Tag: Unit–10 Governance and Public Policy in India

Part A: Governance and Good Governance (Q1–20)

Q1. The term “Governance” literally means:
(A) Government institutions
(B) Process of steering or directing society
(C) Political authority
(D) Judicial activism
Answer: (B)
Explanation: Derived from Greek kybernan meaning “to steer,” governance refers to how societies are directed and coordinated.

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Q2. The concept of “Good Governance” was first introduced by:
(A) United Nations
(B) World Bank
(C) IMF
(D) Commonwealth
Answer: (B)
Explanation: The World Bank Report (1989) introduced “Good Governance” emphasizing efficiency, accountability, and rule of law.

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Q3. Governance differs from government because it:
(A) Is limited to the state
(B) Includes non-state actors and processes
(C) Refers only to laws
(D) Focuses only on security
Answer: (B)

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Q4. According to UNDP (1997), good governance includes how many key features?
(A) 6
(B) 8
(C) 10
(D) 5
Answer: (B)
Explanation: The eight features are participation, rule of law, transparency, responsiveness, consensus orientation, equity, effectiveness, and accountability.

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Q5. Democratic governance emphasizes:
(A) Centralization
(B) Authoritarianism
(C) Participation and equality
(D) Bureaucratic control
Answer: (C)

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Q6. The concept of “governance” gained global importance after:
(A) 1947
(B) 1989
(C) 1971
(D) 1999
Answer: (B)

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Q7. In good governance, the rule of law implies:
(A) Supremacy of individuals
(B) Supremacy of law and equality before law
(C) Government by force
(D) Administrative discretion
Answer: (B)

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Q8. Transparency in governance primarily ensures:
(A) Secrecy
(B) Access to information and openness
(C) Bureaucratic monopoly
(D) Political control
Answer: (B)

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Q9. Which of the following is not an element of good governance?
(A) Participation
(B) Accountability
(C) Inequality
(D) Transparency
Answer: (C)

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Q10. The democratic governance model views citizens as:
(A) Subjects
(B) Customers and partners
(C) Dependents
(D) Taxpayers only
Answer: (B)

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Q11. “Good governance is citizen-centric administration” — this statement was emphasized by:
(A) 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission
(B) Planning Commission
(C) UPSC
(D) NITI Aayog
Answer: (A)

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Q12. The shift from government to governance implies:
(A) Bureaucratic centralization
(B) Inclusive and network-based administration
(C) Political dominance
(D) Hierarchical rigidity
Answer: (B)

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Q13. In democratic governance, civil society acts as:
(A) A watch-dog and pressure group
(B) Part of the legislature
(C) Economic regulator
(D) Judicial body
Answer: (A)

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Q14. In the governance model, “Accountability” refers to:
(A) Avoiding responsibility
(B) Answerability of officials for their actions
(C) Rule-breaking
(D) Administrative secrecy
Answer: (B)

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Q15. The World Bank defines governance as:
(A) The process of decision-making and implementation
(B) Rule of government only
(C) Legal system of state
(D) Political ideology
Answer: (A)

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Q16. The focus of “Good Governance” is on:
(A) Control and hierarchy
(B) Service delivery and citizen welfare
(C) Political campaigns
(D) Party politics
Answer: (B)

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Q17. “Governance without government” refers to:
(A) Civil society and market-based coordination
(B) Military rule
(C) Judicial activism
(D) Administrative hierarchy
Answer: (A)

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Q18. The 2nd ARC report titled “Right to Information – Master Key to Good Governance” was published in:
(A) 2003
(B) 2005
(C) 2006
(D) 2008
Answer: (C)

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Q19. Participatory governance means:
(A) Citizens have no role
(B) Decision-making with people’s involvement
(C) Political control
(D) Technocratic rule
Answer: (B)

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Q20. The most important outcome of good governance is:
(A) Stability and citizen trust
(B) Bureaucratic secrecy
(C) Legal rigidity
(D) Political monopoly
Answer: (A)

