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Bihar to Unveil GenNext Lab for Data-Driven Governance

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In a move to modernize governance and streamline decision-making processes, the Bihar government is set to launch its GenNext Lab on October 8. This initiative, spearheaded by the Bihar Institute of Public Administration and Rural Development (BIPARD), aims to leverage cutting-edge technology like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics to support public administration and rural development. The lab will be inaugurated by B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, and will focus on enhancing government decision-making by utilizing real-time data to predict challenges and craft proactive solutions, especially in rural areas. In addition to the GenNext Lab, two other key facilities—Viksit Chintan Kaksh and Nitishala—will be unveiled. These new initiatives aim to position Bihar as a frontrunner in modern, tech-driven governance. GenNext Lab: The GenNext Lab will assist government officials in making well-informed decisions using AI and data analytics. By processing real-time data, it will enable officials to address governance issues like rural development before they escalate. The lab will also serve as a learning hub with simulations and case studies, offering practical insights for more effective governance. Viksit Chintan Kaksh: This high-tech room is designed for collaborative policy discussions. Government officials can come together to strategize and shape Bihar’s future through collective decision-making and idea-sharing. Nitishala: This learning lab focuses on providing hands-on training for government officers. Through interactive learning methods like simulations and real-life case studies, Nitishala will help officers apply theoretical knowledge to practical governance challenges. Transforming Governance in Bihar: Together, these initiatives will revolutionize governance in Bihar by promoting data-driven decision-making, collaboration, and practical training. The integrated approach will help officials better understand the connections between key sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and women’s empowerment, ultimately enabling Bihar to anticipate and address challenges more effectively. Source: eastmojo

Assam to Launch ‘Co-Districts’ for Decentralised Governance

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In a pioneering move to bring governance closer to the people, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced the launch of “Co-Districts” — a first-of-its-kind initiative in India aimed at decentralising district administration. The announcement was made on Thursday via a post on X (formerly Twitter), with Sarma emphasizing the state’s commitment to efficient service delivery through this innovative approach. “Taking Governance one step closer to people! Tomorrow, we begin launching ‘Co-Districts’. This unique initiative, first in the country, will decentralise district administration. Co-Districts will ensure implementation of our vision of Minimum Government, Maximum Governance,” Sarma posted. The first phase of the rollout will cover 39 co-districts and is set to be completed over two days, October 3 and 4. The initiative aims to create smaller administrative units within existing districts, ensuring timely access to essential government services at the grassroots level. Key services offered at the co-district level will include the issuance of vital documents such as Next of Kin certificates, caste certificates, Non-Creamy Layer certificates, and Permanent Resident Certificates (PRCs). Additionally, co-district offices will hold magisterial powers, allowing them to grant permissions for public events, fairs, and functions without residents needing to travel to district headquarters. “This unique initiative, first in the country, will decentralise district administration,” Sarma reiterated, marking this move as a significant step toward improving local governance and empowering citizens. Source: eastmojo

Odisha Ranks Among Top Five States in Urban Governance, Reveals UGI 2024

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Odisha has emerged as one of the top five states in India in terms of overall urban governance, according to the recently released Urban Governance Index (UGI) 2024 by Praja Foundation. Ranking second in the country, Odisha secured an impressive 55 out of 100 points across key governance indicators. The UGI 2024 evaluated states on four major categories: empowerment of elected representatives, city administration, citizen engagement, and fiscal empowerment. Odisha performed exceptionally well in the empowered citizens category, scoring 21 out of 25 points, highlighting the state’s efforts to engage citizens in urban governance. Odisha also earned 16.44 points out of a total of 30 in fiscal empowerment, and 15.26 points in the elected representatives category. These scores reflect Odisha’s consistent efforts toward building a more inclusive and financially empowered urban governance structure. While Kerala topped the overall index with 59 points, Odisha’s strong performance placed it ahead of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh, which ranked third, fourth, and fifth, respectively. The UGI 2024 study, covering 42 indicators, provides valuable insights into how states are working to strengthen their urban governance. Odisha’s ranking reflects its focus on empowering its citizens and improving fiscal management, positioning the state as a leader in urban governance reforms. As urban governance continues to evolve in India, Odisha’s progress serves as a model for other states striving to improve their urban administrative practices and citizen engagement. Source: ET Now

