Introduction
The field of public administration is experiencing a dramatic and rapid change. Locally and globally, some of the most significant trends that will have the role and function of public administrators is rapidly evolving as the needs and demands of citizens, governments and organisations influence their ability to create and implement policies. Today’s public administrators face many issues as they deal with political, social and economic factors that impact both public and private sectors. Not the least of these are increasing demand for services and finite resources. In an era of declining budgets and public employment, especially at the state and local levels, vital government services are always at risk and public administrators must be able to adapt their policies and practices to provide necessary services with the funding and personnel available to them. The COVID-19 pandemic underlined the importance of rapid, flexible and mission-driven governance, and public administration offices across the globe have demonstrated that they are up to the task. Government entities must be able to make quick judgments and move ahead with confidence, especially during emergencies. Policymaking, legislation, procurement and the workforce are all examples of where this is needed.
One major question in public administration is how can you reflect on challenges and harness opportunities? Thinking in time helps the public administrator implement current trends which include new governance, new leadership styles, generational change and succession planning, strategic and performance measurement, citizen focus, reorganized work structure and process, e-government and e-democracy, service delivery, innovation, ethics and transparency. The need to improve sustainability, along with the persistent fiscal crisis, makes each of these trends relevant to cause the public administrator to think in time in order to implement these trends.
To address a number of issues and challenges, public administrators must think “outside the box” and employ innovative strategies to manage not only processes but the people responsible for their development and implementation. They must be able to adapt to their governments or organizations and the cultures that are the result of them. Shifts in management paradigms, along with the use of emerging technologies, will greatly influence those strategies. With a growing number of professionals retiring from public service, there is a need to educate and develop the next generation of public administrators. Old practices will not work going forward. Public servants cannot continue to operate in closed bureaucracies; instead, they must work in flexible organizations. Our capacity building programmes must be designed to meet current and future challenges and develop committed professionals with distinct competence and values to best serve the public, the community and elected leaders in government.
Good Governance foster overall Development
Good governance is essential for fostering economic development, social cohesion, and political stability. It is not limited to the public sector but also applies to private organisations and civil society. Many international organisations and governments promote the principles of good governance as a means to achieve sustainable development and ensure the well-being of their populations. Good governance refers to the principles and practices that ensure the effective, transparent, accountable, and responsive management of public affairs by governments and institutions. It is a concept that emphasises fairness, equity, rule of law, participation, and inclusiveness in the decision-making process. The goal of good governance is to promote the well-being of citizens and create an environment conducive to sustainable development. All individuals and institutions, including the government, are subject to and accountable under the law. The legal framework should be transparent, fair, and applied consistently.
Information should be accessible, and decisions made by public officials should be open and easily understandable. This helps in building trust among citizens and ensures accountability. Public officials and institutions must be accountable for their actions. There should be mechanisms in place to hold them responsible for their decisions and performance. Citizens should have the opportunity to participate in the decision-making processes that affect their lives. Inclusive participation ensures that a diverse range of perspectives is considered. Decisions and policies should be fair and just, and resources should be distributed equitably. This helps in preventing discrimination and social injustice. Institutions should be effective in delivering public services and efficient in using resources. This ensures that government functions are carried out with the best use of available resources. Good governance involves having a long-term vision and planning for the future. This helps in guiding policies and decisions towards sustainable development.
The issue of good governance has in the recent times emerged at the forefront of the development debate. To promote good governance India has recognised the urgent need for administrative reforms to enhance the capacity and capability of the administrative systems in carrying out goals for economic and social development. It has been realised that the deficiencies in the administrative machinery constitute a major obstacle to the effective implementation of development plans and priorities. The growing complexity of modern life in an age of rapid technological, social and economic changes has increased the role of the government, particularly in the provision of service delivery.
Transformational leadership to overcome the crisis
New leadership styles are the pivotal trend that will help government maintain sustainability and prevent fiscal crisis. There are many types of leadership styles that have caused formal authority to become almost obsolete and have led to innovative styles, such as transformational, change agent, facilitative and situational. Each of these innovative leadership styles is effective. But the key to leadership style is leadership ability.
However, the three qualities that could make a new leadership effective are leadership ability, influence and empowerment. Without an effective leadership style, the government loses its efficiency and sustainability because of the “maze” of bureaucracy. A system of bureaucracy causes a lack of innovation and places limitations on governance, strategic/performance measurement, ethics and transparency. The transformational leadership style is new and innovative enough to help the government structure maintain sustainability and improve the fiscal crisis. When implemented within a bureaucratic system, the transformational leadership style will help strengthen the relationship between management and staff. This type of leadership style enables the follower to be motivated and inspired and provides challenging tasks which enable them to feel like a contributor.