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🟢 Part B: Accountability and Control (Q21–40)

Q21. Accountability in public administration means:
(A) Blaming others
(B) Answerability for actions and decisions
(C) Avoiding responsibility
(D) Autonomy without control
Answer: (B)

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Q22. The principle of checks and balances aims to:
(A) Concentrate power
(B) Prevent abuse of power
(C) Strengthen bureaucracy
(D) Reduce participation
Answer: (B)

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Q23. Legislative control over the executive is exercised through:
(A) Judicial review
(B) Question Hour and motions
(C) Civil services
(D) Elections
Answer: (B)

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Q24. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) examines:
(A) Policy formulation
(B) CAG reports on government expenditure
(C) Criminal cases
(D) Judicial appointments
Answer: (B)

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Q25. The Estimates Committee ensures:
(A) Financial accountability and efficiency
(B) Criminal accountability
(C) Judicial independence
(D) Private investment
Answer: (A)

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Q26. Judicial review is a function of:
(A) Legislature
(B) Judiciary
(C) Executive
(D) Election Commission
Answer: (B)

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Q27. Public Interest Litigation (PIL) strengthens:
(A) Bureaucratic control
(B) Judicial accountability
(C) Citizen participation and justice
(D) Political monopoly
Answer: (C)

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Q28. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) ensures:
(A) Legislative control
(B) Financial accountability of government
(C) Judicial review
(D) Administrative secrecy
Answer: (B)

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Q29. “Administrative culture” refers to:
(A) Rules and files only
(B) Shared values, attitudes, and ethics in bureaucracy
(C) Physical structure of offices
(D) Financial performance
Answer: (B)

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Q30. The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) was given statutory status in:
(A) 2003
(B) 2005
(C) 2008
(D) 2010
Answer: (A)

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Q31. The first Lokpal of India (2019) was:
(A) Kiran Bedi
(B) Pinaki Chandra Ghose
(C) Prashant Bhushan
(D) Aruna Roy
Answer: (B)

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Q32. The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act was passed in:
(A) 2005
(B) 2011
(C) 2013
(D) 2015
Answer: (C)

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Q33. The Whistle Blowers Protection Act was enacted in:
(A) 2005
(B) 2010
(C) 2014
(D) 2016
Answer: (C)

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Q34. Budgetary control is exercised mainly by:
(A) Parliament
(B) Judiciary
(C) NITI Aayog
(D) Election Commission
Answer: (A)

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Q35. Judicial control over legislature ensures:
(A) Separation of powers
(B) Fusion of powers
(C) Legislative dominance
(D) Bureaucratic control
Answer: (A)

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Q36. Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) was first established in:
(A) 1956
(B) 1966
(C) 1976
(D) 1986
Answer: (B)

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Q37. The 2nd ARC report “Ethics in Governance” emphasized:
(A) Political control
(B) Code of ethics, transparency, accountability
(C) Privatization
(D) Bureaucratic secrecy
Answer: (B)

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Q38. Corruption undermines governance by:
(A) Enhancing efficiency
(B) Reducing trust and fairness
(C) Promoting transparency
(D) Strengthening democracy
Answer: (B)

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Q39. The citizen’s right to information is linked to:
(A) Freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a)
(B) Freedom of movement
(C) Right to property
(D) Directive Principles
Answer: (A)

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Q40. Control through parliamentary committees ensures:
(A) Secrecy
(B) Accountability and detailed scrutiny
(C) Elitism
(D) Speedy decision
Answer: (B)

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🟢 Part C: Institutions for Good Governance (Q41–60)

Q41. The RTI Act came into force in:
(A) 2003
(B) 2005
(C) 2008
(D) 2010
Answer: (B)

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Q42. Under RTI Act, information must be provided within:
(A) 7 days
(B) 15 days
(C) 30 days
(D) 60 days
Answer: (C)

