X-Factor Notes on Important Aspects of Governance for UPSC CSE Mains GS Paper II Prepared by Civilsdaily IAS’ Core Team & AIR 2, Animesh Pradhan
Previous Year Questions on Important Aspects of Governance
| [2019] In the context of neo-liberal paradigm of development planning, multi-level planning is expected to make operations cost effective and remove many implementation blockages.’- Discuss.(15M) [2019] The need for cooperation among various service sectors has been an inherent component of development discourse. Partnership bridges bring the gap among the sectors. It also sets in motion a culture of ‘Collaboration’ and ‘team spirit’. In the light of statements above examine India’s Development process. (15M) [2016] In the integrity index of Transparency International, India stands very low. Discuss briefly the legal, political, economic, social and cultural factors that have caused the decline of public morality in India. [2016] Effectiveness of the government system at various levels and people’s participation in the governance system are interdependent. Discuss their relationship with each other in context of India.(12.5M) [2016] Has the Indian governmental system responded adequately to the demands of Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization started in 1991? What can the government do to be responsive to this important change?(12.5M) [2015] In the light of the Satyam Scandal (2009), discuss the changes brought in corporate governance to ensure transparency, accountability. |
1. Important Quotes & Definitions
“Good governance is not about implementing everything; it’s about prioritizing intelligently.” – Ha-Joon Chang
“Governance is not merely a necessity but a catalyst for the development of any nation.” – Narendra Modi
“The best form of governance is the one that accomplishes the desired societal goals at the least social cost.” – Kaushik Basu
“Governance is about designing, building, and maintaining institutions that serve widely shared ethical values.” – Frances Hesselbein
“Good governance is perhaps the single most important factor in eradicating poverty and promoting development.” – Kofi Annan
“Governance has to be responsive to the needs and claims of people and, more specifically, to those of the poor and the underprivileged.” – Amartya Sen
International Monetary Fund (IMF): Governance is a framework of rules, institutions, and practices that set limits on behavior, steering the actions of individuals and firms, and defining their rights and obligations.
World Bank: 1992 report entitled “Governance and Development” – Governance is the manner in which power is exercised in the management of a country’s economic and social resources for development.”
Corporate Governance
World Bank: Corporate governance is about promoting corporate fairness, transparency, and accountability.
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD): Corporate governance involves a set of relationships between a company’s management, its board, its shareholders, and other stakeholders. Corporate governance provides a structure through which the objectives of the company are set, and the means of attaining those objectives and monitoring performance are determined.
Good Governance
The African Development Bank (AfDB): Good governance is an approach to a government that is committed to creating a system that protects human rights and civil liberties.
World Bank: WB defined Good Governance as the manner in which power is exercised in the management of a country’s economic and social resources for development.
Good governance is epitomized by predictable, open, and enlightened policy-making; a bureaucracy imbued with a professional ethos; an executive arm of government accountable for its actions; and a strong civil society participating in public affairs.
2. Evolution of Governance in India
| Model | Description | Examples |
| Entitlement-Based Model: Post-Independence Era | State-led Development Theory – Initially focused on establishing administrative frameworks necessary for a new nation. | Five-Year Plans (1951): Aimed to industrialize and modernize the economy. License Raj (1950s-1980s): Required numerous licenses, fostering bureaucratic oversight and limiting economic freedom. |
| Shift Towards Participation-Based Model: Late 20th Century | Promoted equality and freedom, moving towards participatory democracy and neoliberal economic policy. | 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992): Empowered local bodies, enhancing grassroots governance. LPG Reforms and Rolling back of state |
| Establishment of Rights-Based Legislations: 21st Century | Rights-Based Approach – Solidified the rights-based model with key legislations recognizing basic services as legal rights. | Right to Information Act (2005): Increased governmental transparency. Right to Education Act (2009): Made education a fundamental right for children aged 6 to 14. Food Security Act (2013): Guaranteed subsidized grains to 67% of the population. |
| Governance Reforms and Initiatives Post-2014 | Minimum Government Maximum Governance – Focused on digital governance, transparency, and enhancing citizen engagement. | Digital India (2015): Aimed to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. Goods and Services Tax (GST) Implementation (2017): Simplified a complex tax system into a single tax regime, enhancing business efficiency. |
3. Data on Important Aspects of Governance
| Category | Data and Details |
| Public Delivery of Services | Aadhar Generated: 1.35 billion (99% Adults) |
| Exclusion due to Aadhar Issues: 2.3% (2023 survey), 1.3% PDS biometric failure | |
| DBT | Total DBT transfer in 2023-24 – 6.91 Lakh Cr through 314 schemes of 57 Ministries. It has saved around 3.5 Lakh Cr of the government |
| Under the state government schemes, the cumulative DBT is Rs 274934 crore. For the financial year 2021-22, it amounts to Rs 1674 crore under 137 schemes of 27 Departments. | |
| Governance – RTI | RTI Applications: Since 2005, more than 4.2 crore RTIs have been filed and 26 lakh second appeals are there before the commissions. In 2019-20, the Central government ministries and departments received 1.29 million RTI applications. |
