Micro-privatisation: Distilling Efficiency and Welfare in Delivery of Public Service

This paper argues for the implementation of a model of micro-privatisation, as an extension of mere privatisation, involving community participation in the delivery of public services. Part I of this paper traces the nature of the right to public services, locating its roots in the concept of a citizens charter and glances at the existent legal regime vis-a-vis public services in India. Part II goes on to highlight the crisis in the contemporary system of delivery of public services in India, especially in the rural areas. With this contextualisation, Part III analyses the feasibility of privatisation of delivery of public services, observing the flaws inherent in the process and noting that privatisation may not be the panacea it is often assumed to be. Finally, Part IV advocates for the delivery of public services through a paradigm of micro-privatisation, combining ideals of welfare and efficiency, thus emerging as a best practice for the enforcement of the right to public services. This essay concludes on a note of optimism, hoping for the implementation of a model of micro-privatisation to realise the true value of the human right to public services.