Transparency and accountability
Transparency:
Definition: Transparency in governance refers to the openness, clarity, and accessibility of
information, processes, and decisions of public institutions to citizens. It ensures that decisions are
made and implemented in accordance with laws and regulations, and information is freely available
to those affected by such decisions.
Key Features:
• Availability of information in the public domain as permissible under the law.
• Clear communication of decision-making processes and rationales without distortion.
• Example: E-auction of public procurement projects where all details are publicly available.
Objective: To foster trust, reduce corruption, and promote participatory democracy by ensuring
citizens are informed about government actions.
Accountability:
Definition: Accountability refers to the obligation of individuals, organizations, or institutions to
answer for their actions, decisions, and policies. It involves accepting responsibility, disclosing
outcomes transparently, and facing consequences for shortcomings.
Key Features:
• Answerability: Public officials must justify their actions to superior authorities or the public.
• Enforcement: Sanctions or corrective measures for malpractices or failures.
• Example: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audits government accounts to ensure
financial accountability.
Objective: To ensure public officials and institutions are answerable to citizens, uphold the rule of
law, and promote good governance.
Relationship Between Transparency and Accountability:
• Complementary Nature: Transparency is a prerequisite for accountability. Without access to
information, accountability cannot be enforced. Conversely, accountability ensures that
transparency serves its purpose by holding decision-makers responsible.
• Mutual Reinforcement: Transparent systems provide the information needed for accountability,
while accountability mechanisms ensure transparency is meaningful and not merely cosmetic.
• Example: The Right to Information (RTI) Act provides access to information, enabling citizens to
hold public officials accountable.
2. Significance of Transparency and Accountability in Governance
• Promotes Good Governance: Ensures decisions are made in the public interest, enhancing
efficiency and effectiveness.
Example: Transparent budget allocation in schemes like GST promotes accountability in fund
utilization.
• Builds Public Trust: Open disclosure of government actions fosters confidence in institutions.
Example: Aadhaar-based welfare distribution ensures transparency, reducing leakages and
building trust.
• Reduces Corruption: Transparency exposes malpractices, while accountability enforces
consequences, deterring corruption.
Example: Brazil’s Clean Company Act penalizes corrupt companies, promoting transparency.
• Enhances Citizen Participation: Transparent systems allow citizens to engage in decision-
making, strengthening democracy.
Example: Social audits in MGNREGA empower communities to monitor implementation.
• Improves Service Delivery: Accountability ensures public services are delivered efficiently to
intended beneficiaries.
Example: Uganda’s Anti-Corruption Hotline allows citizens to report inefficiencies, improving
service delivery.
• Upholds Ethical Governance: Promotes integrity, fairness, and justice in public administration.
Example: Ethical leadership by T.N. Seshan, former Chief Election Commissioner, set standards
for electoral transparency.
• Supports Socioeconomic Development: Transparent and accountable governance ensures
equitable resource allocation and policy implementation.
Example: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) uses clear eligibility criteria and online processes
for transparent housing allocation.
3. Mechanisms to Ensure Transparency and Accountability in India
A. Legislative and Institutional Mechanisms
• Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005:
Empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities, promoting transparency.
Ensures accountability by enabling scrutiny of government actions.
Example: RTI has been pivotal in exposing irregularities in schemes like MGNREGA.
• Citizens’ Charter:
Commits organizations to specific standards of service delivery, timeliness, and grievance
redressal.
Coordinated by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances.
Example: Citizen Charters in government departments outline time-bound service delivery.
• Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG):
Constitutionally mandated to audit government finances and operations.
Reports are tabled in Parliament, ensuring financial transparency and accountability.
Example: CAG’s audit of the Rafale deal highlighted issues in procurement transparency.
• Central Vigilance Commission (CVC):
Autonomous anti-corruption agency overseeing government officials’ conduct.
Promotes integrity and accountability in public administration.
Example: CVC investigates corruption cases, ensuring accountability.
•
Public Accounts Committee (PAC):
Parliamentary committee that reviews CAG reports to scrutinize government expenditure.
Chaired by an opposition member to ensure impartiality.
Example: PAC examines financial irregularities, fostering accountability.
• Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013:
Establishes ombudsman institutions to investigate corruption at central and state levels.
Strengthens accountability by addressing citizen complaints against public officials.
• Parliamentary Control:
Mechanisms like Question Hour, Cut Motions, and Committees ensure executive accountability.
Example: Question Hour allows MPs to seek clarifications on government actions.
B. Technological and E-Governance Initiatives
• E-Governance Platforms:
Leverage technology to enhance transparency and reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies.
Examples:
◦ Government e-Marketplace (GeM): Transparent procurement with user-friendly dashboards.
◦ Bhoomi (Karnataka): Online access to land records.
◦ E-Mitra (Rajasthan) and Lokvani (Uttar Pradesh): Digital service delivery platforms.
• Web-Based Pensioner Services: Provide real-time information on pension status, enhancing
transparency for pensioners.
• Aadhaar: Biometric identification system ensuring transparent welfare distribution.
