India’s experiments and experiences could enrich the global endeavour.
Dec 24, 2024 07:16 IST First published on: Dec 24, 2024 at 07:15 IST
US President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to create a new Department of Government Efficiency and the shooting down of a CEO of a premier healthcare company are two apparently unrelated incidents. However, it’s possible to discern a common message in Trump’s creation of a new department and the gruesome incident. There is a growing realisation for the need for better and more people-oriented governance. As we begin celebrations of the birth centenary of one of India’s most popular prime ministers, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who was known for his emphasis on good governance, it is pertinent to revisit the concept in the context of the changing world order. India’s experiments and experiences could enrich the global endeavour.
There are at least three reasons why revisiting good governance is critical today. First, in face of growing disenchantment with democracy in several parts of the world, the “unified theory” mooted by Harvard academic Pippa Norris merits serious consideration. It’s central thesis is that “the institutions of both liberal democracy and state capacity need to be strengthened parallely for most effective progress…” One can reasonably argue that the outcome of the US elections shines a light on the liberal democracy’s deficits and underlines the need for efficient statecraft. Second, given the inevitable role of the human element in good governance, practice would require changing people’s mindsets to be effective. Conversations in the past 10 years in the country offer significant clues. Third, we should explore how the Indic concept of Raj Dharma can resonate with the modern idea of good governance.
As is well-known, the origin of the concept dates back to 1992. A World Bank report of that year, “Governance and Development”, marks the first attempt at defining the concept. Later, eight parameters were listed — participatory, consensus-oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive, and the rule of law — as defining attributes of Good Governance. While the Bank’s definition incorporates aspects of the process of delivery, there is no mention of where Good Governance actually begins — implementation. Any definition of good governance must underline the importance of flawless, result-oriented implementation. Since implementation cannot be ensured without commitment and passion by those in charge at the grassroots level, attention must be devoted to their mindsets. Herein lies the importance of P2G2, a term coined by Prime Narendra Modi when he was the chief minister of Gujarat. P2G2 is pro-people good governance — it’s the Gangotri of sensitivity, commitment and sense of responsibility. Without all this Good Governance is merely theoretical.
It is against this backdrop that India originated concepts like “democratisation of technology”, “Lifestyle for Environment”, “women-led development” and “sab ka prayas” for participative and development-oriented governance. These merit consideration for inclusion in the list of new characteristics of Good Governance. There is evidence to suggest that India’s success in the promotion of digital transactions has led to true democratisation of technology. LiFE or lifestyle for environment is a proposition that nobody can oppose, especially in the face of the climate change challenge. Women-led development compels men to shed chauvinism and accept women’s intrinsic ability to lead. It’s a crucial step to ensuring gender justice. Sab ka prayas, or “everyone making an effort,” nips in the bud any inclination to outsource development to the government. In his blog written at Kanyakumari in May last year, PM Modi underscored the importance of the Indic concept of antyodaya, and thereby the role of India. He said, “Our efforts, from empowering the poor to last-mile delivery, have inspired the world by prioritising individuals standing at the last rung of society.”
Our ancient scriptures, history as well as culture are important inspirations to make good governance more meaningful. They make the concept more purposeful and result-oriented. As the Bhagwad Gita underlines, adhishthan is an important element at the foundation of everything, including governance. PM Modi’s Karmayogi project for building capacities of government is governed by the same impulse.
The importance of Raj Dharma as reiterated by Kautilya provides a framework for leadership for modern democratic governance. Kautilya’s concept is in fact an elaboration of the essentially Indic concept of antyodaya. The Arthashastra reiterates that, “The king should shoulder the responsibility of children, old, childless women, diseased persons and above-all infirm who did not have any natural guardian to protect them.” Arthashastra also describes the king as a servant of the state. In a similar vein, while describing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s approach towards kingship, many have used the term “upbhogshoonya swami” — the complete ownership of subjects sans any personal aggrandisement.
India must share the responsibility of shaping the global discourse, drawing from the treasure of its civilisational worldview. The idea of South-South Cooperation would get new impetus if traditional societies take the lead in reforming the apparatus of democratic governance. PM Modi has already contributed through many distinct ideas.
The writer is in-charge of BJP’s department of Good Governance
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