Measures to Transparency in India
Transparency and accountability in government and administration are essential to ensuring accountability, decreasing corruption and building trust with the public. To improve the governance in India, a variety of transparency measures are being implemented on multiple government levels. The article provides context, examples and analyses of these transparency measures.
1. Right to Information Act (RTI Act) 2005
In 2005, the RTI Act was passed, and it is considered one of India’s most important milestones for promoting transparency. Citizens can now request public information, ensuring transparency and accountability.
- Empowerment: The right of citizens to ask for information is a fundamental human right.
- Time-bound Replies: Authorities are expected to reply within 30 days.
- Exemptions: Exemptions from the disclosure of certain information include those affecting personal safety, national security and privacy.
Example:
RTI Act has exposed many frauds. In the 2G Spectrum case, for example, RTI revealed corruption and policy violations.
2. The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act of 2013
The Lokpal Act was passed to create an anti-corruption Ombudsman at both the federal and state levels.
- Lokpal: Investigating corruption on the national level requires an independent investigation body.
- Lokayuktas: The state-level equivalents are the State Planning and Development Authorities.
- Powers: The Prime Minister is included in the list of public officials that can be investigated and prosecuted (within certain limits).
Example:
Karnataka Lokayukta was particularly proactive in its investigations of high-profile incidents involving politicians or public officials.
3. E-Governance Initiatives
India’s strategy for governance is to leverage technology and promote transparency. Digital India aims to transform governance using technology.
- The Government Portal: Websites like MyGov Direct communication between government and citizens is made easier.
- Public Services By reducing the number of middlemen involved in obtaining certificates and licenses online, you can reduce corruption.
- Open Data It is important to note that the word “you” means “you”. Open Government Data (OGD), Platform Data should be made available for public consumption.
Example:
Aadhaar enabled Public Distribution System (PDS), helps eliminate bogus rations cards, and ensures subsidies reach real beneficiaries.
4. Public Financial Management System
PFMS, or the Public Funds Management System (PFMS), is a tracking system that ensures funds are released to their intended recipients.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): By transferring subsidies directly to bank accounts, intermediary fraud is reduced.
- Real-time Tracking: Real-time monitoring of money and spending.
- Transparency: Making financial data readily available enhances accountability.
Example:
DBT’s transparency has improved significantly in the distribution of subsidies for LPG subsidy schemes (PAHAL Scheme).
5. Whistleblower Protect Act, 2014.
The act protects individuals who report corruption and irregularities in an organization.
- Protection: Protect whistleblowers from victimization.
- Anonymous Complaints: Anonymous reporting is allowed for corruption.
- Accountability: Make sure that issues reported are resolved in a transparent, timely manner.
Example:
It has encouraged more people with corruption information to speak up, leading to investigations.
6. Citizen Charters
Documents that are available to the public outline service standards and rights for citizens.
- Service Standards Outline the service standard and timeframes you expect.
- The Grievance Resolution Process: Offer mechanisms to citizens for filing complaints and seeking redress.
- Accountability: Accountability of public services to users.
Example:
The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions issued a citizen charter which includes information on services, timelines, and mechanisms for grievance resolution.
7. Social Audits
The beneficiaries of the government’s schemes are asked to review them, which ensures greater accountability and transparency.
- Participation: Participation of members of the community in auditing Government schemes.
- Transparency: Disclosure of audit results
- Accountability: Accountability of government officials for the implementation and execution of programs.
Example:
Multiple instances of fraud, mismanagement and corruption have been revealed by social audits conducted under the Mahatma-Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.
Transparency Measures FAQs
1. What is the Right to Information Act?
RTI Act plays a major role in empowering citizens by allowing them to ask public authorities for information. It promotes accountability, transparency and empowerment. This act is an effective tool for exposing corruption and ensuring better governance.
2. How can the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act fight corruption?
This act creates independent authorities (Lokpals on the national level, and Lokayuktas in the states) that investigate and prosecute cases of corruption by public officials. The act creates an effective mechanism to combat corruption.
3. Transparency in India has been transformed by eGovernance Initiatives.
The eGovernment initiative has used the technology to increase transparency and access of government services. Digital services, open data, online portals and digital services reduce the number of middlemen and minimize corruption. They also facilitate direct communication between citizens and government.
4. What role does the Public Financial Management System play in enhancing the transparency of government?
PFMS monitors the real-time flow of money under various government schemes, ensuring that funds are used appropriately. Direct Benefit Transfer is an important component of the Direct Benefit Transfer system that allows subsidies to be transferred directly into beneficiaries’ accounts. This reduces fraud and corruption.
5. What is the Whistleblower Protection Act?
This act protects individuals who report corruption and irregularities, by protecting them from victimization. The act encourages people to share valuable information and fosters a culture that is transparent.
6. How do citizen charters promote transparency and what are they?
Charters of the citizens are a public document that outlines standards for service delivery and rights. They also outline avenues of redress. These charters provide clear service standards and grievance mechanisms. They also hold government authorities accountable.
7. Could you give an example in India of a social audit that was successful?
MGNREGA social audits have revealed instances of fraud, mismanagement, and corruption. The audits were a success because they involved community members and ensured accountability for the scheme’s implementation.
8. What challenges are there in India in terms of implementing transparent measures?
There are many challenges, including bureaucratic obstruction, low awareness of citizens and inadequate resources. Provisions like RTI can also be misused. It is crucial to ensure that transparency measures are effectively implemented and addressed these challenges.
9. How can citizens promote transparency?
The RTI Act can be used by citizens to actively seek out information, take part in social audits and report corruption via whistleblower mechanisms. They can also engage digital governance platforms. Participation and vigilance by the public are crucial for creating a transparent governance system.
10. How can India improve its transparency?
The future steps will include enhancing RTI implementation and expanding eGovernment initiatives. They will also promote data transparency, enhance citizen engagement and ensure robust whistleblower protection. Increased transparency will lead to improved governance and accountability.