| The rejection of RTI applications on grounds of “national security” by Central government ministries increased by 83% during 2020-21, even though the overall rejection rate decreased by 2.95% | |
| In 2022, 3.14 lakh RTI appeals were pending. This is a 44% increase from 2019 and a 10% increase from 2021. | |
| highest number of pending cases were in Maharashtra at 99,722 followed by Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, the Central Information Commission (32k) and Bihar. | |
| In 29 information commissions across the country only 5% of the positions are occupied by women. | |
| 4.6% rejection rate, 35% increase in national security rejections | |
| Only 11 information commissions out of 29 provide e-filing facility for RTI applications or appeals, but only five are functional. | |
| E-Governance | Access: 30% of women in rural areas have internet |
| Schools with Internet: 27% (2023-2024) | |
| E-Courts: HC disposed 24 million cases, DC disposed 44 million cases | |
| over 188 million individuals and 18,000 organizations have issued over 8 billion documents on DigiLocker. | |
| Legal, Judicial, and Police Reforms | Pending Cases: 70,000 in SC, 60 lakh in HCs, 4.35 crore in lower courts |
| Vacancy: 5,900 judges | |
| Police and Prisons | Police-Population Ratio: 155 per lakh. Best police ratio in Nagaland, Andaman & Nicobar |
| Prison Occupancy: 132% (2024) | |
| Undertrials: 68% of prisoners | |
| Corruption | India ranked 93 out of 180 countries on the corruption perceptions index for 2023. |
4. Key Aspects of Governance
| Dimension | Component | Examples |
| Political Dimension | Nature of Political Contestation | Institutional Autonomy for RBI, ECI etc |
| Exercise of Franchise | Ensuring free and fair elections | |
| Profile and Conduct of Political Representatives | Integrity, accountability, and behavior of elected officials | |
| Quality/Functioning of the Political Executive | Efficiency, responsiveness, and transparency of the executive branch | |
| Political Decentralization | Principle of Subsidiarity | |
| Legal & Judicial Dimension | General Conditions of Rule of Law and Internal Security | |
| Accessibility, Approachability, and Citizen-Friendliness of the Police | e-FIR | |
| Police Administration and Functioning | Police Reforms – Prakh Singh Judgment | |
| Access to Justice and Judicial Administration | timely and affordable access to justice for all citizens FR U/A 21 | |
| Corruption Perception, Vigilance, and Enforcement | Lokpal Act | |
| Administrative Dimension | Citizen Orientation, Responsiveness, and Transparency | RTI, Citizen Charter |
| Efficient management and development of human resources within the administrative machinery | Mission Karmayogi | |
| Ensuring sound financial management practices to optimize resource utilization | PFMA | |
| Basic Service Delivery | Housing for All | |
| Economic Dimension | Ensuring responsible fiscal management, budgeting, and financial discipline | FRBM Act |
| Creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, including regulatory reforms and ease of doing business | FDI Liberalization | |
| Enhancing support and development of agriculture, fisheries, and forestry | PM Kisan | |
| Social Dimension | Welfare of the Poor and Vulnerable Sections and Improved Standard of living | MGNREGA |
| Encouraging the active participation of civil society organizations in governance and development processes | Social Audit | |
| Ensuring a free and responsible media that acts as a watchdog and provides a platform for public discourse | Investigative Journalism | |
| Promoting sustainable development through effective environmental governance and management practices |
5. Different Models of Governance
| Model | Description | Specific Example |
| Government-as-Machine Model | The government functions like a machine with strict adherence to rules and regulations, lacking flexibility and responsiveness. | Traditional public administration in India, where bureaucratic processes often lead to delays and inefficiencies in service delivery. |
| Government-as-Network Model | The government operates as a complex, interconnected system, emphasizing connection, communication, and collaboration to solve problems. | Smart City initiatives in India, where various stakeholders, including government, private sector, and citizens, collaborate to improve urban living. |
| Market Model | The government allows the private sector to provide services, aiming for efficiency and better service delivery compared to traditional public sectors. | Delhi Electricity Board’s privatization. |
| Participatory State Model | Emphasizes increased individual and collective participation in government decision-making processes, especially for typically excluded segments. | Gram Sabhas |
| Deregulated Government Model | Focuses on reducing bureaucratic control, providing more managerial freedom, and making decisions based on societal needs and collective input. | Liberalization reforms in India post-1991 |
| Entitlement-Based Model | The state provides essential goods and services to citizens who are seen as passive recipients, e.g., food grains under the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India. | Public Distribution System (PDS) |
| Rights-Based Model | Aims to empower citizens as active participants in decision-making and strengthens the capacity of governments to fulfill their duties to citizens. | Right to Information Act (RTI) |
6. Good Governance
“In the happiness of his people lies the king’s happiness, in their welfare his welfare”. -Kautilya
“The exercise of economic, political and administrative authority to manage a country’s affairs at all levels. It comprises the mechanisms, processes and institutions, through which citizens and groups articulate their interests, exercise their legal rights, meet their obligations and mediate their differences.” – UNDP
12th FYP – Good governance is vital for a well-functioning society, ensuring effective resource use and service delivery, while providing social legitimacy.