Ethics and Morality in Good Governance
To promote good governance there has been an emphasis on ethics and morality. A number of countries have taken steps to ensure their public servants discharge their services in an ethical manner. Ethics in public administration traditionally has been divided into two schools, the normative and the structural. The normative perspective, often drawing upon organisational development, examines how ethical values are inculcated and put into operation in organisations. The structural approach probes formal-legal arrangements, primarily regulatory and legal prescriptions and prohibitions through which governments seek to channel and control administrators' behaviour.
Governments that prioritize ethics and morality in their practices contribute to the development of a just and equitable society. It fosters public trust, enhances the legitimacy of government actions, and ultimately leads to more sustainable and positive outcomes for the community. Promoting ethical behaviour in governance is essential for maintaining public trust, social cohesion, and the overall well-being of society. Governments, institutions, and individuals involved in governance processes must be committed to upholding high ethical standards to achieve the goals of good governance.
Ethical governance requires honesty and integrity among public officials. Transparency in decision-making, disclosure of conflicts of interest, and the avoidance of corruption are essential for building trust with the public. Accountability as morality and ethics demand that individuals and institutions take responsibility for their actions. In the context of governance, this means being accountable to the public for decisions and outcomes, and accepting consequences for any misconduct. Rule of Law in adhering to ethical principles involves upholding the rule of law. Government actions should be in accordance with established legal frameworks, and laws should be just and equitable.
Ethical governance requires that decisions are made fairly and without discrimination. Policies and actions should promote equity, and the benefits and burdens of governance should be distributed justly. Respect for Human Rights: Morality and ethics dictate that governments respect and protect the fundamental rights and dignity of individuals. Human rights should be at the core of decision-making processes. Ethical governance involves the inclusion of diverse perspectives and voices in decision-making. All members of society, regardless of their background, should have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process. In Public Service Ethic, Public officials should view their roles as acts of service to the public. Ethical governance emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the well-being of the community over personal interests.
Stewardship of Resources of Morality and ethics guide the responsible use of public resources. Government officials have a duty to manage resources efficiently and effectively for the benefit of the public. Citizen Engagement promotes ethical governance and encourages meaningful engagement with citizens. This involves listening to their concerns, involving them in decision-making processes, and providing accurate information to enable informed participation. Long-term Vision established in ethical governance that looks beyond short-term gains and considers the long-term impact of decisions on the well-being of current and future generations.
Citizens’ health and wellness
Public administration touches every facet of our lives, and as such public administrators have the responsibility for making decisions in the best interests of their publics’ health. There are few regulatory decisions that do not affect population health. Many of the factors that affect health are outside of the healthcare sector. Consider the development of sanitation systems and the establishment of building codes so that people have clean water to drink and safe homes in which to live. These have a positive effect on citizens’ health and wellness. Occupational safety laws, minimum wage standards, professional licensing of health providers, and the advent of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration were all set into motion to advance public health through the development of policies and regulations by public administrators. As populations increase and communities evolve, public administrators must create and implement policies which will drive better and fairer health outcomes that are appropriately administered and implemented.
Service Excellence: Measuring quality of services
Citizens of today are more aware, more demanding, more informed and more knowledgeable. Service has become very critical. If districts adopt the concept of service excellence they can become more productive and competitive. Excellence can simply be defined as the quality or state of being outstanding or superior. Excellence provides happiness and comfort to the citizens and also provides a memorable experience. The cutting edge officials should be more motivated and competitive and need to improve their attitude. A positive environment is to be created where every individual feels needed and important. The new economy is customer economy and the customer is full of emotions and we need to understand their emotional needs. In the realm of service delivery at the district level we are still aiming for a ‘satisfied customer’ where as worldwide organisations are moving towards a ‘delighted customer’.
TQM is a business management approach that has gained popularity within the public sector organisations in India in the recent past. During the past decade public managers in agencies at all levels of government have adopted various quality approaches across the country. The Department of Administrative reforms, Government of India has been the nodal agency promoting TQM in government. A number of Administrative training institutions have been selected to implement and impart training to civil servants in TQM. Today TQM has become an important organisational trend in the context of change management in the public sector. Modern TQM has emerged as a management approach based on a set of fundamental quality principles, techniques and procedures that provides guidance and structure in the practical affairs of running an organisation. With TQM an organisation is viewed holistically as a system of interrelated and interdependent processes. A number of criteria can be used to determine the quality of services being delivered by various district agencies. They can be mainly condensed into five dimensions of service quality, they are; tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy. Tangibility essentially refers to the physical facilities, equipment, and appearance of the personnel to deliver the services. Most of the agencies at the district level lack adequate and hygienic facilities for the citizens. The conditions are so chaotic that there usually appears to be confusion with no one knowing what is happening. Reliability is the ability to perform the promised service dependably and accurately. In most of the case the citizens have no faith in the organizations delivering services at the district level.
