Good Governance Day Highlights India’s Citizen-Centric Governance Framework

Good Governance Day is observed annually on December 25 to commemorate the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The day underscores the principles of accountability, transparency, and people-oriented administration, reflecting Vajpayee’s enduring vision of governance that directly improves citizens’ quality of life.

Legacy of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Governance Ideals

Atal Bihari Vajpayee served as Prime Minister of India on three occasions and was known for his inclusive leadership and democratic values. During his tenure, he prioritised infrastructure development, including national highways, rural roads, telecom expansion, and institutional reforms. Awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1992 and the Bharat Ratna in 2015, Vajpayee’s governance philosophy continues to guide India’s focus on efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric service delivery.

Good Governance Index as a Measurement Tool

To institutionalise these ideals, the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances introduced the Good Governance Index (GGI) on December 25, 2019. The GGI is a diagnostic and benchmarking tool that evaluates governance performance across States and Union Territories. It assesses ten sectors using 58 indicators, enabling evidence-based policymaking and encouraging competitive improvement among states and UTs.

Structure and Key Sectors of the Index

The Index covers ten broad sectors including agriculture and allied activities, commerce and industry, human resource development, public health, public infrastructure, economic governance, social welfare, judiciary and public safety, environment, and citizen-centric governance. States and Union Territories are grouped into four categories to ensure fair comparison, accounting for differences in geography, population, and development levels.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Good Governance Day is observed on December 25.
• The Good Governance Index was launched in 2019.
• GGI measures governance across 10 sectors using 58 indicators.
• The Index is prepared by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances.

Governance Performance and National Progress

The Good Governance Index has highlighted steady national progress across multiple sectors, including improvements in ease of doing business, health indicators, infrastructure access, digital service delivery, and grievance redressal. Regular conferences and collaborative initiatives conducted by DARPG further promote best practices, digital governance, and innovation, reinforcing India’s long-term governance vision aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047.