NCGG Launches 6th Public Policy Training Programme for Cambodian Civil Servants

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The National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) has commenced its 6th training programme on Public Policy and Governance for Cambodian civil servants, fostering international collaboration in public administration. Running from September 23rd to October 4th, the two-week course is being held at NCGG’s Mussoorie campus in collaboration with India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). This initiative aims to enhance governance practices in Cambodia by sharing India’s expertise in public administration. A total of 39 senior and mid-level civil servants from Cambodia, representing the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovations, are participating in the programme. The training serves as a platform for sharing best practices and discussing institutional reforms for effective governance. V. Srinivas, Director General of NCGG and Secretary of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), presided over the programme’s inauguration. In his keynote address, he highlighted the long-standing partnership between India and Cambodia and emphasized the importance of capacity-building initiatives. Srinivas discussed how finance and technology can drive governance reforms, citing India’s Aadhaar system as a transformative model for ensuring transparency and accountability. Representing Cambodia, Ith Hunly, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Science and Technology Innovations, expressed gratitude for the impactful training. He emphasized the importance of the lessons learned in supporting Cambodia’s governance modernization efforts, particularly in institutional reforms and citizen engagement. This programme builds on an MoU signed in April 2024 between India and Cambodia to bolster civil service development. NCGG’s expanding international outreach, with upcoming initiatives for BIMSTEC and ASEAN nations, underscores India’s growing commitment to sharing its governance expertise globally. Source: India News Network

Delhi Ranks 24th Among 31 Cities in Urban Governance Index, Praja Foundation Report Reveals

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Delhi has been ranked 24th out of 31 Indian cities in the Urban Governance Index (UGI), according to a report released by the NGO Praja Foundation on Thursday. Despite retaining its rank from 2022, Delhi’s score dropped from 33.8 to 32.11 on a scale of 1 to 100, signaling a decline in its urban governance performance. The biennial analysis attributed Delhi’s poor ranking to policy paralysis, non-formation of key municipal committees, and one of the least empowered mayoral positions among major cities. The city’s rank fell largely due to the non-formation of standing, subject, and zonal committees, as well as a lack of human resource data. Furthermore, other cities improved their scores, contributing to Delhi’s relatively lower ranking. The report is based on research conducted in 43 cities across 28 states and three Union territories, with 2,213 key stakeholders including elected representatives, administrators, academics, and civil society members participating. The UGI measures governance based on four pillars: empowered elected representatives, city administration, citizen involvement, and fiscal autonomy. These are further divided into 13 sub-themes and 42 indicators. The Praja Foundation report pointed out that despite municipal elections in December 2022, Delhi’s governance issues have persisted due to legal and political tussles. The city’s mayor, whose term lasts just one year, lacks executive power over the municipal commissioner and cannot appoint key committee chairpersons. Additionally, Delhi does not provide adequate training or salaries for councillors, and most mid- and senior-level positions in the civic body are filled through external appointments, limiting local authority. The report recommended the devolution of all 18 functions listed under the 12th Schedule of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to empower the city administration. Currently, the civic body handles only four of these functions independently.

