Abstract
This paper is an analytical and critical reflection on beneficiary involvement in public services in a society-state-individual framework. It is set in the context of a holistic review of development performance in Karnataka State. Beneficiary inolvement satisfies the demands of democratic ethics as well as economic logic as it transcends the ‘Motives’ vs ‘Consequences’ debates in ethics. A pro-active role is envisaged for the State to elevate ethical standards of public action by involvement of civil society institutions in development efforts.