Governance & Social Welfare

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1. Governance Governance, as per UNDP, is the system of values, policies, and institutions by which a society manages its economic, political, and social affairs through interactions among the state, civil society, and private sector, organizing decision-making to achieve mutual understanding and action. Dimensions of Governance Dimension Description Political Dimension Nature of Political Contestation (e.g., RBI, ECI autonomy) Exercise of Franchise (e.g., free and fair elections) Profile and Conduct of Political Representatives (e.g., ECI Model Code of Conduct) Quality/Functioning of the Political Executive (e.g., PMO initiatives) Political Decentralization (e.g., 73rd and 74th Amendments) Legal & Judicial Dimension General Conditions of Rule of Law and Internal Security (e.g., Article 21 enforcement) Accessibility, Approachability, and Citizen-Friendliness of the Police (e.g., e-FIR) Police Administration and Functioning (e.g., Prakash Singh Judgment) Access to Justice and Judicial Administration (e.g., NALSA, fast-track courts) Corruption Perception, Vigilance, and Enforcement (e.g., Lokpal and Lokayuktas) Administrative Dimension Citizen Orientation, Responsiveness, and Transparency (e.g., RTI Act, Citizen's Charter) Efficient Management and Development of Human Resources (e.g., Mission Karmayogi) Sound Financial Management Practices (e.g., GFR) Basic Service Delivery (e.g., Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana) Economic Dimension Responsible Fiscal Management and Budgeting (e.g., FRBM Act) Creating a Business-Friendly Environment (e.g., FDI Liberalisation) Support and Development of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (e.g., PM-KISAN) Social Dimension Welfare of Poor and Vulnerable Sections (e.g., MGNREGA) Participation of Civil Society Organisations (e.g., Social Audit) Free and Responsible Media (e.g., investigative journalism) Sustainable Environmental Governance (e.g., NGT) Role of State, Market, and Civil Society in Governance Actor Role in Governance Example The State Formulates and enforces laws and policies Delivers essential public services Regulates markets and industries Invests in public goods Promotes social justice GST implementation National Health Mission SEBI regulation Vande Bharat Express Reservation quotas The Market Fuels economic growth through innovation Allocates resources efficiently Drives technological advancement Distributes wealth via wages and profits Fosters competition IT sector growth (TCS, Infosys) Commodity markets Jio's 5G technology Indian stock market Telecom operators (Jio, Airtel) Civil Society Champions citizens’ rights and social justice Delivers social services and humanitarian aid Encourages community participation Enhances transparency and accountability Greenpeace India campaigns Akshaya Patra mid-day meal program SEWA empowerment programs Transparency International India Good Governance Defined by the World Bank as "the manner in which power is exercised in the management of a country’s economic and social resources for development." Core Principles of Good Governance: Participation: Promotes active engagement of all societal groups. Transparency: Guarantees open access to accurate and timely information. Rule of Law: Ensures impartial and consistent application of laws. Responsiveness: Commits to delivering prompt, effective public services. Consensus Oriented: Seeks to harmonize differing interests through dialogue. Equity and Inclusiveness: Strives to reduce social inequalities. Effectiveness and Efficiency: Focuses on achieving desired outcomes by optimizing resource use. Accountability: Holds all actors responsible for their actions. Significance of Good Governance Promotes Transparency and Accountability: Reduces corruption ($RTI Act, 2005$). Ensures Inclusive Development: Helps marginalized groups ($PM Jan Dhan Yojana$). Fosters Economic Growth: Creates business-friendly environment ($Make in India$). Strengthens the Rule of Law: Guarantees consistent law enforcement ($e-Courts$). Enhances Public Service Delivery: Improves efficiency of services ($DBT$). Builds Trust and Social Cohesion: Fosters trust between government and citizens ($Swachh Bharat Abhiyan$). Challenges to Good Governance Economic and Social Vulnerability: Persistent inequality and insecurity (e.g., 9.2% unemployment in India, 2024). Flawed Policy Formulation: Top-down, non-inclusive policies. Institutional Weaknesses: Limited resources, corruption (e.g., 0.5% of GDP lost to corruption annually). Overburdened Judicial System: Large backlog of cases (e.g., over 3.5 crore pending cases). Limited Participation of Stakeholders: Marginalized communities excluded (e.g., Gram Sabhas). Lack of Political Commitment: Resistance to decentralization and reforms. Eroding Public Trust: Lack of transparency in spending