Citizen Charter and Local Service Delivery in Bangladesh

The citizen charter (CC) is an important tool for improving local service delivery in Bangladesh, as it helps to educate individuals on the elements of services and hold service providers accountable. It was implemented in the 1970s as a response to globalization, the emergence of an information and technological society, and economic theories such as public choice, principal-agent theory, and transaction cost.

Format: Hardback
Length: 101 pages
Publication date: 01 March 2023
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This book delves into the significance of the citizen charter (CC) in local service delivery in Bangladesh. It provides a comprehensive account of how CC was integrated into the service delivery process and its profound impact. The transition from traditional public administration to new public management in the 1970s was driven by a multitude of factors, including globalization, the emergence of an information and technological society, and various economic theories such as public choice, principal-agent theory, and transaction cost. The primary objective of the government in a welfare state is to serve the citizens by offering essential services. However, the reality of public service delivery in most developing nations is characterized by inefficiency, corruption, waste of public funds, and a lack of accountability among public employees.

In this context, the citizen charter emerged as a powerful tool to empower individuals and hold service providers accountable. It aimed to educate citizens about their rights and responsibilities, as well as the quality of services they should expect from government agencies. The issue of framing and implementing CC gained significant attention due to the persistent advocacy of academicians, politicians, and practitioners who sought to improve local service delivery.

The book explores the various aspects of CC, including its definition, objectives, and implementation strategies. It discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with CC, such as ensuring its accessibility, relevance, and effectiveness in addressing the needs of citizens. The book also highlights the role of civil society organizations and community-based initiatives in promoting and monitoring CC implementation.

Furthermore, the book examines the impact of CC on improving local service delivery in Bangladesh. It provides case studies and examples of successful CC implementations that have led to increased citizen satisfaction, reduced corruption, and improved efficiency in government agencies. The book also explores the potential for CC to be replicated and adapted in other developing nations to address similar challenges in public service delivery.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable insight into the importance of the citizen charter in local service delivery in Bangladesh. It provides a comprehensive account of how CC was implemented, its impact, and the challenges and opportunities associated with its implementation. The book is a valuable resource for policymakers, practitioners, and academics interested in improving local service delivery and promoting citizen engagement in governance.

Weight: 303g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789819906734
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023