Ethics: Indic Idea of Good Governance | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

The recent focus on P2G2 (Pro-People Good Governance) in India and the establishment of a Department of Government Efficiency in the USA reflect a growing awareness of the need for improved and people-centric governance. In this context, it is important to revisit India's ancient traditions that embodied the concept of Rajadharma, which emphasizes justice, fairness, and the welfare of the people.

About Good Governance

• Governance refers to how power is used to manage a country’s economic and social resources for development.
• It ensures that the voices of vulnerable people are heard and their needs are met now and in the future.
• The United Nations says good governance should be participatory, consensus-oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective, equitable, and inclusive, all while following the rule of law.
• Challenges to good governance include corruption, lack of accountability, delays in the judiciary, poor law implementation, and inadequate public service delivery.

Indic Idea of Good Governance

Brihadaranya Upanishad:

• Emphasizes the king's duty to protect Dharma and the public good.
• Ensures equal opportunity for all citizens and protects the weak from exploitation.

Mundaka Upanishad:

• Introduces the phrase "Satyamev Jayate", meaning "Truth alone triumphs."
• Highlights the importance of truth in good governance.

Epic Ramayana:

• Describes Ram-Rajya, an ideal form of governance.
• Emphasizes leaders' responsibility to care for those in need rather than accumulating wealth for themselves.
• The Ayodhya Kanda of the Ramayana serves as a guide on good governance issues, depicting a society free from starvation, suffering, and discrimination.

Bhagavad Gita:

• Introduces the concept of Adhishthan, or the seat of action.
• Relates to good governance by promoting responsible and stable decision-making.
• Fosters a transparent, accountable, and effective administrative system.

Atharvaveda:

• Contains the Bhumi Suktam, a hymn dedicated to the Earth.
• Venerates the Earth as the universal mother and emphasizes living in harmony with nature.

Thirukural:

• Addresses the orderly development of society.
• Advocates for reasonable regulation of resource exploitation and environmental protection.

Kautilya's Arthashastra:

• Focuses on Yogakashema, or the welfare of citizens.
• Describes Raj Dharma, portraying the king as a servant of the citizens who cares for the sick, children, and the elderly.

Antyodaya:

• Based on Mahatma Gandhi's ideas.
• Implies welfare for all through the weakest members of society to achieve Sarvodaya, or the development of all.

Relevance of the Indic Ideas of Good Governance

• Adapting to Globalization: Reviving Indic ideas of good governance can help fill the gaps in public order and welfare left by globalization, which has reduced government authority.
• Sustainable Living: Indic principles, such as those in the Atharvaveda, emphasize sustainable development. This aligns with India's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) initiative.
• Preserving Democracy: Ensuring cooperation between the government and civil society is crucial for preserving democracy. Projects like Karmayogi aim to build government capacities in this regard.
• Welfare for All: The concept of Antyodaya, which focuses on inclusive development, is reflected in modern programs like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Public Distribution System (PDS), and Ayushman Bharat. These programs aim to uplift marginalized communities.
• Improving Diplomatic Relations: Kautilya's ideas of pragmatism can help assess strategic opportunities, threats, and risks in foreign relations.
• Conflict Resolution: The Nyaya system of jurisprudence, which focuses on justice, fairness, and mediation, offers an alternative to adversarial legal systems. Modern governance can adopt elements of this approach to resolve conflicts more amicably and reduce the burden on judicial systems.

Conclusion

The basic features of modern good governance align well with the ideas and administrative structures proposed in ancient Indian scriptures. In both cases, the primary objective of authority is the happiness of the people. Therefore, there is a strong need to explore the wisdom contained in ancient texts to build a SMART (simple, moral, accountable, responsive, and transparent) administration.