Minimum Government Maximum Governance emphasizes reducing the size and scope of government intervention, while ensuring that the governance mechanisms are effective, transparent, and accountable. The government focuses on creating a conducive environment for businesses and citizens, acting more as a facilitator than as a controller.
Evolution of Good Governance
- 1980s: Rise of Governance: With globalization-led economic reforms, “governance” became a key term, emphasizing the process and manner of governing towards sustainable development.
- End of Cold War: Changing Perspectives: The end of the Cold War altered the approach of developed countries and multilateral aid agencies towards developing nations, previously influenced by the bi-polar world.
- 1990s: World Bank’s Role: The World Bank introduced good governance in its lending policies for developing countries.
- 1992 Governance and Development Report: Advocated using good governance to manage a country’s economic and social resources for development.
- 1996 Policy Shift: Focused on corruption in borrowing countries, making it central to lending decisions.
- IMF’s Structural Adjustment Programme 1990: Recognized the necessity of good governance for successful market reforms.
- Policy Shifts and Foreign Investment: Developing countries, competing for foreign investment, shifted policies to improve governance.
Core Principles of Good Governance (UNESCAP)
| Principle | Description | Specific Example |
| Participation | Everyone can voice their opinions through institutions or representatives, ensuring freedom of association and expression. | Gram Sabhas where villagers gather to discuss and make decisions on local issues. |
| Rule of Law | Impartial enforcement of laws, especially human rights laws. | SC Judgment in K. Bharti Judgment |
| Transparency | Government policies must be carried out under existing regulations and accessible to everyone, including those affected. | Right to Information Act (RTI) |
| Responsiveness | Institutions and processes should serve all stakeholders in a reasonable time. | Online grievance redressal systems like the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS). |
| Consensus-Oriented | Decisions should be acceptable to all, even if not everyone’s wishes can be accommodated. | EIA |
| Equity and Inclusiveness | Ensure justice and equal opportunity for everyone to improve their welfare. | Reservation policies, RTE |
| Effectiveness and Efficiency | Decision-making processes and institutions should meet everyone’s needs while using resources wisely. | Implementation of the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system |
| Accountability | Institutions must be answerable to the public to improve societal quality. | Public audits by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India |
7. Impact of Poor Governance on Development
| PESTLE Aspect | Aspect | Details | Examples |
| Political | Corruption | Corruption leads to inefficient resource allocation, hindering economic growth and public trust. | The 2G Spectrum scam and the Commonwealth Games scam. |
| Political Instability | disrupts development processes and deters foreign investment. | Frequent changes in state governments due to political turmoil. | |
| Policy Implementation Failures | lead to ineffective governance and unmet development goals. | Leakages in PDS | |
| Lack of Transparency | reduces accountability and increases corruption. | Non-transparent allocation of natural resources (“Coalgate” scandal) | |
| Low Public Trust | leading to decreased civic engagement and social cohesion. | Lower voter turnout in 2024 elections compared to 2014 and 2019 | |
| Economic | Poor Economic Management | Ineffective economic policies and poor fiscal management can lead to economic instability and reduced investor confidence. | 1991 BOP Crisis |
| Regulatory Uncertainty | Frequent changes in regulations and policies can create an unstable business environment. | Changes in GST Slabs | |
| Inefficient Market Systems | reduce competitiveness and innovation. | Monopolistic practices, inverted duty structure. | |
| Social | Social Inequality | Poor governance exacerbates social inequalities, limiting opportunities for marginalized communities. | Inequitable access to quality education and healthcare services in rural and urban areas. |
| Quality of life | Inconsistent access to basic services like clean water, sanitation, and healthcare in various regions. | Delhi Water Crisis 2024 | |
| Human Rights Violations | Poor governance can lead to violations of human rights, affecting citizens’ well-being and freedom. | Custodial Deaths in TN | |
| Displacements and poor rehabilitation | Disproportionately affecting Tribals | Sardar Sarovar Dam Project | |
| Technological | Digital Divide | Unequal access to digital technologies limits opportunities for education and economic growth. | Only 27% of rural households have internet access, compared to 66% in urban areas (National Sample Survey). |
| Cybersecurity Threats | Poor governance in cybersecurity can lead to data breaches and financial losses. | The data breach at Aadhaar | |
| E-Governance Implementation Issues | Delays and inefficiencies in e-governance projects can reduce their effectiveness. | The delay in rolling out the e-Health initiative in various states | |
| Inadequate Tech Infrastructure | Poor technological infrastructure hampers access to online services and economic activities. | Frequent power outages and slow internet speeds in rural areas limit digital engagement | |