Essentiality of Local Governance for Good Governance
Local governance refers to the administration of local or regional areas by elected or appointed officials, typically within the framework of a larger national government. It involves the management of local affairs, services, and resources to meet the needs of the community. Local governance is a crucial aspect of the overall governance structure and plays a significant role in ensuring that decisions are made close to the people they affect. Effective local governance is essential for promoting community development, citizen participation, and the overall well-being of residents. It contributes to a more responsive governance structure by bringing decision-making closer to the people and addressing local challenges with a better understanding of local context and needs.
Decentralisation in Local governance often involves the decentralisation of power and decision-making authority from the central government to local authorities. This allows for more responsive and tailored solutions to the specific needs of local communities. Local governments have a degree of autonomy in managing their own affairs. While they operate within the legal framework set by the national government, they have the authority to make decisions on matters that directly impact their jurisdictions. Local Representation in Local governments are typically composed of elected representatives who serve as the voice of the community. These representatives may be elected through various democratic processes, such as local elections or appointed by higher levels of government. Local governance is responsible for providing essential services to the community, such as education, healthcare, sanitation, public safety, and infrastructure development. Local authorities play a key role in addressing the day-to-day needs of the population.
Community Engagement in Local governance encourages community participation and engagement in decision-making processes. This may involve public consultations, town hall meetings, and other mechanisms to gather input from residents on local issues. Planning and Development for Local governments are involved in urban and rural planning, land use management, and economic development initiatives. They play a crucial role in shaping the physical and economic landscape of their areas. Financial Management of Local governance involves managing local budgets and finances to ensure the efficient and effective use of resources. Local authorities may collect taxes, fees, and other revenues to fund local services and projects. Coordination with Higher Levels in local governments have autonomy, they often need to coordinate with higher levels of government to ensure alignment with national policies, laws, and regulations.
The district in India is in many ways the most important unit of field administration. It remains the basic territorial unit of administration in the states and continues to be the face of governance. It is a convenient geographical unit where the apparatus of public administration are concentrated. During 1991 census India had 466 districts and at present the number has increased to nearly 600. Within the districts are units called tehsils or talukas for departments such as revenue, education, health, etc and Blocks which are basic units for agrarian development. Local self-governments include panchayats and municipal councils. With the passage of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional amendment Acts the local governments have been saddled with major responsibilities, resources and political power within the district. The district administration includes all agencies of government and comprehends all institutions for the management of public affairs. As a unit of the administrative system it has been a pivotal point of contact between the citizen and the administration.
Genesis of District Administration
District administration has been one of the important institutional legacies passed on by the British. The genesis of district administration dates back to the East India Company and the principle representative in the district became the collector of land revenue. Trading was replaced by levy and collection of land revenue. As law and order had to be maintained and the army could not be present everywhere the collector of the district also became the official responsible for maintaining law and order. Later on the district came under the full governance and administration of the imperial power. The collector levied and collected the land revenue and other taxes. As district magistrate he maintained law and order and in doing so administered a system of justice. Gradually with need the district administration grew into a complex apparatus with addition of a number of other staff to man various functions/ services at the district level, like the Superintendent of Police, the Civil Surgeon, the District Judge, Superintend of Jails, Executive Engineer for Public Works, DIOS, District Agriculture Officer, etc. As the functions and responsibilities of the district expanded the structure also grew with a large work force to man the various sub systems.
The district administration faces many difficulties and conflicting challenges due to increasing demand for various governmental services, diminishing resources and general public distrust to name a few. Moreover due to a variety of factors the traditional homogeneity of the district administrator and the authority of the district collector are being challenged. Therefore building the capacity of the district administration requires a new thrust. The primary objective should be to enhance the ability of the district officials especially those at the cutting edge to achieve greater efficiency and openness in key “public dealing departments” to effectively deliver services and also to implement local development programmes. It should also aim to make the district administration more accountable and responsive to citizen’s needs and concern, especially those from the weaker and marginalised sections of the society. In particular specific functions like police, revenue administration, public distribution system, social welfare schemes, primary education, elections, services being delivered by the municipal bodies and panchayats need to be targeted. The services that can be targeted are; vehicle registration, land registration, driving licence, arms licence, elections, grievance redressal, passport forms collection counters, municipal services and various services rendered by the panchayats within the district.
