Showing papers in "Indian Journal of Public Administration in 2004"
19 citations
TL;DR: In spite of the guiding principles of social justice and equity, the benefits of the Indian planning process have not been able to reach the marginalised groups of the pluralistic Indian society as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: In spite of the guiding principles of social justice and equity, the benefits of the Indian planning process have not been able to reach the marginalised groups of the pluralistic Indian society. The main reasons, among many others, is the fact that we have failed to put in place the foundations of work excellence and good work culture. Poor governance and inefficient administration in all areas of public affairs have relegated our development goals to second place. The present article, while conceptualising good governance, advocates that in order to achieve the goals of development, it is important to put our house in order first.
10 citations
6 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a comprehensive overview on the prevalent methods and models of reforms to usher in development through good governance in developing nations, including India's experiences in governance and administrative development are a mix of success stories and pathetic experiences.
Abstract: Improving the quality of governance for sustainable development has emerged as the most crucial concern among developing nations. Jn order to present a comprehensive. overview on the issue, the present article examines the prevalent methods and models of reforms to usher in development through good governance. Challenges of changing world order and globalisation have had their impact on the sustainability of development. India's experiences in governance and administrative development are a mix of success stories and pathetic experiences. The development ·approach in India's Five Year Plans has gradually shifted to developmental issues in terms of services, infrastructure and human well-being. Yet it is only the citizen-oriented paradigm of good governance that holds promise for all-pervasive development aimed at ending economic, social and regional disparities.
5 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the issues of governance and institutional mechanism to ensure integrated water resources management are discussed and briefly reviewed the need of bringing all water related subjects under the umbrella of Ministry of Water Resources, restructuring the Central Water Commission and urgent need for establishment of river basin organisations.
Abstract: The planning and development for water resources projects necessarily entails coordination among different users of water as well as many state agencies/undertakings for optimal utilisation of available water and to formulate and operate water resources projects within the framework of overall basin/sub-basin plan for conjlic_ting demands. This article focuses on the issues of governance and institutional mechanism to ensure integrated water resources management and briefly reviews the need of bringing all water related subjects under the umbrella of Ministry of Water Resources, restructuring the Central Water Commission and urgent need for establishment of river basin organisations.
4 citations
TL;DR: Sharing his vision of a developed India with country's administrators, the President gives a call for creating a motivated environment that will be the foundation for transforming this vision into reality as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Sharing his vision of a developed India with country's administrators, the President gives a call for creating a motivated environment that will be the foundation for transforming this vision into reality. This also involves creation of core competencies among the vast human resource of the nation. There is a need as well as occasion to turn the opportunities provided by globalisation to our maximum advantage by developing appropriate technologies, enhancing competitiveness and empowering the disadvantaged segments. He perceives a transparent and efficient administration as the necessary thrust for bringing the country in to a 'mission mode'. Yet, all this has to be achieved without losing sight of the, sovereignty of the people their dignity and human rights which are the very foundation of our democratic values.
3 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the basic tenets of people's participation and its prerequisites are discussed in the light of various definitions and interpretations and whether it is a means or goal of governance.
Abstract: The traditional organisation of public institutions is not conducive to the involvement of people. Yet the participation is fast becoming the strategic goal of modern democracies. In the changing paradigm of citizen's partnership and governance the debate is heavily tilted in favour of participation governance. This article analyses the basic tenets of people's participation and its prerequisites. In the light of various definitions and interpretations it discusses whether it is a means or goal of governance. It highlights available means and opportunities for participation and scope, extent and method of such popular involvement. It further analyses whether people's participation will lead to increased democracy and efficiency in governance.
3 citations
3 citations
3 citations
TL;DR: In this article, an attempt is made to comprehend the significance of social economic rights in realising the aspirations of the constitution through the concept of good governance, which is the vital components for sustainable development of a nation.
Abstract: Social and economic rights are the v.ital components for sustainable development of a nation. The development of a people revolves round the promotiori.. protection and augmentation of these rights in their true perspective. The Constitution of India also exactly advoc~tes the same. But unfortunately even after fi_ve and half decades of independence we have miserably failed in understanding the aspirations of the Constitutional framers and still remain only as a developing state. This is because of the sectarian policies pursued by the political parties for their own survival and and a lack of commitment on the part of successive governments towards the concept of good governance. As a result the polity is found grappling with rich variety of poverty related problems. An attempt is made in this article to comprehend the significance of social economc rights in realising aspirations of the constitution through the concept of good governance. An attempt is made in this article to comprehend the significance of social economic rights in realising the aspirations of the Constitution through the concept of good governance.
