Performance of regional public council in Kazakhstan

Abstract

Public councils of Kazakhstan create an institutional framework for involving the public in the decision-making process within the framework of the “Hearing State” concept. This article examines the activities of regional public councils and the features of interaction of this advisory body with state and quasi-state bodies. This article reveals the main features of the international public councils. It also discusses the solution of social problems by public councils of Kazakhstan and based on in-depth interviews with members of oblast councils, the article demonstrates the main factors contributing to the solution of social problems by council members. These factors include the availability of financial and human resources, the competence of council members, the role of the akimat and maslikhat, as well as the role of individuals, such as chairmen and members who entered the council with a specific agenda. Based on findings, the authors of the article offer recommendations for improving the material and resource provision of councils and providing quotas for attracting experts and researchers from regional universities and research centers to increase the potential of regional councils.