| Legal-Administrative | Judicial Delays | Slow judicial processes undermine the rule of law and discourage investment. | over 4 crore cases pending in lower courts. |
| Bureaucratic Inefficiency and Red Tapism | Inefficient bureaucracy can delay project approvals and implementation, hindering development. | The average turnaround time for Indian ports is 2.1 days compared to 0.4 days for Norway, 0.6 days for Netherlands, and 0.8 days for Singapore. | |
| Corruption | Corruption within administrative bodies can lead to misuse of resources and unfair practices. | The Vyapam scam, NEET paper leak | |
| Human Resource Mismanagement | Poor management of human resources can lead to underperformance and low morale among public servants. | shortage of healthcare workers during the pandemic | |
| Environmental | Environmental Degradation | Ineffective governance in environmental regulation leads to degradation and unsustainable resource use. | Poor implementation of EIA |
8. Steps Taken
| Aspect | Step | Details | Specific Data |
| Political | Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act (2013) | Established an anti-corruption ombudsman to investigate corruption complaints against public officials. | 1,200 cases investigated by Lokpal as of 2023. |
| Increased Enforcement | Strengthened actions against corruption with more cases prosecuted and assets seized by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). | Assets worth ₹1 lakh crore seized between 2014-2023. | |
| E-Voting Pilot Projects | Testing electronic voting methods to increase voter participation. | Conducted in 8 states with positive feedback. | |
| Electoral Reforms | Reforms to enhance the transparency and efficiency of the electoral process. | Use of VVPAT machines | |
| Economic | Goods and Services Tax (GST) | Simplified the tax structure, making it more transparent and efficient. | GST collections averaged ₹1.4 lakh crore monthly in FY 2023. |
| Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) | Provided a structured process for insolvency resolution to improve the ease of doing business. | 4,540 cases resolved, recovering ₹2.5 lakh crore as of 2023. | |
| Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) | Transfers subsidies directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts to reduce leakages. | ₹20.98 lakh crore transferred through DBT schemes. | |
| Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act | Ensures fiscal discipline by setting targets for the government’s fiscal deficit and debt. | Fiscal deficit reduced to 4.5% of GDP by FY 2023. | |
| Disinvestment and FDI Reforms | Encourages private sector participation in public sector units and liberalizes foreign direct investment norms. | Disinvestment target of ₹1.75 lakh crore set for FY 2023; FDI inflows increased to $81.72 billion in 2021-22. | |
| Social | Swachh Bharat Mission | A nationwide campaign to clean up the streets, roads, and infrastructure of India’s cities and rural areas. | Over 100 million toilets built; rural sanitation coverage increased to 100%. |
| Skill India | Provides skill development training to enhance employability of the workforce. | Over 5 crore people trained under the PMKVY (Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana). | |
| Atal Pension Yojana | Provides pension benefits to workers in the unorganized sector. | 4 crore subscribers enrolled as of 2023. | |
| National Pension Scheme (NPS) | A voluntary, defined contribution retirement savings scheme. | 4.5 crore subscribers with ₹7.72 lakh crore in assets under management as of 2023. | |
| Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) | Aims to provide affordable housing to the urban poor. | 1.12 crore houses sanctioned under PMAY-Urban as of 2023. | |
| Technological | Aadhaar (Unique Identification) | Provides a unique identity to residents, facilitating direct benefit transfers and reducing leakages. | 1.3 billion Aadhaar cards issued, reducing leakages in subsidies by 20%. |
| E-Governance Projects | Implementing e-governance initiatives to improve service delivery and transparency in government processes. | 3.5 billion e-transactions recorded under Digital India in 2023. | |
| BharatNet | Aims to connect all gram panchayats with high-speed internet. | 1.5 lakh gram panchayats connected as of 2023. | |
| National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) | Creates a digital health ecosystem to manage health records electronically. | 24 million health IDs created by 2023. | |
| UMANG App | Provides a unified platform for accessing government services. | Over 3.75 crore downloads and 2000+ services available as of 2023. | |
| Legal | Right to Information Act (2005) | Empowered citizens to request information from the government, increasing transparency. | 4.8 lakh RTI applications filed annually. |
| Judicial Reforms | Implementing fast-track courts and e-courts to reduce case backlogs and improve judicial efficiency. | 1,800 fast-track courts operational, reducing pendency by 20%. | |
| Data Protection Bill | Aims to protect citizens’ data privacy and regulate data usage by companies. | Bill passed in 2023, aiming to regulate data handling. | |
| Consumer Protection Act (2019) | Strengthens consumer rights and provides mechanisms for redressal. | Over 3.5 lakh cases resolved under the new act. | |
