Public service delivery survey in reference to FMD-control programme in Mathura

Abstract

Public sector organizations or Government policies face common challenges in implementation of programme. Appropriate model for public service delivery should be chosen for the benefits of citizens. To control foot-andmouth disease, Government of India is running FMD-Control Programme throughout the country. To evaluate effectiveness of service delivery mechanism of FMD-CP in Uttar Pradesh, present study was undertaken. It involved development of a structured questionnaire for beneficiary as well as service provider. Livestock owners (n=222) and Veterinary Officers (n=26) from Mathura district participated in the survey. Data was processed and analyzed. The success of FMD-CP was compared to neighbouring states of Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab. The study concluded that majority livestock owners were aware about the disease and its control programme. Veterinary Officers were playing major role in dissemination of information. Vaccine was found to be safe and effective. FMD-CP was successful in states like Haryana and Punjab with good seroconversion in vaccinated animals and near zero occurrence of disease, but in UP seroconversion was poor and disease was reported regularly. Therefore, to improve FMD-CP in UP, it was concluded that design of the policy was optimum but there was a need for transformation in implementation practices of the policy. It included extensive information dissemination, release of adequate budget, timely intervention with sufficient staff for vaccination coverage, quality control of vaccine, issue of vaccination certificate and an independent audit system of implementation agency and screening agency.