• Real-Time Data Disclosure: Mandatory sharing of financial data and beneficiary lists using
Management Information Systems (MIS).
C. Social Accountability Mechanisms
• Social Audits: Community-driven evaluations of government schemes to assess effectiveness
and identify gaps.
Example: MV Foundation’s social audits of Mid-Day Meals in Andhra Pradesh focused on child
welfare.
Example: MGNREGA social audits empower local communities to demand transparency.
• Civil Society Engagement: NGOs and community-based organizations (CBOs) enhance
accountability by educating stakeholders.
Example: Jharkhand includes civil society representatives in social audit panels.
• Media and Public Awareness: Media plays a critical role in popularizing social audits and
exposing malpractices.
Example: Investigative journalism uncovering corruption in public schemes.
D. Other Measures
• Whistleblower Protection Act: Protects individuals reporting corruption or misconduct,
promoting accountability.
• Public Grievance Redressal Mechanisms: Independent authorities to address complaints of
delay, harassment, or corruption.
Example: Karnataka Lokayukta exposed corruption in mining.
•
Right to Public Services (RTPS) Legislation: Ensures time-bound delivery of services, reducing
bureaucracy and corruption.
Example: States like Bihar and Madhya Pradesh have RTPS laws.
4. Challenges in Ensuring Transparency and Accountability
• Political Interference: Politicians may manipulate transparency mechanisms to protect vested
interests.
Example: Interference in anti-corruption agencies like the CBI.
• Bureaucratic Resistance: Bureaucrats may resist transparency due to fear of losing power or
exposing malpractices.
Example: Delays in digitizing land records in India.
• Lack of Citizen Awareness: Low awareness of tools like RTI and social audits limits their
effectiveness.
Example: Rural populations often lack knowledge of their entitlements.
• Technological Barriers: Uneven digital infrastructure restricts access to e-governance platforms.
Example: Digital divide in rural areas limits e-governance reach.
• Resource Constraints: Limited financial and human resources hinder effective implementation of
accountability measures.
Example: Underfunded Social Audit Units (SAUs) lack independence.
• Cultural Factors: In cultures valuing secrecy, transparency faces resistance.
Example: Resistance to open government policies in some regions.
• Weak Enforcement: Lack of punitive actions for violations undermines accountability.
Example: Lenient penalties for corruption in some cases.
5. Way Forward: Strengthening Transparency and Accountability
• Enhance Political Will: Strong leadership commitment to enforce reforms and counter resistance.
• Capacity Building: Train public officials and citizens on tools like RTI, social audits, and e-
governance.
• Community Mobilization: Engage NGOs and CBOs to foster grassroots participation in
governance.
• Information Dissemination: Adopt the 3R principle: Regular, Reliable, and Relevant information
sharing.
• Technological Advancements: Bridge the digital divide by expanding internet access and digital
literacy.
Example: Scaling up initiatives like Digital India.
• Strengthen Social Audits: Increase funding and staffing for independent Social Audit Units.
Example: Meghalaya’s social audit law as a model.
• Legal Sanctions: Implement stricter consequences for violations based on audit findings.
•
Promote Ethical Leadership: Encourage leaders to lead by example, as seen in cases like T.N.
Seshan or A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
• Independent Oversight: Establish autonomous bodies like an independent ombudsman to ensure
accountability.
6. Examples and Case Studies for UPSC
• RTI Act Success: Exposed irregularities in MGNREGA implementation, leading to corrective
actions.
• Social Audit in Andhra Pradesh: MV Foundation’s audits of Mid-Day Meals improved
accountability in child welfare programs.
• E-Governance in Karnataka: Bhoomi project digitized land records, reducing corruption in land
transactions.
• Ethical Leadership: Durga Shakti Nagpal, an IAS officer, stood against illegal sand mining despite
political pressure, showcasing courage and accountability.
• Aadhaar in Welfare: Reduced leakages in PDS and other welfare schemes by ensuring
transparent delivery.
7. UPSC-Relevant Quotes
• James Bovard: “Democracy must be built through open societies that share information. When
there is information, there is enlightenment. When there is debate, there are solutions.”
• Justice P.N. Bhagwati: “Where a society has chosen to accept democracy as its creedal faith, it
is elementary that the citizens ought to know what their government is doing.”
• Edward Snowden: “There can be no faith in government if our highest offices are excused from
scrutiny—they should be setting the example of transparency.”
• John F. Kennedy: “No responsibility of government is more fundamental than the responsibility
of maintaining higher standards of ethical behaviour.”
Conclusion:
Transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of good governance, ensuring trust,
efficiency, and ethical conduct in public administration. In India, mechanisms like the RTI Act, e-
governance, social audits, and institutions like CAG and CVC have significantly enhanced these
principles. However, challenges like bureaucratic resistance, political interference, and technological
gaps persist. A robust framework involving political will, citizen participation, technological
advancements, and ethical leadership is essential to strengthen transparency and accountability,
aligning governance with the aspirations of a democratic society.
