Key Components of Effective Governance – Governance Notes

Putting Citizens at the center: The Importance of Citizen-Centric Governance

It is a method of governance that puts citizens at the center of the decision-making process. The goal is to address the concerns and needs of citizens by providing efficient, transparent, and continuous governance.

• Placing citizens at the center of modern public administration
• Addressing the immediate concerns of citizens, such as:
  • Transparency
  • Efficiency
  • Stability
  • Continuity in governance systems
• Providing a Robust Legal Framework: A set of laws and regulations that provide a strong foundation for the governance system. This framework helps to ensure stability, fairness, and accountability in the administration.
• Creation of Institutions to help citizens, such as:
  • Lokayuktas: An independent and impartial body responsible for investigating corruption allegations against public officials in India. It is meant to ensure accountability and transparency in the administration.
  • National Human Rights Commission (NHRC): An independent body established to protect and promote human rights in India. The commission investigates complaints of human rights violations and works to ensure that the government is accountable to its citizens.
  • National Women’s Commission (NWC): A statutory body established to protect and promote the rights of women in India. It works to ensure that women are treated equally and that their rights are respected.
  • National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission: An independent body established to resolve disputes between consumers and businesses in India. It helps to ensure that consumers have access to a fair and efficient process for resolving complaints.
• 12th Report of 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) dealt extensively with Citizen-Centric Administration: A government commission established to provide recommendations for improving the administration in India. The commission’s 12th report dealt with Citizen-Centric Administration and was chaired by Veerappa Moily.

Principles of Good Governance

• Rule of Law – Zero Tolerance Strategy: This principle means that the government must ensure that the law is followed and those who violate it are held accountable. A zero-tolerance approach towards breaking the law will promote a sense of security and trust among citizens.
• Making Institutions Vibrant, Responsive and Accountable: This principle emphasizes that government institutions should be dynamic, responsive to citizens’ needs, and held accountable for their actions.
• Decentralization: Decentralization is the process of transferring power from the central government to local governments. This gives more power to citizens and helps make governance more accessible to them.
• Transparency: Transparency in governance means that the workings of the government should be open to the public. Citizens should be able to access information about how the government operates and makes decisions.
• Civil Service Reforms: Civil service reforms aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government employees. These reforms could include changes in the recruitment process, training programs, and performance evaluations.
• Ethics in Governance: Ethics in governance refers to the moral principles and values that guide the behavior of public officials. This includes integrity, fairness, and accountability.
• Process Reforms: Process reforms aim to make the governance process more efficient and accessible. This could include changes in the way government agencies operate, such as streamlining procedures and using technology to automate processes.
• Periodic and Independent Evaluation of the Quality of Governance: This principle calls for regular evaluations of the quality of governance. These evaluations should be conducted by independent experts to ensure impartiality and accuracy.

Recommendations by 2nd ARC for Citizen-Centric Governance

To ensure that governance is centered around the needs and wants of citizens, the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) has proposed several strategies and tools to be implemented. These include:

• Streamlining processes to make governance more citizen-focused
• Utilization of advanced technology
• Implementation of the Right to Information act
• Issuing Citizens’ charters to increase transparency and accountability
• Regular evaluation of services provided to citizens
• Effective grievance redressal mechanisms
• Encouraging active participation of citizens through public-private partnerships.
• Empowering and Strengthening of Local Governments
• Capacity Building of Public Officials
• Integrated Development Approach
• Integrated Financial Management
• Effective Monitoring and Evaluation
• Good Governance Indicators
• Innovative Mechanisms of Public Delivery
• Empowering Citizens to hold the Government accountable.