and welfare distribution. Initiatives for Good Governance Category Initiatives Description Political Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act (2013) Electoral Reforms (VVPAT) Anti-corruption body. Enhanced electoral transparency. Economic Goods and Services Tax (GST) Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Disinvestment and FDI Reforms Simplified tax system. Streamlined insolvency resolution. Subsidies directly to beneficiaries. Promoted private sector participation. Social Swachh Bharat Mission Skill India Atal Pension Yojana Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) Cleanliness campaign. Enhanced workforce employability. Pension benefits for unorganized sector. Affordable housing for urban poor. Technological Aadhaar (Unique Identification) E-Governance Projects BharatNet Ayushman Bharat PMJAY Unique IDs for direct transfers. Improved service delivery (UPI). Connected GPs with high-speed internet. Free health insurance. Legal Right to Information Act (2005) Judicial Reforms (fast-track, e-courts) Lok Adalats (People’s Courts) Empowered citizens to seek info. Reduced judicial delays. Alternative dispute resolution. Environmental National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) Namami Gange Programme Afforestation and Green India Mission National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Climate mitigation/adaptation. Cleaning Ganges River. Increased green cover. Reducing air pollution. Mandated environmental clearances. Service Delivery Citizen’s Charters Sevottam Model Social Audits Defined service standards. Framework for public service quality. Community monitoring of programs. Decentralization 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992) NITI Aayog 15th Finance Commission Strengthened local governance. Promoted cooperative federalism. Devolved central taxes to states. Other Initiatives Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) Good Governance Index (GGI) Good Governance Day Targeted development of underdeveloped districts. Ranks states/UTs on governance performance. Observed on December 25th. Best Practices Inclusive Governance for Transgender Community in Balangir, Odisha: IAS Chanchal Rana's Sweekruti Scheme. Community-Led Waste Management in Alappuzha, Kerala: Decentralized solid waste management. Way Forward Enhancing Transparency and Accountability: Strengthen RTI, digitize records. Enhancing Service Delivery: Develop Citizens’ Charters with citizen engagement. Establishment of Public Service Values: Enforce a robust Code of Ethics for civil servants. IT Reforms for Good Governance: Build reliable IT infrastructure. Boosting Citizen Participation: Promote participatory budgeting. Ensuring Transparency and Efficiency: Use RTI, social audits, e-governance. Empowering Local Governance: Strengthen decentralization of local bodies. Promoting Ethical Governance: Enforce zero tolerance for corruption. 2. E-Governance According to the World Bank, e-Governance refers to the use by government agencies of information technologies such as Wide Area Networks (WANs), the Internet, and mobile computing that have the ability to transform relations with citizens, businesses, and other arms of government. Significance of e-Governance Aspect Description Example Integrated Inter-Departmental Coordination Streamlines coordination, reduces delays. PM Gati Shakti portal Administrative Cost Efficiency Minimises physical monitoring, operational expenditure. DigiLocker Service Accessibility & Inclusion Expands reach of public services to remote areas. Mobile Seva Transparency & Citizen-Centric Accountability Empowers citizens to track benefits, reduces corruption. National Mobile Monitoring System (MGNREGA) Direct Benefit Delivery & Financial Inclusion Enables real-time transfer of subsidies. PM Jan Dhan Yojana + DBT Business Process Reengineering Eases regulatory compliance and approvals. MCA21 Gender Inclusion & Safety Promotes women’s empowerment. SHE-Box, Mahila e-HAAT Legal and Judicial Digitization Accelerates court proceedings, improves access to justice. e-Courts portal Telemedicine & e-Health Solutions Enhances rural healthcare access. eSanjeevani Agri-Digital Enablement Increases farmer income, connects to markets. e-NAM, Kisan Call Centres Ed-Tech and Digital Learning Access Democratises education through digital platforms. DIKSHA, SWAYAM Last-Mile Connectivity Narrows rural-urban digital divide. BharatNet Environmental Digital Compliance Facilitates faster, paperless approvals. PARIVESH portal Cybersecurity & Digital Trust Ensures citizen trust by protecting data. CERT-In Grievance Redressal & Feedback Mechanisms Enhances responsiveness of public institutions. CPGRAMS Digital Literacy & Capacity Building Empowers citizens to engage with digital governance. PMGDISHA Role of e-Governance in Fourth Industrial Revolution Integration of Advanced Technologies: Leverages