Describe the steps that have been taken recently in India to guarantee accountability and openness in governance.
The debate between economic growth and environmental protection in developing countries is complex and essential . On one hand, economic growth is essential for improving living standards, reducing poverty, and providing better infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Many developing nations relyRead more
The debate between economic growth and environmental protection in developing countries is complex and essential . On one hand, economic growth is essential for improving living standards, reducing poverty, and providing better infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Many developing nations rely on industrialization, urbanization, and exploitation of natural resources to fuel this growth. This often comes at the cost of environmental degradation, including deforestation, air and water pollution, and loss of biodiversity. On the other hand, environmental protection is crucial for ensuring long-term sustainability and the health of populations. Developing countries face the challenge of balancing these competing priorities. A focus only on economic growth can lead to severe environmental damage, which in turn can undermine future economic prospects by depleting natural resources and causing health problems. Likewise , stringent environmental regulations can hinder economic development by increasing costs and limiting industrial activities. So, the solution lies in adopting a sustainable development model that integrates economic growth with environmental stewardship. This includes investing in green technologies, enforcing environmental regulations, and promoting practices that minimize ecological footprints. International support, through financial aid and technology transfer, is also important to help developing countries achieve this balance.
See less
Transparency and accountability in administration are prerequisites for a participatory democracy. Transparency means that the criteria, processes and systems of decision-making are openly known to all in a public manner. It promotes openness in government functioning and strengthens belief in the gRead more
Transparency and accountability in administration are prerequisites for a participatory democracy. Transparency means that the criteria, processes and systems of decision-making are openly known to all in a public manner. It promotes openness in government functioning and strengthens belief in the government on the part of citizenry. It further enhances accountability that holds public officials answerable for their decisions and actions and calls for their scrutiny. The declaration of the Right to Information Act in 2005 set the stage for transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government and its various agencies. Under this Act, access to information from a public agency has become a statutory right of every citizen. Since then, multiple initiatives have been taken to enhance transparency and accountability in India which includes:
In addition to the above initiatives, there is an imperative need to change in the mindset of the public officials, strengthen and widen the public information infrastructure through developing information networks and digitalization.
See less