Day 45 Mains Questions – Ace Answer Writing Program

Question 1: “Transparency and accountability are crucial pillars of good governance.” Discuss how the implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act has contributed to promoting transparency and accountability in India’s governance structure. What challenges does it face today? (10 Marks, 150 words)

Introduction

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, enacted under Article 19 of the Constitution, empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in governance.

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Contribution of RTI to Transparency and Accountability –

1. Empowerment of Citizens: Enables citizens to access government records, enhancing transparency in decision-making processes, as seen in disclosures related to the MPLAD funds.
2. Reduction in Corruption: Facilitates exposure of corrupt practices, such as the Adarsh Housing Society scam, by making government actions more transparent.
3. Increased Public Participation: Encourages active participation in governance, evident in the use of RTI by civil society groups for social audits, like in MGNREGA projects.
4. Enhanced Accountability: Public officials are held accountable for their actions, as seen in the demand for accountability in public service delivery, such as in PDS implementation.
5. Improved Governance: Strengthens institutional accountability, particularly in local governance, as demonstrated in the scrutiny of Panchayati Raj institutions.

Challenges Faced by RTI Today –

1. Bureaucratic Resistance: Public authorities often delay or deny information, limiting the effectiveness of the RTI Act, as observed in the reluctance of certain government departments.
2. Threats to Activists: RTI activists face harassment and threats, discouraging the use of the Act, particularly in cases involving powerful interests, as seen in states like Maharashtra.
3. Dilution of Provisions: Recent amendments to the Act, reducing the autonomy of Information Commissioners, have weakened its enforcement mechanism.
4. Lack of Awareness: Limited awareness among citizens about their RTI rights, especially in rural areas, reduces the Act’s potential impact.
5. Inadequate Infrastructure: Poor record management and lack of digitization hinder effective information retrieval, particularly in local government offices.

Conclusion

The RTI Act has significantly advanced transparency and accountability in India’s governance, but challenges like bureaucratic resistance and threats to activists undermine its effectiveness. Strengthening the RTI framework is essential for ensuring good governance and upholding democratic values.

Additional Data and Committees for Value Addition –

• Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC): Emphasized the role of RTI in improving governance and reducing corruption.
• Shailesh Gandhi’s Tenure: Known for proactive disclosure initiatives as an Information Commissioner, promoting transparency.

Question 2: Evaluate the effectiveness of e-governance initiatives in India, such as the Digital India program, in enhancing service delivery and reducing corruption. What are the key challenges and limitations faced in scaling up these initiatives across the country? (10 Marks, 150 words)

Introduction

E-governance initiatives like the Digital India program, launched in 2015, aim to transform governance by enhancing service delivery, transparency, and reducing corruption, in line with Article 21 of the Constitution, which ensures the right to a dignified life.

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Effectiveness in Enhancing Service Delivery and Reducing Corruption –

1. Streamlined Service Delivery: Initiatives like UMANG provide integrated access to multiple government services, reducing delays in service delivery.
2. Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT): DBT has minimized leakages in subsidy distribution, as seen in LPG subsidy transfers under the PAHAL scheme.
3. Improved Transparency: The introduction of the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) ensures real-time monitoring of fund disbursements, enhancing financial transparency.
4. Citizen Empowerment: Platforms like MyGov enable citizens to participate in governance, fostering accountability and responsiveness.
5. Reduction in Middlemen: E-governance has reduced the role of intermediaries in processes like land registration, evident in the implementation of DigiLocker.

Key Challenges and Limitations in Scaling Up –

1. Digital Divide: Limited internet penetration in rural and remote areas, such as in northeastern states, hampers the reach of e-governance initiatives.
2. Infrastructure Constraints: Inadequate digital infrastructure, particularly in tier-3 and rural areas, limits the effectiveness of initiatives like BharatNet.
3. Cybersecurity Risks: Increasing digital transactions pose security threats, as seen in recent data breaches affecting government portals.
4. Lack of Digital Literacy: Low levels of digital literacy, especially among older populations, impede the adoption of e-governance services.
5. Interoperability Issues: Lack of standardization across various government platforms causes inefficiencies, as seen in the integration challenges of e-Kranti.

Conclusion

E-governance initiatives like Digital India have significantly enhanced service delivery and reduced corruption, but challenges like the digital divide and infrastructure gaps hinder their full potential. Addressing these issues is crucial for achieving inclusive and effective e-governance across the country.

Additional Data and Committees for Value Addition:

• MeitY’s Role: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) plays a crucial role in the implementation and scaling of e-governance initiatives.
• Aadhaar-Enabled Services: Aadhaar has been instrumental in ensuring the direct transfer of benefits, reducing leakages in schemes like MGNREGA.

Question 3: Critically analyze the role of Citizens’ Charters in promoting accountability and transparency within public institutions. How can their implementation be improved to ensure better public service delivery? (15 Marks, 250 words)

Introduction

Citizens’ Charters, introduced under the Second Administrative Reforms Commission, are public documents that outline the standards of service delivery, ensuring accountability and transparency in public institutions in line with Article 21 of the Constitution.

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Role in Promoting Accountability and Transparency –

1. Defined Service Standards: Citizens’ Charters set clear expectations for service delivery timelines, as seen in the Passport Seva project, enhancing accountability.
2. Grievance Redressal Mechanisms: Charters provide information on grievance redressal procedures, ensuring transparency in addressing citizen complaints, such as in municipal services.
3. Empowerment of Citizens: By making service standards public, charters empower citizens to demand accountability, as observed in public healthcare services.
4. Reduction in Corruption: Clear service benchmarks reduce discretionary power of officials, curbing corruption, as demonstrated in the issuance of driving licenses.
5. Public Awareness: Charters promote awareness of citizens’ rights, leading to informed interactions with public institutions, evident in the banking sector.

Challenges in Implementation –

1. Lack of Awareness: Limited public knowledge about Citizens’ Charters, particularly in rural areas, reduces their effectiveness in demanding accountability.
2. Vague Provisions: Ambiguities in service standards within charters lead to inadequate accountability, as seen in some state-level transport departments.
3. Poor Grievance Redressal: Inefficient grievance redressal mechanisms undermine the purpose of charters, notably in urban local bodies.
4. Inconsistent Implementation: Varied implementation across different states and sectors leads to unequal service delivery, observed in public distribution systems.
5. Resistance from Bureaucracy: Lack of commitment from public officials to adhere to charter standards, as seen in certain police departments, hinders effective implementation.

Improving Implementation for Better Public Service Delivery –

1. Public Awareness Campaigns: Strengthening campaigns, especially in rural areas, can improve citizen engagement with charters, enhancing their effectiveness.
2. Clear and Measurable Standards: Revising charters to include specific, measurable, and time-bound service standards will improve accountability, particularly in essential services.
3. Strengthening Grievance Mechanisms: Establishing robust and accessible grievance redressal systems, as seen in the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS), will enhance responsiveness.
4. Regular Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuous monitoring and third-party evaluations of charter implementation can ensure adherence and improvement, as practiced in some progressive states.
5. Incentivizing Compliance: Introducing performance-linked incentives for public officials can promote adherence to charter standards, particularly in sectors like healthcare and education.

Conclusion

Citizens’ Charters play a crucial role in promoting transparency and accountability within public institutions. However, their effectiveness hinges on improved implementation, public awareness, and robust grievance mechanisms, contributing to the broader goal of responsive and responsible governance.