The idea of Good Governance

The idea of good governance dates back to the teachings of ancient Indian philosopher Chanakya, who described it in detail in his text, Arthashastra. The cornerstone of citizen-centric administration is good governance, which comprises of the following 8 key elements:

1. Accountability: Refers to the responsibility and accountability of the government and its officials to answer to citizens and other stakeholders for their actions.
2. Transparency: This means that government processes and decision-making should be open and accessible to public scrutiny. This includes open access to information and records.
3. Responsiveness: Refers to the government’s ability to respond to citizens’ needs and demands in a timely and effective manner.
4. Participation: Encourages active involvement of citizens in the decision-making process through mechanisms like public consultations, feedback, and representation.
5. Consensus-Oriented: Promotes collaboration and cooperation between different stakeholders to reach common agreements and solutions that are in the best interest of all.
6. Respect for the Rule of Law: Requires the government to act within a legal framework and be held accountable to the law, promoting equality and fairness for all citizens.
7. Efficiency and Effectiveness: Refers to the government’s ability to deliver services and achieve its objectives in a timely, cost-effective, and high-quality manner.
8. Equity and Inclusiveness: Promotes fairness, equality, and inclusiveness in the distribution of resources, opportunities, and benefits to all citizens, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Pillars of Good Governance

The main pillars of good governance are Ethos, Ethics, Equity, and Efficiency.

1. Ethos: This refers to the culture of service to the citizens that permeates the administration. It is a service-oriented mindset that prioritizes the needs of citizens above everything else.
2. Ethics: Good governance requires honesty, integrity, and transparency in all decision-making processes. Ethical behavior by public officials and leaders helps to build trust and credibility in the governance system.
3. Equity: Good governance ensures that all citizens, regardless of caste, class, and gender, are treated equally and with empathy for the weaker sections of society. The goal is to provide equal access to public services and resources.
4. Efficiency: Good governance prioritizes speedy and effective delivery of services without harassment. The use of technology and innovations is encouraged to enhance the delivery of services in an efficient manner.

Breaking Down the Walls: Overcoming the Barriers to Good Governance

• Lack of Political Will – Good governance requires strong political leadership to provide direction, and prioritization, and to make difficult decisions. The lack of political will often lead to inadequate attention to governance issues, and a failure to make necessary reforms.
• Corruption – Corruption undermines the legitimacy of the state, destroys public trust, and reduces the efficiency of public services.
• Lack of Transparency and Openness – In a transparent and open governance system, information is easily accessible to the citizens, and there is active public participation in decision-making. Lack of transparency and openness can lead to poor quality decisions, secrecy, and abuse of power.
• Lack of Participation and Inclusiveness – Good governance requires the active participation of all stakeholders, particularly the marginalized and disadvantaged groups. In the absence of inclusive processes, there is a risk of decisions being dominated by powerful interest groups.

Good Governance: What is it?

Good governance refers to how a country manages its resources and makes decisions to promote the well-being of its citizens. In other words, it is about ensuring that a country is run in an effective, accountable, and transparent manner.

Key Characteristics of Good Governance:

• Participatory: This means that everyone has a voice and a role in decision-making processes.
• Consensus-Oriented: This means that decisions are made through a process of negotiation and agreement among different groups and stakeholders.
• Accountable: This means that leaders and public officials are held accountable for their actions and decisions.
• Transparent: This means that information is openly available and easily accessible to citizens.
• Responsive: This means that the government responds promptly to the needs and concerns of its citizens.
• Effective and Efficient: This means that the government delivers services in a timely and efficient manner.
• Equitable and Inclusive: This means that everyone has equal access to resources and opportunities, regardless of their background.
• Follows the Rule of Law: This means that laws and regulations are followed and that everyone is equal under the law.

Examples of Good Governance:

• A country where the government is transparent and accountable to its citizens is practicing good governance.
• A country where everyone has a voice and can participate in decision-making processes is practicing good governance.
• A country where the government delivers services efficiently and equitably to all its citizens is practicing good governance.

Good governance is essential for promoting the well-being of a country and its citizens. It ensures that resources are managed effectively, that decisions are made through a participatory process, and that the government is accountable and responsive to the needs of its citizens.

The United Nations (UN) considers good governance as an important aspect of public institutions, which enables citizens to exercise their rights freely and helps reduce poverty, deprivation, fear, and violence.

Good governance ensures the administration is conducted in a way that is free of abuse and corruption, and that the rule of law is respected. It promotes gender equality, sustains the environment, and is responsive to the needs of society.

