Every year on December 25th, India marks “Good Governance Day,” a yearly event timed to coincide with the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The occasion is used as a platform to raise public awareness on accountability in governance, governmental procedures, and to launch new initiatives such as the three features of the iGOT (integrated government online training) Karmayogi platform: My iGOT, blended programs, and curated programs.
Understanding Good Governance
Governance encompasses the processes, systems, and structures guiding the management and control of organizations, societies, or groups. ‘Good’ governance refers to a public institution’s values being reflected in how it conducts public affairs and manages resources—respect for human rights and the rule of law are key aspects here.
According to the World Bank, good governance involves the processes, traditions, and institutions by which power in a country is wielded, including: the way governments are selected, monitored and changed; the government’s ability to effectively formulate and implement sound policies; and respect among citizens and the state for institutions governing economic and social interactions between them.
Worldwide Governance Indicators
The World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators project assesses over 200 countries concerning six fundamental measures of governance: Voice and Accountability, Political Stability and Absence of Violence, Government Effectiveness, Regulatory Quality, Rule of Law, and Control of Corruption.
Challenges Facing Governance in India
India’s governance faces numerous challenges. These include corruption and bureaucratic inefficiency, as demonstrated by the country’s poor performance in the Corruption Perception Index 2022. Social inequality and exclusion persist, with a considerable wealth gap between the rich and the poor. The ineffective implementation of policies adds to governance issues, as do the inadequate judicial infrastructure, environmental degradation, and political polarization.
Key Initiatives for Good Governance in India
Numerous initiatives in India aim to improve governance. The Right to Information Act (2005) empowers citizens to access government information, thus promoting transparency. The Central Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System offers an online platform for recording and tracking grievances against government departments. Other initiatives include the Decentralisation and Local Governance Act, the Aspirational Districts Program, and others.
Other Technological Initiatives for Good Governance
The Digital India Programme aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society with widespread access to technology. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is an instant real-time mobile payment system developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) that enables seamless inter-bank transactions using a single mobile app.
Potential Solutions for Better Governance
The JanData Platform could provide a secure data platform backed by blockchain technology for personalized services. Bureaucratic reforms are also vital, along with fast-track judicial reforms and an AI-powered grievance redressal system. Reimagining citizen engagement through community-based innovation labs could empower citizens to develop local solutions in collaboration with government agencies.
Need for Futuristic Education Curriculum
Futuristic education that integrates skills like critical thinking, digital literacy, and data analysis into the curriculum is necessary. This would prepare future generations for active participation in a technology-driven governance landscape.
About Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Atal Bihari Vajpayee was born on 25th December, 1924, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. His political career began during the Quit India Movement of 1942. In 1996 and 1999, he served as the Prime Minister of India, becoming the first since Jawaharlal Nehru to win successive terms. He won 9 Lok Sabha and 2 Rajya Sabha elections and earned the title of India’s ‘Best Parliamentarian’ in 1994. He received the Padma Vibhushan in 1994 and was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna—India’s highest civilian honor—in 2015.
Previous Year’s UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions
The following questions were asked in the context of governance in previous years:
– “Effectiveness of the government system at various levels and people’s participation in the governance system are interdependent”. Discuss their relationship in the context of India. (2016)
– “What do you understand by the terms ‘governance’, ‘good governance’ and ‘ethical governance’? (2016)”