2 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors highlight the significance of!CT and its impact on governance processes and bring out certain key socioeconomic concerns that need to be adressed by developing countries like India in making /CT applications favorable for sustained all-round development and good governance.
Abstract: The developing countries are gradually catching up with the effective governance trends and are increasingly relying on technological advancement to solve their governance related problems. The issues such as whether /CT would be able to meet the needs of the weaker sections, or whether it would bring the government, non-government and private sectors closer, or whether it would be able to establish equal and fair access to information on goods and services have become predominant in today's context. This article highlights the significance of !CT and its impact on governance processes. It also brings out certain key socioeconomic concerns that need to be adressed by developing countries like India in making /CT applications favourable for sustained all-round development and good governance.
TL;DR: In spite of huge investments in these areas the human development index of India is not very encouraging as discussed by the authors, the one most significant reason for the dismal record can be attributed to the ineffectiveness and inefficiency of the government machinery.
Abstract: /lealth, .education and poverty alleviation are three internationally accepted major factors for measuring human development in a country. In spite of huge investments in these areas the human development index of India is not very encouraging. The one most significant reason for the dismal record can be attributed to the ineffectiveness and inefficiency of the government machinery. To optimise our share of development in the era of economic liberalisation and globalisation, there is a need to create a people-centric, decentralised and development-oriented approach in the administration. A development that is conducive to human development should become a national commitment.
TL;DR: The role and responsibilities of many secretaries as the Chief Accounting officers for their ministry leave much to be desired as mentioned in this paper, and urgent reforms are needed in budgeting practices and audit procedures to correct the situation, encourage expenditure control and enforce accountability.
Abstract: A Secretary in the government exercises considerable power and influence in the deployment of government resources though screened from the public gaze by the ministerial accountability. Role and responsibilities of many secretaries as the Chief Accounting officers for their ministry leave much to be desired. Urgent reforms are needed in budgeting practices and audit procedures to correct the situation, encourage expenditure control and enforce accountability.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors introduce the concept of efficiency in the changing definitions and understanding of the public administration from Wilsonian period to the 21st century with analysis of different concepts and dimensions of governance and the transforming role of state.
Abstract: The article introduces the concept of efficiency in the changing definitions and understanding of the public administration from Wilsonian period to the 21st Century with analysis of different concepts and dimensions of governance and the transforming role of state. Use of technology in government has changed the organisational structure and created different human and organisational networks ·based on electronic and automated systems. It explains different problems and areas of concerns which need to be given due consideration for implementing JCT in government for an efficient governance.
TL;DR: The need of the hour is an agility to capture the trends in a more proactive and integral manner as discussed by the authors, the issue of governance for development from various perspectives is discussed in this article.
Abstract: From a nascent democracy established in early fifties, the national has made fast and veined strides in different areas of development. The system has coped well with the emerging issues and conditions. Yet it seems a little bit lethargic and lagging behind in consolidating an its strengths and experiences. This article looks upon the issue of governance for development from various perspectives. With the passage of time radical transformation has set in the age old tenets of governance. The need of the hour is an agility to capture the trends in a more proactive and integral manner.
TL;DR: In a federal democratic setup, different formulae and policy framework are evolved for fiscal sharing between the Centre and States as mentioned in this paper, and the steps that put thrust on macroeconomic management and situation arising out of liberalisation policies.
Abstract: In a federal democratic setup different formulae and policy framework are evolved for fiscal sharing between the Centre and States. Fiscal equilisation has been an important working principle for federal transfers. This article discusses in detail the institution arrangement for fiscal transfers in India and Australia and highlights similarities and dissimilarities in constitution and working of these institutions. It focusses on the steps that put thrust on macroeconomic management and situation -arising out of liberalisation policies.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors make an attempt to review the existing system of collection of revenues by Panchayati Raj Institutions in West Bengal and suggest measures to rectify the loopholes.
Abstract: The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act has entrusted Panchayati Raj Institutions ( PR/s) with wide-ranging responsibilities. Discharging these responsibilities requires an adequate resource base. But even prior to this amendment, financial resources of the panchayat bodies were not strong enough to implement the functions they were expected to peiform. They are heavily dependent on the grants from state governments. The taxation powers given to PRls are wide but doubts have been raised whether they fully utilise these powers in an effective manner. Panchayats at all the three levels are found to be reluctant to impose taxes due to various reasons. Before the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, panchayats survived mostly on government grants and they have peiformed agency functions only. This article makes an attempt to review the lacuna in the existing system of collection of revenues by PRls in West Bengal and suggests measures to rectify the loopholes. Further, it focuses on some newer sources of revenue, which could possibly be utilised by the PRls with political will.