Rapidly Advancing Technology
Emerging technologies are having a significant impact on how governments and organisations interact with their constituencies. With increased capabilities and accessibility, today’s software and hardware is allowing public administrators to better analyse data and trends, learn about best practices from colleagues around the globe, and institute policies and procedures that streamline operations and provide more transparency to stakeholders. Technology has the benefit of lowering the costs to do business for both organisations and those they serve. Less physical resources like paper and file storage facilities are needed to acquire and store information, and computing systems are becoming more compact and energy efficient. The advent of mobile devices, like smart phones and tablets allows teams to quickly find and share information, communicate with their leadership and citizens, and address issues as they arise, all in real time and wherever they may be working, whether in the field or in their offices. As technology advances, the need to guard sensitive information also becomes a priority. Programs designed to infiltrate computing servers to steal confidential or personal data are constantly evolving and today’s public administrators must remain vigilant and employ up-to-date systems to ensure information remains secure and the public trust is maintained.
Role of Digital Governance
The complications of the COVID-19 pandemic have ushered in the next generation of government digitization. For many public agencies, digital transformation went from "good to have" to "must-have." Governments have sped their digital journey along three important dimensions to accommodate the spike in service demand while working virtually: Building a more digitally-skilled staff; Growing their digital infrastructure and Investing in citizen connection. Within and beyond government, data is becoming increasingly important. Public agencies are developing new ways to maximize the value of the data they have, including sharing it correctly and ethically. The trend toward fluid, dynamic data is transforming how government and its partners in academia, charities and the commercial sector utilize and exchange data around the world.
This can include repurposing data to acquire fresh insights into the past and present, as well as making informed projections about the future. Organisations can create programs that are based on intelligence architecture. Past performance, along with real-time data, can help public administration officials make better decisions for the future. With government agencies investing more in digitisation – including more efforts in using data and anticipatory services – cybercriminals now have more potential targets in the public sector. Improving the nation’s overall cyber security is a national priority, as a single cyber-attack on one government target can pose a danger to a whole industry or sector. Government officials are working to break down internal silos, identify vulnerabilities, and employ skilled cyber security professionals at all levels.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to automate tasks that humans currently perform. Government must harness the promise of AI and machine learning to increase efficiency and effectiveness, allowing public administrators to meet budgets, achieve long-term goals, and develop transformative solutions for the public good.
Digital Governance: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Another concern related to increased digitization and data usage is ensuring that government agencies also prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion. Responsible organizations are now concentrating more on the underlying causes of systemic inequalities and examining how their policies are produced, implemented and reviewed. Organizations are rethinking how to carry out their missions. The pandemic brought the future of government employment into the present, from remote labour to telemedicine and online classrooms. This direction coincides with the rise of flexible and remote workplaces, including methods for managing a distributed workforce and providing high-quality citizen services remotely.
Rebuilding Government Trust through E - Governance
Trust in the government has hovered near historic lows for years. One of the keys to rebuilding this trust is understanding that “the government” is not one entity; it’s composed of many different agencies that fulfil different roles and offer different services. Government agencies can identify their archetype, focus on their public perception, study what has worked for other agencies within their archetype, and build strategies to strengthen their perception. It can be a complicated challenge, but rebuilding government trust is possible.
Digital Transformation: Governments worldwide are embracing digital transformation to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of public services. This involves the integration of technology at every level of governance, from citizen engagement to internal administrative processes.
Open Data Initiatives: Governments are increasingly adopting open data policies, making non-sensitive government data accessible to the public. This promotes transparency, accountability, and encourages citizen participation in governance.
Blockchain Technology: Some governments are exploring the use of blockchain technology to improve the security and transparency of public transactions, reduce fraud, and streamline administrative processes.
Mobile Governance (m-Governance): With the widespread use of smart phones, governments are developing mobile applications to provide citizens with easy access to government services and information. Mobile governance facilitates real-time interaction and engagement.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: Governments are exploring the use of AI and machine learning for data analysis, predictive modeling, and decision-making processes. These technologies can help in identifying patterns, optimizing resource allocation, and improving service delivery.
Cybersecurity in E-Governance: As digital systems become more prevalent in governance, there is an increased focus on cyber security to protect sensitive information and maintain the integrity of e-Government systems.
Data Privacy and Protection: Governments are implementing robust data privacy laws and regulations to safeguard citizen information. Compliance with standards such as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) has become crucial.
Cloud Computing: Many governments are adopting cloud computing services to store and manage data. Cloud solutions offer scalability, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility, enabling more efficient and flexible public administration.