| Lok Adalats (People’s Courts) | Offers alternative dispute resolution to reduce court burden. | 1.3 crore cases settled through Lok Adalats in 2023. | |
| Environmental | National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) | Outlines eight missions focusing on climate change mitigation and adaptation. | Solar capacity increased to 60 GW as part of the Solar Mission. |
| Namami Gange Programme | Aims to clean and rejuvenate the Ganges River. | ₹30,000 crore sanctioned; significant reduction in pollution levels. | |
| Afforestation and Green India Mission | Promotes afforestation to increase green cover. | 1.5 million hectares afforested under the Green India Mission. | |
| National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) | Targets reducing air pollution levels across cities. | 20-30% reduction in particulate matter in 102 cities by 2024. | |
| Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) | Requires environmental clearances for large projects to assess and mitigate environmental impacts. | Over 5,000 projects assessed annually for environmental impact. | |
| Improving Service Delivery | Citizen’s Charters | Outlines service delivery standards for government departments, improving transparency. | Over 1,000 Citizen’s Charters implemented across various departments. |
| Sevottam Model | Framework for improving public service delivery through standard setting and performance evaluation. | Adopted by multiple government departments to enhance service quality. | |
| Social Audits | Engages community participation in auditing government programs for transparency and accountability. | Conducted in over 6 lakh Gram Panchayats under MGNREGA. | |
| Decentralization | 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992) | Strengthens local governance through Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies. | Over 3 million elected representatives in Panchayati Raj Institutions. |
| NITI Aayog | Promotes cooperative federalism and involves states in policy formulation. | States’ active involvement in policy planning and execution since its establishment in 2015. | |
| 14th Finance Commission | Increases financial devolution to states for better local governance. | 42% share of central taxes devolved to states, enhancing their fiscal autonomy. | |
| Other Initiatives | Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) | Targets rapid development in underdeveloped districts to improve quality of life. | 115 districts identified, with significant improvements in health, education, and infrastructure. |
| Good Governance Index (GGI) | Ranks states and Union Territories based on governance performance to encourage reforms. | Regular ranking published to promote competitive federalism among states. |
| State | Initiative | Details | Specific Data |
| Kerala | Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) | Mobilizes resources for large infrastructure projects. | Over ₹20,000 crore mobilized for infrastructure projects. |
| Haritha Keralam Mission | Focuses on sustainable development through waste management and water conservation. | Over 1 crore saplings planted and numerous water bodies rejuvenated. | |
| e-District Project | Provides government services digitally for quick and efficient delivery. | Over 1 crore transactions processed through the e-District platform. | |
| Citizen’s Call Center | A 24/7 helpline for information and assistance on government services. | Over 10 lakh calls handled annually. | |
| Maharashtra | Right to Public Services Act | Ensures timely delivery of public services with penalties for non-compliance. | Over 500 services covered under the act. |
| Aaple Sarkar Portal | Digital platform for accessing a wide range of government services online. | Over 3 crore users registered and millions of services availed. | |
| Maharashtra State Skill Development Society (MSSDS) | Focuses on skill development and vocational training. | Over 10 lakh youth trained and placed. | |
| Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan | A water conservation initiative to make Maharashtra drought-free. | Over 16,000 villages benefited from the program. | |
| Tamil Nadu | Amma Unavagam (Amma Canteens) | Provides subsidized meals to the urban poor. | Over 500 canteens serving lakhs of meals daily. |
| Amma Maternity Nutrition Kit | Provides nutritional supplements to pregnant women. | Over 10 lakh kits distributed annually. | |
| Tamil Nadu e-Governance Agency (TNeGA) | Implements e-governance initiatives for better service delivery. | Over 200 government services available online. | |
| Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme | Provides health insurance to economically weaker sections. | Over 1.5 crore beneficiaries enrolled. | |
| Karnataka | Sakala | Guarantees timely service delivery and tracks application status online. | Over 1.5 crore applications processed with 98% on-time delivery. |
| Ksheera Bhagya | Provides free milk to school children to improve nutrition and academic performance. | Over 65 lakh children benefited. | |
| Janasevaka | Doorstep delivery service for government services. | Over 1 lakh services delivered at doorsteps. | |
| Bhoomi | Digitizes land records for transparency in land transactions. | Over 70 lakh land records digitized. | |
| Andhra Pradesh | e-Pragati | A comprehensive e-governance initiative to provide integrated services to citizens. | Over 400 services integrated under the platform. |
