Good Governance Practices: Minimum Government, Maximum Governance (Jan–June 2025)

Context

    • The Publication: This is the 11th Volume of the e-Journal published by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG).
    • Core Philosophy: It embodies the “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance” approach, focusing on streamlining administration through technology, transparency, and public participation (Jan Bhagidari).
    • Focus Area: The journal documents successful case studies of holistic district development, innovations at the Central and State levels, and the progress of the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP).

Core Framework

    • Vision: To achieve sustainable and inclusive progress across India by ensuring the saturation of welfare schemes.
    • Whole-of-Government Approach: Integration of multiple schemes (convergence) like PMAY, JJM, and Ayushman Bharat to maximize impact.
    • Mandate: DARPG acts as the nodal agency to identify, document, and disseminate best governance practices to be replicated across the country.

Key Governance Principles (The Success Pillars)

Based on the district studies (Udhampur, Rajkot, Vidisha, etc.), the report identifies several foundational principles:

1. Saturation for Inclusion: Aiming for 100% coverage so that “no beneficiary is left behind”.

2. Tech-Driven Transformation: Using AI, Aadhaar-linked apps, and real-time dashboards for monitoring and accountability.

3. Jan Bhagidari (People’s Participation): Engaging local communities through “Friday Gaon Chaupals,” “Seva Setus,” and volunteer groups.

4. Convergence: Seamlessly blending centrally sponsored schemes with state initiatives and CSR support.

5. Behavioral Change: Fostering community ownership (e.g., beneficiaries cleaning solar panels or managing water quality via Pani Samitis).

Innovations & Flagship Mechanisms

Innovation CategoryKey Highlights
Centre-led InnovationsBhashini: AI tool bridging language divides .
Svamitra: Securing rural property ownership via drone mapping .
Poshan Tracker: Real-time monitoring of maternal and child nutrition.
State-led InnovationsShiksha Setu (Assam): AI-powered education reforms .
SAMPADA 2.0: Digital property registration .
Uttarakhand Asset Management: Digital tracking of government property.
District-led ModelsVidisha (MP): 5G-AI cataract screening and geo-tagged attendance for transparency .
Kulgam (J&K): Counter-narcotics and security leading to 367% surge in tourism.

Key Data & District Achievements

    • Rajkot (Gujarat): Achieved 120% saturation in PM Surya Ghar (Solar Rooftop) and leads the nation in installations (111 MW).
    • Bareilly (UP): Jumped from 6.7% (2022) to 93.96% (2024) household tap water coverage under Har Ghar Jal.
    • Tumakuru (Karnataka): Recorded a sharp decline in Severe Acute Malnutrition (2.12% to 0.19%) using the Poshan Tracker.
    • Udhampur (J&K): Surpassed children’s immunization targets by 137% under Mission Indradhanush.
    • The successful models of Rajkot, Varanasi, and Kulgam serve as a blueprint for “Viksit Bharat,” where infrastructure growth is matched by social equity and administrative accountability.

Conclusion

The report concludes that the transition from Aspirational to Inspirational is possible through effective data-driven governance, localized problem-solving, and the removal of language and digital barriers.

Spread the Word
Index