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Q43. The Consumer Protection Act was revised in:
(A) 2018
(B) 2019
(C) 2020
(D) 2021
Answer: (B)

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Q44. The Citizen Charter initiative was launched in India in:
(A) 1992
(B) 1997
(C) 2000
(D) 2005
Answer: (B)

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Q45. Citizen Charter primarily aims at:
(A) Punishing officials
(B) Defining service standards and grievance redressal
(C) Reducing participation
(D) Increasing secrecy
Answer: (B)

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Q46. The Ombudsman concept originated in:
(A) USA
(B) Sweden
(C) India
(D) UK
Answer: (B)

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Q47. Lokayuktas function at the:
(A) Central level
(B) State level
(C) District level
(D) Panchayat level
Answer: (B)

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Q48. The first state to establish Lokayukta was:
(A) Maharashtra
(B) Bihar
(C) Kerala
(D) Karnataka
Answer: (D)

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Q49. The main purpose of Ombudsman is to:
(A) Punish politicians
(B) Investigate maladministration and corruption complaints
(C) Collect taxes
(D) Control media
Answer: (B)

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Q50. RTI Act promotes:
(A) Secrecy
(B) Transparency and citizen empowerment
(C) Centralization
(D) Judicial control
Answer: (B)

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Q51. The 2nd ARC recommended merging of Citizen Charter with:
(A) Lokpal
(B) RTI framework
(C) Ombudsman system
(D) Administrative reforms
Answer: (B)

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Q52. Which body audits implementation of Citizen Charters?
(A) CVC
(B) DARPG
(C) NITI Aayog
(D) Planning Commission
Answer: (B)

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Q53. Consumer courts are quasi-judicial bodies that:
(A) Form laws
(B) Resolve consumer disputes and compensate victims
(C) Collect fines
(D) Regulate markets
Answer: (B)

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Q54. The Lokpal and Lokayukta are examples of:
(A) Political bodies
(B) Independent grievance redress institutions
(C) Corporate bodies
(D) Judicial courts
Answer: (B)

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Q55. The Ombudsman is accountable to:
(A) Judiciary
(B) Legislature
(C) Executive
(D) CVC
Answer: (B)

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Q56. RTI Act applies to:
(A) Public authorities
(B) Private institutions
(C) NGOs only
(D) Foreign companies
Answer: (A)

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Q57. The main limitation of RTI Act is:
(A) Misuse and delay in appeals
(B) Too much transparency
(C) Judicial interference
(D) Excessive digitalization
Answer: (A)

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Q58. The Central Information Commission is appointed by:
(A) Prime Minister
(B) President on recommendation of committee
(C) Supreme Court
(D) Parliament
Answer: (B)

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Q59. Lokpal can investigate:
(A) Only state officers
(B) Central public officials including PM (with restrictions)
(C) Private citizens
(D) Judges of SC
Answer: (B)

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Q60. CVC’s role in governance is mainly:
(A) Advisory and vigilance oversight
(B) Judicial enforcement
(C) Political campaign
(D) Electoral reform
Answer: (A)

Part D: Grassroots Governance (Q61–75)

Q61. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992) deals with:
(A) Urban Local Bodies
(B) Panchayati Raj Institutions
(C) Cooperative Societies
(D) Political Parties
Answer: (B)
Explanation: The 73rd Amendment institutionalized Panchayati Raj and decentralized governance in rural India.

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Q62. Panchayati Raj Institutions derive their powers from:
(A) Constitution
(B) Executive order
(C) Parliament resolution
(D) Planning Commission
Answer: (A)
Explanation: PRIs were constitutionally recognized under Part IX of the Indian Constitution (Articles 243–243O).

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Q63. The 73rd Amendment added which Schedule to the Constitution?
(A) 10th Schedule
(B) 11th Schedule
(C) 12th Schedule
(D) 8th Schedule
Answer: (B)
Explanation: The 11th Schedule lists 29 subjects under PRIs’ jurisdiction.