Good governance is a combination of positive virtues and the elimination of dysfunctionalities in administration. This makes the government work effectively and credibly and ensures the administrative system is citizen-friendly, value-based, and people-oriented.

Accountability

Accountability is a principle of good governance that requires individuals, organizations, and institutions to be responsible for their actions and decisions. This means that they must be able to justify their actions and be held to account for the consequences of their decisions. In the context of governance, accountability refers to the obligation of those in power to answer to the public for their actions and decisions. It requires transparency, so that citizens can see how decisions are being made, and also provides a mechanism for citizens to hold decision-makers accountable for their actions.

Examples of accountability in governance include:

• Elected representatives being accountable to their constituents through regular elections and opportunities for public engagement
• Civil servants being accountable to their superiors and the public for the decisions and actions they take in the execution of their duties
• Institutions and organizations being accountable to the public through regular audits and performance evaluations.

Legislative Accountability:

Legislative accountability refers to the responsibility of lawmakers to their constituents for their actions and decisions. It is a fundamental aspect of a democratic system, where elected representatives are held accountable to the citizens who elect them. The following are some of the key components of legislative accountability:

• Election: The election process provides a mechanism for citizens to hold their representatives accountable. Citizens have the right to vote for the candidate of their choice and to replace their representative if they are not satisfied with their performance.
• Responsiveness: Legislators must be responsive to the needs and concerns of their constituents. This includes listening to the constituents’ views, participating in public meetings, and responding to letters, phone calls, and emails.
• Transparency: Legislators must be transparent in their dealings with constituents, including their decision-making processes, voting records, and financial disclosures.
• Oversight: Legislators must exercise oversight over the executive branch to ensure that public funds are being used effectively and efficiently, and to monitor the implementation of laws and regulations.
• Scrutiny: Legislators must be subject to scrutiny by the media and the public. This includes reporting on their activities, voting records, and financial disclosures.
• Consequences: The consequences of non-compliance with legislative accountability can include removal from office, loss of support from constituents, or even criminal charges.

Judicial accountability

Judicial accountability refers to the responsibility of judges and the judicial system to maintain ethical standards, follow the law, and provide impartial and fair decisions. It involves holding judges accountable for their actions, both in terms of their behavior in court and the outcomes of the cases they hear.

Examples of judicial accountability include:

• Discipline of Judges: The judicial system may take disciplinary action against judges who engage in unethical behavior, abuse their authority, or violate the law. This can include censure, suspension, or removal from the bench.
• Performance Evaluation: Judges may undergo periodic evaluations of their performance to assess their effectiveness and adherence to ethical standards. These evaluations may be conducted by independent commissions or by the judicial system itself.
• Public Scrutiny: The actions of judges and the outcomes of cases are subject to public scrutiny. This helps to ensure that judges are held accountable for their decisions and that citizens are aware of the workings of the judicial system.
• Complaint Mechanisms: Citizens and litigants have the right to file complaints against judges who have engaged in unethical or illegal behavior. This can help to ensure that judges are held accountable for their actions and that the integrity of the judicial system is maintained.

Administrative Accountability

Administrative accountability refers to the responsibility and accountability of government officials and public servants to be answerable to the public, the government, and other relevant stakeholders for their actions and decisions taken in their official capacity.

It encompasses the following key components:

1. Transparency: Government officials and public servants must be transparent in their decision-making processes and provide detailed explanations for their actions to the public.
2. Responsiveness: Government officials and public servants must be responsive to the needs and concerns of the public and respond to inquiries and complaints in a timely and appropriate manner.
3. Responsibility: Government officials and public servants must take responsibility for their actions and decisions and be prepared to face consequences for any wrongful or unethical conduct.
4. Oversight: Administrative accountability is facilitated by an independent oversight mechanism, such as an ombudsman or an external auditor, which has the power to investigate and hold public servants accountable for their actions.
5. Performance Evaluation: Public servants must be evaluated periodically on their performance, and these evaluations must be used to identify areas for improvement and to provide feedback to the public servants.

