Reforming Public Services in India: Drawing Lessons From Success (World Bank Report)

There has been considerable debate in India about the quality of public service delivery. Various governments have attempted in recent years to improve delivery systems. This study examines 31 such efforts. Focusing on specific innovations in service delivery across India, the study identifies common factors underlying their success. In doing so, it highlights the efficacy of six instruments to improve service delivery—fostering competition, simplifying transactions, restructuring agency processes, decentralization, building broad political support for program delivery, and strengthening accountability mechanisms.