• UGI USER
  • Nov 07, 2023
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Q. Accountability and Transparency are the cornerstone of good governance. Examine its importance with suitable examples.

Structure of Answer

Introduction

  • Briefly define Accountability and transparency

Body

  • Mention Accountability and transparency are cornerstones of Good Governance.
  • Mention the Importance of Accountability with examples.
  • Mention Importance of Transparency with examples.

Conclusion

  • Mention governments should invest in robust oversight mechanisms, encourage citizen engagement, for transparent and responsive governance.

Accountability and transparency are fundamental pillars of good governance, essential for building trust, ensuring the rule of law, and fostering socio-economic development. Accountability implies the responsibility of government officials and organizations to act in the public interest, while transparency entails open access to information, decisions, and actions.

Accountability & Transparency are corner stone of Good Governance

  • Accountability helps to foster trust and integrity within governance, ensures that decisions are made with the public’s best interests in mind.
  • Transparency allows public to understand, assess, and engage in governance, reinforcing the foundation of Good Governance

Importance of Accountability

  • Enhanced Public Trust: Accountability fosters public trust as it assures citizens that those in power are answerable for their actions. E.g. Right to Information Act (RTI), which empowers citizens to seek information, holding public officials accountable.
  • Preventing Corruption: Accountability mechanisms, such as the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), help uncover corruption and financial irregularities. E.g. CAG’s reports on the 2G spectrum and coal allocation scandals revealed misappropriation of public resources.
  • Efficient Resource Allocation: In the allocation of resources, accountability ensures that funds are spent judiciously. E.g. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system minimized leakages and ensured that subsidies reach beneficiaries directly.
  • Effective Public Services: Accountability is crucial for improving public services. E.g. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’s success was partly attributed to public servants being held accountable for sanitation outcomes.

Importance of Transparency

  • Citizen Participation: Initiatives like the MyGov platform allow citizens to participate in policymaking, ensuring that decisions are not made behind closed doors.
  • Investor Confidence: Transparency in economic policies, such as the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), enhances investor confidence by providing a clear and consistent tax framework.
  • Digital Governance: E-governance platforms like ‘e-Samiksha’ and ‘PRAGATI’ ensure transparency in government processes, enabling officials to monitor and address issues effectively.
  • Promotes Ease of Doing Business: Transparency in regulatory processes, licensing, and permits eases the process of starting and running businesses. E.g. Make in India campaign have simplified regulatory processes.
  • Public Services Transparency: Initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana promote transparency in the delivery of public services. By providing financial services to the unbanked, this program ensures transparent and inclusive access to banking.

Accountability and transparency are essential for good governance, fostering trust and efficient public administration. To further strengthen these cornerstones, governments should invest in robust oversight mechanisms, encourage citizen engagement, and adopt modern technologies for transparent and responsive governance.