Good Governance Day: Last-Mile Delivery, Leaving No One Behind is Key to Growth

Why in News?

• December 25 is celebrated as Good Governance Day in India which reflects the significance of governance in various aspects.
• Also, on this day it is important to recollect the contributions made by influential leaders like Sardar Patel in shaping the country's higher civil service and his emphasis on treating common people as one's own.

Historical Background of Governance in India

• Sardar Patel shaped the country’s higher civil service and laid the foundation for people-centred good governance.
• His advice to the Indian Administrative Service officers in 1947 that their predecessors (British Civil Servants) were brought up in the traditions in which they kept themselves aloof from the common run of the people of India.
• He told the civil servants that it will be their bounden duty to treat the common men in India as their own. 
• Good Governance Day is observed in India annually (since 2014) on the 25th day of December - the birth anniversary of former-PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
  • The day honours PM Vajpayee by fostering awareness among the Indian people of accountability in government.

The Evolution of Governance Landscape in Last Decade

• Keeping People at the Centre: Keeping people at the centre has been current dispensation’s focus with the belief that everything that is being done for the countrymen cannot be done without the involvement of common people.
• Reform, Perform and Transform Approach
  • Reforms aim to improve efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness in various sectors, such as the economy, administration, and public services.
  • The emphasis has been on modernising and streamlining systems to align them with contemporary needs and global standards.
  • Governance is seen as a performance-driven activity, where leaders and institutions are expected to achieve specific goals and outcomes.
  • Performance indicators includes economic growth, infrastructure development, social welfare, and other key metrics.
  • Transformation goes beyond incremental changes and suggests a more profound and holistic evolution and it has been government’s approach since the first day.
  • It involves bringing about a fundamental shift in the way governance is conceptualised and implemented.
• Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra
  • Launched on December 11, 2023, it is a defining moment in Bharat’s historical journey; a nation of 1.4 billion is dreaming big.
  • It wishes to become a $5 trillion economy, have state-of-the-art infrastructure, provide its citizens equitable access to high-quality education and healthcare facilities.
  • It aims to enhance livelihood opportunities and enlarge the range of income-generating activities for its youth and women, enthuse entrepreneurs and investors through an investor-friendly ecosystem to generate wealth and employment.
  • It is a nation that does not want anyone to be left out of its growth story.
• The Concept of Janbhagidari
  • Over the last few years, the government has placed unprecedented trust in the enormous capability of its people and has launched programmes which were successful because of people’s participation.
  • For example, this government could visualise swatchta or cleanliness as a people’s movement.
  • Janbhagidari or public participation has become the key principle of programme implementation.
  • People, as agents of change, are increasingly being empowered to access information and knowledge to transform their lives for the better.
• PM’s Inclusive Development Model: Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas, Sabka Vishwas
  • Sushasan or good governance has become the most promising pathway for societal transformation, for converting the gains of freedom, swarajya, for the establishment of a well-governed state or surajya.
  • The Prime Minister has led this transformational journey, articulating the framework of inclusive development as Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikaas, Sabka Vishwaas (Support for all, Development of all and winning the confidence of all)
  • To which was added the element of responsible citizenship and participative development through Sabka Prayaas (Efforts of all).

Achievements and Initiatives Undertaken by the Government

• Alleviating Poverty: The government has implemented measures aimed at reducing poverty and improving the economic well-being of the population.
• Combating Pandemics: There have been great efforts to address and combat pandemics, which highlights government’s initiatives related to healthcare infrastructure, vaccination drives, and pandemic management strategies.
• Foundational Literacy and Numeracy: The government has prioritised a national mission focused on enhancing foundational literacy and numeracy, which reflecta commitment to improving the education system from the grassroots level.
• Creating World-Class Universities: Investments and initiatives have been directed towards establishing and developing top-tier educational institutions to enhance the quality of higher education.
• Financial Inclusion Program: The government has Implemented a massive financial inclusion program, through Jan Dhan Yojna which highlights government’s efforts to bring a larger section of the population into the formal banking and financial system.
• Health Insurance Scheme: The introduction and impact of a comprehensive health insurance scheme, PMJAY and Ayushman Bharat Yojna reflects a commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and affordability.
• Modern Rail and Aviation Sector: Ongoing developments and expansions in the modernisation of the rail and aviation sectors, aims to enhance transportation infrastructure.
• Space Missions: Greater investment and encouraging private sector involvement in the field of space exploration have led to successful missions and advancements in space technology.
• Advances in Technology and Pharmaceuticals: There has been a wide recognition of breakthroughs and progress in technological innovations and pharmaceutical developments.
• Nurturing Sports Talents: Government has started several initiatives to support and develop sporting talent in the country, contributing to India's presence and success in the world of sports.

Challenges and the Way Forward to Fulfil the Last Mile Delivery

• Reform of Governance Systems
  • There is still a need for re-evaluation of governance systems, emphasising the need for streamlining and enhancing effectiveness.
  • This involves critically appraising existing laws, rules, and procedures.
• People-Friendly and Transparent Laws
  • Laws and governance procedures should be more people-friendly and transparent.
  • This involves the repeal of archaic laws, simplification of processes, and the enactment of new legislation.
• Clarity of Goals and Roles
  • Emphasis should be on clear goals and roles for government functionaries.
  • Every official should be aware of their responsibilities, goals, and the expected time frames for task completion.
• Continuous Improvement: There is a need for a commitment to constant improvement such that governance should be a dynamic and evolving process.
• Agility and Data-Driven Decision-Making
  • An agile system which can collect credible data, analysing areas for improvement, and making swift decisions based on evidence is the key.
  • This underscores the importance of a data-driven approach to governance.
• Values of Openness and Reflection
  • For last mile delivery, a mindset is required that values openness, honesty, reflection, and consultation.
  • This will require a commitment to a transparent and participatory approach to governance.
• Use of Technology for Last Mile Delivery
  • The government has demonstrated that technology can be leveraged to reach out effectively to the marginalised and cut transaction costs and petty corruption.
  • The Direct Benefit Transfer is one example of the creative use of technology in improving last-mile delivery.

Conclusion

• Bharat's rich history offers numerous instances of effective governance and it is crucial to learn from these examples and strive to establish governance systems that focus on building a society characterised by care, sharing, and growth.
• The government and the society must work in tandem towards developing a prosperous India by 2047 through effective and welfare-oriented governance, aiming for a well-developed and harmonious Bharat.

Q1) What is ODOP?

The One District One Product (ODOP) program is an initiative under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry. Under this Collaboration- products are being identified from all districts to be promoted for their unique qualities and cultural significance which include various handicrafts, handloom, and agricultural products that have been associated with the identity of their place of origin.

Q2) What is DAY-NULM?

It is a flagship mission under the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. It has the aim to uplift the urban poor by enhancing sustainable livelihood opportunities through skill development and it will be shared between the Centre and the States in the ratio of 75:25. For North Eastern and Special Categories – the ratio will be 90:10.

Source: The Indian Express