Measures to improve accountability in India

Improving accountability in India requires a comprehensive approach that involves both systemic and cultural changes. The following measures can be implemented to improve accountability in India:

1. Strengthening institutions:
   • The Indian government can strengthen existing institutions, such as the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to improve accountability in the country.
   • These institutions can be given more powers to monitor government operations, investigate corruption, and prosecute corrupt officials.
   • The government can also establish new institutions or committees to address specific accountability concerns.
2. Implementing the Right to Information (RTI) Act:
   • The RTI Act gives citizens the right to access information from the government.
   • This act can be used to hold government officials accountable by giving citizens access to information about their activities and decisions.
   • Strengthening the implementation of the RTI Act and improving the efficiency of the RTI process will help to increase accountability in the government.
3. Improving transparency in government processes:
   • The government can increase transparency in its operations by making its processes, decision-making, and actions more open to the public.
   • This can be achieved by publishing reports and other relevant documents, conducting public hearings, and providing access to government data through the use of technology.
4. Encouraging active citizen participation:
   • Citizens can play a crucial role in improving accountability by monitoring government activities and holding officials accountable for their actions.
   • Encouraging active citizen participation through initiatives like public interest litigation, social audits, and community-led monitoring can help to improve accountability in the country.
5. Strengthening the rule of law:
   • A strong and independent judiciary is essential for enforcing accountability in the country.
   • The government can strengthen the rule of law by implementing laws and policies that promote good governance, protecting human rights, and ensuring that officials are held accountable for their actions.
6. Improving public sector ethics and integrity:
   • The government can improve accountability by promoting ethics and integrity in the public sector.
   • This can be achieved by implementing codes of ethics for government officials, conducting regular training and capacity-building programs, and providing incentives for ethical behavior.

Transparency in Public Governance

Transparency in public administration is crucial to maintain the reliability and integrity of public institutions. It promotes public trust and support in the government and helps to increase the level of legitimacy in decision-making processes. The following are the different aspects of transparency in public administration:

History of Transparency in India

• During the Mauryan period, the administration was centralized with an effective system of intelligence gathering, but the absence of accountability and transparency in the centralized administration was noticeable.
• The Mughal period continued with a centralized administration but lacked accountability and transparency.
• The British colonial administration was also centralized with a District Magistrate and Collector as the key figure, who was responsible for maintaining law and order and collecting revenue. However, this administration was efficient but not responsive or transparent.
• Later years saw token participation of people at various levels and administrative innovations were introduced in various fields like social, economic, and technological. However, these were mostly cosmetic changes that primarily served colonial requirements.

Benefits of Transparency in Public Administration

• Increases public trust and support in the government.
• Promotes legitimacy in decision-making processes.
• Helps to prevent corruption and abuse of power.
• Enhances the accountability and responsibility of public officials.
• Increases public participation and involvement in government processes.

Examples of Transparency in Public Administration

• Freedom of Information Acts (FOI) – Governments around the world have enacted Freedom of Information Acts that allow citizens to access government information and records.
• Open Budget Initiatives – Governments publish their budgets and financial reports to promote transparency and accountability.
• E-Governance portals – Many governments have created e-governance portals to make it easier for citizens to access information and services, and to reduce corruption and inefficiency in public administration.
• Public Hearings and Consultations – Public consultations and hearings on important policy decisions are a way to promote transparency and accountability in the decision-making process.

Measures to Improve Transparency in Public Administration

• Enacting and enforcing Freedom of Information Acts.
• Publishing budgets, financial reports and other relevant information.
• Implementing e-governance portals and digital tools to make information and services more accessible to citizens.
• Encouraging public consultations and hearings on important policy decisions.
• Increasing transparency in procurement processes to reduce corruption and inefficiency.

Transparency and accountability are two key elements of good governance and are often used in conjunction with each other. They play a crucial role in ensuring that public institutions and services operate in a manner that is fair, just, and effective.