AI, IoT, blockchain (e.g., AI in Smart Cities). Inclusive and Citizen-Centric Governance: Increases accessibility, transparency (e.g., UMANG app). Acceleration of Development and Innovation: Fosters innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems (e.g., Startup India). Improved Efficiency and Transparency: Automation and digitalisation reduce corruption (e.g., DBT). Building Robust Digital Infrastructure: Connects rural areas, bridges digital divide (e.g., BharatNet). Use value of Information in e-Governance Accessibility and Usability: Information must be easily accessible and understandable (e.g., JAM trinity). Accuracy and Reliability: Data should be precise and trustworthy (e.g., Aadhaar biometric data). Timeliness: Information must be updated and delivered promptly (e.g., Passport Seva portal). Transparency and Accountability: Using information to promote openness (e.g., RTI Act). Applicability for Service Delivery: Information should be actionable (e.g., Digital land records). Challenges related e-Governance Digital Divide: Unequal access to digital tools and internet (e.g., Oxfam 2022 report on digital payments). Data Privacy and Security: Risks of data breaches and unauthorized access (e.g., Aadhaar data breach). Infrastructure Constraints: Lack of reliable internet, electricity in remote areas. Resistance to Change: Reluctance among government employees and citizens. Technical Difficulties: Complex systems may experience glitches (e.g., GST implementation issues). Legal and Regulatory Challenges: Adherence to existing legal frameworks. User Experience and Accessibility: Platforms should be user-friendly and inclusive. 2nd ARC Recommendations on e-Governance Create a Supportive Environment: Foster a government culture willing to embrace change. Business Process Reengineering: Redesign government procedures and structures. Develop National Technology Framework: Establish a unified e-Governance enterprise architecture. Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement regular oversight of e-Governance projects. Promote Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Encourage collaboration with private sector. Protect Critical Information Infrastructure: Safeguard vital digital assets. Strengthen Common Support Infrastructure: Maintain State Data Centres under government control. Legal Framework for e-Governance: Define clear legal guidelines. Knowledge Management Systems: Establish systems to share and utilize knowledge. Capacity Building and Awareness: Enhance organisational capabilities and skills. OECD Four-Stage Model: References Information, Interaction, Transaction, Transformation. E-Governance Initiatives by India Initiative Description Digital India Mission Flagship program to build secure digital infrastructure and deliver services. Common Service Centres (CSCs) Village-level digital access points for public utility, financial, educational, healthcare services. National e-Governance Plan 2.0 or e-Kranti Focuses on transforming e-governance for better governance. National Data Governance Framework Policy Standardises metadata, ensures open sharing of non-sensitive data. IndEA 2.0 Updated framework guiding federated digital ecosystems using modular building blocks. JAM Trinity Integrates Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, and Mobile for direct subsidy delivery. BharatNet Accelerates broadband connectivity to gram panchayats. Government e-Marketplace (GeM) Enables e-procurement of goods and services for government entities. AI, ML, and Blockchain in E-Governance Technology Applications in E-Governance Challenges Artificial Intelligence (AI) Automated document processing, predictive service delivery. Chatbots and virtual assistants for citizen queries (e.g., MyGov chatbot). Fraud detection in welfare schemes (e.g., Aadhaar-based e-KYC). Data privacy concerns, risk of algorithmic bias. Lack of high-quality training data. Limited technical capacity in government. Machine Learning (ML) Real-time analytics for traffic management, urban planning. Anomaly detection in cybersecurity (e.g., fraud flags in digital payments). Automated classification and prioritisation of grievance redressal. Interpretability/"black box" problem. Potential for reinforcing existing biases. High infrastructure and data costs. Blockchain Secure, tamper-proof digital records (land titles, healthcare). Transparent and traceable transactions in public procurement. Decentralized identity for efficient service authentication (e.g., Nambikkai Inaiyam). Scalability limitations, transaction speed. Interoperability with legacy IT systems. Regulatory uncertainty. Data Privacy and Cybersecurity: Bridging the Critical Gap in Indian E-Governance Dimension Challenges Government Initiatives Impact Privacy & Legal Framework Absence of comprehensive data protection law until DPDP Act 2023. DPDP Act, 2023; Data Protection Board. Defines