TL;DR: In this article, the performance of elected women representatives of local bodies in Tamil Nadu has been evaluated based on their performance in terms of transparent working, concern towards the society and ability to lead from front display all the necessary qualities attributed to modern concepts of good governance.
Abstract: Creation of an exclusive space for women at the grassroots has augured well for the decentralised governance and administration in the country. Many thought that it was a political space for women, which they should treat as governance space. However, these leaders have perceived this space as development space and most of their governance endeavours address development issues. This article, based on the performance of elected women representatives of local bodies in Tamil Nadu, shows how in spite of their inexperience these leaders have come to grips with their new assigned role in a patlriarchial society. Their perception of this new role has made much of the difference in their approach towards social, developmental and governance related issues. Their transparent working, concern towards the society and ability to lead from front display all the necessary qualities that are attributed to modern concepts of good governance.
TL;DR: In this paper, the state finance commission (SFC) is used to recommend financial transfers between the state and the local bodies, and the non-acceptance of SFC recommendations in toto by the state government further depleting the resource base of PRls.
Abstract: With the passing of 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts 1992, and consequently, the appointment of the State Finance Commission (SFC) to recommend financial transfers between the state and the local bodies there is renewed interest in the local body finances. As· Gram Panchayats (GPs) are not tapping their own resources to full potential, their contribution is meager to the total revenue of these bodies. Non-acceptance of SFC recommendations in toto by the state government further is depleting the resource base of PRls.
TL;DR: In this article, empirical investigations performed in this article reveal that merely formal arrangement of democratic structure and institutions is not enough for ensuring good democratic governance, one of the main reasons of failure of the democratic governance is the all pervasive corruption that has crept into almost all spheres.
Abstract: The present day concern about good governance emanates out of frustration shared by people all over the world. The empirical investigations performed in this article throw up ,results that merely formal arrangement of democratic structure and institutions is not enough for ensuring good democratic governance. One of the main reasons of failure of the democratic governance is the all pervasive corruption that has crept into almost all spheres. The crucial finding of the analysis attempted here is about the people's diminishing control and confidence in the structures of democratic governance. It emphasises that the greater faith in the structure of democratic governance would ensure higher efficiency in terms of economic and human development.
TL;DR: The economic development is not only hampered but also rendered fruitless in absence of social development as discussed by the authors, and the distortions of development call for a halt now, if the society is to be saved from further degeneration.
Abstract: The economic development is not only hampered but also rendered fruitless in absence of social development. Amidst an unprecedented rate of economic growth, social improvements are found to be lagging. The distortions of development call for a halt now, if the society is to be saved from further degeneration. An accelerated pace of socioeconomic development in these depressing days perhaps holds a flicker of hope. The process of socio-economic development in India is analysed in the present article in the context of overall development during the last five decades of postindependence period.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors pointed out that the strides made in the IT sector that have made India a superpower in the software technology have resulted from a sustained policy and legislative intervention, and emphasised the crucial role of government in ensuring that fruits of development, economic as well as technological, reach deep down the society.
Abstract: This article aims at correcting the popular perspective that spectacular growth in some emerging areas has been achieved owing to deregulation and liberalisation regime. The strides made in the IT sector that have made India a superpower in the software technology have resulted from a sustained policy and legislative intervention. Application of information technology in governance is another phenomenon that highlights efforts aimed at making administration more efficient and citizen-focused. It emphasises the crucial role of government in ensuring that fruits of development, economic as well as technological, reach deep down the society.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors have taken a critical look at the fiscal reforms at the Central and State levels and examined the progress particularly in terms of the targets of fiscal deficits, and have shown that the progress has been made in achieving the desired objectives.
Abstract: The Government of India launched economic reforms in July 1991 with the objective of macro-economic stabilisation and. acceleration of the rate of growth of the economy. The reform package, which marked a significant departure from the policy regime followed during the past 40 years, cov{!red a number of policy dimensions including fiscal policy, trade policy, industrial policy, agricultural policy, foreign exchange management policy, among others. This article seeks to have a critical look at the fiscal reforms at the Central and State levels and examines the progress particularly in terms of the targets of fiscal deficits.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the issues and circumstances that have made the services vulnerable to such pulls and pressures, and it is imperative that the members of civil service take the remedial measures themselves without waiting for government or judiciary to save them from further disgrace.
