On 30th April and 1st May, we conducted a 2-day workshop with the National Academy of Audit and Accounts (NAAA). This was a first for us, in the sense that we adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by implementing a virtually accessible learning workshop.

Originally slated to be held in Shimla, the event was held digitally for probationers at the NAAA on ‘Understanding Policy Design and Policy Evaluation’. NAAA is the apex training institute of the Indian Audit & Accounts Department (IA& AD), and imparts induction training to Indian Audit & Accounts Service (IA&AS) officers recruited through the Civil Services Examination.

The first objective was to introduce the participants to public policy design, and give them an overview of the policy cycle. Through the case study of education policy in India, the participants were encouraged to further deep dive into policy design and also reflect upon accountability mechanisms within public policy.

The second objective was to build a deep understanding on the significance of evaluating public policies, not just by engaging with theory but by also relating them with on ground experiences. Using case studies and real examples from Accountability Initiative’s own research, participants were enabled to undertake a critical analysis of policy design and evaluation.

Learning outcomes included:
1. Engaging with the theory on public policy- acquainting with the basics of the policy cycle from agenda setting to evaluation.
2. Exploring public policy trends in India.
3. Deep Diving into policy making in India- learning through the case of ‘Decentralisation in education governance’ with education policy.
4. Critically analysing the design and implementation of citizen accountability in public policy.
5. Exploring the significance of policy evaluation.
6. Engaging with types and approaches of policy evaluation and methods of evaluation.
7. Reflecting on the complications in policy evaluation in the country today.

Even within the constraints of being online, the workshop’s design created spaces for interaction with the participants and engaging them in activities, open discussions, and group work.

The feedback received from the Academy was positive, and we look forward to more such trainings with them. If you or your organisation is also interested in similar workshops kindly reach out at: [email protected].

Rajika is the Lead-Learning and Development at Accountability Initiative.