data rights, establishes compliance. Cyber Incidents & Threat Trends Over 1.39 million cyber incidents in 2022 (e.g., AIIMS ransomware). CERT-In advisories, Cyber Swachhta Kendra. Enhanced incident response, public reporting. Data Localization & Sovereignty Risks from cross-border data storage, foreign infra. DPDP Act allows conditional cross-border transfers. Improved data sovereignty, but compliance challenges remain. Surveillance vs Privacy Balance Surveillance tools like NCCC raise civil-liberties concerns. DPDP Act clarifies rights but permits government exemptions. Balance remains contested. Public Awareness & Redressal Low cybersecurity awareness, inadequate redressal under IT Act. National/state campaigns, helplines (1930). Growth in cybercrime reporting, but literacy gaps persist. 3. Citizen's Charter A Citizen’s Charter is a written commitment by government agencies to deliver specific standards of public services transparently and efficiently. It outlines commitments including service standards, timelines, and grievance redress mechanisms. Not legally enforceable, but a critical tool for improving public services. Components of a Good Citizen’s Charter Component Explanation Example Vision & Mission Clear articulation of the agency’s goals. Ministry of External Affairs: "timely, transparent, and citizen-friendly" passport delivery. Service Standards Timeframes and benchmarks for services. Income Tax Department: grievances resolved within 8 weeks. Grievance Redressal Mechanism to address service failures. CPGRAMS for lodging and tracking grievances. Expectations from Citizens Responsibilities citizens must uphold. Indian Railways: avoid littering, pay fares. Transparency & Accountability Commitment to openness and answerability. MCGM: publishes real-time updates on public works. Principles of Citizen Charter Quality: Commitment to delivering high-quality services. Choice: Providing options to citizens wherever possible. Standards: Clearly defining measurable and time-bound service standards. Value: Ensuring efficient use of resources. Accountability: Establishing responsive mechanisms to address complaints. Transparency: Offering clear, accessible information. Easy Accessibility: Multi-language and disability-friendliness. Significance of Citizen’s Charter for Governance Aspect Explanation Examples Transparency Outlines service standards, procedures, timelines for public accountability. Karnataka’s Sakala Services Act displays real-time service status. Accountability Holds public officials accountable for service delivery. Indian Railways Citizen's Charter outlines provisions for ticket refunds. Empowerment Informs citizens of their rights and entitlements. National Health Mission guarantees free maternal care, grievance redressal. Ethical Governance Embeds integrity and responsiveness, discourages arbitrary practices. Sevottam Model integrates ethics into service delivery. Improves Service Quality Encourages departments to consistently improve and meet expectations. RTI Act ensures digitized responses in readable formats. Participatory Governance Fosters involvement of citizens and stakeholders in drafting. MCGM seeks public feedback to update its Citizen’s Charter. Issues related to Citizen’s Charter Lack of Legal Mandate: Not legally enforceable, reducing effectiveness. Generic and Copy-Paste Approach: Similar content across ministries, lacking customization. Language Barriers: Often not available in regional languages. Inadequate Public Consultation and Revision: Drafted without sufficient public input, rarely updated. Institutional Hurdles: Lack of funds, poor staff training, absence of motivation. Poor Awareness Measures: Limited efforts to publicise charters. 2nd ARC Recommendation regarding Citizen’s Charter Standardization & Remedies: Specify service standards, remedies, penalties. Wide Consultation Process: Formulate with extensive consultations. Adequate Grievance Redressal: Establish robust mechanisms. One Size Does Not Fit All: Customise charters for each organisation/unit. Firm & Quantifiable Commitments: Make precise, measurable commitments. Periodic Evaluation: Regularly review and revise charters using independent evaluation. Sevottam Model A quality management framework by DARPG, recommended by 2nd ARC, to improve public service delivery in India. Aims to make governance more citizen-centric. Three Modules: Citizen Charter: Establishes clear, measurable service standards. Grievance Redressal: Mandates an effective, transparent, responsive system for handling complaints. Service Delivery Capability: Builds and enhances organisational capacity through training, process improvement. Seven Steps: Define services and identify clients. Set clear, realistic, and measurable standards. Develop organisational capability. Perform to achieve the set standards. Monitor performance regularly. Evaluate impact independently. Ensure continuous improvement. Significance: Empowers citizens by making service standards transparent. Promotes accountability and responsiveness in government organisations. Facilitates continuous improvement in service delivery. Acts as a quality benchmark and rating tool. Enhances public trust, satisfaction, and participation. Supports sustainable and systematic reforms in public administration. 