G-20 Nations Agree on Major Reforms of Global Governance Institutions

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In a landmark agreement, the Group of 20 (G-20) nations have committed to pushing for reforms of key global governance institutions, including the United Nations (UN), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and multilateral lenders. The agreement marks the first formal joint effort by the world’s 20 largest economies to modernize institutions established in the post-World War II era. Following a month-and-a-half of negotiations, the G-20 will announce this reform push during a foreign ministers’ meeting proposed by Brazil at the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The draft communique, seen by Bloomberg News, underscores the urgency to update these institutions to reflect today’s political, social, and economic realities. “There is a growing perception that the United Nations, the Bretton Woods Institutions, and the World Trade Organization are in urgent need of reform,” the communique states. It highlights the need to revamp governance structures to better represent the diversity of member nations and improve their ability to tackle contemporary global challenges. One of the central reform goals includes expanding the composition of the UN Security Council to enhance the representation of underrepresented regions and groups. Additionally, the G-20 emphasizes the importance of transparency, equitable geographic distribution, merit, and gender balance within the UN Secretariat. On the financial front, the G-20 is advocating for increased financing for developing nations to combat poverty and address issues like climate change. The reforms also call for a stronger representation of these nations in global financial decision-making. As for the WTO, the G-20 views it as indispensable to a functional global trade system. The group seeks reforms that enhance trade and investment policies, positioning them as key drivers of global economic growth and prosperity. Brazil’s President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is presiding over the G-20 this year, has long championed these reforms, and the joint statement is seen as a significant step forward, even though no timeline for implementation has been agreed upon. Source: TOI

UN Tourism Joins G20 Presidency to Discuss Future of Tourism Policies and Governance

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UN Tourism has partnered with the G20 Presidency to advance tourism policies and transform governance across the sector. At a side event held on the eve of the official G20 Tourism Ministers’ meeting, discussions centered on a new approach to tourism policy, focusing on people and the planet. Held under the Brazilian Presidency of the G20, the event saw high-level representatives from countries including India, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Spain, as well as the Inter-American Development Bank. Participants highlighted the vital role tourism plays in economic growth and social inclusion, as well as its potential to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reduce global inequalities. In his opening address, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili praised Brazil’s focus on inclusion and sustainability, stating, “To transform our sector, we need new policies and governance models that place communities and the environment at the center of tourism development.” Brazil’s Minister of Tourism, Celso Sabino, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the country’s commitment to sustainable tourism. “Sustainability is a priority for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s government. Responsible tourism that protects the environment, culture, and history is key to prosperous national development,” Sabino said. The G20 Tourism meeting was notably held in Pará, in the heart of the Amazon. Key takeaways from the event included: A call for new governance models that involve resident consultation, stronger coordination among government agencies, and partnerships with local authorities and the private sector. The need for targeted policies on gender equality, social inclusion, climate action, and regional development. The importance of improving the measurement of tourism’s impact on economic, social, and environmental dimensions, including the recent approval of the United Nations Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism. The G20 economies, which account for over 70% of international tourist arrivals, have demonstrated resilience post-pandemic, with countries like Saudi Arabia, Spain, and Turkey surpassing pre-2019 tourist levels. The discussions from this event will guide future strategies aimed at reshaping global tourism governance and policy. Source: UNWTO

UN Unveils Key Recommendations for Global AI Governance

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The United Nations (UN) has released a landmark report proposing a global framework to address the risks and governance gaps associated with artificial intelligence (AI). Titled “Governing AI for Humanity,” the report outlines seven key recommendations to ensure that AI development aligns with human rights, ethical principles, and sustainable development goals. The report, prepared by a 39-member UN advisory body established last year, highlights the need for a multi-stakeholder approach, urging governments, private companies, civil society, and international organizations to collaborate on AI governance. These recommendations will be discussed at an upcoming UN summit later this month. In a video statement accompanying the report’s release, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the importance of the document, calling it a “key milestone” in the UN’s ongoing efforts to ensure that AI serves the common good and benefits all of humanity. Among the proposals, the report calls for the creation of a global AI governance system that is inclusive, transparent, and accountable. It advocates for an international AI standards exchange and a global AI capacity development network to strengthen governance capabilities. The report also stresses the need to address AI-related risks such as bias, privacy violations, and job displacement. One notable recommendation is the establishment of a global AI fund to close gaps in governance capacity and collaboration. Additionally, the UN proposes forming a global AI data framework to enhance transparency and accountability in AI systems. The report also warns of the concentration of AI development in a few multinational companies, which could lead to the technology being imposed on populations without proper input or oversight. To support these governance efforts, the UN proposes the creation of a small AI office to coordinate and implement these recommendations. As AI continues to rapidly evolve, the UN’s report aims to ensure that it remains a force for good, aligning with global standards and benefiting all sectors of society. Source: CGTN

