What is Governance and Transparency?
"Governance and Transparency" refers to the systems, processes, and structures by which societies and organizations are directed and controlled, coupled with the openness and accessibility of information regarding their operations. Good governance ensures that decisions are made fairly, efficiently, and accountably, with the participation of stakeholders. Transparency is the cornerstone of good governance, requiring that information is readily available, understandable, and verifiable.
This includes budgets, policies, decisions, and performance data. It exists to promote accountability, reduce corruption, build trust, and enable informed participation by citizens and stakeholders. Without transparency, governance becomes opaque, fostering corruption and undermining public trust.
A key aspect is the protection of whistleblowers who expose wrongdoing. Effective governance and transparency are essential for sustainable development, social justice, and the rule of law.
Historical Background
Key Points
13 points- 1.
Transparency means making information accessible to the public. This includes government budgets, contracts, and policy decisions. For example, publishing the details of government tenders online allows citizens and businesses to see how public funds are being spent and reduces the opportunity for corruption.
- 2.
Accountability ensures that public officials are held responsible for their actions. This involves establishing clear lines of authority and mechanisms for oversight and redress. For instance, an independent ombudsman can investigate complaints against government agencies and recommend corrective action.
- 3.
Participation involves engaging citizens in the decision-making process. This can take many forms, from public consultations to citizen advisory boards. For example, holding town hall meetings to discuss proposed infrastructure projects allows residents to voice their concerns and influence the outcome.
- 4.
Rule of Law means that everyone, including government officials, is subject to the law. This requires an independent judiciary and a fair legal system. For example, if a government minister is caught accepting a bribe, they should be prosecuted and punished according to the law, just like any other citizen.
- 5.
Integrity refers to the ethical conduct of public officials. This involves avoiding conflicts of interest and acting in the public interest. For instance, a government official should not award a contract to a company in which they have a financial stake.
- 6.
Efficiency means using resources wisely and avoiding waste. This involves streamlining processes and eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy. For example, implementing e-governance systems can reduce paperwork and speed up service delivery.
- 7.
Responsiveness means being attentive to the needs and concerns of citizens. This involves providing timely and accurate information and responding to complaints promptly. For instance, a government agency should have a system for tracking and resolving citizen grievances.
- 8.
The Right to Information (RTI) is a powerful tool for promoting transparency and accountability. It allows citizens to request information from government agencies and hold them accountable for their actions. For example, an Indian citizen used the RTI Act to uncover a scam in the allocation of coal blocks, leading to a major corruption scandal.
- 9.
Independent oversight institutions, such as audit agencies and anti-corruption commissions, play a crucial role in ensuring good governance. These institutions have the power to investigate wrongdoing and recommend corrective action. For instance, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India audits government accounts and reports on any irregularities.
- 10.
Whistleblower protection is essential for encouraging individuals to report corruption and other wrongdoing. Laws that protect whistleblowers from retaliation are crucial for creating a culture of transparency. For example, the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014 in India aims to protect individuals who expose corruption, but its implementation has been weak.
- 11.
E-governance can significantly enhance transparency and efficiency by making information and services available online. This reduces opportunities for corruption and improves citizen access to government. For example, many Indian states have implemented online portals for land records, making it easier for citizens to access information and reducing the need for bribes.
- 12.
Open data initiatives involve making government data freely available to the public. This allows researchers, journalists, and citizens to analyze the data and identify trends and patterns. For instance, the Indian government's Open Government Data (OGD) Platform India provides access to a wide range of government data.
- 13.
Participatory budgeting involves engaging citizens in the process of allocating public funds. This can lead to more informed and equitable decisions. For example, some cities around the world have implemented participatory budgeting processes, allowing residents to decide how a portion of the city's budget should be spent.
Visual Insights
Governance and Transparency: Key Components
Mind map illustrating the key components of governance and transparency, including accountability, participation, and the rule of law.
Governance and Transparency
- ●Accountability
- ●Transparency
- ●Participation
- ●Rule of Law
Evolution of Governance and Transparency in India
Timeline showing the evolution of governance and transparency in India, from the 1990s to recent developments.
The emphasis on governance and transparency gained momentum in the late 20th century due to concerns about corruption and inefficiency.
- 1990sRise of civil society organizations advocating for transparency
- 2005Right to Information Act enacted
- 2008Global financial crisis highlights the importance of transparency
- 2013Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act enacted
- 2014Whistle Blowers Protection Act enacted
- 2019Amendments to the Right to Information Act
- 2023Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023
- 2024Bangladesh endorses reforms charter
- 2025Bangladesh Supreme Court Secretariat established
Recent Developments
8 developmentsIn 2023, the Indian government launched the 'Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023' which decriminalizes minor offenses across various laws to promote ease of doing business and reduce harassment, enhancing transparency in regulatory processes.
In 2022, the Supreme Court of India emphasized the importance of transparency in the appointment of judges, calling for greater disclosure of information related to the selection process.
In 2021, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) issued guidelines on integrity pacts in government contracts, promoting transparency and accountability in public procurement.
In 2020, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India released a report highlighting irregularities in the implementation of various government schemes, underscoring the need for greater transparency and accountability.
In 2019, amendments to the Right to Information Act raised concerns about the independence of information commissioners, potentially affecting the effectiveness of the RTI mechanism.
In 2024, Bangladesh has endorsed a significant reforms charter aimed at improving governance and economic performance. The charter, backed by key stakeholders, outlines measures to enhance transparency, reduce corruption, and promote sustainable development.
In 2025, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court in Bangladesh overturned its 2011 decision striking down the Thirteenth Amendment, which had introduced the caretaker system.
In 2025, Bangladesh established a separate Supreme Court Secretariat. This reform implements directions issued by the Appellate Division as early as 1999 in theMasdar Hossaincase, which called for institutional separation to ensure judicial control over postings, promotions, leave, and discipline in the subordinate judiciary under Article 116.