Citizen-centric Services: E-Governance initiatives are increasingly emphasising citizen-centric services, focusing on improving the overall citizen experience by providing user-friendly platforms and personalised services.
Interoperability and Standardisation: Governments are working towards the integration and interoperability of different e-Government systems. Standardization of data formats and communication protocols helps in creating a seamless experience for both administrators and citizens.
Participatory Governance: E-Governance trends include fostering citizen participation through online platforms and social media. This enables citizens to voice their opinions, contribute to decision-making processes, and hold the government accountable.
Government Initiatives to promote E - Governance
E-Governance in India has been a significant initiative aimed at leveraging information technology to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of government services. E-Governance in India ensures the use of Information Technology (IT) and electronic means to deliver government services, exchange information, and communicate with citizens. The implementation of e-Governance aims to make government processes more efficient, transparent, and accessible to the public. Over the years, India has made significant strides in the field of e-governance, leveraging technology to improve service delivery and governance mechanisms. Here are some key points about e-Governance in India:
National e-Governance Plan (NeGP): Launched in 2006, the NeGP is a comprehensive program that seeks to transform governance by using technology. It comprises various Mission Mode Projects (MMPs) focusing on different sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and public distribution. National e-Governance Plan is a comprehensive initiative that aims to transform governance through the use of technology. It focuses on providing a wide range of e-services to citizens, improving government processes, and enhancing the overall efficiency of public administration.
Digital India Initiative: Launched in 2015, the Digital India program is an umbrella initiative that aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. It includes various projects to improve infrastructure, promote digital literacy, and provide online services. Digital India campaign is a flagship program aimed at transforming India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. It includes various initiatives such as the provision of broadband
Common Services Centers (CSCs): CSCs are physical service delivery points established at the village level to provide various government services to citizens. They act as a one-stop shop for services such as issuing certificates, bill payments, and online form submission. CSCs are physical facilities where citizens in rural and remote areas can access various government services. These centers provide a range of services such as issuing certificates, processing utility bill payments, and facilitating online transactions. The CSCs play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide.
Aadhaar: The Aadhaar system, a unique identification project, plays a crucial role in e-Governance. It provides a unique identification number to residents, facilitating better targeting of subsidies and ensuring efficient service delivery. Aadhaar initiative involves providing a unique 12-digit identification number to residents of India based on their biometric and demographic data. Aadhaar has become a central component of various e-Governance services, enabling efficient and secure identification.
E-Governance Portals: Various government departments and agencies have developed online portals to offer services and information to citizens. Examples include the Income Tax e-Filing portal, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs portal, and the Passport Seva Portal. Numerous e-Services are available for citizens, including online application and issuance of documents such as passports, PAN cards, and driving licenses. E-filing of income tax returns, online payment of bills, and access to various government information portals are also part of the e-Governance framework.
Digital Payments and Transactions: The push towards a cashless economy has been a part of the e-Governance initiative. Initiatives like Unified Payments Interface (UPI) have made it easier for citizens to make digital transactions for government services.
Mobile Apps: The government has developed and promoted mobile applications to facilitate access to services and information. Apps like UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) provide a single platform for various government services.
GeM (Government e-Marketplace): GeM is an online platform for government procurement of goods and services. It enhances transparency, efficiency, and competition in public procurement.
SWAYAM and SWAYAM Prabha: These platforms offer online courses and educational content, promoting e-learning and digital education.
MyGov: MyGov is a citizen engagement platform that allows citizens to participate in the governance process by providing suggestions, feedback, and participating in discussions. It is providing suggestions, sharing ideas, and participating in discussions on various policy matters.
E-Procurement and E-Tendering: Many government departments and agencies have adopted e-procurement and e-tendering systems to streamline the procurement process, enhance transparency, and reduce corruption.
Conclusion
Contemporary trends in public administration, with a specific focus on e-Governance, highlight the transformative impact of technology on the functioning of governments worldwide. Governments are increasingly adopting digital technologies to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of public services. E-Governance has become a central component of public administration, streamlining processes and reducing bureaucratic barriers. E-Governance emphasizes a citizen-centric approach, focusing on meeting the needs and expectations of the public. Online platforms and digital services aim to make government’s information and services more accessible and responsive to citizens' demands. The rise of e-Governance has led to the accumulation of vast amounts of data. Governments are leveraging data analytics to make informed decisions, optimize resource allocation, and enhance policy effectiveness. E-Governance fosters transparency through open government initiatives, making government data and information accessible to the public. Open data policies promote collaboration between the government and citizens, encouraging innovation and accountability. E-Governance initiatives need to address the digital divide, ensuring that all segments of society have equal access to online services. Efforts are required to bridge the gap in digital literacy and access to technology, especially in underserved communities. Traditional bureaucratic structures are evolving towards more agile and flexible governance models. E-Governance facilitates quicker responses to changing circumstances, allowing governments to adapt and innovate in real-time. E-Governance encourages collaboration between governments, fostering international partnerships and information sharing.
