Good Governance Day is observed every year on 25 December. It commemorates the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The observance highlights the core principles of accountability, transparency, efficiency, and citizen-centric governance. These principles reflect Vajpayee’s enduring belief that governance must directly enhance the quality of life of ordinary citizens.
Legacy of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Governance Ideals
Atal Bihari Vajpayee served as Prime Minister of India on three occasions. He is remembered for his inclusive leadership. He is also remembered for his democratic values and consensus-based politics. His tenure witnessed landmark initiatives in infrastructure development. These initiatives included the Golden Quadrilateral highway project, rural road connectivity, telecom expansion, and institutional reforms.
Honoured with the Padma Vibhushan (1992) and Bharat Ratna (2015), Vajpayee championed governance that balanced economic reform with social welfare. His philosophy continues to guide India’s administrative focus on efficient delivery of public services. It also promotes transparency in decision-making. Additionally, it emphasizes responsiveness to citizens’ needs.
Good Governance Index: Measuring Governance Performance
The Good Governance Index (GGI) was introduced to institutionalise the ideals associated with Good Governance Day. The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) launched it on 25 December 2019. The GGI serves as a diagnostic and benchmarking tool to assess governance performance across States and Union Territories.
The index evaluates governance outcomes using 58 indicators across 10 sectors. It promotes evidence-based policymaking. It also fosters healthy competition among states and UTs to improve service delivery and administrative effectiveness.
Structure and Key Sectors of the GGI
The Good Governance Index covers the following ten sectors:
- Agriculture and Allied Activities
- Commerce and Industry
- Human Resource Development
- Public Health
- Public Infrastructure
- Economic Governance
- Social Welfare
- Judiciary and Public Safety
- Environment
- Citizen-Centric Governance
States and Union Territories are grouped into four categories based on size. They are also categorized based on administrative characteristics. This grouping ensures fair and meaningful comparisons.
📝 Exam-Oriented Facts
- Good Governance Day is observed on 25 December
- It marks the birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee
- Good Governance Index (GGI) was launched in 2019
- GGI covers 10 sectors and 58 indicators
- Implemented by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances
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