| NTR Bharosa Scheme | Provides financial assistance to senior citizens, weavers, and disabled persons. | Over 50 lakh beneficiaries supported. | |
| Mana Badi Nadu-Nedu | Aims to transform government schools with improved infrastructure and facilities. | Over 15,000 schools upgraded. | |
| Rajasthan | Bhamashah Yojana | Empowers women and promotes financial inclusion through direct benefit transfers. | Over 1 crore women benefited. |
| RajNet | Connects all panchayats and government offices through high-speed internet. | Over 11,000 panchayats connected. | |
| Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan | Focuses on water conservation and management to ensure water self-sufficiency. | Over 21,000 villages benefited from water conservation projects. | |
| Gujarat | Mukhyamantri Amrutam (MA) Yojana | Provides health insurance for families below the poverty line. | Over 50 lakh families covered. |
| Gujarat Solar Power Policy | Promotes solar energy generation to make Gujarat a solar hub. | Over 9,000 MW of solar power capacity installed. | |
| Smart Village Initiative | Enhances infrastructure and services in villages to promote rural development. | Over 300 villages transformed into smart villages. | |
| West Bengal | Kanyashree Prakalpa | Provides financial aid to girls for education and prevention of early marriage. | Over 70 lakh girls benefited. |
| Sabuj Sathi Scheme | Distributes bicycles to school students to promote education and reduce dropouts. | Over 1 crore bicycles distributed. | |
| Utkarsh Bangla | Offers vocational training to improve employability of youth. | Over 6 lakh youth trained. | |
| Uttar Pradesh | Mission Shakti | Focuses on women’s safety, dignity, and empowerment. | Over 1.5 crore women benefited. |
| Mukhyamantri Arogya Abhiyan | Provides free medical treatment to economically weaker sections. | Over 1 crore beneficiaries covered. | |
| One District One Product (ODOP) | Promotes local crafts and products to boost the economy and create jobs. | Over 1,000 products from various districts promoted. |
9. Issues With Government Schemes
| Aspect | Issue | Details | Examples and Specific Data |
| Structural Issues | Entitlement-Based Model | Passive Citizenry: Government welfare schemes often create dependency rather than promoting self-reliance. | Public Distribution System (PDS) |
| Colonial Legacy | The hierarchical and centralized administrative structures inherited from the colonial era often result in inefficiency and a lack of responsiveness. | Mai Baap Culture | |
| Poor Accountability Mechanisms | Despite initiatives like the Right to Information (RTI) Act, mechanisms such as citizen charters and social audits are not effectively enforced. | ||
| Secrecy and Multiplicity of Laws | The legal framework is often cumbersome and opaque, leading to delays in justice. | The average duration for case disposal in Indian courts is over three years. | |
| Design and Planning | Top down approach | Schemes often adopt a one-size-fits-all approach without considering regional disparities. | Farm Laws |
| Insufficient Feasibility Studies | Lack of preliminary studies leads to impractical schemes and wasted resources. | Low cost recovery in Atal Setu Bridge. | |
| Complex Guidelines | Overly complex and bureaucratic guidelines deter private sector participation and delay implementation. | Lack of private sector participation in Smart Cities Mission | |
| Overlapping Jurisdictional Issues | Overlap between central and state schemes can lead to confusion and inefficiency. | PM-KISAN and state-level schemes like Rythu Bandhu caused duplication of efforts. | |
| Centre-State Conflict | Disagreements between central and state governments impede scheme implementation. | Odisha, West Bengal and Delhi are not implementing Ayushman Bharat Scheme. | |
| Implementation | Corruption and Leakages | Misappropriation of funds and resources often undermine the effectiveness of schemes. | PDS faces 46.7% leakages. (NSSO) |
| Poor Monitoring and Evaluation | Inadequate monitoring mechanisms lead to poor oversight and accountability. | 40% of PMGSY roads needed repairs within a year. | |
| Inaccurate Targeting | Incorrect identification of beneficiaries leads to exclusion errors and inclusion errors. | PM-KISAN had over 10 lakh ineligible recipients . | |
| Digital Divide | Reliance on digital platforms excludes those without internet access or digital literacy. | 25% of rural households lack internet access, affecting DBT reach. | |
| Funding | Resource Constraints | Insufficient funding hampers comprehensive implementation and coverage. | Ayushman Bharat has 30% of health centers non-operational. |
| Populist Spending | Governments often overspend, leading to fiscal deficits. This results in reduced resources for the private sector and increased inflation. | Loan Waivers | |
| Capital vs. Revenue Expenditure | Emphasis on capital expenditure over revenue expenditure leads to numerous infrastructure projects but insufficient staffing, affecting human development indicators. | Doctor to population ration in India is 1:834 | |
| Funding Delays | hinder timely execution and beneficiary payments. | MGNREGA had ₹10,000 crore in pending wages as of March 2023 . | |
| Misallocation of Funds | Diversion of funds due to mismanagement or corruption. | Midday Meal Scheme reported substandard meals in several states. | |
