Good Governance, Law & Security
Current Scenario
India has made significant strides in governance and legal reforms, leveraging technology to enhance transparency and streamline public service delivery. Initiatives such as the Digital India campaign and the use of Aadhaar-based systems have improved access to government services and reduced corruption. However, the complexity of laws and bureaucratic inefficiencies continue to hinder progress.
The judiciary, a critical component of governance, faces challenges such as a massive backlog of cases, delays in justice delivery, and limited accessibility for marginalized communities. Civic participation has increased in urban areas, driven by digital literacy and awareness, yet rural areas often lack active engagement in governance processes due to limited resources and education.
Key Challenges
- Judicial Inefficiency:
Over 4 crore cases are pending across various courts in India. Limited judicial infrastructure, under-staffed courts, and procedural delays impede timely justice delivery. - Complex Regulations:
India’s regulatory environment is often criticized for its complexity and overlapping rules, which deter investments and reduce public trust in institutions. - Limited Civic Awareness:
Despite rising voter turnout, a significant portion of the population remains unaware of their rights and responsibilities, leading to inadequate participation in governance processes. - Digital Divide:
While e-governance has expanded, a lack of digital literacy and infrastructure in rural areas creates disparities in access to government services. - Corruption and Accountability:
Corruption persists in certain sectors, undermining trust in institutions and reducing the efficiency of public service delivery.
Requirements for Improvement
- Judicial Reforms:
Modernizing judicial processes through digitization, e-courts, and AI-assisted case management can help reduce pendency and improve accessibility. Increasing the number of judges and creating specialized courts for commercial and environmental cases will further enhance efficiency. - Simplification of Laws:
Simplifying laws and regulations to remove redundancies will improve ease of doing business and governance effectiveness. Codifying existing laws and adopting technology to ensure uniform implementation across states are crucial. - Empowering Civic Participation:
Initiatives to educate citizens about their rights and responsibilities can enhance civic engagement. Strengthening local governance structures, such as Gram Sabhas and urban municipal bodies, will empower communities to participate actively in decision-making. - Expanding Digital Governance:
Bridging the digital divide by expanding internet access, providing affordable digital devices, and conducting digital literacy programs will ensure inclusivity in e-governance. Expanding platforms for citizen feedback and grievance redressal will also improve transparency and trust. - Ensuring Accountability:
Introducing strong anti-corruption measures, enhancing the role of oversight agencies, and increasing transparency in public procurement processes are critical to building trust in governance. - Building a Participatory Culture:
Encouraging public consultations for policymaking and using participatory budgeting mechanisms can make governance more inclusive. Programs to engage youth, women, and marginalized communities in governance will foster a sense of collective responsibility and nation-building.
Transforming governance, law, and civic participation is essential for India’s aspiration to become a developed nation by 2047. By addressing judicial inefficiencies, simplifying laws, enhancing civic engagement, and leveraging digital technologies, Vision Viksit Bharat can help build a robust governance framework. This dimension will not only ensure the efficient functioning of institutions but also empower citizens to contribute to India’s growth story actively.