Relationship between Transparency & Accountability

Here is a more detailed look at the relationship between transparency and accountability:

1. Transparency as a pre-requisite of accountability:
   • Transparency is considered a key requirement for accountability to be effective. In order for actions to be evaluated properly, access to all necessary information must be available.
   • If access to information is denied, accountability cannot be proven.
2. The relationship between transparency and accountability:
   • Transparency and accountability can take different forms and their relationship depends on how they are designed to support each other.
   • Both transparency and accountability are considered necessary conditions for good management, from individuals to organizations.
   • The assumption is that transparency leads to better governance, more accountability, and less corruption.
   • In public services, both transparency and accountability are necessary to ensure good governance.
   • The direct link between transparency and accountability means that both reinforce each other, making it necessary for accountability to accompany transparency.
   • If public servant is not held accountable for their decisions, transparency will not serve its purpose.

Importance of Accountability with Transparency

Here are some key points that highlight the importance of accountability with transparency:

1. Responsibility and answerability: When an individual or organization is accountable, they take responsibility for their actions and are answerable for the decisions they make.
2. Reducing corruption: Transparency and accountability can reduce corruption by making public institutions and organizations more transparent and responsible.
3. Improving public services: When public institutions and organizations are accountable and transparent, they can provide better quality public services and respond to the needs of citizens.
4. Enhancing trust: Transparency and accountability enhance public trust in the government and other organizations, as they demonstrate a commitment to responsible and ethical behavior.
5. Supporting good governance: Good governance is characterized by accountability and transparency, which are essential components of an effective, responsible, and trustworthy administration.
6. Social accountability: Social accountability is important in countries with weak institutional systems and a systematic problem of corruption. It empowers citizens to hold their government accountable and demand better public services.

Initiatives to enhance transparency in public administration

The Government has taken several measures to ensure transparency in its operations. Some of these major initiatives include:

1. Right to Information Act – This law provides citizens with the right to access information about the actions and decisions taken by the government. It helps to build trust in the system and allows the public to hold the government accountable.
2. Citizens Charters – The citizens Charter Bill 2011 was introduced to provide citizens with time-bound delivery of goods and services and to establish a grievance redressal mechanism. Citizen Charters are voluntary and written documents that spell out a service provider’s commitment to meeting the needs of citizens.
3. Elimination of Corruption – The Lokpal and Lokayuktas institutions have been established to reduce corruption by investigating cases of corruption against public servants in the government.
4. e-Governance – E-Governance initiatives have been implemented to provide an accountable administration, including a centralized public grievance redress and monitoring system.
5. e-Bhoomi – It is an online portal that provides access to land records in the state of Karnataka, India. This initiative ensures transparency in the land records management system, reducing the scope for corruption and malpractice.
6. e-Choupal – It is an online platform aimed at connecting farmers directly to the market. This initiative eliminates intermediaries and provides transparency in the supply chain, resulting in better prices for farmers.
7. e-Procurement – It is a web-based platform aimed at reducing corruption and increasing transparency in the procurement process. This initiative provides a transparent and efficient procurement system, reducing the scope for corruption and malpractice.
8. Public Services Bill – This bill aims at providing a legal framework for the provision of public services. This includes the right to receive a timely and quality service and the right to seek a remedy in case of any grievance. The bill will ensure that citizens are provided with transparent and accountable public services.

Right to Information Act 2005

About the RTI Act, 2005:

• It sets out the rules and procedures regarding citizens’ right to information.
• Replaced the former Freedom of Information Act, 2002.
• Enacted to consolidate the fundamental right in the Indian constitution ‘freedom of speech’, as RTI is implicit in the Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution.

Key Provisions:

• Section 4: Requires suo motu disclosure of information by each public authority.
• Section 8 (1): Mentions exemptions against furnishing information under RTI Act.
• Section 8 (2): Provides for disclosure of information exempted under Official Secrets Act, 1923 if larger public interest is served.

