Good governance means efficient and effective administration in a democratic framework. It involves high level organisational efficiency and effectiveness corresponding to a responsive way in order to attain goals. From the human development perspective, good governance is democratic governance such as
The question, however, is as to whether we have accomplished the task of ensuring to each individual all of his basic human rights in their full bloom like healthcare, education, adequate housing, sufficient food and clothing. Can we claim that there is no injustice prevalent at social, economic or political levelIJ Is every Indian in a position to live life of dignity, free from prejudices or discrimination of any kind IJ If the answer to any of these posers is in the negative, we cannot yet proclaim that we are providing good governance in this country.
The administration of Indian Justice is not impartial, the rich and the poor do not stand on equality before the law, and the traditional method of providing justice has operated. The needs of the poor are not fulfilled. Studies of poor people find that at best, the police and judiciary are considered unresponsive at worst, as aggressive abusers of judicial rights. Poor people often view police as unresponsive, absent when needed, coming only when someone has been killed. They are corrupt making false arrests, accusations and imprisonments, with involvement in massive corruption. Brutal harassing of street vendors, confiscating identification documents, raping women who register complaints, beating up innocent people, torturing and killing homeless boys are also alleged against the police.
In democracies, people can demand accountability in many ways. The most important are the checks and balances between the legislature, executive and judiciary and specialized and independent oversight entities such as human rights commissions, electoral commissions, public service commissions, women’s commission, ombudsmen, auditor general and anti-corruption bodies.
Though arrangements for accountability exist in India, they do not function well. They do not promote the interests of most of the people. And, they do an even poorer job for protecting the interests of women, poor people and minorities. There are basically two main reasons namely, corruption and gaps in democratic practices for poor governance in any country.
As a parliamentary democracy, India has some of the finest organizational structures of governance. It has bicameral legislature at the Union and State level and over 200,000 local self governing institutions. These bodies direct and oversee the functioning of the executive at different levels. In addition, there is an independent judiciary and a free Press, which provide the checks and balances necessary to ensure accountability.
Modern States wedded to the principle of general public welfare are duty bound to provide such governance as can guarantee to one and all, without any discriminations. The right to liberty of thought, expression and belief, right to justice, right to development and various such other rights must be ensured. When we talk of good governance, the claim of every modern State to certification of its positive performance requires to be tested on the touchstone of human rights.
E-Governance initiative can cut the wave of bureaucracy. Some States in India have begun to provide service delivery online. And Government websites sometime provide practical information as how to confront and make complaints about corrupt acts. The benefits of e-Governance for public service delivery are expanded to many areas. In many countries, courts have established a complete online system for tracking and monitoring cases. For good governance, it is necessary that Governments should expand e-governance in all areas for the benefits of all citizens.
(Dr Maharana is a faculty member at Jeypore law College Koraput, Mob: 9438170563)