26-December-2024-Special-Article

GOOD GOVERNANCE DAY AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE

The theme for 2024 is “India’s Path to a Viksit Bharat: Empowering Citizens through Good Governance and Digitalisation.”

Initiatives like iGOT Karmayogi and Viksit Panchayat aim to enhance governance through technology and local empowerment.

About Good Governance Day

Good Governance Day is observed every year on 25th December to promote awareness about effective governance and accountability in public administration. Established in 2014 to honor the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, it emphasizes citizen-centric governance. The day also coincides with the birth anniversary of Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee: A Leader of Vision

Birth: Born on 25th December 1924, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Vajpayee was a prominent poet and statesman.

• Political Career: Served as India’s Prime Minister thrice: briefly in 1996, for 13 months in 1998-1999, and a full term from 1999 to 2004.
• Honors: Conferred the Bharat Ratna in 2015 and Padma Vibhushan in 1994.

Major Contributions:

• Golden Quadrilateral Project: Enhanced road connectivity by linking Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
• Economic Reforms: Promoted liberalization, boosting industrial growth and foreign investments.
• Nuclear Tests (1998): Made India a nuclear power while advocating peace and stability.

Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya

• A freedom fighter, educationist, and four-time president of the Indian National Congress.
• Played a pivotal role in the establishment of Banaras Hindu University (BHU).

Key Initiatives Launched on Good Governance Day 2024

• New iGOT Karmayogi Dashboard: Allows ministries and organizations to monitor progress and improve administrative efficiency.
• 1600th iGOT Karmayogi Course: Focuses on continuous learning and skill development for government employees.
• Viksit Panchayat Initiative: Aims to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) for better service delivery and leadership skills at the grassroots level.
• CPGRAMS Annual Report, 2024: Highlights advancements in grievance redressal mechanisms for improved public service delivery.

What is Good Governance?

• Good governance refers to decision-making processes and their implementation that promote societal development and public welfare.
• World Bank Definition (1992): It is the manner in which power is exercised for the management of a country’s economic and social resources for development.

Attributes of Good Governance

• Participatory: Ensures inclusive participation from all genders and social groups.
• Consensus-Oriented: Mediates diverse interests to achieve sustainable community goals.
• Accountable: Public institutions must be answerable to citizens for their actions and policies.
• Transparent: Decisions are made following rules and regulations, with information accessible to all.
• Responsive: Addresses the needs of citizens efficiently and within a reasonable timeframe.
• Effective and Efficient: Utilizes resources wisely to meet societal needs.
• Equitable and Inclusive: Ensures fairness and opportunities for marginalized sections of society.
• Rule of Law: Upholds justice through impartial legal systems and corruption-free governance.

Significance of Good Governance

• Economic Growth: Initiatives promoting equal workforce participation could boost India’s GDP by $770 billion by 2025. Programs like Skill India enhance employability and productivity.
• Social Development: SWAYAM provides free online education, ensuring inclusivity. Direct Benefit Transfers (DBTs) prevent corruption and ensure welfare scheme transparency.
• Strengthening Democracy: MyGov platform enables citizen engagement, and e-Governance reduces corruption.
• Accountability: RTI Act (2005) ensures government transparency by granting citizens access to information.
• Reducing Inequality: Jan Dhan Yojana ensures financial inclusion, and MGNREGA provides rural wage employment.
• Building Trust: e-Courts simplify judicial processes, while CPGRAMS addresses grievances efficiently.

Challenges in Achieving Good Governance

• Corruption: India loses approximately 0.5% of its GDP annually due to corruption. Ranked 93rd in the Corruption Perceptions Index (2023).
• Lack of Accountability: Weak accountability erodes public trust, leading to lower voter turnout and civic apathy.
• Criminalization of Politics: Nearly 46% of newly elected Lok Sabha members in 2024 have criminal cases.
• Ineffective Law Enforcement: Laws like the Prevention of Corruption Act (1988) are not implemented effectively, causing public disillusionment.

Major Governance Initiatives in India

• Good Governance Index: Ranks states based on their governance performance.
• PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation): Real-time monitoring of government projects.
• National e-Governance Plan: Focuses on digital transformation of public services.
• Mission Karmayogi: Builds capacity and skills among government employees.
• Public Financial Management System (PFMS): Ensures transparency in fund utilization.

Way Forward

• Decentralization: Empower local governments like Panchayats and municipalities with greater financial and administrative authority.
• Promoting Ethics: Incorporate integrity, accountability, and public service values in governance.
• Gender Equality: Ensure women’s active participation in governance and socio-economic activities.
• Whistleblower Protection: Strengthen safeguards for individuals exposing corruption in public administration.
• Capacity Building: Continuous training and upskilling of government employees through programs like Mission Karmayogi.

Conclusion

Good governance is essential for fostering economic growth, social inclusivity, and democratic values. By addressing corruption, enhancing transparency, and empowering local bodies, India can build a robust governance model. Initiatives like e-Governance, Mission Karmayogi, and Viksit Panchayat are stepping stones toward achieving a more equitable and efficient administration system.

Mains Question:

1. “Examine the role of Good Governance in fostering inclusive development and discuss the challenges faced in implementing effective governance mechanisms in India.” (150 WORDS)