Transform Delhi with Kejriwal

GOOD GOVERNANCE is what people expect from a new apolitical group (a citizen’s forum). Social security, administration of development programs ensuring equitable welfare for one and all (not for rich , not for poor only, not for a specific cast creed or community are essential elements of governance. Principles of good governance as proposed from time to time are,- 1) The legislative and administrative responsibilities are mutually fulfilling and complimenting in governance. Dynamics of community life makes it obligatory for state to prescribe legislations as are necessary for the situation from time to time. Central government discharges its responsibilities to correct situations arising in the country as a whole, while state govt. suggests legislative actions (prepare rules) that are necessary to be made by govt. for the implementation of law in various situation(s). Once laws are approved and ratified by the governor, the government prepares rules to discharge its administrative responsibilities. Rules have the force of law. In case any violation of the rule of law, it is brought to the notice of the government who is expected to initiate action through the enforcement dept. However in case anyone feels or observes that action(s) is/are not taken or taken contrary to law they have the right to approach the court and get actions redressed. 2) Outsourcing the responsibility is bad governance: It is sometimes seen that wherever the govt. or its officers feel that the responsibilities are intricate or involves the participation of many agencies. The implementer may hand over or delegate the power to an agency (private or group). This is an evasive step to delay or shift responsibility. One argument for outsourcing is the cumbersome government procedure for creation of posts or promoting persons from existing ranks (followed by training). Delegation is an easy, quick and smooth administrative action. But outsourcing through an expression of interest (EOI) or outright contract cannot be expected to be charitable. Agencies assume themselves to be ‘de facto’ government and execute actions on their discretion or gain. Rule of law may become the first causality. A current catch word is PPP (public private partnership) which in true sense could be a positive step; but is vulnerable to be misused if the ‘role identification’ and ‘linkage’ are not clearly spelt out. A reasonable alternative is to identify or establish a statutory agency (or a project implementation group) with reasonable financial and administrative control of the govt. for the implementation on a time frame. 3) Laws are for enforcement and not meant for masquerading populist ideas: While it is it becomes essential to make laws from time to time governments could pass laws/ resolutions to project them in popular light (say, before elections). If it is made mandatory for govt. to do a work break down study (WBS) and PERT exercise [Program Evaluation and Review Technique.] before preparing/ presenting laws, rules or resolutions, one could foresee the sequence of task/ sub-tasks, man power need, time frame and accountability at each stage. Doing this is essentially an administrative responsibility. 4) Free market: We often discuss that the markets have to be free. It mainly means free from tight control of the govt. or a regulatory authority. But it is expected that the free market will conform to some ethical marketing behavior. In some cases their control comes with some concessions asked from and/or allowed by government. A true free market has to be free from both control and concessions from govt.. At the same time “no regulation” does not mean corruption is permissible. 5) Dissipation / decentralization The 73rd amendment of the constitution ensured devolution of powers in a three tier system in which the state govt. can delegate powers of certain departments to the Panchayti raj institutions. However, all states have not implemented the law completely. Even in a few states where it has been established the power has not gone down to the people as expected. Two major reasons are, 1) many of the people especially in villagers still do not know their power. 2) where powers are understood, people feel that the ward members are the de facto ministers for all the financial and social sanctions. The main idea of devolution of power is ensuring community participation in democracy. When one talks of a positive step like “Gram Sabhas” one must also discuss its implications from past practical experience. In Kerala though there was an overwhelming enthusiasm to local governance, gradually things returned to pursuit of specific political agenda, dictated by party high commands. Powers ended with president or the ward member who decides how to spend the money allocated. Often it is the most irraciable or nosiest of the member (or leader) in the discussions who has her/ his way. Villagers feel that whatever Panchayt decides or made to decide, is the law. To the common man it is the change of plane where recommendation is to be sought (shifting from minister to panchayt president or ward member). The best example is that of NREG (MGNREG) where at least some of the actions of the panchayt are not legally tenable. There are compromises on the fund use and participation, even though the govt. (the Secretary LSGD) had issued clear directions for the operation of MGMNREG funds. At National level too, the situation is more or less the same. Empowerment is considered as a tool to make food (and other essentials) accessible to the poor when agricultural labour demand is low. On our empowerment front, schemes like IRDP, employment assurance scheme (EAS), Jawahar Rojgar Yojana (JRY), rural work programme (RWP), employment guarantee scheme (NREGS), employment assurance scheme (EAS) etc. did not prove to have any primary or secondary impact on poverty or food security. None of these measures had any impact on general employment or in execution of projects. (Parikh, Kirit.S.: India Development report, 1997; Oxford Univ. Press). Other points suggested from time to time on good governance are briefly mentioned below,- 6. Committees are not to be used to delay (or virtually deny) decisions or used as a device defer division within a political party, group or community. Though qualities of good a leader include confidence, competence, communication skill and capacity for decision making [CCCC or C4], the last mentioned quality is critical. Many a time responsibilities of decision making are offloaded on committees to evade direct responsibility or to avoid division within one group. 7. Delivery of justice must lessen inflation and corruption in a manner that is deterrent to injustice. Justice delivered must be both legal and just and must have palpable impact. Reverting to the spirit of the article 39 we see that both inflation and corruption stand in the way of delivery of justice or right to an adequate means to livelihood (and social security). 8. Media must be supported for monitoring and not for mongering. Use and popularity of FM radio and its immense possibilities to operate multimedia have made communication possible in or relevant to, regions and localities within state. FM is available and cheap and has reached almost every corner of India Media rightfully deserve to get support for saving or speeding govt. actions and from going astray. But, Media has an ethical responsibility to refrain from panic mongering or from spreading negative public sentiments. 9. Commissions (planning, finance, law, information, judical etc.) must not be allowed to become power shops, without action. One has to rehearse the working through a work break down study and follow PERT to ensure that commissions serve their purpose and that sufficient staff is made available to them in time. As the work expands these commissions need be provided needed staff. 10. FDI (Foreign direct investment). FDI is gaining importance in global economic growth, especially among developing & emerging market countries. The International Monetary Fund defines FDI as an individual or business owning 10% or more of a foreign company's capital. But we can see how FDI is variously interpreted in the media and polity. Advantages and disadvantages of FDI can be seen more  

I appreciate your concern and concern of all members of this Circle. Kindly read my post Agenda for AAP upon formation of Government in Delhi. more  

I Want to post for A.K pl take care of strong room you newer knows what bjp can do as they are proud that we will win they will do something wrong before result you have to be very care-full because we love you best regards Sharma faimlly Canada r/o director health Canada. more  

I also agree to Mr.Virmani's point. Let's form together to a practically constructive community rather than just bringing in whitepapers. Expectations are very high form AAP and it has to ensure that it comes up to the expectations else it will be a big opportunity lost. more  

I agreee. To virmani jis point I find transform india with modi quite good. Te whitepapers etc based in janta inputs. Manohar Lal has been a dud thought. more