Political Science Notes Chapter 5 Class 12 Maharashtra Board

Notes For All Chapters – Political Science Class 12

Contemporary India: Good Governance

1. What is Good Governance?

• Governance means managing public affairs by involving both government and non-government actors.
• Good Governance focuses on making the system citizen-friendly, transparent, responsive, and accountable.
• It’s more than just the government—it includes NGOs, private companies, and civil society.

2. Why the Need for Good Governance?

• Due to globalization, tech revolution, and international pressure, public administration had to change.
• Citizens today expect better, faster services.
• Traditional systems were slow, full of delays and corruption. Reforms were needed.

3. Values of Good Governance

4. Reforms & Initiatives in India

Key Initiatives:

• Lokpal & Lokayukta Act (2013):
  • For fighting corruption.
  • Lokpal at national level, Lokayukta at state level.
  • Inspired by Sweden’s Ombudsman system.
• Citizens’ Charter (1996):
  • Declares what services govt. offices provide, and in how much time.
  • Example: Passport in X days, Birth Certificate in Y days.
• E-Governance:
  • Use of technology for faster, transparent service.
  • Ex: Online services like Aadhar, PAN, Driving Licence, etc.
• Right to Information Act (2005):
  • Citizens can ask for any govt. information.
  • Promotes transparency and reduces corruption.
• Citizen Participation:
  • People actively involved in governance.
  • Focus is on bottom-up approach (public voices matter).

5. Six Pillars of e-Governance (Maharashtra)

• 1. Policy/Legal Framework
• 2. Capacity Building of Staff
• 3. Funding Mechanism
• 4. Institutional Framework
• 5. Core e-Governance Infrastructure (Data centers, etc.)
• 6. Common Projects (e-Office, e-Tendering)

6. Institutions Protecting Citizens’ Rights