GOOD GOVERNANCE DAY - POLITY

Good Governance Day - POLITY

NEWS: Every year, December 25 is observed as Good Governance Day.

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

  • Purpose: The day aims to promote awareness about government accountability, effective administration, and the practice of “good governance” among civil servants and citizens.

Origin of the Day

  • Announced in 2014: The Union Government declared December 25 as Good Governance Day, coinciding with the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

 Significance of Atal Bihari Vajpayee

  • Birth Anniversary: Atal Bihari Vajpayee was born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior (now in Madhya Pradesh).
  • Political Journey:
    • Joined Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1939 and became a pracharak in 1947.
    • Worked alongside Deen Dayal Upadhyaya on various publications within the Sangh Parivar.
    • Became the national president of Jana Sangh in 1968.
  • Political Milestones:
    • Served as External Affairs Minister in Morarji Desai’s post-Emergency government (1975).

    • First served as Prime Minister in 1996 for 16 days, followed by impactful terms from 1998 to 2004.

    • Key Contributions as Prime Minister:

      • Nuclear Power: India formally became a nuclear power under Vajpayee's leadership, despite criticism from the West.
      • War and Peace: Managed India’s relationship with Pakistan, navigating both war and peace.
      • Public Welfare Projects: Launched Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (universal education) and PM Gramin Sadak Yojana (rural road development).
      • Foreign Relations: Strengthened foreign investment and international relations, particularly with the United States.

      Objectives of Good Governance Day

      • Commemorating Vajpayee’s Life: One reason for observing this day is to honor the legacy of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and his contributions to India.
      • Promoting Good Governance: The day is also aimed at:
        • Raising awareness about government services and accountability.
        • Encouraging civil servants to adopt the principles of “good governance” in their work.
        • Ensuring fair treatment of citizens by the government and the effective delivery of public services.

      The Good Governance Index (GGI)

      • Launched in 2019: The Good Governance Index was introduced by the government to assess the quality of governance in states and Union Territories

      Purpose and Structure:

      • Assessment Tool: The GGI evaluates the level of governance in a state or territory using a scientific methodology.
      • Parameters for Evaluation: It assesses governance across 10 key sectors:
        • Agriculture and allied sectors
        • Commerce and industries
        • Human resource development
        • Public health
        • Public infrastructure and utilities
        • Economic governance
        • Social welfare and development
        • Judicial and public security
        • Environment
        • Citizen-centric governance.
      • Role in Shaping Development: The GGI helps identify areas for improvement in governance and supports the shaping of future development initiatives.

      PRAGATI: A Digital Governance Initiative

      • Launched in 2015: PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) is a platform created by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

      Features of PRAGATI:

      • Digital Governance: The platform uses video conferencing, drone feeds, and data management to provide real-time monitoring and oversight of critical infrastructure projects.
      • Leadership in Action: The system combines high-level political leadership with technology to ensure the timely execution of projects.

      Impact of PRAGATI:

      • Infrastructure Development: The platform has helped resolve long-standing infrastructure issues by facilitating oversight and coordination.
        • National Highway 8 in Maharashtra: Completed segments that had been delayed for years.
        • Chenab Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir: Completed as the world’s highest rail bridge.
        • Bogibeel Bridge in Assam: Completed within three years, after languishing for over a decade before being reviewed through PRAGATI.

      Conclusion

      • Good Governance Day serves as a reminder of the importance of efficient governance, transparency, and accountability in public administration.
      • Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Legacy continues to inspire the nation’s leadership and governance practices.
      • Initiatives like the Good Governance Index and PRAGATI highlight the government’s ongoing efforts to improve service delivery, promote transparency, and address bottlenecks in infrastructure development through digital and leadership-driven governance.