Genesis of the law:

• Sown by the Supreme Court.
• Right to know every public act and everything done in a public way by public functionaries derived from freedom of speech.
• Demands for an RTI Act from 12 states before it was passed as a central legislation and implemented in 2005.
• Supreme Court advocated “Voters’ right to know antecedents including criminal past of his candidate contesting election for MP or MLA is much more fundamental and basic for survival of democracy.”

Recent Developments:

• Centre amended the RTI Act for the first time since 2005.
  • Amendments empowered the central government to frame rules to decide the tenure, salaries and terms of service of all commissioners in the country.
• Repeal of the J&K RTI Act following the reading down of Article 370
• Opening of the Chief Justice of India’s office to RTI

Need for Strong RTI:

• Ideal of ‘Government by the people’ requires access to information on matters of public concern.
• Free flow of information fosters accountability in Government and enables debate in public policy.
• Foundation for ‘open governance’ and a necessary condition for democracy.

Supreme Court’s Observations:

• Chief Justice of India called for a “filter” to check “abuse” of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
• Supreme Court has stressed the importance of transparency under RTI at times, and also warned against its overuse at other times.

Criticism of the RTI Act, 2005

• Denial of Information
  • The Supreme Court has noted that Public Information Officers have prevented the general public from obtaining the information they are entitled to.
  • Despite Section 4 of the Act calling for pro-active and voluntary dissemination of information, only a few Central and State institutions have published relevant information.
• NGOs under RTI
  • The Supreme Court has declared that NGOs are not exempt from the RTI Act.
  • The determination of whether an NGO or body is substantially financed by the government is a question of fact, to be determined on a case-by-case basis.
  • This ruling has brought attention to several NGOs receiving public funding but not being covered under the RTI.
• Time Consumed in Replying
  • Approximately 60-70 lakh RTI applications are filed in India every year.
  • It is not desirable for 75% of the staff of public authorities to spend 75% of their time collecting and providing information to applicants, instead of fulfilling their regular duties.
  • The Supreme Court has ordered for the necessary information to be disclosed.
• Personal and Public Information
  • Public authorities have denied information on cases or inquiries involving government officials.
  • Another issue is the persistent vacancies in the State and Central Information Commissions.

Way Forward

• State governments should follow the example of the Jan Soochna portal in Rajasthan, which aims to involve people, including marginalized sections, in the governance process.
• The Centre and States should prioritize filling vacancies in the State and Central Information Commissions.
• Public authorities should be encouraged to provide greater voluntary dissemination of information on government portals to ease their workload.

The Lokpal Act of 2013

• Establishes the Lokpal, an anti-corruption ombudsman, at the national level and Lokayukta at the state level.

Composition:

• The Lokpal is composed of a chairperson and a maximum of 8 members.

Applicability:

• The Lokpal covers all categories of public servants, including the Prime Minister, but the armed forces are not included.
• The States are required to establish the Lokayukta within one year of the Act’s implementation.

Key Provisions:

• Includes provisions for attachment and confiscation of property acquired through corrupt means, even during pending prosecution.
• Protects public servants who act as whistleblowers.

Powers of the Lokpal:

• The Lokpal has the power to direct and supervise any investigation agency, including the CBI, in cases referred to them by the ombudsman.
• The Lokpal has the authority to summon or question any public servant if there is a prima facie case against them, even before an investigation by another agency (such as vigilance or CBI) has begun.
• Officers of the CBI investigating a case referred to them by the Lokpal cannot be transferred without the approval of the Lokpal.
• Investigations must be completed within six months, although the Lokpal or Lokayukta may allow extensions of six months at a time if the reasons are given in writing.
• Special courts will be set up to conduct trials in cases referred by the Lokpal.

Ambit of the Lokpal:

• The Lokpal covers a wide range of public servants, including the Prime Minister, ministers, MPs, and central government employees of groups A, B, C, and D.
• If a complaint is filed against the Prime Minister, the Lokpal is authorized to conduct an inquiry into the matter. However, certain conditions apply. For example, allegations against the Prime Minister relating to international relations, security, public order, atomic energy, and space cannot be investigated by the Lokpal.
• Complaints against the Prime Minister can only be probed if the full Lokpal bench considers it and at least two-thirds of the members approve it. If an inquiry is conducted, it must be held in camera and the records cannot be published or made available to anyone if the complaint is found to be dismissible.