Abstract: The administration gets its authority not solely from the legal status enjoyed by it, this also emanates from the prestige and reputation of the people who run it. The civil services of the country earned the name and fame owing to the ability, integrity, dedication and a high sense of fair play among its ranks. Today the charisma and the power of civil servants are being eroded due to several factors. Political interference, judicial activism and rampant corruption have made dents on the armour of civil servants. This article discusses the issues and circumstances that have made the services vulnerable to such pulls and pressures. It is imperative that the members of civil service take the remedial measures themselves without waiting for government Or judiciary to save them from further disgrace.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present the key recommendations of state finance commissions (SFCs) and categorize the major recommendations of SFCs into the following six categories, i.e.,
Abstract: WITH THE advent of State Finance Commission (SFC) in our federal finance structure the state-local fiscal relation has acquired a new meaning. After twelve years of its inception, more than thirty SFCs have submitted their reports to their respective State Governors of States. Similar to other government publications, reports of the SFCs are also difficult to obtain. The compilation at hand attempts to present the key recommendations of these SFCs. Despite significant inter-state variations noticed in the approach and principles adopted by the SFCs, attempt has been made here to categorize the major recommendations of SFCs into the following six categories.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors highlighted whether administrative justice in India is a reality or a myth in the context of myriad problems facing the nation and the people at large while the cutting-edge level of administration is lethargic and blotted with red-tapism.
Abstract: The administration in general and the district administration in particular has undergone a sea change in the recent times. The 'SMART' governance and the electronic governance assumed more prominence to underpin administrative justice in the country. There were also bold attempts to bring in changes in the performance levels of district administration by sensitising various issues pertinent to the people and by creating awareness among the rural masses. The lackadaisical attitude of the different branches of the government and the need for responsiveness of administration at various levels also paved way for administrative justice. Since the legislature, the executive and the bureaucracy failed to live up to the expectations of the people, JudiCial activism emerged in the country to fill the vacuum and for the dispensation of administrative justice. Yet, there are perplex problems facing the nation as a whole and the people at large while the cuttingedge level of administration is lethargic and blotted with red-tapism. Against the backdrop, the article highlights whether administrative justice in India is a reality or a myth in the context of myriad problems facing the nation.
TL;DR: It is argued that the governance efforts for development should become professional and the possibility of application of select techniques from operational science and computer technology in achieving these objectives is disensses.
Abstract: It is unfortunate but true that despite notable achievements in variety of sectors, a feeling of underachievement runs across the Indian society. Was our Five Year Planning approach faulty or were the development efforts less ambitious, are some of the questions that form the debate on the subject. In this article it is argued that our governance efforts for development should become professional. The task is multi-dimensional and therefore requires the employment of tools that can articulate the process through meaningful participation of the citizens and thus make a difference. Transparency, accountability and responsiveness of the governance is of utmost importance. This article disensses the possibility of application of select techniques from operational science and computer technology in achieving these objectives ..
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that the new thinking about restructuring governments essentially represents a loss of faith in the working of political system, which in turn indicates loss of confidence in democracy and elected governments.
Abstract: The new thinking about restructuring governments essentially represents a loss of faith in the working of political system. This, in turn, indicates loss of faith in democracy and elected governments. Against such a scenario the new policy initiatives would be only touching the problems superficially without aiming at the basic malaise. This article debates possibility of arriving at a new paradigm of governance that distances itself from the traditional and accepted fonns of democratic governments.
TL;DR: A large number of institutional measures have been taken by the successive governments to make the development process sustainable and pro-poor as discussed by the authors, and the overall policy direction indicates at a declining role of the state in enesuring social relevance of development.
Abstract: A large number of institutional measures have been taken by the successive governments to make the development process sustainable and pro-poor. The author of this article traces these developmental steps in a historical perspective against the contemporary social settings and scenarios. He finds most of the policies arbitrary, ad hoc and untenable, which are formulated sometimes under the pressure of international aid agencies, as a measure to appease social unrest or in view of some political expediency. The overall policy direction indicates at a declining role of the state in enesuring social relevance of development. The broad-based sustainable growth, reduction of poverty and suitable development of human capital can be achieved through effective and institutional efforts arrived at good governance.