GOOD GOVERNANCE DAY 2024

GS2 – GOVERNANCE 

Context

Good Governance Day, observed annually on 25th December, aims to foster awareness about the importance of accountability and efficient administration in governance. This day honors Atal Bihari Vajpayee, India’s former Prime Minister, on his birth anniversary. It also coincides with the birth anniversary of Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya.

• Theme for 2024: “India’s Path to a Viksit Bharat: Empowering Citizens through Good Governance and Digitalisation.”
• Initiated in 2014, the day commemorates the vision and contributions of Vajpayee toward good governance.

Key Personalities

1. Atal Bihari Vajpayee:

• Born: 25th December 1924, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
• Career: Served thrice as India’s Prime Minister—1996 (briefly), 1998-1999 (13 months), and 1999-2004 (full term).
• Recognitions: Bharat Ratna (2015), Padma Vibhushan (1994).
• Achievements:
  • Spearheaded the Golden Quadrilateral Project, enhancing connectivity between Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
  • Championed economic liberalization, attracting foreign investments.
  • Conducted Pokhran-II Nuclear Tests (1998), asserting India’s nuclear capability.

2. Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya:

• Renowned freedom fighter, educationist, and founder of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU).

 

Initiatives Launched on Good Governance Day 2024

1. New iGOT Karmayogi Dashboard: A platform for ministries, departments, and state administrators to monitor governance progress.
2. 1600th iGOT Karmayogi Course: Designed to foster continuous learning among government employees.
3. Viksit Panchayat Initiative: Strengthens the governance and service delivery capacity of PRIs while enhancing the skills of Panchayat leaders.
4. CPGRAMS Annual Report 2024: Highlights advancements in grievance redressal and public service delivery.

 

Understanding Good Governance

• Definition: A process where decisions and their implementation align with developmental goals and respect for human rights.
• World Bank Definition (1992): Governance reflects how power is exercised in managing a nation’s resources.

Key Attributes of Good Governance (as per World Bank):

1. Participation: Involves inclusive and gender-sensitive engagement.
2. Consensus-Oriented: Seeks balanced solutions for societal interests.
3. Accountability: Ensures institutions are answerable to stakeholders.
4. Transparency: Decisions are made following established rules and are accessible to the public.
5. Responsiveness: Timely and effective service delivery.
6. Effectiveness and Efficiency: Utilizes resources optimally while meeting societal needs.
7. Equity and Inclusiveness: Ensures opportunities for all, particularly marginalized groups.
8. Rule of Law: Upholds impartial legal systems and reduces corruption.

 

Significance of Good Governance

1. Economic Growth: Gender equality and workforce inclusion could add USD 770 billion to India’s GDP by 2025.
2. Social Development: Programs like SWAYAM and Skill India uplift marginalized communities.
3. Financial Inclusion: Initiatives like Aadhaar and DBT minimize leakages in welfare schemes.
4. Strengthened Democracy: Tools like MyGov enhance citizen participation, while e-Governance reduces corruption.
5. Transparency and Accountability: The RTI Act (2005) and PFMS promote transparent fund management.
6. Reduced Inequality: PMJDY fosters financial inclusion, and MGNREGA guarantees rural employment.
7. Enhanced Trust: Initiatives like e-Courts and CPGRAMS improve judicial efficiency and grievance redressal.

 

Challenges in Good Governance

1. Corruption: Estimated to cost India 0.5% of its GDP annually, deterring investors.
   • India ranked 93rd among 180 countries in the Corruption Perception Index (2023).
2. Lack of Accountability: Erodes public trust, leading to political disengagement and weakened democratic institutions.
3. Criminalization of Politics: Politicians with criminal records undermine justice and equity.
   • 46% of elected members in the 18th Lok Sabha have criminal cases (ADR report).
4. Ineffective Law Enforcement: Anti-corruption laws like the Prevention of Corruption Act (1988) face criticism for weak implementation.

 

Notable Initiatives Promoting Good Governance

1. Good Governance Index
2. PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation)
3. RTI Act (2005)
4. National e-Governance Plan
5. Public Financial Management System
6. Mission Karmayogi
7. e-Courts Project

By addressing these challenges and fostering robust systems, India aims to align with the vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) through sustainable governance and inclusive growth.Bottom of Form