Important Aspects of Governance, Stakeholders, Good Governance

According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 1997, governance means the way economic, political and administrative power is used to run a country at all levels. It includes the systems, institutions and processes through which people express their needs and interests, use their legal rights, fulfill their duties and solve their differences peacefully. Important Aspects of Governance have been highlighted below in this article.

Characteristics of Governance

1. Context-Specific: Governance is not the same everywhere. It changes according to the situation, place, and needs of the people. For example, in politics it is called good governance or local governance, in technology it is known as e-governance, in business it is called corporate governance, and at the global level it is referred to as international governance. This shows that governance works differently in different areas.
2. Value-Neutral: Governance itself is neither good nor bad. It is simply a system of managing affairs. Its impact depends on how it is used. If governance is used properly, it can improve people’s lives and promote development. If it is misused, it can lead to corruption, injustice, and poor administration.

Stakeholders of Governance

Governance involves different groups that play an important role in managing and running the country. At the national level, stakeholders of governance are mainly divided into three broad categories: State, Market, and Civil Society.

1. State: The State includes all organs of the government such as the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary. It also includes elected representatives, political leaders, civil servants, and government agencies. These institutions make laws, implement policies, and ensure justice and administration in the country.
2. Market: The Market refers to the private sector. It includes big companies, industries, small businesses, and other commercial establishments. The market plays an important role in economic development, employment generation, and production of goods and services.
3. Civil Society: Civil society includes groups and organizations that are not part of the government or private business sector. It includes NGOs, voluntary organizations, media, trade unions, religious groups, and pressure groups. These groups represent people’s interests, raise awareness, and hold the government accountable.

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Good Governance

Governance is a neutral term which means the way a country or organization is run. Good governance refers to the positive and desirable qualities of governance. It means managing public affairs in a fair, transparent, accountable and efficient manner so that the needs of the people are properly addressed. Good governance is essential for democracy, development, and public welfare.

According to UNDP, good governance has eight core characteristics:

Strategic Vision in Good Governance

Some experts also include “Strategic Vision” as the ninth principle of good governance. Strategic vision means having a clear and long-term plan for the future. It helps the government understand where the country should move in the coming years and how to improve services and development in a planned manner.

Good governance, therefore, is not only about present decisions but also about planning for the future. It aims to protect the interests of all sections of society and promote unity, social harmony, and overall well-being of the people.

Strategies for Good Governance

To promote good governance, certain important steps can be taken:

• Redirecting State Priorities: The government should focus its spending and policies on basic human needs such as health, education, sanitation, and employment to ensure overall development.

Example: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan focuses on sanitation and improving public health.

• Social Protection for Vulnerable Groups: Strong social security systems should be created to support poor, elderly, widows, persons with disabilities, and other weaker sections.

Example: National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) provides financial help to such groups.

• Strengthening State Institutions: Government institutions should be made more efficient, transparent, and accountable so that they can deliver services properly and maintain public trust.
• Legislative Reforms: The government should update and improve laws so that they match present-day needs. Old and outdated rules should be revised to make administration smoother and more transparent. Clear laws also help in increasing accountability and reducing corruption.
• Improvement in Civil Services: Civil servants play a key role in policy implementation. Their skills, training, and performance should be regularly improved. Reforms should connect performance with responsibility.

Example: Mission Karmayogi aims to build skilled and future-ready civil servants.

• Collaborative Governance:Good governance requires cooperation between the government, private sector, and civil society. When these groups work together, development becomes more effective and inclusive.

Example: NGOs supporting the Midday Meal Scheme have helped improve child nutrition and school attendance.

Governance in India Evolution

Governance in India has evolved over time, and each historical phase has shaped the present system.