| Technological Implementation Issues | Issues with integrating and using technology effectively in schemes. | PDS technical glitches affected over 1 crore beneficiaries in 2022. | |
| Private Sector | Dominant Public Sector | The government still controls critical sectors like health and education, lacking the application of “Minimum Government Maximum Governance.” | |
| Slow Privatization | Despite claims that the government shouldn’t be in business, the pace of privatization is slow, and disinvestment targets are rarely met. | The government set a disinvestment target of ₹1.75 lakh crore for FY2021-22, revised it to ₹78,000 crore later, but the actual proceeds were only ₹14,638 crore. | |
| Technological | Poor Technological Infrastructure | Only 30% of gram panchayats connected to high-speed internet as of 2023. | |
| Cybersecurity Threats | Data breaches and cyber-attacks compromise the integrity and trust in digital schemes. | Aadhaar data breach exposed millions of citizens’ information. | |
| Technical Glitches | Frequent technical issues disrupt the smooth operation of digital schemes. | GSTN issues caused compliance delays for over 5 lakh taxpayers. | |
| Impact and Outcome | Limited Impact Evaluation | Lack of systematic evaluations prevents assessment of scheme success and necessary improvements. | 30% of Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries reverted to traditional fuels. |
| Sustainability Issues | Short-term focus and lack of long-term sustainability planning. | 20% of Jalyukt Shivar structures non-functional within 2 years. | |
| Lack of Beneficiary Feedback Mechanism | Absence of systematic mechanisms to gather and incorporate beneficiary feedback. | Non-institutionalization of Social Audits | |
| Limited Reach | Some schemes fail to reach all intended beneficiaries, especially in remote areas. | 15% of targeted schools not covered by Midday Meal Scheme in 2022. | |
| Unintended Consequences | Some schemes have unintended negative impacts that undermine their objectives. | Loan waivers led to reduced credit discipline among farmers. | |
| Political and Administrative | Political Interference | Political involvement distorts scheme priorities and implementation, leading to favoritism and inefficiency. | 25% of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana projects affected by political interference. |
| Bureaucratic Hurdles | Red tape and bureaucratic hurdles delay project approvals and implementation. | Requirement of multiple clearances | |
| Inter-Departmental Coordination Issues | leads to fragmented and inefficient scheme execution. | ICDS faced issues due to poor coordination, affecting 30% of projects . | |
| Frequent Changes in Leadership | Frequent changes in administrative leadership disrupt the continuity and implementation of schemes. |
10. Citizen Participation and Good Governance
Citizen participation is essential in democracy, allowing people to influence public decisions, hold leaders accountable, and help develop their communities. Good governance includes transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, crucial for sustainable development.
“No one is born a good citizen; no nation is born a democracy. Rather, both are processes that continue to evolve over a lifetime.” – Kofi Annan
Benefits
| Aspect | Importance | Examples |
| Enhances Accountability | Ensures public officials are answerable and reduces corruption. | The Right to Information Act (2005) |
| Improves Policy Formulation | Incorporates diverse perspectives for comprehensive policies. | The National Education Policy (2020) involved extensive public consultations, resulting in a more inclusive framework. |
| Enhances Service Delivery | Aligns services with actual needs and improves efficiency. | The Sevottam model in India improves service delivery through citizen feedback and performance evaluation. |
| Strengthens Democracy | Empowers citizens and fosters a sense of civic responsibility. | Panchayati Raj Institutions in India enable local self-governance and direct citizen participation in decision-making. |
| Builds Trust in Government | Promotes mutual trust and perceived legitimacy of actions. | Right to Service in Maharashtra. |
| Facilitates Social Cohesion | Involves marginalized communities, preventing conflicts. | Social audits in schemes like MGNREGA promote inclusivity and help resolve local issues effectively. |
| Promotes Sustainable Development | Ensures development projects are sustainable and community-supported. | The Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan in Rajasthan leverages local participation in water conservation. |
| Theory | Explanation | Examples |
| Participatory Democracy Theory | Emphasizes broad participation of constituents in political decision-making processes. | Gram Sabhas |
| Deliberative Democracy Theory | Focuses on discussion and deliberation among citizens to reach consensus on public issues. | public hearings in urban planning projects. |
| Social Capital Theory | Suggests that networks of relationships among people in a society enable it to function effectively. | Community organizations and social networks likePanchayati Raj Institutions. |
| Agency Theory | Focuses on the relationship between principals (citizens) and agents (government officials), emphasizing accountability. | Mechanisms like audits, watchdog organizations, and transparent reporting to ensure government accountability |