4. Role of Civil Services in a Democracy The Indian Civil Services form the permanent executive responsible for implementing government policies, maintaining law and order, and ensuring efficient public administration across the country, upholding constitutional values of neutrality and accountability essential for democratic governance. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel called them the "steel frame of India." Constitutional Provisions Constitutional Provision Description Articles 308 to 323 (Part XIV) Govern permanent civil services, detailing composition, recruitment, conditions, protections. Article 309 Grants Parliament and State Legislatures power to regulate recruitment and service conditions. Article 310 Establishes that civil servants hold office at the pleasure of the President or Governor. Article 311 Provides protection against arbitrary dismissal, removal, or demotion. Article 312 Empowers Rajya Sabha to create new All India Services by two-thirds majority. Role of Civil Services in India Aspect Description Example Advisory Role in Policy Making Assist executive in framing policies, evaluating options. Dr. Raju Narayana Swamy advised on anti-corruption policies. Institutionalize Socio-economic Change Implement government programs for social justice and economic progress. Smita Sabharwal transformed public service delivery in Karimnagar. Continuity in Governance Ensure stability of administration across political changes. P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to PM Modi, exemplifies continuity. Discharge Delegated Functions Execute delegated powers and responsibilities effectively. Ashok Khemka enforced land record laws, exposed irregularities. Administer Law of the Land Enforce laws and regulations, maintain public order. Rajni Sekhri Sibal exposed JBT recruitment scam. Watchdogs Protect public assets, prevent misuse of government resources. Sanjiv Chaturvedi halted illegal felling in Saraswati Wildlife Sanctuary. Channel of Communication Serve as intermediaries between citizens and policymakers. Armstrong Pame mobilized local support in Manipur. Issues related to Civil Services in India Challenges of Generalist Civil Service: Limited ability to handle specialized roles (e.g., IAS officers managing RBI). Inefficient Incentive Systems: Honest officers face frequent transfers, career setbacks (e.g., Ashok Khemka's 56 transfers). Lack of Transparency and Accountability: Weak mechanisms lead to corruption (e.g., Puja Khedkar case). Apathy Among Civil Servants: Indifference to citizen needs due to job security, workload (e.g., Tripura DM assaulting citizens). Arbitrary and Whimsical Transfers: Political interference causes instability (e.g., Sanjiv Chaturvedi refusing central deputation). Role of Civil Servants in Upholding Democratic Governance Dimension Explanation Examples Definition of Doctrine of Democratic Governance Principle emphasizing transparency, accountability, responsiveness, participation, and rule of law. Based on Article 14, 19, 21 of Indian Constitution. Trust in Public Institutions Integrity and ethical conduct bolster public trust. Kerala’s handling of COVID-19. Policy Implementation and Credibility Dedication and ethical standards ensure fair and efficient execution. Successful rollout of Swachh Bharat Mission. Accountability and Rule of Law Uphold rule of law by ensuring administrative actions are fair, transparent. RTI Act (2005), Rajasthan’s Jan Soochna Portal. Socio-economic Transformation Implement welfare schemes, development programs. Smita Sabharwal’s innovations in Karimnagar. Consequences of Negative Perception Corruption, political interference, red tape, media scrutiny erode trust. Saradha Chit Fund scam, Ashok Khemka's transfers, RTI delays, Durga Shakti Nagpal's media criticism. Impact on Service Delivery and Governance Positively perceived civil servants encourage better service delivery. Delhi’s “Mohalla Clinics,” Karnataka’s “Sakala” scheme. Tools to Build Positive Perception Social audits, RTI, e-governance, Sevottam model, civil society monitoring. Rajasthan’s Jan Soochna Portal, Odisha’s Mo Sarkar. Government Initiatives for Civil Services Mission Karmayogi: National capacity-building program for civil servants. Robust Vigilant Mechanism: Strengthening institutional frameworks to prevent corruption. Centralised Public Grievance Redressal and Monitoring System (CPGRAMs): Timely resolution of public grievances. Implementation of e-Office: Promoting digital office