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Q64. The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (1992) pertains to:
(A) Panchayati Raj Institutions
(B) Urban Local Bodies
(C) District Planning Committees
(D) Cooperative Societies
Answer: (B)

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Q65. The 11th Schedule relates to:
(A) Subjects of Panchayats
(B) State List
(C) Union List
(D) Concurrent List
Answer: (A)

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Q66. The 12th Schedule relates to:
(A) Panchayats
(B) Municipalities
(C) Parliament powers
(D) Judiciary
Answer: (B)

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Q67. The minimum number of tiers in the Panchayati Raj system is:
(A) One
(B) Two
(C) Three
(D) Four
Answer: (C)
Explanation: Gram Panchayat (village), Panchayat Samiti (block), Zila Parishad (district).

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Q68. The Gram Sabha consists of:
(A) All adult voters of the village
(B) Elected representatives only
(C) District officials
(D) Block officers
Answer: (A)

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Q69. Reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions is:
(A) 25%
(B) 33%
(C) 40%
(D) 50%
Answer: (B)
Explanation: The Constitution mandates 33% reservation; many states have increased it to 50%.

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Q70. State Finance Commissions are constituted every:
(A) 3 years
(B) 4 years
(C) 5 years
(D) 10 years
Answer: (C)

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Q71. The first state to implement Panchayati Raj was:
(A) Bihar
(B) Rajasthan
(C) Kerala
(D) Tamil Nadu
Answer: (B)
Explanation: Rajasthan inaugurated the system at Nagaur in 1959.

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Q72. District Planning Committees (DPCs) integrate:
(A) State and Union budgets
(B) Rural and urban development plans
(C) Political manifestos
(D) Bureaucratic rules
Answer: (B)

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Q73. Urban local governance includes:
(A) Gram Panchayat
(B) Municipalities and Municipal Corporations
(C) Panchayat Samiti
(D) Zila Parishad
Answer: (B)

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Q74. Decentralised governance ensures:
(A) Centralization of authority
(B) Local participation and accountability
(C) Bureaucratic control
(D) Judicial dominance
Answer: (B)

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Q75. Gram Sabha represents:
(A) Indirect democracy
(B) Direct democracy at grassroots level
(C) Bureaucratic governance
(D) Administrative hierarchy
Answer: (B)

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🟢 Part E: Planning, Development, and E-Governance (Q76–88)

Q76. The Planning Commission was replaced by NITI Aayog in:
(A) 2014
(B) 2015
(C) 2016
(D) 2017
Answer: (B)

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Q77. The full form of NITI Aayog is:
(A) National Institution for Transforming India
(B) National Institute for Technology of India
(C) National Innovation and Training Institute
(D) None of the above
Answer: (A)

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Q78. NITI Aayog promotes which principle of federalism?
(A) Dual federalism
(B) Cooperative and Competitive federalism
(C) Centralized federalism
(D) Fiscal federalism only
Answer: (B)

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Q79. Decentralised planning is based on the principle of:
(A) Central control
(B) People’s participation in planning
(C) Market monopoly
(D) Bureaucratic secrecy
Answer: (B)

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Q80. Participatory development means:
(A) Public involvement in identifying and implementing projects
(B) Government-only decision-making
(C) Corporate investment
(D) Judicial activism
Answer: (A)

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Q81. Sustainable development balances:
(A) Economic, social, and environmental goals
(B) Political and military power
(C) Bureaucratic and judicial powers
(D) Legal and financial interests
Answer: (A)

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Q82. The Brundtland Commission report (1987) introduced the idea of:
(A) Good governance
(B) Sustainable development
(C) Green revolution
(D) Inclusive growth
Answer: (B)

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Q83. E-governance means:
(A) Use of ICT in government processes
(B) Digital voting
(C) Only online shopping
(D) Judiciary automation
Answer: (A)

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Q84. “Digital India” programme was launched in:
(A) 2014
(B) 2015
(C) 2016
(D) 2018
Answer: (B)

