Good Governance in India: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

“Good Governance” represents the cornerstone of effective democratic administration, encompassing principles of transparency, accountability, responsiveness and participatory decision-making. In India, the pursuit of “Good Governance” has evolved from ancient philosophical foundations laid in texts like the Arthashastra to contemporary digital governance initiatives. The present paper seeks to examine the conceptual framework of “Good Governance” as applied to the Indian context, analyzing the constitutional foundations, institutional mechanisms, policy innovations and persistent challenges that characterize India's governance landscape. Further, through an examination of key initiatives such as the ‘Right to Information Act’, digital governance platforms and administrative reforms, the study evaluates progress of India towards achieving “Good Governance” standards while identifying areas requiring continued attention and reform.