Events & Issues
28 April
2014, New Delhi
Govt, Governance Mantra
MODI WILL NEED TO SHARE
POWER
By Dr S Saraswathi
(Former Director,
ICSSR, New Delhi)
Modi’s taunts at the ‘first family’ notwithstanding, his election
platforms and BJP’s poll advertisements resonate with the mantra “Minimum
Government, Maximum Governance”. To the common people now used to looking upon
the Government for anything and everything from household articles to national
defence, how palatable is this mantra seems a valid question. Hence, we need to
examine and distinguish between government and governance – terms that are
intertwined in aam admi’s
understanding and even used inter-changeably.
“That government is best which governs least” – this oft-quoted
quote seems totally out of date. Whoever has first said this – Jefferson or Thoreau – its meaning and significance are
changing from time to time and place to place.
Government is the tool that formulates, transmits and
carries out the will of the State. It is a mechanism of administration. It is
represented by a concrete organization. In a narrow sense, it refers to the executive
power of a State, and in wider sense includes law-making, administration and
judiciary.
Governance is far bigger than government. It is not a monopoly of the government, for
it is not exclusively in its domain. The success of a government measured in
terms of economic growth and development depends much on the quality of governance
of the government. And this, in turn, depends on policy making and policy implementation.
The quality of governance lies in the way State-society
relations are structured and managed. It
is a combination of organizational system and operational practices. In its
broader sense, governance covers a large field including monitoring the
bureaucracy/administration, governance of the market, that is, corporate
governance, planning for the present
and future, judicial administration and so on.
Different kinds of stakeholders have a role in governance
including the Union government, State governments, local bodies, non-profit and
voluntary organizations now known as civil society organizations, etc. There
are multiple players in governance and unless all of them engage themselves in
good governance, a government cannot provide that.
Governance is related to the process of decision-making and
implementation. It is exercise of political power to manage a nation’s affairs.
It is value-free function. Governance involves action and therefore becomes
subject to the manner of governing. This
is an art. It is extended to control, direct or strongly influence the action
and conduct of others. It involves the method applied, the processes
formulated, and the manner of functioning.
The government, of course, has a vital and major role in
ensuring good governance in the country. It is responsible for decision-making
and implementation. Government can help or mar the role of other actors in
governance. It has to act and also discharge the role of facilitator in the
true spirit to enable other actors to perform their roles. Its responsibility
as facilitator is as big if not bigger than its direct functionary role. By
promising minimum government and maximum governance, Narendra Modi must be
ready to share power with the people.
The concept of good governance first appeared in 1989 in a report
on Africa by the World Bank. It was then
defined to include many features such as an efficient public service, an
independent judicial system and legal framework, an accountable administration of
public funds, independent public auditor responsible to a representative
legislature, respect for law and human rights at all levels of government, a
pluralistic institutional structure, and a free press.
We have in our country today a constitutional and administrative
system and institutions comprising all the features mentioned in the World Bank
report. But alas! Cannot boast of good governance!
The World Governance Survey made a few years ago in 16
countries has mentioned five important indicators of good governance to ensure
sustainable development. These comprise the extent of personal security, social
welfare, defence of national interests, civilian control of the military, and
maintenance of peace. India
has a mixed record on these and has scope for improving its index.
Good governance implies certain values in governance.
However, it is not a goal by itself or the end product of a government. The end
is people’s prosperity and nation’s development. Good governance, in the words
of former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, “is perhaps the most important
factor in eradicating poverty and promoting development”. It improves the
standard of living; builds capacities; promotes opportunities for all; and
facilitates wider and wider participation of the people.
Efficiency, effectiveness, economy, transparency,
accountability are all hallmarks of good governance. Along with knowledge,
information and skills, good governance requires honesty and integrity in
application, equalitarian approach, and humane temperament. Its goals are
peace, prosperity, and progress.
In concrete practical terms, good governance can be seen in
universal access to basic services, equal and equitable opportunities for
better future, a responsible and responsive government, and availability of
avenues for participation in decision-making, etc. Good governance does not end
with formal institutions and paper laws and prescriptions, but provides scope
for empowerment and genuine participation.
Correspondingly, there is no room for abuse of authority, extra-legal/constitutional
centres of power, misuse of official agencies, and other corrupt practices that
have sneaked into our institutions.
Modi’s preoccupation with development coupled with good
governance is a natural outcome of the close nexus between the two. Good
governance is equivalent to purposive and development-oriented government. Its object is to improve the quality of life
for all. There can be no development without good governance though there can
be growth without good governance. Less developed societies face problems of
governance also.
Good governance that is currently projected as a poll issue
is not restricted to governance of the government. Perforce, it extends to all
sectors – public, private, and voluntary. The task before the protagonists of
good governance in this election is indeed stupendous.
If Modi’s mantra is voted to power, it should usher in an
era of political and administrative reforms.
Value-based politics, citizen-friendly administration, corruption-free
public life must follow if the mantra is to stay effective and not vanish after
the elections.
Public support is indispensable for good governance. Nothing
good can remain good if imposed by internal or external forces. The instruments
and processes of people’s participation should facilitate de facto participation.
Is the will of the ruling party and government alone
sufficient to bring about good governance?
Cynics may wonder. It may not be sufficient and will need “political
will” – a much wider factor. Political parties are engaged in dubious games
changing their thoughts and actions to suit their position in the government
and in governance. However, a well-meaning government can
definitely start the process. ---INFA
(Copyright,
India News & Feature Alliance)
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