Published by: Mandira
Published date: 17 Jan 2022
Governance refers to the system or manner the government works in. According to the World Bank 'using political power for the management of various affairs of a state is governance'. Governance describes the process of decision-making and process by which its decisions are carried out. Good governance maintains that decisions are taken and carried out in a fair manner. The decisions are directed towards the promotion of public welfare.
The concept of good governance was developed with the demand that political power should be used in favour of people. Donor nations and international financial institutions like IMF, ADB or World Bank impose good governance as 'aid conditionally' They agree to offer aid and loans on the condition that reforms for good governance are made. Good governance, in a broader sense, is to rule according to the need and wish of people as well as for their welfare.
Characteristics of Good Governance
Participation
Good governance maintains the reasonable participation of both men and women in all affairs of the state. Freedom of association and expression gives way for public participation. People get enough chances to participate in administration and development process of their country. They elect their lawmakers and rulers, and in administration and development process of their country. Organized civil society works towards negotiations in decision making and representation in the mechanism of both decision making and implementation.
Accountability
All government and private institutes along with civil societies are essentially responsible to respective groups of people for their decisions and actions. Accountability is the soul of a democratic government. For instance, the executive is responsible to legislative (parliament) and bureaucracy directly to the general public whom it enters.
Responsiveness
Service authorities are committed to serving people in a convincing and justified time frame. Bureaucracy is honest and its functions help promote public- welfare. The malpractices such as service delay, overcharging and bribery is so rare. All service providing bodies keep their citizen charters.
Transparency
In good governance, the process of decision-making and the process of implementation of the decisions is fair, lawful and informed. Concerned individuals or bodies are duly valued and have access to free and direct information on decisions and their implementations.
Rule of Law
The government runs according to the set of rules. It ensures the full protection of human rights enough consideration upon those minorities, independent and impartial judicial system and incorruptible police force contribute a lot to maintaining the rule of law. Laws are properly implemented and offenders are duly entertained with the support of the police and the court.
Consensus
A broad consensus can be achieved through meditation and discussion on the matter of the best interest of the whole community. The consensus is also reached on how to meet goals of sustainable human development.
Equality and inclusiveness
There are policies and practices for enabling all members in society to feel that they all have a share in its regulation. Opportunities are provided for all and essentially more to the most disadvantaged ones to raise their level. Reservations, for example, give second chances for the people who otherwise would not be able to rise.
Effectiveness and efficiency
As competent and efficient people are in power and leadership, realistic and practicable efforts are made for the best utilization of resources so as to meet the needs of society. Such efforts are effective and efficient in reaching the goals. So, sustainable development and environment protection are ensured.
Good governance is important because of the following reasons:
The following are the challenges of good governance:
Solutions
The term 'civil society' collectively refers to all voluntary, civic and social organizations and institutions. Important of them may be academic, civic groups, clubs, community, organizations nongovernmental organizations (NGO's), professional associations like teachers' union, consumers, co-operatives, trade unions, women's groups, religious organizations, cultural groups and so on. All such organizations and institutions are non-profit making elements. However, they may gain popularity and recognition through their actions in encouraging public welfare.
The role of civil society is vital in good governance and democratic practices. According to theorists like Gabriel Almond and Sidney Verba, 'civil society facilitated better awareness and more accountable as a result.' Civil society thus helps in informing public about state affairs, raising political awareness, expressing public grievances and forming a popular wish. It also facilitated negotiations and decisions in favor of the general public.
Civil society often proves to be the means of social transformation. It can inform people about the socio-cultural evils and makes them aware and responsible for changes. Issues of national interest and concern are better presented. Democratic planning can take place. Development activities run smoothly, fast and cheaply. Political crisis can be best resolved. Civil societies are actually watchdog of government so irregularities of bureaucracy and other service providing bodies are checked. The process of decision making and implementation is fair and transparent Public participation is promoted in building infrastructures. Political reforms are possible. Elections are fair. Sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity are protected. In short the role of civil society in promoting good governance and public welfare is really incomparable.
In Nepal democratic culture is yet to develop. Ordinary people are not politically aware. Government decisions and actions are not fully democratic and transparent. Corruption, bribery, leakage, service delays are common. The government is not inclusive enough. Political leaders are mostly dishonest. They are using voters just as a tool or a ladder to rise to the power. Democracy becomes the best form of government if handled properly but turns worst if mishandled. Unemployment and poverty are serious hindrances to economic development. Many youths are draining out for work and some don't return. The border badly encroaches. Resources are being used indiscriminately and sustainable development has not started yet. Original Nepali culture is neglected and western culture is gaining influence. Self-esteem is gradually fading. Gender inequality and social discrimination are high. Ours is the transitional phase of many valuable transformations. But several conflicts seem to continue and remain unresolved.
But the civil societies of Nepal should also be reformed and better organized by themselves. They must be more active and should better coordinate with both the general public and the governance in favor of the nation.