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Q85. Key pillars of e-governance are:
(A) Efficiency, transparency, accountability, and accessibility
(B) Centralization and control
(C) Bureaucracy and secrecy
(D) Hierarchy and power
Answer: (A)

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Q86. Examples of e-governance initiatives in India include:
(A) UMANG, DigiLocker, MyGov
(B) PM CARES Fund
(C) GST only
(D) Parliament TV
Answer: (A)

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Q87. “Smart governance” refers to:
(A) Technology-driven participatory governance
(B) Military governance
(C) Artificial intelligence control of state
(D) Bureaucratic expansion
Answer: (A)

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Q88. E-governance improves service delivery by:
(A) Reducing intermediaries and corruption
(B) Increasing paperwork
(C) Delaying services
(D) Limiting citizen participation
Answer: (A)

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🟢 Part F: Public Policy as Instrument of Socio-Economic Development (Q89–96)

Q89. Public policy refers to:
(A) Private decision-making
(B) Government’s purposive course of action
(C) Judiciary’s role
(D) Bureaucratic orders
Answer: (B)

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Q90. The stages of public policy include:
(A) Agenda setting, formulation, implementation, evaluation
(B) Enactment only
(C) Execution only
(D) Judicial interpretation
Answer: (A)

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Q91. MNREGA guarantees:
(A) 50 days of rural employment
(B) 100 days of rural employment
(C) Urban employment
(D) Education for children
Answer: (B)

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Q92. The National Food Security Act was passed in:
(A) 2011
(B) 2012
(C) 2013
(D) 2014
Answer: (C)

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Q93. The RTE Act (Right to Education) guarantees education to:
(A) Children aged 0–6
(B) Children aged 6–14
(C) All adults
(D) Only girls
Answer: (B)

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Q94. The National Health Mission (NHM) aims to provide:
(A) Universal access to healthcare services
(B) Urban housing
(C) Agricultural subsidies
(D) Defense services
Answer: (A)

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Q95. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) aims at:
(A) Universal sanitation
(B) Housing for all by 2024
(C) Employment generation
(D) Pension for poor
Answer: (B)

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Q96. Swachh Bharat Mission primarily focuses on:
(A) Financial inclusion
(B) Sanitation and cleanliness
(C) Women’s safety
(D) Education
Answer: (B)

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🟢 Part G: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Accountability Mechanisms (Q97–100)

Q97. Social Audit refers to:
(A) Financial inspection by CAG
(B) Community-based evaluation of public schemes
(C) Judicial review
(D) Bureaucratic audit
Answer: (B)

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Q98. Jan Sunwai (Public Hearing) is a mechanism for:
(A) Public participation in governance
(B) Judicial proceedings
(C) Election campaign
(D) Media debate
Answer: (A)

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Q99. Monitoring focuses on:
(A) Continuous tracking of implementation progress
(B) One-time evaluation only
(C) Political campaigning
(D) Judicial review
Answer: (A)

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Q100. The ultimate goal of governance and public policy is:
(A) Public welfare through transparency, participation, and accountability
(B) Bureaucratic control
(C) Political dominance
(D) Administrative secrecy
Answer: (A)

1. Concept of Governance

Meaning and Evolution

• The term “Governance” means the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented (or not implemented).

• It goes beyond “government” — involving institutions, citizens, civil society, markets, and networks that interact to manage a nation’s economic, social, and political affairs.

Etymology:
Derived from the Greek word kybernan (to steer or pilot a ship), indicating direction and coordination.

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Difference Between Government and Governance

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Evolution of the Concept

1. Traditional Public Administration (Before 1980s):

   • Focused on rules, hierarchy, and procedures.

   • Citizen viewed as a passive recipient.

2. New Public Management (1980s–1990s):

   • Introduced efficiency, performance measurement, and market mechanisms.

   • Citizens viewed as “customers.”

3. Good Governance (1990s onward):

   • Promoted by the World Bank (1989) and UNDP (1997).

