A check list for trust-based governance in the country

Context: Prime Minister’s Kargil Diwas call for a “Bharat Jodo Abhiyan”, a programme to ‘unite India’ focusing on building trust among all and work with all in the country has immense possibilities to achieve trust-based governance.

List of things we must do to achieve trust-based governance

1. Prioritise social harmony: Take all steps to achieve an equilibrium so that people can live peacefully and be active economic actors. Fundamentalism of all types needs to be acted against vigorously.
2. Strengthen data collection and statistical system: Essential for the realisation of evidence-based policymaking.
3. State-led capacity building in health, education and skilling sectors: Union government has to step in and transfer resources to states magnanimously, without any political prejudice or partisan considerations.
4. GST reforms: Convert the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council into an empowered State Finance Ministers Council, to be headed by a state finance minister, like the old Value Added Tax Council.
5. Re-empower Finance Commission: Turn the Finance Commission into a standing body, headed by a noted economist, which will deal with budgetary allocations, the share of states, accountability, etc., authoritatively.
6. Administrative reforms: Bureaucracy should transform to be governance oriented rather than a rule-oriented mindset. Accountability systems need to be strengthened.
7. Implement the “whole of government” approach: Create a Policy Coherence Unit at the Prime Minister’s Office and Chief Minister’s Offices, headed by an eminent retired politician (like a governor) or a retired but well-reputed judge or bureaucrat to foster critical coordination among different arms of the government, resolve conflicts, and also address investor grievances.
8. Focus on the Ease of Running a Business: Which would track the stage after a project is launched through an institutionalised regulatory impact assessment, which could help the country’s relevant authorities review difficult provisions, unnecessary inspections and the like.
9. Launch a second wave of reforms: By implementing the draft National Competition Policy to carry forward the spirit of 1991 reforms and send the message that India’s government means business.
10. Judicial reforms: To reduce delays and the existing burden on our courts. Begin with abolishing the colonial practice of summer and winter breaks for courts.

Conclusion: 

• Development over growth: Move away from GDP to more inclusive indicators of development that show how equitable and sustainable the process is.
• These suggestions will not only help in unifying India but also realise a third way of development, as envisioned by Dattopant Thengadi (1920-2004).