Transparency and Accountability

Published on 29 Jan 2025

Transparency refers to the principle of openness, accountability and accessibility of information within governments, organizations and institutions. It is a fundamental aspect of good governance and sustainable development. 

Accountability refers to the responsibility of individuals, organizations, governments, and institutions to answer their actions, decisions and obligation to various stakeholders. It is crucial for promoting good governance, transparency and rule of law.

Importance of Transparency and Accountability in India

• Transparency

• Curbing Corruption: Transparent e-tendering minimizes corruption, enhancing accountability and fairness.Example: Government e-Marketplace – GeM

• Efficient Resource Use: Aadhaar-enabled Direct Benefit Transfer ensures subsidies reach beneficiaries directly, reducing leakage.

• Example: LPG subsidy transfer

• Public Trust: Transparent COVID-19 vaccine distribution builds trust with real-time dose updates.

• Example: CoWIN platform 

• Preventing Discrimination: Transparent guidelines in reservation policies ensure fairness, preventing discrimination in education and employment.

• Example: Caste-based reservation system

• Judicial Transparency: Live-streaming court proceedings ensures transparency, promoting accountability in the justice system.

• Example: Supreme Court's webcast

• Inclusive Development: Transparent fund allocation in schemes like MGNREGA ensures inclusive development and prevents diversion.

• Example: Online fund tracking

• Educational Transparency: Online platforms display accreditation status promoting transparency for informed educational choices.

• Example: National Board of Accreditation

• Corporate Governance: SEBI's Corporate Governance Code mandates transparent reporting, safeguarding investor interests.

• Example: Annual reports

• Electoral Transparency: Real-time tracking of election expenditures ensures accountability, promoting fair electoral practices.

• Example: Election Commission's expenditure monitoring

• Accountability

• Responsive Governance: Online portals like CPGRAMS ensure prompt grievance redressal, promoting government accountability.

• Example: Registering public complaints

• Financial Accountability: GST ensures financial transparency, streamlining tax compliance, and reducing evasion.

• Example: Online tax filing

• Citizen Empowerment: RTI exposes irregularities, empowering citizens to seek information and ensure accountability.

• Example: Seeking information on government projects

• Environmental Accountability: Real-time air quality monitoring holds industries accountable, ensuring environmental transparency and safety.

  Example: Central Pollution Control Board's AQI

• 

• Police Accountability: Citizen-friendly police portals enhance accountability, ensuring prompt action and transparency in law enforcement.

• Example: Online complaint filing

Tags:
Polity

Keywords:
Transparency Accountability Good governance

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 2

Topics:
Governance and Transparency