   • Focused on transparency, accountability, participation, and human rights.

4. Democratic and E-Governance (2000s–Present):

   • Citizens are “partners” in policy formulation.

   • Technology enables open, citizen-centric governance.

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🟢 2. Good Governance and Democratic Governance

Good Governance

Definition:

According to the World Bank (1989), good governance is “the manner in which power is exercised in the management of a country’s economic and social resources for development.”

UNDP’s Eight Principles of Good Governance:

1. Participation – citizen involvement in decision-making.

2. Rule of Law – fair legal frameworks and enforcement.

3. Transparency – availability of information and open decision-making.

4. Responsiveness – timely and appropriate action by institutions.

5. Consensus Orientation – mediation of differing interests.

6. Equity and Inclusiveness – opportunities for all.

7. Effectiveness and Efficiency – optimal use of resources.

8. Accountability – answerability of officials and institutions.

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Democratic Governance

• Democratic governance links democracy and governance, emphasizing citizen empowerment, equality, freedom, and participation.

• It integrates civil rights, representation, and decentralized decision-making.

• Supported by institutions like Parliament, Judiciary, Election Commission, and local self-governments.

Core Features:

• Free and fair elections

• Separation of powers

• Rule of law and judicial review

• Human rights and social justice

• Inclusive public policy

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Role of Key Actors in Governance

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🟢 3. Accountability and Control Mechanisms

Meaning

Accountability is the obligation of public officials to explain and justify their actions to the public and relevant institutions.
It ensures checks and balances in democratic governance.

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Types of Accountability

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Institutional Mechanisms for Checks and Balances

(a) Legislative Control over Executive

• Instruments:

  • Question Hour, Zero Hour, Adjournment Motions, Censure Motions, Cut Motions.

  • Parliamentary Committees such as:

    • Public Accounts Committee (PAC) – examines CAG reports.

    • Estimates Committee – ensures economy in expenditure.

    • Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU) – oversees PSUs.

• Budgetary Control: Parliament votes on Demands for Grants and scrutinizes expenditure.

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(b) Judicial Control

• Judiciary exercises control over executive and legislature through:

  • Judicial Review (declaring laws unconstitutional).

  • Public Interest Litigation (PIL) for citizen grievances.

  • Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32).

Example:

• Vineet Narain v. Union of India (1997) – strengthened independence of CBI and CVC.

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(c) Administrative and Budgetary Control

• Internal mechanisms: hierarchy, supervision, inspections, performance appraisal.

• External mechanisms: CAG audits, Vigilance Commission, Lokpal/Lokayukta.

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(d) Control through Civil Society and Media

• Media exposes corruption and ensures transparency (e.g., 2G, Commonwealth Games).

• Civil society movements like India Against Corruption (2011) increased pressure for institutional reform.

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Administrative Culture

• Refers to the values, attitudes, and behavioral norms that shape the functioning of public officials.

• Indian administrative culture historically influenced by:

  • Colonial legacy (hierarchy, secrecy)

  • Bureaucratic elitism

  • Patron-client relationships

• Modern reforms aim to inculcate:

  • Ethics, service orientation, accountability, and efficiency.

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Corruption and Administrative Reforms

• Corruption undermines trust and development.

• Major anti-corruption measures:

  1. Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act (2013)

  2. CVC (Central Vigilance Commission) – statutory status (2003)

  3. RTI Act (2005) – citizen empowerment

  4. Whistle Blowers Protection Act (2014)

  5. Digital Governance – reduces human discretion and bribery.

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🟢 4. Institutional Mechanisms for Good Governance

(i) Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005

• Ensures citizens’ right to access government records.

• Promotes transparency and accountability.

• Obligates public authorities to respond within 30 days.

Key Features:

• Appointment of Public Information Officers (PIOs).

• Central and State Information Commissions.

• RTI excludes information affecting national security and privacy.