• During British rule, governance mainly aimed at maintaining control and serving British interests. However, modern administrative systems, civil services, and legal frameworks introduced during this period later became the foundation of India’s governance structure.
• After Independence in 1947, the focus shifted to nation-building and strengthening democracy. The government emphasized social justice, economic development, poverty reduction, land reforms, and expansion of public sector industries. A written Constitution was adopted to ensure equality, rights, and justice.
• In 1991, India introduced economic reforms that reduced direct government control over industries and promoted private sector participation. This period focused on Liberalization, Privatization, and Globalization (LPG). Governance also became more decentralized through the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, strengthening Panchayats and Municipalities, while civil society organizations gained importance.
• Since 2014, governance has increasingly focused on digitalization, transparency, accountability, and citizen participation. Technology is widely used to improve service delivery and make public services more accessible. The idea of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance” became prominent during this period.
• Overall, governance in India has gradually shifted from control-oriented administration to a more citizen-centric, transparent, and technology-driven system that adapts to changing needs and challenges.
• Dimensions of Governance (DARPG)
• Governance has five key dimensions:
  • Political
  • Legal & Judicial
  • Administrative
  • Economic
  • Social & Environmental
• Minimum Government, Maximum Governance (MGMG)
  • Minimum Government, Maximum Governance means making the government citizen-friendly, accountable, and efficient.
  • It works by simplifying procedures, removing old or unnecessary laws, reducing paperwork, and using technology to make services transparent and accessible.
  • This approach saves time and effort for both citizens and government officials.
  • For example, the Digital India initiative helped the Ministry of Panchayati Raj move completely to e-offices.
  • Programs like Ease of Doing Business also aim to make governance simpler and faster.
  • The PMO website allows citizens to give suggestions, ideas, and feedback on issues affecting the country.

Governance Issues in India

• Criminalization of politics and misuse of government power for electoral or personal gains.
• Large number of pending court cases leading to delayed justice, long detention of undertrials, and limited judicial accountability.
• Bureaucratic delays, weak transparency, corruption, and poor implementation of decentralization at the local level.
• Poor planning and execution of some economic policies, fiscal imbalances, and wide regional economic disparities.
• Continued poverty, lack of access to basic services, marginalization of vulnerable groups, low civic awareness among the poor, and growing environmental degradation due to rapid urbanization.

Tools to Implement Good Governance

• Good governance can be strengthened using tools like people’s participation, RTI, Citizen Charters, Sevottam, and e-governance.
• People’s participation means involving citizens directly in governance so decisions reflect their needs and priorities. It makes governance more accountable, effective, and trustworthy.
• Citizens participate by voting, running for office, attending public consultations, joining advisory committees, or engaging in local planning and budgeting. Examples include public hearings in Environmental Impact Assessments and Kerala’s People’s Plan Campaign.
• Social audits allow citizens to monitor government programs, ensuring transparency and proper use of resources.
• The Right to Information (RTI) empowers citizens to access government information, increasing transparency and accountability.
• Benefits of people’s participation:
  • Decisions are more accepted and respected (enhanced legitimacy).
  • Citizens can hold officials accountable (improved accountability).
  • Policies reflect diverse needs (better decision-making).
  • Citizens feel empowered and responsible for community development.
  • Encourages social unity and collective effort.

Sevottam Model

• The Sevottam Model aims to improve the quality of public services in India. Its name comes from Seva (service) and Uttam (excellence).
• It was recommended by the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) to make administration more citizen-focused.
• The model has three parts:
  • Citizen Charter – clearly defines the services citizens can expect.
  • Public Grievance Redressal – ensures complaints are handled efficiently.
  • Service Delivery Capability – strengthens the ability of departments to provide quality services.
• Organizations following Sevottam follow seven steps:
  • Identify services and clients.
  • Set standards for each service.
  • Build capacity to meet standards.
  • Deliver services as per standards.
  • Monitor performance.
  • Evaluate impact through independent review.
  • Continuously improve based on feedback.
• Significance:
  • Provides a systematic way to improve services.
  • Helps departments assess gaps in service delivery.
  • Encourages practical, long-term improvements for citizens.
• Sevottam has been implemented in government departments since 2009.