Dr Asangba Tzudir
Good governance is a term used to describe how public institutions conduct public affairs and manage public resources. Good governance means that the processes and institutions produce results that meet the needs of society while making the best use of resources at their disposal. It is an approach of government that is committed to creating a system founded on justice and one that protects individual’s rights and civil liberties. However, the understanding that governance is about good governance and therefore, ‘Good governance’ is not simply an option for the government but a basic right for all citizens, and thus the government is bound by moral duty to provide it.
In principle, Good governance gives hope while the contradictory reality brings despair because such ‘hopeful proclamations’ have become a routine affair and makes one think if it will just be another meaningless concealment beneath its deceptive rhetoric made more pronounced by the existing state of affairs.
First and foremost, Good governance must be based on the principle of ‘welfare of all’ and not based on the welfare or the interest of a few. A small instance being the case of so many transfers and postings happening from time to time which is said to be done “in the interest of public service.”
Yes, the clashes as well as competing interests triggered by self vested or group interests only makes good governance difficult and which is contrary to the welfare of all. While it is challenging to address to the welfare of all, the public too should know their responsibilities and act in a manner that caters to the welfare needs. While the public should make things simple for the government it is also imperative that the government do not make things complex while also denying rights and privileges. Now to trigger the blame game, who should be blamed for the current state of messy affairs which is also attested by the crumbling infrastructure? The report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India bringing to light incomplete projects under different govt departments only heightens the case. It is a far cry from welfare of all whereby the supposed beneficiaries are made to suffer.
While the state government has streamlined employment opportunities in the govt sector by instituting NSSB while also skilling the youths in various avenues, good governance is required to sustain such programmes which are directed at developing the youths of Nagaland. However, a lot is desired in the sports sector in providing infrastructure and aspects that will help motivate the youths interested in making a career/profession in sports while giving long term opportunities.
With advancement in technology, the government should, as a measure of good governance, keep their websites not just like a screensaver but one that is updated so that the public can get access to latest informations/notifications. Certain efforts have been seen but it should not be simply applied for book keeping sake but should reach out to people to keep the masses informed, help avail the benefits and facilities, and also provide a sense of direction about where the government is heading.
These are just some instances and a total revamping of all the departments/sectors is much needed in order for good governance to set the tone in the right direction. Above all, while good governance requires having good policies of governance that creates in place a tangible and sustainable ‘governmental system’ virtues of honesty, integrity and accountability and transparency should be enshrined within the conceptualization of good governance if it is to function for the welfare of all.
At the end, the goal of good governance and building a just and equitable society calls for a collective responsibility. Any effort towards good governance can be easily defeated when any ‘person’ loosens a ‘screw’ or unplugs a ‘safety valve’ or by inflating and putting magic into ‘numbers.’
(Dr. Asangba Tzudir writes a weekly guest editorial for the Morung Express. Comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
