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Governance challenges

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

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.

Path to Good Governance and Security: The Role of Inclusive Welfare Programs

Blog on Governance

In India’s journey towards 2047, the symbiotic relationship between good governance, security, and inclusive welfare programs emerges as a critical pathway to address multifaceted challenges and foster societal well-being. A recent survey conducted by Primus Partners underscores the pivotal role of inclusive welfare initiatives in realizing the objectives of good governance and security, offering insights into India’s evolving landscape and aspirations. Challenges and Needs: The survey highlights that a significant portion of the population, approximately 58 percent, continues to grapple with fundamental needs such as education, shelter, healthcare, and employment. Despite past efforts, existing welfare programs face uncertainty in effectively addressing these challenges, necessitating a paradigm shift towards holistic solutions that bridge past achievements with future aspirations. Importance of Good Governance: Kautilya’s ancient wisdom resonates with contemporary notions of good governance, emphasizing the centrality of people’s happiness to the ruler’s well-being. Good governance, characterized by transparency, accountability, and participatory decision-making, serves as the bedrock for progress and security. It fosters social cohesion, economic growth, and stability, laying the groundwork for inclusive development. Inclusivity and Social Welfare: The concept of inclusivity emerges as a cornerstone of India’s progress, with 21 percent of survey respondents underscoring its significance. Inclusive policies, women empowerment, gender equality, and wealth disparity reduction are identified as critical factors contributing to social well-being. Drawing inspiration from nations like Sweden and Norway, India seeks to emulate the transformative impact of robust welfare programs on societal cohesion and security. Success Stories and Learnings: Initiatives like the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) exemplify India’s strides towards inclusive governance and poverty alleviation. By leveraging technology and innovative financing mechanisms, India aims to streamline welfare delivery, mitigate corruption, and enhance transparency. The cooperative federalism model and participative decision-making are pivotal for effective implementation and citizen-centric governance. Future Directions: As India navigates its path towards Viksit Bharat, strengthening last-mile delivery mechanisms, data privacy safeguards, and capacity-building initiatives remain imperative. The establishment of robust frameworks to combat corruption, coupled with transparent public institutions, will shape India’s inclusive growth trajectory. By fostering a culture of innovation, education, and civic engagement, India endeavors to realize the aspirations of all its citizens on the road to 2047. Inclusive welfare programs serve as catalysts for good governance and security, offering a holistic framework to address socio-economic disparities and enhance societal resilience. Through strategic investments, policy reforms, and collaborative efforts, India charts a course towards a prosperous and equitable future, anchored in the principles of inclusivity, transparency, and citizen-centric governance. With a steadfast commitment to Kautilya’s vision of the ruler’s happiness intertwined with the people’s welfare, India embarks on a transformative journey towards 2047, where inclusive welfare programs serve as the cornerstone of a vibrant and secure society. As the nation embraces the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, the convergence of good governance, security, and inclusive welfare promises to unlock the full potential of India’s diverse and dynamic populace, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow for generations to come.