Localizing Governance: Strengthening the Role of Frontline Institutions in Karnataka – Public Affairs Centre, Bengaluru (KARC2 – Chapter 16)

Commission Chairman: T. M. Vijay Bhaskar (IAS Retd.). Research Organisation: Public Affairs Centre (PAC).

The study, undertaken by the Public Affairs Centre (PAC) for the Karnataka Administrative Reforms Commission-2 (KARC2), examined the functioning of frontline institutions operating under Gram Panchayats (GPs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to identify institutional gaps affecting first-mile service delivery. The assessment covered GP offices, schools, Anganwadi Centres, Public Health Centres, Fair Price Shops, and a ward of Tumakuru City Corporation using a mixed-method approach comprising field observations, key informant interviews, and community scorecards. Guided by the 3F framework, Funds, Functions, and Functionaries, the study evaluated governance structures, administrative processes, staffing, service delivery mechanisms, and citizen engagement. It identified several systemic challenges, including unclear roles and responsibilities, inadequate supervision and monitoring, staff shortages, weak coordination between local bodies and line departments, limited public participation, ineffective grievance redressal systems, and insufficient capacity-building initiatives. Based on these findings, the report proposed a comprehensive set of reforms, including strengthening institutional linkages between local bodies and frontline institutions, integrating Management Information Systems (MIS), filling vacant positions, digitising records, developing operational manuals and responsibility matrices, and institutionalising regular training and capacity-building programmes. The recommendations aim to improve administrative efficiency, accountability, coordination, and citizen-centric service delivery across Karnataka's local governance institutions.