UNDERSTANDING ‘GOOD GOVERNANCE’ IN POLITICAL LITERATURE-  

What is Good Governance? 

We often hear that “Politics is a dirty game” but barely anyone talks about the solution.

Today let us talk about that solution which is ‘good governance’.

The meaning of good governance is actually the pinnacle of the process called ‘governance’. 

Many of us wonder how ‘good governance’ differs from ‘governance’ in the political sphere. Let me tell you, if such questions are popping into your mind, you are on the right track to becoming a conscious citizen who cares about both personal and communitarian urgencies.

To answer, governance is a theoretical notion that calls for the implementation of certain decisions that can be both advantageous and disadvantageous. 

While the meaning of good governance is to formulate and implement those decisions that are people-centric and yield the best possible consequences. In short, refining the cycle of legislating, executing, and adjudicating.

The elements of good governance improve a civil society through their power-packed approach- 

– Boosting institutional responsiveness and transparency

– Reducing corrupt practices

– Delivering public services effectively

– Gaining the trust of citizens

– Addressing grievances of diverse communities

– Leading impartially and without bias

To ensure good governance, economic growth, social development, and political stability have to go hand-in-hand. 

The meaning of good governance is also defined by The World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as :

UNDP on good governance(1997): “The exercise of economic, political, and administrative authority to manage a country’s affairs at all levels. It comprises the mechanisms, processes, and institutions through which citizens and groups articulate their interests, exercise their legal rights, meet their obligations, and mediate their differences.”

World Bank on good governance: A set of processes, institutions, and values that enable individuals and groups to express their interests with these elements of good governance including exercising their rights, and participating in decisions affecting their lives. It also includes the rule of law, transparency, accountability, and effectiveness of public institutions.  

However, to measure and ensure good governance, the World Bank has introduced various indicators, including terrorism, political stability, Human Development Index, literacy rates, gender equality, civil liberties, food security, and urban development.

Principles of Good Governance- 

World Bank has laid down the principles of good governance as their framework  for effective and easier processes-

• Accountability: To prevent the rise of authoritarianism, this principle ensures that government institutions are held responsible for their actions when they fall short.

• Participation: This principle creates a platform for those being governed to have a voice, fostering a two-way dialogue in society’s rule. It is a call for the citizen’s engagement. 

• Rule of Law: Designed to establish a uniform set of rules and regulations, this principle ensures good governance by surging equal access to justice.

• Transparency: This acts as a mirror for citizens, allowing them to verify that their rights are not being infringed upon during the decision-making process.

• Effectiveness and Efficiency: These twin principles focus on how well and appropriately government actions are executed.

• Equity and Inclusiveness: This principle emphasizes listening to marginalized communities and finding ways to uplift their status, ensuring they stand on equal footing with others.

These are not the mere principles of good governance but a roadmap to attain it. World Bank on good governance seems to be a theory but it has many practical groundwork too. 

From Governance to Good Governance–  

Nothing is so hopeless that it can’t be fixed or improvised. No matter how corrupt the political realm may seem, it can be rectified by active citizens who understand both their rights and duties. Informed and engaged citizens are the backbone of a healthy democracy, as citizen engagement holds leaders down from dictating and advocates for positive change.

A committed group of officials is essential for the rightful execution of plans and policies. These officials need to be knowledgeable, ethical, and dedicated to public service, ensuring that government actions align with the public’s best interests.

From the elements of good governance is also the presence of responsible government leaders who adhere to impartial conduct. This means making decisions based on fairness and justice, rather than personal or political gain. Such leaders foster trust and integrity within the political system.

A chivalrous media also plays a critical role. By presenting unbiased and balanced reporting, the media can educate the public, uncover truths, and hold power to account. This prevents any ruling administration from manipulating information and ensures that the public receives a full and accurate picture of current events.

This collaborative effort can transform even the filthiest political environments into ones that uphold justice, equity, and good governance.

We are often perplexed as to how to engage the citizens for layering good governance. Let us hop at some of the easier and more efficacious tips.

How Can Citizens Contribute Towards Good Governance? 

To ensure good governance, here are some stepping stones toward this attainable goal through citizen engagement- 

• Promoting Civil Associations: Dynamic civil associations, particularly those involving young participants, show great promise in grooming future political leaders and nurturing well-informed citizens. An illiterate person struggles to balance their rights and duties, emphasizing the importance of education and active engagement in these associations.

• Developing Young Fellowship Programs: Ministers and private members of parliament have the opportunity to deploy young interns for assistance. Expanding such opportunities helps develop the skills of young people and enhances participatory citizenship.

• Establishing Fact-checking Forums: Fact-checking forums offer valuable insights for citizens, enabling them to assess the truthfulness of speeches delivered by ministers, which can sometimes mislead or misinform.

• Implementing Surveying Methodologies: Conducting surveys helps better understand citizens’ needs and opinions, fostering a two-way dialogue essential for good governance. Both quantitative and qualitative surveys provide valuable outlooks and inform decision-making. This attracts an extensive citizen engagement process. 

• Ensuring Access to Information: Citizens have an undeniable right to access information, especially when discrepancies arise. As per the code of conduct, they can exercise this right confidently. The seekers and providers of information should adhere to this, ensuring transparency and accountability.

The Capsule– 

We have grabbed the meaning of good governance as the threshold of effective administration and bureaucracy, driving decision-making and implementation for optimal outcomes. It elevates civil society by enhancing institutional transparency, curbing corruption, ensuring efficient public service delivery, and addressing diverse grievances. 

For mushrooming governance into good governance, the World Bank and UNDP laid the principles of good governance as the rule of law, accountability, transparency, and citizen engagement, underpinned by equity, inclusiveness, and efficiency principles. 

Active citizens, committed officials, impartial leaders, and unbiased media are crucial for transforming flawed political systems into transparent, accountable, and just entities. Citizen engagement, while not necessarily initiated by the government, can be championed by proactive individuals and organizations through citizen advisory committees, community workshops, electoral literacy programs, civil hubs, and participatory budgeting.