National Campaign for Good Governance Launched

The Government of India is set to launch initiative from 19th to 24th December 2024. This campaign, named “Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore,” aims to address public grievances and enhance service delivery across all districts, states, and Union Territories. It is a follow-up to the Special Campaign 4.0 conducted earlier in October. The campaign will witness the participation of over 700 District Collectors and officials, focusing on grassroots engagement in Tehsils and Panchayat Samiti Headquarters.

Campaign Overview

Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore is designed to decentralise governance and make it more accessible. It encourages local participation in addressing public grievances. The campaign aims to create a national movement for good governance, encouraging a culture of accountability and transparency.

Key Events and Activities

The programme will include workshops, the launch of a dedicated portal, and the release of several important reports. A workshop on best practices will be held on 23rd December, led by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Personnel. This will highlight successful strategies from the Special Campaign 4.0.

Good Governance Week Preparations

The preparatory phase of the Good Governance Week will run from 11th to 18th December 2024. During this time, a dedicated portal will be launched, enabling District Collectors to upload progress reports and governance practices. This initiative aims to streamline data collection and promote best practices in governance.

Implementation Phase

During the implementation phase, from 19th to 24th December, various metrics will be assessed. This includes the number of grievances redressed, applications disposed of, and new services added for online delivery. Collectors will also share success stories and innovative practices during this period.

District Level Innovations

Each district will conduct a workshop focused on digital transformation. This aims to empower citizens through technology and improve institutional efficiency. It marks the government’s commitment to modernising public service delivery.

Outcome Expectations

The campaign is expected to yield improvements in governance at the local level. By focusing on public grievances, the initiative aims to enhance citizen satisfaction and trust in government services. The engagement of District Collectors is crucial for the success of this campaign.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically examine the role of digital transformation in enhancing governance in India.
2. With suitable examples, discuss the impact of grassroots movements on public administration.
3. Explain the significance of public grievance redressal mechanisms in a democratic society.
4. Discuss the challenges and opportunities in implementing good governance practices at the district level.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically examine the role of digital transformation in enhancing governance in India.

1. Digital platforms improve accessibility and transparency of government services.
2. Data analytics helps in informed decision-making and policy formulation.
3. Online grievance redressal systems reduce response times and enhance citizen engagement.
4. Digital tools facilitate remote monitoring and evaluation of government programs.
5. Challenges include digital divide and cybersecurity concerns impacting effectiveness.

2. With suitable examples, discuss the impact of grassroots movements on public administration.

1. Grassroots movements promote accountability by directly involving citizens in governance.
2. Examples include the Right to Information (RTI) movement, enhancing transparency.
3. Community-led initiatives in sanitation and health have improved service delivery.
4. Local protests can lead to policy changes, as seen in environmental movements.
5. These movements empower marginalized voices and promote inclusive governance.

3. Explain the significance of public grievance redressal mechanisms in a democratic society.

1. They ensure accountability of public officials to the citizens they serve.
2. Redressal mechanisms enhance trust in government by addressing citizens’ concerns.
3. They provide a platform for citizen participation in governance processes.
4. Effective grievance handling can lead to policy improvements and better service delivery.
5. Failure to address grievances may lead to civil unrest and loss of public confidence.

4. Discuss the challenges and opportunities in implementing good governance practices at the district level.

1. Challenges include bureaucratic resistance, lack of resources, and training deficits.
2. Opportunities arise from increased citizen engagement and digital tools for efficiency.
3. District-level governance can tailor solutions to local needs and issues.
4. Collaboration with NGOs and community organizations can enhance service delivery.
5. Monitoring and evaluation frameworks can improve accountability and outcomes.