Good Governance Day 2024, Birth Anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Good Governance Day , celebrated on December 25 every year, marks the birth anniversary of India's former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The day is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of good governance in India, promoting transparency, accountability, and efficient administration.

Good Governance Day 2024

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100th Birth Anniversary of PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Key Achievements Under Atal Bihari Vajpayee's Leadership

• Nuclear Policy and Security: In 1998, Vajpayee's government conducted the Pokhran-II nuclear tests, making India a nuclear power and strengthening national security, despite facing global sanctions.
• Economic Reforms: Vajpayee launched the National Highways Development Project and the Golden Quadrilateral , improving trade and connectivity. His government also introduced the National Telecom Policy, which revolutionized India's telecom sector and paved the way for the IT boom.
• Social Initiatives: The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan aimed at universal elementary education, while the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana connected rural India with better roads, boosting access and economic opportunities.
• Foreign Relations : Vajpayee made efforts to improve ties with Pakistan, including a historic bus trip to Lahore in 1999.
• Kargil War: In 1999, Vajpayee's leadership was tested during the Kargil War with Pakistan. His decisive actions ensured India's territorial integrity and his ability to manage the crisis brought the nation together in the face of adversity

What is Good Governance?

• Transparency: People should have access to clear and accurate information about government actions and policies.
• Accountability : Government bodies must answer for their actions and decisions, ensuring they serve the public’s interest.
• Rule of Law : Laws must be applied equally and fairly, ensuring justice and preventing arbitrary use of power.
• Equitable and Inclusive: All sections of society, including marginalized groups, should be included in decision-making processes.
• Effectiveness and Efficiency: Resources should be used wisely and policies should achieve intended outcomes without unnecessary delays or waste.
• Consensus-Oriented: Governments should mediate and find common ground among diverse interests to build broad-based support for policies.

Good Governance Day Theme 2024

Biography of Atal Bihari Vajpayee

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Initiatives to Promote Good Governance

• Digital India: Enhances e-governance, digital literacy, and connectivity to make government services accessible and efficient.
• Right to Information (RTI) Act: Empowers citizens to access information from public authorities, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• MyGov Platform: Encourages citizen participation in policymaking, allowing people to provide feedback and suggestions on government projects.
• Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Aims to improve cleanliness, sanitation, and waste management, fostering a cleaner and healthier India.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Directly transfers government subsidies and benefits to the beneficiaries, reducing corruption and ensuring targeted support.
• Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI 2.0): A platform for monitoring the timely implementation of government projects, and addressing issues efficiently to ensure better governance.

Importance of Good Governance Day 2024

• Tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee: Celebrates his vision of inclusive and transparent governance.
• Awareness Creation: Educates citizens about their role in ensuring accountability in governance.
• Encouragement for Public Servants: Motivates civil servants to uphold governance values in their duties.
• Promote Trust between Citizens and Government: Helps strengthen the relationship between the government and the citizens.