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(ii) Consumer Protection Act, 2019

• Replaced the 1986 Act.

• Established Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions at three levels.

• Recognizes six consumer rights, including right to safety, information, choice, and redressal.

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(iii) Citizen Charter (1997)

• Initiated under Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG).

• Defines service standards, time limits, and grievance procedures for government offices.

• Promotes responsive administration and citizen satisfaction.

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(iv) Grievance Redressal Mechanisms

Example:
Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose was the first Lokpal of India (2019).

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🟢 5. Grassroots Governance: Panchayati Raj Institutions

73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992

• Provided constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

• Implemented under Part IX (Articles 243–243O).

Structure:

1. Gram Panchayat (village level)

2. Panchayat Samiti (block level)

3. Zila Parishad (district level)

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Key Features:

• Direct elections every five years.

• Reservation: 1/3rd for women; proportional for SC/STs (many states provide 50% for women).

• Gram Sabha: Direct democracy forum of adult villagers.

• State Finance Commission: Recommends fund devolution.

• State Election Commission: Conducts PRI elections.

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Functions of PRIs

• Rural development, agriculture, health, sanitation, education, roads, housing, social welfare.

• Implementation of MNREGA, Swachh Bharat, PMAY, etc.

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Urban Governance – 74th Amendment Act, 1992

• Empowered Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) — municipalities and corporations.

• Focused on urban planning, housing, infrastructure, and environment management.

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🟢 6. Planning and Development

Decentralised Planning

• Promoted by Balwantrai Mehta Committee (1957) and Gadgil Formula.

• Ensures local-level need-based development.

Tools: District Planning Committees (DPCs) integrate local and state plans.

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Participatory Development

• Involves citizens, NGOs, and community-based organizations (CBOs) in development planning.

• Encourages bottom-up governance and ownership.

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Sustainable Development

• Coined by Brundtland Commission (1987):

  “Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

• In India, integrated in policies like:

  • National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)

  • Swachh Bharat Mission

  • Jal Jeevan Mission

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E-Governance

• Application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in public administration.

• Goals: transparency, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility.

Initiatives:

• Digital India Mission (2015)

• UMANG app, e-Seva, DigiLocker, MyGov, BharatNet, e-Kranti.

• Advantages:

  • Reduces corruption

  • Empowers citizens

  • Enhances service delivery

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NITI Aayog (2015–Present)

• Replaced Planning Commission (1950–2014).

• Acts as policy think-tank under the Prime Minister.

• Aims to promote cooperative and competitive federalism.

• Functions:

  • Formulate vision documents.

  • Monitor SDG (Sustainable Development Goals).

  • Evaluate government schemes.

  • Encourage innovation (Atal Innovation Mission).

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🟢 7. Public Policy as an Instrument of Socio-Economic Development

Meaning

• Public policy is the intentional course of action chosen by government to achieve certain goals affecting society at large.

Stages of Policy Process

1. Agenda setting

2. Formulation

3. Implementation

4. Evaluation and feedback

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Key Policies and Programs

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🟢 8. Monitoring and Evaluation of Public Policy

Monitoring

• Continuous review of implementation and progress.

• Uses tools like Management Information Systems (MIS), progress reports, and field visits.

Evaluation

• Assessment of outcomes, efficiency, and social impact.

• Conducted by NITI Aayog, CAG, independent agencies, and NGOs.

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Innovative Mechanisms for Accountability

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🟢 9. Challenges to Good Governance in India

1. Bureaucratic inefficiency and red-tapism.

2. Political interference and corruption.

3. Low citizen awareness.

4. Digital divide in e-governance.

5. Coordination between Centre, states, and local bodies.

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🟢 10. Way Forward

• Strengthen ethical governance and civil service reforms.

• Promote citizen participation in policy design.

• Institutionalize social audit and e-transparency.

• Ensure inclusive and sustainable development through cooperative federalism.

• Empower Panchayati Raj Institutions for true decentralization.

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🟢 Summary Table