good governance for 11 October 2025

Governance refers to the systems, processes, and structures through which decisions are made, implemented, and monitored in the management of public affairs. Effective governance provides accountability, transparency, and inclusiveness, while good governance provides citizen-centric administration, equitable outcomes, and efficiency in addressing societal needs. Understanding these concepts is important for evaluating public administration, policy-making, and sustainable development. In this article, we are going to cover Good governance, its features, and stakeholders. 

Good Governance

Governance is fundamentally about steering societies toward equity, growth, and sustainability. Good governance makes sure this by embedding ethical values, inclusivity, and efficiency into decision-making processes. It empowers citizens, ensures justice, manages resources effectively, and promotes holistic development. As Kautilya observed, “In the happiness of the subjects lies the happiness of the king,” reflecting that governance must prioritize the well-being of the people.

In the contemporary context, good governance is not just an administrative ideal but a practical necessity for sustainable development, social justice, and citizen empowerment. By integrating participatory processes, technological solutions, and ethical principles, societies can make sure that governance translates into tangible benefits for all citizens, laying the foundation for inclusive and resilient nations.

What is Governance?

The term “governance” originates from the Greek word gubernare, meaning “to steer.” Plato initially used it to describe guiding a ship toward its destination. By analogy, governance involves guiding society toward its goals and potential. It includes the institutions, processes, and norms that enable citizens and stakeholders to interact with and participate in public affairs.

Governance is not limited to the management of state machinery; it is a participatory system in which decisions are made and implemented with accountability, transparency, and responsiveness at its core.

• OECD: Governance is the exercise of political, economic, and administrative authority to manage a nation’s affairs.
• World Bank: Governance refers to how power is exercised in the management of a country’s resources for development.
• General Understanding: Governance is a collective, participatory mechanism to address societal challenges, emphasizing inclusivity, equity, and fairness.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi succinctly highlighted the distinction, stating, “Government is a file, and Governance is life,” underlining governance as the dynamic process that affects citizens’ lives.

Good Governance Features

The United Nations and India’s Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) have identified eight essential features of good governance:

1. Participation: Ensuring inclusive engagement of citizens in decision-making.
2. Rule of Law: Enforcement of laws impartially while protecting fundamental rights.
3. Transparency: Open decision-making that fosters trust and reduces corruption.
4. Accountability: Institutions must answer to stakeholders for their actions.
5. Consensus-Oriented: Balancing diverse interests to achieve societal well-being.
6. Equity and Inclusiveness: Guaranteeing that all members have a stake in society.
7. Effectiveness and Efficiency: Meeting societal needs using optimal resources.
8. Responsiveness: Promptly addressing the concerns of citizens.

From Governance to Good Governance

While governance focuses on the structures and processes of decision-making, good governance emphasizes values such as transparency, equity, and efficiency. Historical inefficiencies, such as only a small fraction of welfare funds reaching intended beneficiaries, underscored the necessity of good governance. It ensures that goods and services are delivered effectively and equitably through accountable mechanisms. The differences include: 

Governance	Good Governance
May be inefficient and bureaucratic	Always efficient and outcome-oriented
Often lacks transparency	Emphasizes transparency and accountability
Authoritative, top-down approach	Citizen-centric and participatory
Target-based	Outcome-based
Value-neutral	Value-driven

Good governance is inherently democratic, adhering to the rule of law, enabling active civil society participation, and fostering enlightened policy-making.

India’s Initiatives Toward Good Governance

India has undertaken multiple measures to strengthen governance and promote transparency:

• Public Participation in Policy: Encouraging citizens and communities to contribute to policy-making.
• Minimum Government, Maximum Governance: Streamlining bureaucratic processes to ensure efficient administration.
• Digital Governance: Initiatives such as e-tendering, digitized land records, and the PRAGATI platform enhance efficiency.
• Right to Information (RTI) Act: Promotes transparency and accountability in governance.
• Agam India Initiative: Strengthens grassroots governance mechanisms to ensure citizen involvement.

Good Governance Stakeholders

Governance involves multiple actors beyond government institutions:

1. Government Entities: Central, state, and local authorities responsible for policy-making and implementation.
2. Non-State Actors: NGOs, corporations, research institutions, and advocacy groups influencing governance and policy.
3. Civil Society: Media, citizen organizations, and religious groups that hold the government accountable.
4. International Stakeholders: Global organizations, donors, and transnational entities shaping governance practices.

Role of Non-State Actors in Governance

Non-state actors play a transformative role in modern governance. From local initiatives to global policymaking, they promote sustainability, human rights, and equitable development. By fostering innovation, amplifying marginalized voices, and holding governments accountable, they help create transparent, participatory, and inclusive governance frameworks.

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