Cross-border initiatives aim to address global challenges and promote best practices in public administration. Contemporary trends in public administration underscore the pivotal role of e-Governance in reshaping how governments operate and interact with citizens. The integration of digital technologies not only enhances efficiency and transparency but also demands a strategic focus on cybersecurity, inclusivity, and agile governance to navigate the complexities of the modern era. As technology continues to advance, governments must stay vigilant in adapting and optimizing e-Governance strategies to meet evolving challenges and opportunities.
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A paradigm represents a framework, viewpoint, or collection of concepts that serves as a lens for understanding various subjects. In disciplines like science and philosophy, paradigms encompass specific theories, methodologies, and principles defining valid contributions within a field.
Public administration in the 21st century is undergoing significant transformation, not just in advanced countries but also in various regions of the developing world, as the calls for transformative change grow louder. These changes are propelled by globalisation, liberalisation and the diversification of service provision.
In an era where administrative agility defines the efficacy of democratic governance, this chapter, “Techniques of Administrative Improvement”, offers a comprehensive exploration of transformative tools, methods, and strategies that are reshaping public administration in India and globally.
The rapid pace and interdependence of global, political, social and economic developments have necessitated a critical need for improved efficiency and effective public institutions, administrative procedures and sound financial management to confront challenges for sustainable development in all countries.
The evolution of Indian administration reflects a historical continuum shaped by civilizational values and transformative changes. Spanning the Mauryan, Mughal, and British eras, each phase contributed distinct institutional structures and governance philosophies.
As an initial output of the joint research between the Korean Institute of Public Administration (KIPA) and the National Academy of Governance (NAOG), this article provides overviews of the Korean and Mongolian legislative environment, governance and characteristics of the anti-corruption policies.
Administrative improvement is a strategic necessity in a fast-paced world. Techniques like O&M, Work Study, management aid tools such as network analysis form the cornerstone of efficient governance. MIS, PERT, and CPM tools equip administrators with the ability to anticipate challenges, and drive organizational success in an increasingly complex environment.
Street vendors are an integral part of the urban informal economy in India, providing essential goods and service that cater to the diverse needs of city residents. They operate in various capacities, from food vendors to artisans, and play a crucial role in enhancing the vibrancy and accessibility of urban life.
This paper examines the critical role of communication in driving India's economic growth within the context of its diverse societal structure and the rapidly evolving information age. It argues that effective communication is not merely a tool for disseminating information but a fundamental force shaping development trajectories.
One often wonders ‘what the government does’ and ‘why the government does what it does’ and equally importantly ‘what it does not do and why so’. According to Thomas R. Dye “public policy is whatever government chooses to do or not to do”, implying that government's actions and inactions both come into the realm of public policy.
Access to safe drinking water is not merely a fundamental human right; it is a cornerstone of public health, economic development, and social equity. In rural India, where water scarcity and inadequate infrastructure pose significant challenges, the quest for reliable water supply becomes even more critical.
This paper outlines the century-long history of Mongolia’s civil service training institution, the National Academy of Governance (NAOG), which plays a crucial role in meeting the contemporary needs of training and developing human resources within the civil service sector.
India stands at a crucial juncture in its quest for inclusive development that will bring prosperity across the spectrum. Large amounts of public funds are spent to address these issues, but their implementation and the quality of services delivered leave much to be desired.
India has committed to achieving developed nation status by the centenary of its independence, leveraging cutting-edge technologies including AI tapping into its vast human capital, and implementing policies that foster high growth while addressing enduring social and economic inequalities.
This article explores the value and statehood of Mongolia by utilising Woodrow Wilson’s categorisation of “Judging by the constitutional histories of the chief nations of the modern world, there may be three periods of growth through which government has passed in all the most highly developed of existing systems, and through which it promises to pass in all the rest.
This paper examines India's economic trajectory through the lens of its demographic dividend a substantial youth population exceeding 50% under age 25 within its 1.4 billion citizens. While this demographic advantage offers unprecedented economic potential, its promise is threatened by systemic challenges including inadequate education access, limited skill development, and employment scarcity, particularly in rural areas.
