24 December 2024 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis
1. Traditional with modern
(Source: Indian Express; Section: The Ideas Page; Page: 13)
| Topic: GS2 – Governance |
| Context |
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The Need for People-Oriented Governance
- The seemingly unrelated events of US President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to create a Department of Government Efficiency and the violent death of a healthcare CEO highlight a shared theme: a global push for better governance that prioritizes people.
- As the world celebrates Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s legacy of good governance, it is timely to revisit this idea in light of contemporary challenges and opportunities.
- India’s rich experiences and innovative approaches offer valuable lessons for advancing governance globally.
Why Revisiting Good Governance is Critical Today
Addressing Disenchantment with Democracy
- The growing disillusionment with democratic systems worldwide underscores the need for robust governance frameworks.
- Harvard scholar Pippa Norris’ “unified theory” suggests that strengthening liberal democracy and state capacity in tandem is essential. The US election results highlight the deficiencies of liberal democracies, reinforcing the urgency for efficient statecraft.
The Human Element in Governance
- Good governance cannot thrive without transforming people’s mindsets. India’s societal conversations over the past decade reflect this necessity, emphasizing values such as inclusivity and accountability.
Modern Resonance of Indic Principles
- Traditional Indian governance concepts like Raj Dharma offer timeless wisdom.
- Their integration into modern governance frameworks can provide ethical grounding and practical strategies for leadership.
Defining Good Governance: Beyond Theory
- The 1992 World Bank report “Governance and Development” introduced eight defining attributes of good governance, such as accountability and responsiveness.
- However, the emphasis on delivery processes has often overshadowed implementation.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s concept of P2G2—pro-people good governance—addresses this gap, emphasizing sensitivity, commitment, and responsibility at grassroots levels.
- Without these, good governance risks remaining a theoretical ideal.
India’s Innovations in Governance
India’s pioneering initiatives exemplify modern governance principles:
- Democratization of Technology: Through widespread adoption of digital transactions, India has empowered millions, promoting equity and transparency.
- Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE): This initiative integrates sustainable practices into daily living, addressing climate change holistically.
- Women-Led Development: By advocating for women’s leadership, this approach challenges patriarchal norms and fosters gender justice.
- Sab Ka Prayas (Collective Effort): Encouraging shared responsibility for development minimizes reliance on government alone, fostering a participatory ethos.
These innovations not only enrich domestic governance but also provide a template for global adaptation.
Traditional Wisdom: A Framework for Modern Governance
India’s ancient texts, history, and culture hold timeless insights into governance:
- Bhagavad Gita and Adhishthan: Emphasizing foundational principles in governance.
- Kautilya’s Arthashastra: Advocating leadership that prioritizes societal welfare, such as care for the vulnerable and governance as a service.
- Chhatrapati Shivaji’s Model: Exemplifying selfless leadership, where rulers prioritize public welfare over personal gain.
These principles resonate with modern aspirations for equitable and ethical governance, reinforcing the value of culturally rooted yet globally relevant frameworks.
India’s Role in Shaping Global Governance
- India’s civilizational ethos positions it uniquely to influence the global discourse on governance.
- Initiatives such as South-South Cooperation can benefit from India’s leadership in reforming democratic governance, drawing from its blend of tradition and innovation.
- PM Modi’s contributions, including projects like Karmayogi for capacity building, underline the country’s commitment to inspiring effective governance practices worldwide.
Conclusion
- In an era marked by rapid transformation and complex challenges, good governance is more critical than ever.
- By revisiting the concept through the lens of inclusivity, implementation, and innovation, India offers a roadmap for global progress.
- Drawing from its civilizational values and modern experiments, India can play a pivotal role in shaping governance systems that are ethical, effective, and people-centric.
| Practice Question: Discuss the significance of integrating traditional governance principles with modern innovations to address contemporary global challenges. Illustrate with examples from India’s initiatives and concepts. (250 words/15 m) |
For more such UPSC related Current Affairs, Check Out: 23 December 2024 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis
