In News:

In a landmark move to boost scientific research and innovation, the Finance Ministry of India recently announced a series of reforms easing the procurement norms for scientific equipment. This policy shift addresses long-standing grievances from the research community about sub-standard materials, procedural delays, and restricted autonomy due to rigid procurement rules under the Government e-Marketplace (GEM).

Background: Challenges with GEM Procurement

The GEM portal, launched to promote “Make in India” procurement, mandated government institutions to source all goods through it. However, scientists highlighted serious concerns about its inefficiency, especially the inability to procure high-quality, customised scientific instruments required for cutting-edge research. Delays in procurement approvals and the necessity to first prove non-availability on GEM further hindered project timelines and research output.

Key Policy Reforms and Amendments

To rectify these issues, the government amended the General Financial Rules (GFR), introducing the following major changes:

• Exemption from GEM Mandate:
  • Select scientific institutions and universities are now allowed to procure equipment and consumables outside the GEM portal.
  • This restores procurement autonomy to Directors, Vice-Chancellors, and Chancellors—similar to the pre-GEM era—enabling timely purchases from specialised, quality vendors.
• Enhanced Financial Autonomy:
  • Without Quotation: Procurement limit increased from ?1 lakh to ?2 lakh for direct purchases.
  • Purchase Committee Limit: Raised from ?10 lakh to ?25 lakh, enabling quicker institutional decision-making.
  • Tender Enquiry Ceiling: Enhanced from ?50 lakh to ?1 crore, facilitating mid-level procurements efficiently.
  • These changes reflect inflation adjustments and reduce the administrative burden on research institutions.
• Global Tender Enquiry (GTE):
  • Directors and Vice-Chancellors are now authorised to approve GTEs up to ?200 crore, a responsibility earlier restricted to departmental Secretaries.
  • This decentralisation helps avoid bottlenecks and streamlines large-scale procurements critical for advanced R&D.

Strategic Relevance and Broader Objectives

These reforms are strategically aligned with India’s aspirations under Atmanirbhar Bharat and its goal to emerge as a global science and technology leader. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles, enhancing institutional autonomy, and ensuring timely access to world-class research tools, the reforms empower innovation across sectors like health, defence, space, and agriculture.

Institutions benefitting from these measures include:

• Department of Science and Technology (DST)
• Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
• Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
• Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
• Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
• Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
• Postgraduate research institutions under central and state universities

Conclusion

The revised GFR norms signify a progressive policy intervention aimed at creating a facilitative research ecosystem in India. By streamlining procurement, restoring institutional trust, and removing operational roadblocks, the government has responded positively to the scientific community's demands. As acknowledged by Science Minister Jitendra Singh, this reform is not just administrative; it is transformative—unlocking India's potential for innovation and scientific excellence.

Introduction

India’s health governance follows a quasi-federal structure where health is constitutionally a State subject. However, increasing centralisation, particularly in medical education and national health schemes, is raising concerns over States’ autonomy and the effectiveness of federal health policies.

Judicial Push Towards Centralisation

The recent Supreme Court ruling in Dr. Tanvi Behl vs Shrey Goyal (2025) declared domicile-based reservations in post-graduate (PG) medical admissions unconstitutional, citing Article 14 and the principle of meritocracy. This decision, however, overlooks the critical link between State investments in medical education and their ability to retain specialists within local health systems. Domicile quotas served as a strategic tool to ensure a stable, locally adapted healthcare workforce, especially amid chronic specialist shortages.

Striking down such quotas may discourage States from investing in medical institutions if their graduates are siphoned off to other regions. Unlike central institutions like AIIMS or PGIMER, which enjoy selection autonomy, State medical colleges now face limited control over admissions, weakening their role as pillars of regional health systems.

Centralisation Through Policy and Institutions

Beyond judiciary-led centralisation, several national initiatives have expanded the Centre's role:

• National Health Mission (NHM): While implemented by States, funding and guidelines remain Centre-dominated.
• Ayushman Bharat (2018) and AB Digital Mission: These schemes shifted healthcare financing and data control towards the Centre, reducing the relevance of State-run insurance programs.
• National Medical Commission Act (2019): Replacing the MCI, this law enhanced the Centre's control over medical education regulation.
• Epidemic and Disaster Management Acts: Empower the Centre during health emergencies, as witnessed during COVID-19.

Consequences of Over-Centralisation

Excessive centralisation undermines India’s diverse health needs and local governance:

• Limited Responsiveness to Local Needs: Uniform policies ignore State-specific demographics. For instance, Kerala requires elderly care, while Bihar and UP demand maternal and child health focus.
• Reduced Decision-Making Power: States lose flexibility in tailoring central schemes, as seen with Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY.
• Bureaucratic Inefficiencies: Delays in fund disbursal under centrally sponsored schemes hinder timely execution.
• Weakening of Local Health Systems: Panchayats and municipal bodies—crucial to grassroots delivery—are often bypassed in favour of top-down mechanisms.

Meritocracy vs Social Equity

The rigid focus on merit in PG admissions disregards structural inequalities. As seen in recent NEET-PG cutoffs being lowered to zero percentile to fill seats, the current meritocratic model is flawed. Regional representation and public service outcomes should be considered in defining ‘merit’, aligning medical education with societal needs.

Way Forward

• Restore State Autonomy in Admissions: States should be empowered to design admissions aligned with local healthcare priorities.
• Fiscal and Functional Decentralisation: Grant flexibility in using central funds and reduce bureaucratic controls.
• Strengthen Cooperative Federalism: Institutionalise Centre-State coordination in health planning and policy-making.
• Invest in Local Systems: Enhance capacities of State health departments and grassroots governance bodies.

Conclusion

While central guidance is essential for national health objectives, excessive centralisation risks weakening India’s federal health architecture. A balanced approach rooted in cooperative federalism is vital to create an inclusive, efficient, and resilient healthcare system for all.

In News:

India is making significant strides toward digital governance, an initiative aimed at enhancing both citizen services and the capabilities of government employees. This transition to a digitally-driven framework is designed to improve the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of government operations, positioning India as a global leader in modern governance practices.

What is Digital Governance?

Digital governance refers to the application of technology to enhance the functioning of government processes. By integrating digital tools and platforms, it aims to streamline administrative operations, reduce inefficiencies, and improve public service delivery. This approach also extends to ensuring greater transparency and accountability in government dealings.

Key Initiatives in Digital Governance

India has launched several critical initiatives to modernize governance through digital means. Some of the key programs include:

• iGOT Karmayogi Platform: The iGOT Karmayogi platform is a government initiative to provide online training to public employees. It aims to enhance public administration skills, foster expertise in data analytics, and equip employees with the necessary tools in digital technologies. This initiative aims to prepare government personnel to handle the challenges of a digitally evolving governance landscape.

• e-Office Initiative: The e-Office program is designed to reduce paper-based work by digitizing workflows within government departments. This initiative facilitates real-time communication among offices and ensures more efficient and transparent management of tasks. It also helps streamline decision-making processes and improves the speed of governance operations.
• Government e-Marketplace (GeM): The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is an online platform developed to optimize procurement processes. It allows government agencies to procure goods and services efficiently, transparently, and with accountability. This platform has contributed to reducing corruption and ensuring that government purchases represent the best value for public money.
• Cybersecurity Training for Employees: As digital operations increase, ensuring the safety of sensitive data is paramount. The cybersecurity training program for government employees is designed to enhance their ability to recognize and respond to potential cyber threats. This initiative ensures data protection, safe online practices, and cyber resilience across digital governance platforms.

Challenges in Implementing Digital Governance

Despite its benefits, India faces several challenges in the successful implementation of digital governance. These obstacles must be addressed to unlock the full potential of technology-driven governance.

• Resistance to Technological Change: One of the key barriers to digital transformation in government is the resistance among employees to adopt new technologies. Many government officials remain accustomed to traditional, paper-based processes and are reluctant to transition to digital systems due to concerns about complexity and job security.
• Digital Divide in Rural Areas:  While urban regions in India have better access to high-speed internet and digital infrastructure, many rural areas face significant digital divide challenges. Limited access to technology hampers the successful implementation of digital governance in these regions, restricting equitable service delivery across the country. 
• Cybersecurity Risks: The rise of digital operations in governance increases the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches. With government data being digitized, the threat of cybercrimes becomes more pronounced, making it critical to implement robust cybersecurity measures and data protection strategies to safeguard sensitive information.
• Lack of Incentives for Training Outcomes: Although government employees are encouraged to take part in training programs such as iGOT Karmayogi, the absence of clear incentives to complete these programs can undermine their effectiveness. Establishing tangible rewards or career progression linked to the successful completion of training would encourage employees to fully engage in capacity-building initiatives.

Solutions to Overcome Challenges

To ensure the success of digital governance, several strategies must be put in place to address the challenges identified.

• Foster Innovation-Friendly Environments: Promoting an innovation-friendly culture within government offices can help reduce resistance to new technologies. Encouraging employees to engage with digital tools, offering regular training, and providing ongoing support will facilitate a smoother transition to a technology-driven governance system.
• Invest in Digital Infrastructure for Rural Areas: Addressing the digital divide requires significant investment in digital infrastructure in rural and remote areas. Ensuring that these regions have reliable internet access and the necessary technological resources will empower citizens across India to benefit from digital governance.
• Continuous Capacity-Building Programs: Establishing continuous training programs for government employees will ensure that they remain up-to-date with the latest technological trends. Regular updates to training content will help employees stay prepared to handle emerging challenges in digital governance.
• Strengthen Cybersecurity Protocols: To mitigate cybersecurity risks, it is essential to implement stringent cybersecurity measures across all levels of government operations. This includes regular cybersecurity awareness programs, proactive threat management systems, and rigorous data protection protocols to safeguard both government data and citizens’ personal information.

Conclusion

India’s shift towards digital governance represents a significant step toward modernizing administrative systems, enhancing transparency, and improving service delivery to citizens. However, challenges such as resistance to change, the digital divide, cybersecurity risks, and the lack of clear incentives for training must be addressed. By investing in digital infrastructure, offering continuous training programs, and reinforcing cybersecurity measures, India can create an effective and secure framework for digital governance that benefits both its citizens and the government workforce.

In News:

India's rapid digital transformation, coupled with the advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), presents a unique opportunity to reimagine governance. The concept of GovAI—using AI to enhance public administration—holds the potential to revolutionize governance, improve efficiency, and create more responsive and inclusive public systems.

Digital Transformation in Governance

• Evolution of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
  • Over the past decade, India has made significant strides in digital governance through the development of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). DPI has reduced inefficiencies, enhanced transparency, and improved service delivery, transforming India's governance landscape.
• Impact of AI on Governance
  • As AI becomes a critical enabler in various sectors, its application to governance promises to deliver more efficient, inclusive, and responsive government services. The potential of AI lies in its ability to provide more with less, driving innovation across key public services.

Key Trends Driving GovAI

• Rapid Digitalization of India
  • Currently, 90 crore Indians are connected to the Internet, with projections indicating 120 crore by 2026, positioning India as the most connected country globally.
  • Digitalization serves as the backbone for AI-driven governance, enabling efficient data collection, analysis, and informed policy-making.
• Data as a Valuable Resource
  • The rapid digitalization of India has led to the generation of vast amounts of data. This data serves as the fuel for AI models, which can be used to enhance governance.
  • Programs like the IndiaDatasetsProgramme aim to harness government datasets for AI development while safeguarding data privacy through legislation.
• Demand for Efficient Governance
  • The post-COVID world has underscored the need for governments to deliver better outcomes with fewer resources. AI has the potential to optimize the use of public resources, enabling more efficient and targeted governance.

India’s Leadership in AI-Driven Governance

• Positioning India as a Global Leader
  • India’s digital governance initiatives have placed it at the forefront of AI adoption in the public sector. Through GovAI, India can solidify its position as a global leader in using technology for public good.
  • As the Chair of the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI), India is advocating for the inclusive development of AI to ensure that it benefits all nations, not just a select few.
• Role of Innovation Ecosystem
  • India’s innovation ecosystem, comprising startups, entrepreneurs, and tech hubs, can play a crucial role in driving the development of AI models, platforms, and apps for governance.
  • A strong partnership between the government and private sector is essential to successfully deploy AI solutions across various sectors of governance.

Potential Benefits of GovAI

• Enhanced Efficiency and Service Delivery
  • AI-powered tools, such as chatbots, can provide citizens with 24/7 assistance, streamlining public service delivery and reducing waiting times.
  • AI can help in automating processes and improving the overall efficiency of government operations.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making
  • AI can analyze large datasets to make informed policy decisions and design targeted interventions in sectors like healthcare, education, and social welfare.
  • Data-driven insights can enhance the effectiveness of welfare schemes, improving outcomes for marginalized communities.
• Increased Transparency and Accountability
  • AI can enhance transparency in governance by minimizing human intervention in processes, thus reducing corruption and ensuring efficient use of public resources.
  • Predictive analytics and real-time data monitoring can enable proactive governance, preventing issues before they escalate.

Challenges and Drawbacks of GovAI

• Privacy Concerns
  • The use of AI in governance requires the collection and analysis of vast amounts of personal data, raising concerns about data privacy and surveillance.
  • Robust data protection laws must be enforced to ensure citizens' data is handled responsibly.
• Accountability and Bias
  • AI systems may produce biased outcomes depending on the data they are trained on. Ensuring accountability for decisions made by AI systems remains a challenge, particularly when errors or biases occur.
  • Transparent mechanisms must be established to hold AI systems accountable for their actions.
• Increased State Control and Surveillance
  • The integration of AI in governance could lead to increased state control, potentially compromising individual freedoms. Ensuring that AI is used responsibly to balance power between the government and citizens is critical.
• Digital Divide
  • The benefits of AI in governance may not be evenly distributed across the population, exacerbating the digital divide.
  • Efforts must be made to ensure that marginalized communities, without access to digital technologies or skills, are not left behind.

Conclusion

• Balancing Benefits and Risks
  • The integration of AI into governance systems presents significant benefits, including enhanced efficiency, transparency, and proactive governance. However, there are challenges related to privacy, accountability, and state control.
  • To ensure AI serves the public good, India must implement strong regulatory frameworks, promote transparency, and develop ethical AI systems that respect citizens’ rights and freedoms.
• Moving Toward Maximum Governance
  • AI can help realize the vision of maximum governance, enabling more effective and targeted interventions across sectors like healthcare, security, education, and disaster management.
  • The success of GovAI will depend on a trusted partnership between the government, private sector, and innovation ecosystem, ensuring that AI technology serves the larger public interest.

Why is it in the News?

Good Governance Day 2023 is being celebrated today on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, which falls on December 25th.

About Good Governance Day:

• December 25 marks the birth anniversary of the late Prime Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader, Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
• Origin: In 2014, the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi declared December 25 as "Good Governance Day" to be celebrated nationwide.

Significance of Good Governance Day:

• Raising Governance Awareness: Good Governance Day aims to raise awareness among citizens regarding government accountability and efficient administration.
• Equitable Treatment of Citizens: This day emphasizes the fair and prompt delivery of various government services to ensure equitable treatment for the country's residents.
• Advancement of e-Governance: National Good Governance Day endeavors to advance "e-Governance" with the official event slogan being "Good Governance through e-Governance.

What is Good Governance?

• Governance encompasses the decision-making process and the subsequent implementation (or lack thereof) of those decisions.
  • It manifests in various contexts, including corporate governance, international governance, national governance, and local governance.
• It is characterized as "the manner in which power is exercised in the management of a country's economic and social resources for development."
  • This concept, rooted in historical perspectives, was elaborated by Chanakya in the Arthashastra.
• Foundation of Citizens Centric Administration: The cornerstone of a citizens-centric administration lies in the principles of good governance, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and equitable societal development.

8 Principles of Good Governance:

• Participation: Ensures the inclusion of diverse perspectives, including men, women, vulnerable sections, backward classes, minorities, etc.
  • Upholds freedom of association and expression.
• Rule of Law: Impartial enforcement of the legal framework, particularly in human rights laws.
  • A foundation for preventing the 'law of fish,' where the strong prevail over the weak.
• Consensus Oriented: Facilitates decision-making that aims for a common minimum acceptable to everyone, fostering a broad consensus.
  • Mediates differing interests toward a mutually beneficial outcome.
• Equity and Inclusiveness: Strives for an equitable society, ensuring opportunities for all to enhance or maintain their well-being.
• Effectiveness and Efficiency: Focuses on processes and institutions that yield results meeting the community's needs.
  • Maximizes the effective utilization of community resources for optimal output.
• Accountability: Demands accountability from governmental institutions, private sectors, and civil society organizations to the public and institutional stakeholders.
  • Aims for governance that serves the betterment of the people.
• Transparency: Requires accessible, understandable, and monitored information.
  • Advocates for a free media and public access to information.
• Responsiveness: Dictates that institutions and processes serve all stakeholders within a reasonable timeframe.

What is the Significance of Good Governance?

• Safeguarding Public Interests: The implementation of good governance practices is crucial for safeguarding the interests of the public.
• Optimal Resource Utilization: Good governance empowers organizations to maximize the efficient utilization of available resources, facilitating the delivery of high-quality services.
• Ensuring Checks and Balances: Through good governance practices, mechanisms are established to prevent the undue exercise of power and authority, maintaining a system of checks and balances.
• Facilitating Public Engagement: The active involvement of the public in the governance process becomes achievable when good governance practices are firmly in place.

What are the Challenges to Good Governance in India?

• Corruption: The pervasive level of corruption in India is widely recognized as a substantial impediment to enhancing the quality of governance.
• Empowerment of Women: The inadequate representation of women in government institutions and related sectors poses a significant challenge to achieving gender equality.
• Delayed Justice: Ensuring timely justice for citizens is a fundamental right, but numerous factors, such as a shortage of personnel and logistical resources within the legal system, contribute to delayed justice.
• Criminalization of Politics: The intertwining of the political process with criminal elements and the collaboration between politicians, civil servants, and business entities negatively impact public policy formulation and governance.
• Centralization of Administrative System: Efficient functioning of lower-level governments, particularly Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), depends on adequate empowerment.
  • The existing challenges involve insufficient devolution of funds and personnel to carry out constitutionally assigned functions.

What are the Initiatives for Enhancing Good Governance in India?

• National e-Governance Plan: With a vision to make government services easily accessible to the common man, the National e-Governance Plan aims to ensure efficiency, transparency, and reliability of services at affordable costs.
  • The plan focuses on meeting the basic needs of the public through widespread service delivery outlets.
• Good Governance Index (GGI): Launched by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, GGI serves as a comprehensive tool to evaluate the state of governance in the country.
  • It systematically analyzes the impact of various interventions initiated by State Governments and Union Territories.
• Right to Information Act, 2005: This crucial legislation plays a pivotal role in fostering transparency within governance by granting citizens the right to access information.
  • The Right to Information Act, 2005, empowers individuals to seek and receive information, contributing to a more transparent and accountable system.

About Atal Bihari Vajpayee

• Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the 10th Prime Minister of India, distinguished himself not only as a statesman but also as a revered poet and literary figure.
• His association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological precursor of the BJP, further shaped his political journey.
• Early Life: Born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Vajpayee joined the RSS in 1939, transitioning into a full-time role in 1947.
  • His literary prowess led him to collaborate with Deen Dayal Upadhyaya on various publications, marking the beginning of his impactful career.
• Political Ascension: Vajpayee assumed the role of national president of the Jana Sangh in 1968 following Deen Dayal Upadhyaya's demise.
  • His political journey commenced with his election to the Lok Sabha from the Balrampur seat in the 1957 general election, where his eloquence positioned him as a defender of Jana Sangh's policies.
• Key Political Milestones: Post-emergency, Vajpayee played a vital role in the formation of the Janata Party, securing victory in the 1977 general elections and subsequently serving as the External Affairs Minister.
  • The transformation of Jana Sangh into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1980 marked a significant phase under his leadership, with the party gaining electoral prominence.
• Political Tenures: Vajpayee's political career saw him elected ten times to the Lok Sabha and twice to the Rajya Sabha, representing constituencies such as Balrampur, New Delhi, Gwalior, and Lucknow.
  • His administrative journey commenced as the External Affairs Minister in 1975, with commendation for his UN General Assembly speech in Hindi.
• Prime Ministerial Stints: Vajpayee served as the Prime Minister of India in three distinct tenures:
  • A brief 13-day term in 1996
  • 13-month period from 1998 to 1999, and
  • A full term from 1999 to 2004.
• Notable Achievements: Vajpayee's administration left an indelible mark with achievements such as the Pokhran Nuclear Test, success in the Kargil War, the implementation of the Golden Quadrilateral project, the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana, and the Sarva Siksha Abhiyaan.
• Diplomatic Outreach: Vajpayee's diplomatic efforts included a groundbreaking bus journey to Lahore to meet with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, signaling a commitment to improving relations.
• Honors and Recognition: Atal Bihari Vajpayee was bestowed with prestigious honors, including the Bharat Ratna in 2015, recognition for his role in the Bangladesh Liberation War, and the Order of Ouissam Alaouite from Morocco.
  • Additionally, the Government of India designated his birth anniversary as Good Governance Day in 2014.