Drawing together eminent policy‐makers, practitioners, civil society activists and academics, the conference aims to create a meaningful dialogue on the processes and mechanisms for strengthening transparency and accountability in the implementation of social sector programs in India. Shri. Abhijit Sen, Member, Planning Commission will deliver the keynote address.

Deliberations at the conference will emphasize three key issues:

1. Getting the design right: Strengthening planning, institutional arrangements and processes for monitoring and tracking funds.

2. Monitoring outcomes: Identifying tools and processes to ensure that outcomes are tracked regularly, and progress on outcomes is disseminated widely.

3. Using Information Technology (IT): Harnessing the potential of IT to track fund flows, and monitor processes and program implementation.

The conference will provide a forum for key stakeholders – policy-makers, practitioners, civil society and academics –to exchange ideas, draw lessons from experience, and identify solutions to what is perhaps the greatest challenge faced by the government: ensuring accountability in the money spent. The conference will also bring together researchers and practitioners from around the world to share their experiences and best practice. The deliberation and recommendations drawn from this exchange will be disseminated widely to encourage a greater debate and catalyze action for change.

The conference will close with a moderated panel discussion to debate the issue from practitioners’perspectives. The panel discussion will begin at 18.00 hrs. Please find enclosed an invitation card, a detailed agenda and list of speakers for the conference and panel discussion.