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authority and exercise of control in a society in relation to the management of its resources for social and economic development.” Key components include: ○ Legitimacy of government. ○ Accountability of political and o cial elements. ○ Competence to make policies and deliver services. ○ Respect for human rights and rule of law. ● United Nations Development Programme (UNDP): Governance involves: “The exercise of economic, political, and administrative authority to manage a nation’s a airs at all levels.” It includes mechanisms for: ○ Articulating citizen interests. ○ Exercising legal rights. ○ Mediating societal di erences. ● Planning Commission of India: Governance refers to: “The management of processes that define the environment enabling individuals to enhance their capabilities and realize their potential while expanding their choices.” Elements of Governance ● Exercise of Power and Authority: ○ Process and institutions by which authority is exercised. ○ Systems that govern interactions among the state, civil society, and private sector. ○ Spaces for decision-making in public life and economic-social development. ● Government’s Capacity: ○ E cient resource management. ○ Formulating, implementing, and enforcing policies. ○ Delivering essential services like justice, education, health, and infrastructure. Entities involved in Governance Governance involves a collaboration between: ● Government institutions. ● Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). ● Civil society groups. ● Research institutes and financial institutions. ● Media, lobbyists, multinational corporations, and international organizations. An example is the Pulse Polio Programme, where both public and private institutions collaborated with direct citizen involvement to ensure every child was vaccinated against polio. Contextual meanings of Governance Governance is a dynamic concept whose meaning varies based on context: ● Governance as the Minimal State: ○ Focuses on privatization and a reduced role for government. ○ The government acts as an enabler or facilitator rather than an all-encompassing authority. ● Governance as Corporate Governance: ○ Refers to systems for directing and controlling organizations. ○ Ensures accountability, regulatory frameworks, and strategic management. ● Governance as New Public Management: Aims to make public administration market-based, emphasizing E ciency, Economy, and E ectiveness (3Es). ● Governance as a Social-Cybernetics System: ○ Highlights the interdependence of multiple actors in governance. ○ Rejects centralized authority in favor of collaborative decision-making. ● Governance as Self-Organizing Networks: ○ Stresses horizontal collaboration between the state, market, and civil society. ○ Networks serve as platforms for public-private cooperation. Dimensions of Governance According to the 1999 Human Development Report for South Asia, governance can be categorized into three dimensions: ● Political Governance: ○ Regular, free, and fair elections. ○ Impartial judiciary and constitutional checks. ○ Accountability of elected representatives. ○ Elimination of discrimination. ● Economic Governance: ○ Macroeconomic stability (balanced budget, low inflation). ○ Property rights and equitable access to resources. ○ Progressive taxes and e cient subsidies. ○ Social investment in education, healthcare, and job creation. 2