This is the AIR Spotlight of 25th Dec, 2018 , which is on Good Governance Day. https://www.upscpanda.com/

1. AIR Spotlight
25th Dec, 2018

2. “Good Governance Day”
Birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee is being observed as Good Governance Day. The Samadhi of Mr
Vajpayee - Sadaiv Atal was dedicated to the nation. PM inaugurated the longest rail-cum-bridge Bogibeel
bridge in Assam on this day.
What is the news
Governance
Governance is the dynamic exercise of management power and policy, while government is the
instrument that does it.

3. Good Governance
Good Governance manages and allocates resources to respond to combined problems of its citizens and
design the policies that supply public goods and guided by principles such as human rights, democratization
and democracy, transparency, participation and decentralized power sharing, sound public administration,
accountability, rule of law, effectiveness, equity, and strategic vision. The Human Development Report issued
insists on “good” governance as a democratic exigency, in order to rid corruption, provides rights, the means,
and the capacity to participate in the decisions that affect their lives and to hold their governments accountable
for what they do.
Participation
All men and women should have a voice in decision-making, either directly or through legitimate intermediate
institutions that represent their interests. Such broad participation is built on freedom of association and speech,
as well as capacities to participate constructively.
Rule of law
Legal frameworks should be fair and enforced impartially, particularly the laws on human rights.
Element of Good Governance

4. Transparency
Transparency is built on the free flow of information. Processes, institutions and information are directly
accessible to those concerned with them, and enough information is provided to understand and monitor them.
Responsiveness
Institutions and processes try to serve all stakeholders.
Consensus orientation
Good governance mediates differing interests to reach a broad consensus on what is in the best interests of the
group and,. where possible, on policies and procedures.
Equity
All men and women have opportunities to improve or maintain their well-being.
Effectiveness and efficiency
Processes and institutions produce results that meet needs while making the best use of resources.

5. Accountability
Decision-makers in government, the private sector and civil society organisations are accountable to the public, as
well as to institutional stakeholders. This accountability differs depending on the organisations and whether the
decision is internal or external to an organisation.
Strategic vision
Leaders and the public have a broad and long-term perspective on good governance and human development,
along with a sense of what is needed for such development. There is also an understanding of the historical,
cultural and social complexities in which that perspective is grounded.
Building Quality and Strengthening Local Institutions- A fundamental requirement for achieving quality is that the
responsibilities for management must be effectively devolved to bodies responsible for implementing public programs and
they must be suitably empowered, and also learn how to manage and produce results. There is also need for strengthening
other local institutions which would help programs implementation
What should be done for Good Governance

6. Capacity Building- Implementation of flagship programs requires professional expertise. Activities such as
developing plans, or measuring work, and valuing.
Partnerships with Civil Society- Civil society has a crucial role to play in strengthening of local institutions
and in bringing innovation into government programs. Government must strongly encourage partnerships
with civil society including not only NGOs, but also academic institutions, professional associations and
universities.
Collaboration with ministries- It is necessary to develop effective mechanisms for alignment/convergence
of Central Ministries and Departments on systemic issues and incentivize convergence in each flagship
programs with other flagship programs closely connected to it.
Emphasis on Social Mobilization- There is need to make a specific provision in each flagship programs for
dedicated human and financial resources for social mobilization, awareness raising and social audit.
Separation of Delivery and Policy Making Functions- Good governance often requires delivery functions
to be separated from policy-making functions in Government Ministries; otherwise both can become less
effective. Delivery organisations could be set up as specialized agencies with clear mandates, resources,
and accountability.
Initiatives for Good government taken by the government:

7. Conclusion
Good governance is an ideal and Government should take initiatives to frame policies which typically involves
well-intentioned people who bring their ideas, experiences, preferences and other human strengths and
shortcomings to the policy-making table. Good governance is achieved through an on-going discourse that
attempts to capture all of the considerations involved in assuring that stakeholder interests are addressed and
reflected in policy initiatives.

8. THANK YOU