outcomes’, a Round Tables Conference was organized at IIPA to take a closer look at the nature and meaning of this shift for social sector development. Engaging a large number of eminent scholars, practitioners and public persons, the Round Table deliberated upon the complex range of issues pertaining to the realm of governance and social justice. It examined questions of policy framework, issues in implementation and monitoring, as well as policy substance and alternative conceptualization and perspectives needed to ensure desired outcomes in social sectors, with particular reference to rural development, education and health. This book reports the proceedings of the Round Table.