70^th BPSC Mains

Approach Briefly introduce good governance. Mention the characteristics of good governance. Discuss how eGramSwaraj ensures good governance. Conclude suitably.

Introduction

Good governance is a fundamental pillar of democratic administration, ensuring transparency, accountability, efficiency, and participation in governance. It seeks to improve the quality of life of citizens by establishing an inclusive, citizen-centric, and effective administrative system. At the grassroots level, e-governance initiatives play a crucial role in strengthening governance by leveraging digital tools to improve service delivery, transparency, and accountability.

Body

Concept of Good Governance:

• Good governance involves efficient administration that is responsive, transparent, and accountable.
• It addresses emerging societal challenges by incorporating new values to enhance the legitimacy and effectiveness of governance.

Key Characteristics of Good Governance:

• Participation – Ensuring that all individuals, regardless of gender or socio-economic status, have a voice in decision-making processes.
• Rule of Law – Establishing a fair legal framework that upholds human rights and ensures impartial enforcement of laws.
• Transparency – Ensuring access to information, allowing citizens to monitor government actions and hold officials accountable.
• Responsiveness – Government institutions must be efficient and quick in addressing public needs.
• Consensus-Oriented Approach – Mediation of differing interests to achieve a broad consensus on national policies and governance strategies.
• Equity and Inclusiveness – Ensuring equal opportunities for all, particularly marginalized groups, to participate in governance.
• Accountability – Decision-makers in government, private sector, and civil society must be answerable to the public and institutional stakeholders.

E-Governance and Its Role in Strengthening Good Governance at the Grassroots:

• E-Governance refers to the use of digital technology to improve governance processes, enhance service delivery, and promote transparency.
• At the grassroots level, e-governance initiatives have the potential to make governance more efficient, reduce corruption, and empower local communities.
  • eGramSwaraj: A Digital Platform for Strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)
• To promote e-governance in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) launched eGramSwaraj, a web-based portal to enhance transparency in decentralized planning, financial reporting, and monitoring of rural development programs.

Role of eGramSwaraj in Enhancing Governance at the Grassroots:

• Strengthening Digital Governance in Panchayats
  • eGramSwaraj provides a digital interface to streamline the administration and monitoring of governance activities in Gram Panchayats.
  • Example: The Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) ensures digital land records management, reducing land disputes at the grassroots level.
• Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP)
  • The platform facilitates effective planning, implementation, and evaluation of development projects undertaken in Gram Panchayats.
• Integration with Government Financial Systems
  • eGramSwaraj is integrated with the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) to facilitate real-time online payments to material vendors and service providers.
  • It also connects with GeM (Government e-Marketplace), ensuring fair and transparent procurement at the local level.
  • Example: Bihar’s DBT-based schemes (Direct Benefit Transfer), such as Mukhyamantri Kanya Utthan Yojana, use digital platforms to ensure seamless fund transfer to beneficiaries.
• Unifying Local Governance Functions
  • The portal acts as a single platform for planning, accounting, and monitoring functions of Gram Panchayats, streamlining rural governance.
  • Example: Jeevika Program in Bihar, a rural livelihood scheme, uses digital platforms for financial transactions, reducing leakages in fund disbursal.
• Online Audit of Panchayat Accounts
  • The audit module ensures real-time monitoring and auditing of Panchayat accounts, thereby reducing corruption and improving fiscal accountability.
  • Example: E-Panchayat Audit System introduced in Bihar and Jharkhand helps in tracking financial records and eliminating discrepancies.

Other E-Governance Initiatives Supporting Good Governance at the Grassroots:

• Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) – Aims to strengthen institutional and financial capacity of Panchayati Raj institutions.
• Citizen Charter Campaign – Encourages citizen participation and accountability by making government services more accessible.
• SWAMITVA Scheme – Uses drone technology for rural land mapping, ensuring land ownership rights for villagers and reducing land disputes.
• Bihar’s E-Governance Initiatives – Aiming to improve public service delivery and transparency, Bihar has launched initiatives like:
  • e-District Project – Facilitates online delivery of certificates, licenses, and public services at the district level.
  • Online Grievance Redressal System – Strengthens public accountability by ensuring that complaints are addressed digitally.
  • Bhu Samadhan Portal – A digital platform for resolving land disputes efficiently, ensuring fair and quick resolution of land-related grievances.

Conclusion

Good governance is essential for inclusive development and effective administration, particularly at the grassroots level. E-Governance acts as a catalyst in strengthening transparency, accountability, and participatory governance. Initiatives like eGramSwaraj, e-District, Bhu Samadhan, and online grievance redressal systems are transforming rural governance by ensuring better service delivery and public participation, fostering a responsive and digitally empowered India.