Localising Governance: Strengthening the Role of Last Mile Institutions in Karnataka – Volume 1

Submitted to Karnataka Administrative Reforms Commission–2

Localising Governance: Strengthening the Role of Last Mile Institutions in Karnataka - Volume 1 presents a state-level evaluation framework developed by the Public Affairs Centre (PAC) for the Karnataka Administrative Reforms Commission-II (ARC-II) to assess the functioning of Gram Panchayats and six key rural last-mile service delivery institutions, Primary Health Centres, Sub-Centres, Primary and Secondary Schools, Anganwadi Centres, and Fair Price Shops. The report establishes a comprehensive methodology for evaluating local governance using the 3F framework (Functions, Functionaries and Funds) alongside the 3E framework (Efficiency, Effectiveness and Economy). It outlines the study's theory of change, evaluation criteria, indicators, sampling strategy, data collection tools, and institutional evaluation matrices, combining week-long field observations, key informant interviews, community scorecards, desk research, and secondary data analysis. The framework is designed to identify governance and service delivery gaps, assess institutional capacity, financial management, accountability, human resources, citizen participation, and interdepartmental coordination, and generate evidence-based administrative reform recommendations to strengthen decentralised governance, improve service delivery, and enhance transparency and accountability across Karnataka's rural local institutions.