Arvind Kejriwal Resigns as Chief Minister, Atishi to Take Over

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Arvind Kejriwal, leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has stepped down as the Chief Minister of Delhi, submitting his resignation to Lt Governor VK Saxena. Kejriwal’s decision came after recent political developments, and Atishi, a senior AAP leader and minister, has been selected by the party to succeed him. At a meeting with AAP legislators, Kejriwal proposed Atishi’s name, which was unanimously accepted by all present. Following her selection, Atishi met with Lt Governor Saxena to formally stake her claim to the Chief Minister’s post. Addressing the media after her meeting, Atishi remarked, “This is the first time in history that a Chief Minister steps down, asserting that the verdict of the people matters more than the court’s decision. The people of Delhi still see Arvind Kejriwal as their rightful leader, and they will bring him back in the next elections.” Atishi, a key figure in AAP since its inception and a trusted aide of Kejriwal, is set to take her oath in a special Assembly session on September 26-27. There will be no Deputy Chief Minister, and Atishi, who represents Kalkaji constituency, will manage a broad array of portfolios, including education, finance, and public works. Delhi Minister Gopal Rai praised Atishi’s appointment, noting the challenges AAP faces from “misuse of agencies aimed at destabilizing the government.” He said Atishi has the dual responsibility of serving the two crore citizens of Delhi while countering the political opposition. Atishi’s rise comes as a pivotal moment in Delhi’s political landscape. Known for her academic background as an Oxford graduate and a Rhodes Scholar, Atishi has been instrumental in improving Delhi’s education system. She gained prominence as the party’s public face during the AAP leadership’s legal challenges and Kejriwal’s arrest in the liquor policy case. Atishi’s immediate task will be to lead AAP into the upcoming Assembly elections, expected in February next year, and continue the party’s focus on governance and development for the people of Delhi. Source: India Today

Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet Approves Major Reforms for Holistic Development and Governance

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The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, approved several landmark decisions during a meeting held on Monday. The meeting focused on the “Reforms 3.0” initiative, which aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed India and a developed Arunachal Pradesh. The Cabinet reviewed and reaffirmed 24 action points, initially laid out in its first meeting on June 13, 2024. These points form the foundation of the state’s ambitious governance reforms, aimed at improving the quality of life for citizens, addressing youth aspirations, and fostering development through increased investments. The government emphasized a “whole-of-government” approach to ensure the successful implementation of these action points, stressing the need for department collaboration and technological interventions. Key decisions were made to streamline various sectors, including health, governance, and recruitment processes: Health Sector Boost: The state government highlighted its commitment to improving health infrastructure. Over the past eight years, initiatives have been launched to ensure affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare for all. The Cabinet approved amendments to the Arunachal Pradesh Health Service Rules, 2000, and framed recruitment rules for newly created posts like Director of Medical Education and Director of Family Welfare. Additionally, 10 new Nursing Superintendent posts were created, and the ‘Arunachal Pradesh Allied and Health Care Council Rules, 2024’ were approved. Governance and Recruitment Reforms: To enhance transparency and efficiency, the Cabinet approved amendments to various recruitment rules, including those for Group-A, B, and C posts. Changes were made to the minimum qualifying marks for ex-servicemen in Group-C posts to address the issue of vacant posts reserved for this category. The Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board Rules, 2018, were also amended to include the APSSB in the selection process for Meritorious Sportspersons, ensuring compliance with central policy guidelines. Legal and Fire Services: The Cabinet approved amendments to recruitment rules for public prosecutors to align with new criminal laws, including the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023. The recruitment rules for Sub Fire Officers in the Department of Fire and Emergency Services were also updated to meet current requirements. These comprehensive reforms are expected to bring transformative changes to Arunachal Pradesh’s governance, health, and administrative sectors, driving progress and development across the state. Source: India Today