Lokpal and the Law:

• The Lokpal and its members are considered to be public servants under the definition in the Act.
• The Act applies to public servants both within and outside of India.
• Complaints under the Act can only relate to the period in which the public servant was holding or serving in their capacity.

Lokpal (Complaint) Rules, 2020:

• The Lokpal (Complaint) Rules, 2020 were established under Section 59 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act.
• Complaints can be filed by anyone, including foreign nationals, and must include valid proof of identity, as specified in the complaint forms.
• Complaints can be filed electronically, by post, or in person, but if filed electronically, a hard copy must be submitted to the Lokpal within 15 days.
• Complaints cannot be filed against public servants under the Army Act, Navy Act, Air Force Act, or the Coast Guard Act.
• Complaints must be in English, although the Lokpal may also entertain complaints in any of the languages referred to in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution.
• The complaint must include details about the accused official(s), allegations, evidence relied upon, and an affidavit from the complainant or authorized signatory.
• The Lokpal bench will decide the complaint in the first instance, and may seek additional details or an affidavit if necessary.
• The identity of the complainant and accused official will be protected by the Lokpal until the conclusion of the inquiry or investigation, unless the complainant reveals their identity to another office or authority.
• Complaints that are illegible, vague, trivial, or frivolous, do not contain any allegations, are not filed within seven years, or are pending before another court, tribunal, or authority will be disposed of within 30 days.

Electoral Bonds: A Convenient Option for Political Contributions

• Electoral Bonds are financial instruments designed to facilitate donations to political parties in India.
• The bonds are available in different denominations, including Rs. 1,000, Rs. 10,000, Rs. 1 lakh, Rs. 10 lakh, and Rs. 1 crore, with no maximum limit.
• The State Bank of India (SBI) is authorized to issue and redeem these bonds, which have a validity of 15 days from their date of issuance.
• The bonds can be redeemed into the designated account of a registered political party. This process ensures that the donor’s identity remains confidential.
• The bonds are available for purchase during specified periods throughout the year, with a total of four 10-day periods in January, April, July, and October, as specified by the Central Government.
• Individuals, who are citizens of India or incorporated or established in India, can purchase the bonds either singly or jointly with other individuals.
• The donor’s name is not mentioned on the bond, providing an additional layer of privacy for those who wish to make a political contribution.

Example: Suppose a person wants to make a donation of Rs. 10,000 to a registered political party. They can purchase one or more Electoral Bonds in the denomination of Rs. 10,000 during the specified 10-day period. The bonds will be issued by the SBI and will be redeemable into the designated account of the political party. The donor’s name will not be mentioned on the bond, ensuring their privacy.

Role of citizens and media in ensuring transparency and accountability

The role of citizens and media in promoting transparency and accountability is crucial for maintaining a functioning democratic society. Here’s a breakdown of how they contribute:

Citizens:

• Active involvement: Citizens play an active role in holding their government accountable by participating in public debates, attending town hall meetings, and joining advocacy groups.
• Monitoring government actions: Citizens can monitor the actions of the government to ensure that they are acting in the best interests of the public. This can be done through the use of public records requests, the examination of government budgets, and the tracking of government contracts.
• Reporting corruption: Citizens who witness corrupt practices can report it to the media, watchdog organizations, or law enforcement agencies to prompt investigation and action.

Media:

• Investigative journalism: Media organizations play a key role in uncovering corruption and promoting transparency by conducting investigative journalism. This can involve digging into government records, interviewing sources, and exposing wrongdoings.
• Public awareness: The media also plays a role in informing the public about government actions and decisions, helping to raise awareness and promote accountability. This can be done through reporting on government meetings, publishing investigative pieces, and providing analysis and commentary.
• Holding government accountable: The media serves as a watchdog for the public by holding the government accountable for its actions. This can involve exposing corruption, reporting on human rights abuses, and pushing for reforms.

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