Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Good governance, at its core, signifies efficient, effective, and accountable public administration that delivers services equitably. However, the implementation of these principles is frequently hampered by systemic inefficiencies, chief among them being ‘red-tapism’. Red-tapism, derived from the red tape formerly used to bind official documents, refers to excessive adherence to rigid rules and formalities, leading to delays and frustration. In the Indian context, a legacy of colonial administrative practices coupled with post-independence bureaucratic inertia has perpetuated this issue, significantly impeding developmental progress and citizen satisfaction. This commentary will explore how red-tapism acts as a major obstacle to achieving good governance.
Understanding the Mechanisms of Red-Tapism
Red-tapism manifests in several ways within the Indian administrative system:
- Multiple Layers of Approval: Decisions often require approval from numerous authorities, leading to prolonged delays.
- Complex Procedures: Intricate and often outdated rules and regulations create confusion and opportunities for discretionary action.
- Lack of Accountability: Diffuse responsibility makes it difficult to pinpoint accountability for delays or errors.
- File Movement Delays: Physical movement of files between departments is often slow and inefficient.
- Resistance to Change: Bureaucratic inertia and a reluctance to adopt new technologies or processes contribute to the problem.
Impact on Good Governance
Red-tapism directly undermines the pillars of good governance:
- Efficiency & Effectiveness: Delays in project approvals, service delivery, and policy implementation reduce efficiency and effectiveness. For example, environmental clearances for infrastructure projects are often significantly delayed due to bureaucratic hurdles.
- Transparency & Accountability: Complex procedures and discretionary powers create opportunities for corruption and reduce transparency. The 2016 RTI Act data revealed that a significant number of applications were delayed or denied due to procedural complexities.
- Responsiveness & Citizen Participation: Difficult access to information and cumbersome processes discourage citizen participation and make the administration unresponsive to public needs.
- Rule of Law: Inconsistent application of rules and regulations erodes public trust in the rule of law.
Illustrative Examples
Several instances highlight the detrimental effects of red-tapism:
- National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) Implementation (2005): Initial implementation faced significant delays in fund disbursement and wage payments due to bureaucratic bottlenecks at the state and district levels.
- Healthcare Access: Obtaining necessary approvals for establishing new hospitals or expanding existing facilities often takes years, hindering access to healthcare services, particularly in rural areas.
- Startup Ecosystem: Complex regulatory requirements and lengthy approval processes for starting a business discourage entrepreneurship and innovation.
Addressing Red-Tapism: Reforms and Initiatives
The government has undertaken several initiatives to address red-tapism:
- E-Governance: Initiatives like Digital India, e-governance platforms (PRAGATI, UMANG), and online portals aim to streamline processes and reduce physical paperwork.
- Administrative Reforms: Committees like the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (2005-2009) have recommended measures to simplify procedures, promote accountability, and improve service delivery.
- Right to Information Act (2005): Promotes transparency and accountability by empowering citizens to access information.
- Delegation of Powers: Decentralization and delegation of powers to lower levels of administration can expedite decision-making.
- Process Re-engineering: Analyzing and redesigning existing processes to eliminate unnecessary steps and improve efficiency.
| Initiative | Objective | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation) | Multi-modal platform for project monitoring and grievance redressal. | Improved project implementation speed and accountability. |
| Digital India | Transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. | Increased online service delivery and reduced paperwork. |
Conclusion
Red-tapism remains a significant impediment to good governance in India, hindering economic growth, social development, and citizen welfare. While initiatives like e-governance and administrative reforms have shown promise, sustained efforts are needed to simplify procedures, promote accountability, and foster a culture of efficiency within the bureaucracy. A shift towards a more citizen-centric and outcome-oriented administrative system is crucial for realizing the full potential of good governance and achieving inclusive and sustainable development. Continuous monitoring, evaluation, and adaptation of reforms are essential to overcome the deeply entrenched challenges posed by red-tapism.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.