Difficulties in good governance

Context: Good governance is the cornerstone of any democratic society, focusing
on principles such as transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, efficiency,
responsiveness, and adherence to the rule of law. However, implementing these
principles in India, a country marked by its vast diversity, socio-economic
inequalities, and complex governance structures, presents unique challenges.
These difficulties highlight the systemic, institutional, and socio-political
barriers that impede the realization of good governance. India’s bureaucratic
machinery, often criticized for being slow and inefficient, poses significant
challenges to good governance. Red tape, excessive paperwork, and outdated
administrative processes delay decision-making and service delivery, affecting citizens
and businesses.

Key points

·       Good
Governance Day: First celebrated in 2014, it underscores the
government’s commitment to providing a transparent and accountable
administration and ensuring that the benefits of development reach every
citizen. The Good Governance Day on December 25, 2024, holds special
significance as it marks the 100th birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

·       ‘Good’
Governance: The “Governance” means “the process of decision-making and the process
by which decisions are implemented (or not implemented)”. Good governance
ensures the exercise of authority to manage a country’s resources and affairs
with fairness, transparency, and accountability.

·       Key
Characteristics of Good Governance: Participatory -
Inclusive decision-making involving all sections of society, especially
vulnerable groups.

Follows the Rule
of Law - Legal frameworks must be fair, enforced impartially, and protect human
rights.

Transparency - Processes and
decisions are open and accessible to the public.

Responsiveness - Institutions
and processes serve all stakeholders efficiently.

Consensus–Oriented
- Mediation of varied interests to achieve common goals.

Equity and
Inclusiveness - Ensuring all members have opportunities and feel included.

Effectiveness
and Efficiency - Use of resources for maximum results without waste.

Accountability - Both public and
private sectors answerable to stakeholders.

·       Importance: Ensures
Transparency and Accountability - Good governance enhances trust in
institutions by ensuring openness and accountability in public administration. Ex-
The Right to Information Act (RTI) of 2005 has empowered citizens to demand
transparency.

Promotes
Inclusive Development - Good governance ensures equitable access to
resources and services, addressing the needs of marginalized and vulnerable
groups. Ex- The Jan Dhan Yojana, with over 52 crore bank accounts opened (as of
July 2024), has improved financial inclusion by reaching the unbanked
population.

·       Challenges: Corruption -
Corruption erodes public trust and hampers service delivery, making governance
inefficient.

Criminalisation
of Politics - The increasing nexus between politics and crime undermines governance
and the rule of law.

Delays in
Justice Delivery - Judicial delays weaken the rule of law and public
confidence in the justice system.

·       Innovations
and Initiatives: E-Governance for Transparency and Efficiency -
Leveraging technology to streamline processes, reduce corruption, and enhance
public service delivery.

Direct Benefit
Transfer (DBT) - Eliminates middlemen by transferring subsidies and benefits directly
into beneficiaries’ bank accounts.

Right to
Information (RTI) - Promotes transparency by allowing citizens to
access government information. Enhanced accountability across departments.

·       Way
Forward: Promote Transparency and Accountability - Strengthen mechanisms
like RTI and social audits to ensure openness in governance.

Strengthen Local
Governance - Empower Panchayati Raj Institutions and urban local bodies with greater
financial autonomy and decision-making powers.

Strengthen
Judicial and Legal Reforms - Address delays in justice delivery by establishing
fast-track courts and digitizing legal processes.