management. e-Samiksha: Real-time online monitoring and compliance platform. Promoting Mid-career Training: Initiatives like Mission Karmyogi for continuous learning. Reforms Needed Aspect Recommendations Recruitment Broaden eligibility, streamline exam cycle, common exam for SCS officers (2nd ARC, Baswan Committee). Training Mandatory induction/mid-career training, link training to career progression (2nd ARC, Yugandhar Committee). Domain Expertise Assign officers to specialized domains, align postings with expertise (2nd ARC, Surinder Nath Committee). Autonomy & Neutrality Strengthen political neutrality, shield honest officers, promote lateral entry (2nd ARC, Hota Committee). Efficiency & Modernization Optimize government size, promote e-governance, leverage IT (Pay Commission, Hota Committee). Accountability & Ethics Strengthen vigilance bodies, implement performance benchmarking, robust code of ethics. Performance Appraisal Shift to objective, work-plan-based evaluations (Surinder Nath, Hota Committee). Cadre Policy Maintain zonal cadre system, regularly review strength, ensure transparent allocation. Relationship between Civil Services and Democracy Paradoxical Relationship Complementary Relationship Civil services ensure effective administration but are often legalistic and hierarchical (e.g., bureaucracy delaying decisions in urban flooding). Bureaucracy provides predictability, impartiality, and rule-based governance (e.g., ECI ensuring fair elections). Tend to be indifferent to individual citizen demands (e.g., rigid land record processes in Revenue Department). Democracy ensures responsiveness, participation, and legitimacy (e.g., Gram Sabha meetings). Associated with conservative, rule-based governance (e.g., resistance to land reform changes). Civil services minimize arbitrary political actions (e.g., CAG audits preventing misuse of funds). Democracy demands change; civil services emphasize consistency (e.g., environmental reforms vs. existing forest regulations). Both are necessary for effective and responsive governance (e.g., Aadhaar program implemented by elected officials and civil service). Limits civil servants’ ability to quickly adapt (e.g., bureaucratic delays in COVID-19 lockdown). Formalized bureaucracy supports efficient public service delivery (e.g., Digital India initiative). Civil Services Board (CSB) Formation and Evolution: Mandated by Hota Committee (2004), 2nd ARC, Department of Personnel Rules (2016), and Supreme Court (T.S.R. Subramanian case, 2013). Need for CSB: Ensure tenure security, prevent frequent transfers, improve administrative standards, reduce corruption. Significance: Insulates civil servants from political pressure, promotes objectivity, provides fixed tenure. Challenges: Many states non-compliant, bureaucrat-led board, political executives can override, advisory nature of recommendations. Way Forward: Enact Civil Services Act, fix minimum tenure, clear grounds for rejecting recommendations, Ombudsman mechanism. Lateral Entry Appointment of specialists from private sector, academia, or PSUs directly into senior positions in central civil services, bypassing UPSC. Aspect Arguments For Lateral Entry Arguments Against Lateral Entry Need for Lateral Entry Brings specialized skills, addresses IAS officer shortage, fresh perspectives, increases competition (Baswan Committee, 2nd ARC). Bureaucracy resistance, short tenures limit impact, lack of field experience, risk of political interference. Generalists vs Specialists Specialists provide deep technical knowledge (e.g., Raghuram Rajan), handle complex issues, recruit talent beyond age limits. Generalists have broad administrative experience, frequent transfers hinder specialists, risk of turf conflicts. Recruitment & Selection Transparent, merit-based entry widens talent pool, allows mid-career professionals, encourages innovation. Selection process may lack transparency, prone to favoritism, unclear reservation policies, demotivate career officers. Accountability & Tenure Bring new accountability standards, held accountable through fixed tenure, injects competition. Short tenure limits long-term responsibility, unclear accountability mechanisms, lack of permanent stake. Impact on Bureaucracy Promotes modernization, fills skill gaps, encourages cooperation. May demotivate existing officers, cultural/procedural adjustment issues, political executives resist control. Social Media and Civil Servants: Publicity or Public Service? Reasons for Rise in Seeking Popularity on Social Media: Wider Outreach: Connect with public, address queries (e.g., Ajitabh Sharma). Personal Branding: Self-promotion, visibility. Digital Natives: Younger civil servants comfortable with platforms. Opinion Shaping: Influencing public opinion, policy discourse. Instant Feedback: Understand concerns, tailor responses. Impacts of Social Media Use: Duty Dilution: Blurring official duties and personal publicity. Political Overreach: Misuse for political lobbying, partisan views. Loss of Anonymity: More vulnerable to scrutiny and criticism. Security Threats: Exposure to cyber threats, harassment. Positive Side of Social Media Use in Civil Services: Greater Transparency: Direct information sharing. Citizen Interaction: Timely, direct interaction, grievance redressal. Scheme Awareness: Increases awareness about public schemes. Value Promotion: Shaping public discourse constructively. Institutional Trust: Promotes positive public image. 