Remarkable technological and scientific progress has made the modern democratic State not a mere watch-dog or a police institution but an active participant interfering in almost every sphere of individual and corporate life in society in the changed role of a service state and a welfare state
Since the reform and opening up, China’s leadership training has experienced three stages of development: the initial stage of leadership training and development in the early period of China’s reform and opening up to the world (1978-2002), the rapid growing stage of leadership training and development in the period of fast growing economy and society (2002- 2012) and the innovative…
Accountability and control are essential for efficient, ethical administration in public and private sectors. Accountability ensures officials answer for actions and resource use, while control involves mechanisms to monitor compliance with laws and goals, promoting responsibility and preventing misconduct.
Healthcare in rural India presents unique challenges and opportunities. While global health metrics emphasize indicators like life expectancy, mortality rates, and healthcare infrastructure, they often fail to capture the socio-cultural nuances of rural communities
The “Internet plus” government service reform in China has progressed through three stages, namely one-stop service, one-window service, and companion service. This reform has become a significant example of reshaping the relationship between the local government and the public.
This paper explores the evolution of Indian welfare philosophy from Gandhi's nonviolent resistance to contemporary governance. It traces how the sacrifices of Indian revolutionaries fostered Sarvodaya and Antyodaya ideals, examining the philosophical underpinnings of these concepts in Advaita and dualistic traditions.
Like most other countries around the world, after the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bangladesh's education system has undergone a radical change from the beginning of March 2020 onwards. The study attempts to analyse teachers’, students’ and parents’ perceptions and experiences about the online education in the COVID-19 pandemic at the school level.
Health is a fundamental human right and a critical indicator of development. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development emphasizes the importance of ensuring health and well-being for all individuals. A key objective of this agenda is to guarantee favorable health outcomes, underscored by the endorsement of a new declaration during the Global Conference on Primary Health Care held in Astana,…
In this article, published reports have been used for analysing state-wise status of SDGs achievements and their correlations with attainments in areas of poverty-reduction and other developmental indicators. Also, progress made by GPs on various metrics related to SDGs has been corroborated with other relevant metrics
Loss of governance reform efficacy is an identified entrenched institutional problem in systems. Reform, anywhere, is a sticky material because holders of powers and their cronies have rarely shown altruistic intentions of relaxing their profiteering grips over resources.
On September 1, 2023, a committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind explored the possibility of something called One Nation, One Election in India and ever since this thing has come out in public, political parties all across the country have been fuming with anger.
This paper examines various initiatives taken by Government of India to promote collaborative governance in various sectors. With increasing needs and aspirations of the community for public services and the limited capacity of government to provide the same, the involvement of various stakeholders to deliver these services becomes important and necessity.
In the vast and diverse landscape of India, regional disparities in development have long posed significant challenges to achieving equitable growth and social justice. Recognizing the urgent need to address these disparities, the Government of India launched the Aspirational Districts Programme in January 2018.
A dynamic interaction between the recognition of human complexity in organizations and the pursuit of structural efficiency has shaped the evolution of administrative philosophy. The foundational works of Frederick W. Taylor, Max Weber, Mary Parker Follett, Elton Mayo, Chester Barnard, Rensis Likert, Chris Argyris, and Douglas McGregor are critically examined in this essay, which charts the shift from traditional administrative…
In India, National Training Policy was formed in 2012, replacing the old policy of 1996. This was needed two reasons, new areas of administration given in the reports of second administrative reforms commission setup in 2005 and changing environment in different spheres of governance and new challenges of administration being faced by the civil servants.
India's emergence as a global services powerhouse in the 21st century marks a profound and transformative shift. This evolution, far from a mere economic change, is a strategic leap driven by its demographic dividend, technological advancements, and the burgeoning global demand for specialized services.
Public administration, as the executive arm of the state, has tremendous responsibilities to match the needs and aspirations of the citizens of the state. The systems have evolved over the years in almost every country as the politico and socio-economic environment of the respective country have changed.
Public administration is the cornerstone of modern governance. It refers to the organization, management, and implementation of government policies and programs, carried out by public officials and institutions. As a vital mechanism of the state, public administration not only ensures the effective delivery of services to citizens but also upholds the principles of accountability, transparency, and rule of law.
Tribal Sustainable Development through Evidence-based Policy and Planning: A major issue in post-Independence India has been a misreading of demands of tribal communities. What they have been demanding pertains to choice upholding their traditions and customs and having ownership over natural resources
As the Idiom of technological advancement takes its toll. The paper highlights a few poignant and emerging factors in the International Relations theorization. It was conservatively maintained by the defense strategists and the political leadership across the Global polity that foreign policy and the Diplomacy are greatly determined by the “given” of Geography and terrain
With the deepening of democracy, increased decentralisation, increasing social and political awareness, digital penetration, shifts in demography, demand for quality services by common citizens has been accelerating at a faster pace. In such a scenario, the role of State is critical for promoting equity in access to services.
