Every year on December 25, India commemorates Good Governance Day to honour the legacy of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. This day is a tribute to his vision of ethical governance, transparency, and inclusivity. Vajpayee's political career, marked by his statesmanship and liberal ideals, set benchmarks for leadership and policy-making. Yet, as we reflect on the ideals of good governance, it is imperative to critically evaluate the extent to which these values are practiced in India today.
Good governance is fundamentally about ensuring transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in public administration. It promises efficient use of resources, equitable opportunities, and citizen-centric policies that prioritize public welfare. While the observance of Good Governance Day emphasizes these principles, the reality of governance in India often falls short.
One of the core pillars of good governance is transparency. Yet, citizens frequently encounter opacity in administrative processes, from the lack of accessible public information to delays in the implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Despite initiatives promoting e-governance and digital literacy, the digital divide exacerbates inequalities, leaving marginalized communities unable to access crucial government services.
Inclusivity remains another unfulfilled promise. Policies that aim to uplift weaker and backward groups often face implementation gaps, either due to bureaucratic inefficiency or corruption. Social stratification and economic disparities continue to hinder equal opportunities for improvement, undermining the essence of citizen-centric governance.
Public participation in governance is often reduced to tokenism. While avenues for feedback and citizen involvement exist, they rarely translate into meaningful policy changes. Decisions are frequently made without broad societal consensus, leading to public dissatisfaction and mistrust in government intentions.
Ethical governance demands that leaders act with integrity and prioritize public interest over personal or political gains. However, the politicization of governance and instances of misuse of power remain widespread. Scandals and allegations of corruption erode public trust, raising questions about the commitment to ethical administration.
Good governance must move beyond rhetoric to become a lived reality. For this, several steps are essential: strengthening transparency by ensuring the effective implementation of RTI and expanding digital access to bridge the divide; promoting inclusivity by addressing systemic barriers that prevent marginalized communities from accessing opportunities and benefits; encouraging meaningful participation by creating robust mechanisms for genuine public involvement in policymaking; establishing stringent accountability measures to deter the misuse of power and ensure timely project execution; and fostering ethical leadership by cultivating a culture of integrity among public officials and political leaders.
Good Governance Day serves as
a reminder of the ideals we must strive for. However, it also compels us to
confront the gaps between aspiration and reality.
