Decoding Good Governance | 27 Dec 2023

Source: IE

Why in News?

On 25^th December, India commemorated Good Governance Day, coinciding with the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

• This yearly event strives to enhance citizen awareness concerning accountability in governance and governmental procedures.
• Three new features on the iGOT (integrated government online training) Karmayogi platform: My iGOT, blended programmes, and curated programmes, were launched on this occasion.

What is Good Governance?

• About:
  • Governance refers to the processes, systems, and structures through which organizations, societies, or groups are directed, controlled, and managed.
    • Good governance is defined as a set of values through which a public institution conduct public affairs and manages public resources in a way that respects human rights, the rule of law, and the needs of society.
  • The World Bank defines good governance in terms of the traditions and institutions by which authority in a country is exercised. This includes:
    • the process by which governments are selected, monitored and replaced
    • the capacity of the government to effectively formulate and implement sound policies
    • the respect of citizens and the state for the institutions that govern economic and social interactions among them.
• Basic Principles of Good Governance:

What are the Major Issues Related to Governance in India?

• Corruption and Bureaucratic Inefficiency: In Corruption Perception Index 2022, India was ranked 85^th out of 180 countries, highlighting concerns about bribery and misuse of public funds.
• Inequality and Social Exclusion: Despite economic growth, the gap between rich and poor persists. A 2022 Oxfam report revealed that the richest 1% in India held more than 40% of the country's wealth, while the bottom 50% had just 3%. This widens disparities in access to healthcare, education, and opportunities.
• Ineffective Implementation of Policies and Schemes: Many well-intentioned government programs suffer from poor execution, leading to limited impact.
  • In 2023, the CAG found irregularities in the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. Also another CAG report highlights transfer of widow pensions to males in Jharkhand.
• Inadequate Judicial Infrastructure: India's courts are overburdened with a massive backlog of cases, leading to delays in dispute resolution and access to justice, particularly for the marginalized.
  • In 2023, the Supreme Court had a pending docket of over 80,000 cases, raising concerns about timely access to legal recourse.
• Environmental Degradation and Climate Change: India faces major challenges like air pollution, water scarcity, and deforestation. The 2023 World Air Quality Report ranked several Indian cities among the most polluted globally, highlighting the weak enforcement of environmental regulations.
• Political Polarization and Weakening Accountability: Increasing partisanship and a focus on electoral gains sometimes overshadow long-term policy planning and public welfare in India.

Way Forward

• JanData Platform: Create a secure data platform backed by blockchain technology for personalized services and direct participation of citizens in policy decisions.
  • It should include Smart Governance Dashboards, displaying key performance initiatives for various government departments, promoting transparency and accessibility.
• Reforming Bureaucracy: Streamlining administrative processes, reducing red tape, and enhancing professionalism and accountability within the public service is also crucial. VIKAS (Variable and Immersive Karmayogi Advanced Support) will be a crucial step in this direction.
• Fast-track Judicial Reforms: Address the backlog of cases, improve infrastructure and efficiency within the court system, and ensure speedy access to justice for all. E-courts and live streaming of court proceedings is a significant step in this direction.
• AI-powered Grievance Redressal: Developing an AI-driven system that analyzes public complaints, identifies patterns, and automatically directs them to the relevant authorities for swift resolution.
• Reimagining Citizen Engagement: Establish community-based innovation labs across rural and urban areas in supervision of Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats, empowering citizens to create local solutions to local problems in collaboration with government agencies.
• Futuristic Education Curriculum: Integrate skills like critical thinking, digital literacy, and data analysis into the education system, preparing future generations for active participation in a technology-driven governance landscape.

Therefore, India must follow the principle of "Minimum Government, Maximum Governance" aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.