5. Role of NGO in social welfare According to the World Bank, NGOs are "private, non-profit organisations that pursue activities to relieve suffering, promote the interests of the poor, protect the environment, provide basic social services, or undertake community development." NGOs bridge gaps in government services, mobilise communities, and promote inclusive development. Constitutionally backed by Article 19(1)(c) and aligned with DPSPs like Articles 38 and 43. Legal and Regulatory Framework Aspect Description Example Constitutional Provisions Right to form associations (Article 19(1)(c)); charities under Concurrent List. Article 19(1)(c) enabled PUCL formation. Societies and Trusts Registered under Societies Registration Act, 1860, or Indian Trusts Act, 1882. SEWA registered as a society, operates in 18 states. Companies Act Charitable companies under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013. Akshaya Patra Foundation, a Section 8 company. FCRA, 2010 Regulates foreign contributions; mandates FCRA account, limits administrative expenses. Thousands of FCRA registrations cancelled/suspended (2014–2024). Features of NGO: Non-profit motive: Aim to serve society. Voluntary nature: Participation based on free will. Autonomous: Operate independently. Mission-driven: Work towards specific goals. Flexible and innovative: Quick to adapt. Community-focused: Prioritize needs of marginalized groups. Role of NGOs Aspect Explanation Examples Social Inclusion Promote equity by addressing needs of marginalized groups. Sulabh International improves sanitation. Environmental Sustainability Work on climate change, afforestation, sustainable agriculture. Vanashakti restores mangrove ecosystems. Disaster Management Provide relief, rehabilitation, and resilience-building. CARE India aided post-2019 Cyclone Fani recovery. Service Delivery Provide direct services like healthcare, education. Smile Foundation runs mobile healthcare vans. Advocacy and Awareness Raise awareness on issues, influencing policy changes. Greenpeace India campaigns for sustainable agriculture. Capacity Building Empower communities through skill development. SEWA trains women in financial literacy. Research and Innovation Conduct studies, pilot innovative solutions. ASER by Pratham provides data on rural education. Challenges Faced by NGOs in Social Welfare Challenge Description Examples Funding Constraints Dependence on donations leads to financial instability. Pratham struggles with literacy programs post-FCRA amendments. Regulatory Hurdles Stringent laws like FCRA restrict foreign funding. Amnesty India halted operations after bank accounts frozen. Lack of Coordination Overlap with government programs or other NGOs. Bihar's 'Unnayan Bihar' and NGOs' digital camps overlap. Accountability Issues Criticism for mismanagement or lack of transparency. Bengaluru's 'Sthree Jagruthi' diverted women's funds. Cultural Resistance NGOs face protests for challenging traditional practices. PETA’s PIL led to Jallikattu ban, sparking protests. Criticisms of NGOs Issue Description Example External Issue of Funding Foreign-funded NGOs may be influenced by external agendas. 3,068 NGOs received foreign funding above Rs. 22,000 Cr in 2014-15. Nonaccountable, nontransparent undemocratic functioning Weak regulatory compliance, misuse of funds. Only 10% of registered NGOs file annual financial statements (CBI). Economic and Strategic Interference External influences via NGOs can delay critical national projects. Kudankulam nuclear project faced protests. Gender Imbalance NGOs introduced sex-determination technologies, exacerbating female foeticide. Several NGOs allegedly played a central role. Misappropriation of Funds Lack of sophisticated finance/legal teams for audits. CBI chargesheeted Good Samaritan Project India for misappropriation. Religious Conversion Allegations Misusing humanitarian work for forced conversions. FCRA licenses of five NGOs cancelled in 2024. Way Forward Strengthening Funding: Diversify funding via CSR, local donations (NITI Aayog, Goonj). Enhancing Transparency: Ensure digital financial reporting (GiveIndia). Capacity Building: Invest in staff training (NGO-Darpan). Policy Advocacy: Engage in reform dialogue on restrictive laws like FCRA (2nd ARC). Light Regulation: Balance oversight with operational freedom (Vijay Kumar Committee).