| Public Choice Theory | Applies economic principles to the study of political behavior, highlighting self-interest influences. | Understanding how voter behavior and lobbying can influence policy decisions, as seen in the Sevottam model for public service delivery. |
Challenges in Citizen Participation
| Challenge | Details | Examples |
| Lack of Awareness | Citizens often lack information about their rights and the processes for participation. | Low awareness about Pension Schemes. |
| Digital Divide | Limited internet access and digital literacy prevent many citizens from engaging with e-governance platforms. | 25% of rural households in India lack internet access, affecting the reach of schemes like DBT. |
| Low Levels of Education | Illiteracy and low educational levels hinder effective participation in governance processes. | Low literacy among women leading to ‘Sarpanch Pati ’ in Panchayati Raj |
| Lack of Capacity | Citizens often lack the skills and knowledge required to participate effectively in governance. | Training programs for citizen participation in schemes like social audits are limited and inconsistent. |
| Distrust in Government | Historical instances of corruption and inefficiency lead to a lack of trust in government initiatives. | |
| Exclusion of Marginalized Groups | Marginalized communities often find it difficult to participate due to social and economic barriers. | Preventing Dalits from participation in Gram Sabha in TN |
| Geographical Barriers | Remote and rural areas face logistical challenges in accessing participatory platforms and services. | |
| Bureaucratic Hurdles | Complex administrative processes, red tape discourage citizen participation. | Complicated procedures for accessing benefits under schemes like PMAY |
| Poor Communication Channels | Ineffective communication between government and citizens leads to misunderstandings and apathy. | |
| Economic Constraints | Economic hardship can limit the time and resources citizens can devote to participation. | Daily wage laborers might prioritize earning a livelihood over participating in governance activities. |
11. Way Forward
| Aspect | Measure | Recommendations/Examples |
| Enhancing Transparency and Accountability | Improved Effectiveness of the RTI Act | Reduce exemptions for security and economic institutes, ensure records are machine-readable, implement legislation akin to the Whistleblower Protection Bill of 2015. |
| Enhancing Service Delivery Mechanisms | Effective Implementation of Citizen’s Charters | Decentralized formulation, meaningful dialogues with civil society, periodic evaluations, clear procedures for redress. |
| Promotion of Social Audits | Ensure guidelines for all citizen-centric programs include social audit mechanisms. | |
| Encouraging Citizen Initiatives | Reward schemes to encourage public service improvements. | |
| Establishment of Public Service Values | Code of Ethics for Civil Servants | Defining core values applicable across all government levels, enforce penalties for violations, enhance the code of ethics to address conflicts of interest. |
| Improving Public Sector Work Culture | Training and Development | Enhanced training programs for pre-entry and mid-career, performance-linked pay, managerial autonomy, employee recognition through awards and newsletters. |
| IT Reforms for Good Governance | Infrastructure and Skill Enhancement | Essential IT infrastructure, reliable electricity and internet services, continual skill upgradation for staff. |
| Boosting Citizen Participation in Governance | Participatory Budgeting | Community members allocate portions of the public budget. |
| Joint Assessment and Monitoring | Collaborative evaluations for significant local flagship programs. |
12. Global Best Practices
| Aspect | Measure | Examples |
| Transparency and Accountability | Whistleblower Protection | The United States’ Whistleblower Protection Act provides strong protections for federal employees. |
| Open Data Initiatives | The UK Government’s Open Data portal. | |
| Citizen Feedback Mechanisms | South Korea’s e-People system allows citizens to file complaints and suggestions online. | |
| Public Participation | Participatory Budgeting | Porto Alegre in Brazil is known for its participatory budgeting process, involving thousands of residents in budget decisions. |
| Inclusive Policy-Making | Canada’s Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) ensures diverse perspectives are considered in policy-making. | |
| Rule of Law | Strengthening Judicial Independence | The Judicial Appointments Commission in the UK ensures a transparent and merit-based selection of judges. |
| Anti-Corruption Measures | The Anti-Corruption Commission in Botswana has been effective in reducing corruption levels. | |
| Service Delivery | Digital Governance | Estonia’s e-Estonia initiative provides a wide range of government services online, improving accessibility and efficiency. |
| Citizen Charters | The UK’s Citizen Charter introduced in 1991 set service standards for various public services. | |
| Ethics in Public Service | Code of Ethics for Civil Servants | Singapore’s Code of Conduct for civil servants emphasizes integrity and accountability. |
| Performance Management | New Zealand’s performance management framework assesses the effectiveness of public sector employees and agencies. | |
| Human Rights | Human Rights-Based Approach | Sweden’s approach to governance integrates human rights into all public policies and practices. |