"Accelerating India's Development" holistically looks at India’s growth trajectory since gaining independence – it rounds up all where it has done well including unity, upholding the integrity of its constitution, retaining democratic values at its core. It also does not mince words to convey where all the nation has faltered such as falling short in delivery of public services including…
Income and Employment Intensive Growth Agenda for India: The paper examines income and employment status in the Indian labour force to identify policy attention and follow up. The macroeconomic policies taken during last one decade are yielding positive results leading to expansion of manufacturing and services and structural transformation in the economy.
An Analysis of India's Social Welfare Programs: In a democracy, the state's role is to promote societal welfare. According to Aristotle, the state should not only ensure its survival but also improve the quality of life for its citizens. The state has a moral responsibility to its citizens. Modern views agree that the state should provide essential services like education,…
Digital Innovations in Social Protection: Trends, Challenges, and Solutions: The integration of digital technologies into social protection systems represents a transformative shift with profound implications for the delivery of welfare services. This chapter explores the evolving landscape of digital innovations in social protection, contextualising these developments within the broader framework of universal social protection and a systemic approach to welfare.
One of the most crucial aspects of our society is law enforcement, which deals with issues of law and order nationwide. It is an essential component of the state's legal system. The British government introduced a Police Act in 1861, which is still very relevant and based on policing.
India’s Vision for 2047 aims to transform the nation into a developed country, with healthcare being pivotal for this progress. Achieving universal health coverage and modernising healthcare infrastructure are essential for fostering a healthy productive population, which in turn drives economic growth and reduces poverty.
Several challenges linger in the Indian education system, like rote learning, the non-existence of practical skills among students, and disparities in access to quality education. To deal with the criticism for excessive curriculum and unreasonable focus on rote learning, this chapter examines the strategies comprising the building blocks to reform Indian schools.
Social development is expected to promote holistic improvement of individuals, institutions and their surrounding environments. Looking at the pace of development in India, the economy of most states requires strategic prioritization to accelerate improved well-being of the people. Accessibility to health, school education and public security are critical to the edifice of social development.
India is the largest democracy in the world inhabited by about 1.36 billion people over an area of 3287 thousand square kilometers according to an estimate for 2021 based on Census 2011. The Indian economy is characterised as a middle-income emerging market economy. In the last three decades the economy has faced three major crises, i.e., balance of payment crisis…
Neoliberal policies pursued by India since 1990s have created a space for private enterprises hitherto occupied by the state entities, unshackled the existing enterprises and introduced reforms to facilitate private initiative. This chapter looks into the ecosystem of the private sector in general and the developments in three specific sectors- urban mobility, water supply and housing, to draw lessons for…
This Chapter highlights the gradual transformation from Personnel Administration to Strategic Human Resource Management over the years in Government of India. However, there is still a long way to go. In this Chapter an attempt has been made to delineate the criticality to move towards Strategic HRM in Government of India to achieve India’s developmental goals.
Robust statistical data forms the cornerstone of an informed governance system. This paper studies the statistical system and data dissemination in the Centre and State governments in India, and the measures put in action to accelerate the data dissemination process. Arguing that the availability of high-frequency statistical data is a necessary condition for good governance, the first section of the…
In the Amrit Kaal (golden period) of independent India, the ‘citizen first’ approach guides public governance by deepening the outreach of service delivery mechanism so that international standards could be achieved in India@100. The goal can only be achieved by all inclusive governance involving stronger and effective local self-governments both panchayats and municipalities.
In modern societies, with the increasing role of the state in social and economic fields, emphasis on the quality of its governance is of prime concern to all. Indian bureaucratic system of governance is founded on the principle of rule of law, as the state power is divided amongst three chief organs, each has the its own quality under a…
This paper discusses the concept of good governance and its relations with the electoral politics in Indian context. It highlights the various strategies employed by the government and related agencies for the growth and development of the country. Major reforms pertaining to the country’s infrastructure, IT, administration, economy and public services are a few areas that have been explored in…
With the Indian government’s vision to transform India into a developed nation by 2047, marking hundred years of independence, it has become of highest importance to learn from the past, tenaciously work in the present and step towards the future with complete efficiency. In its 77 years of becoming a democracy, India has soared high with continuous transformations marked by both…
The vision of Viksit Bharat can be realised through Viksit States, and that the aspiration of Viksit Bharat should reach the grassroot level i.e. to each district, block, and village. For this, each State and District should create a vision for 2047 so as to realise Viksit Bharat @ 2047.