Abstract

Transparency and Accountability in Governance And Welfare Administration

Ms. Ishrath Unnisa

Volume: 15 Special Issue: 5 2025

Abstract:

Transparency and accountability form the foundation of good governance and democratic strength. In the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, these two principles are essential to ensure that India's progress is not only economic but also ethical, inclusive, and citizen-centered. Transparency means openness in government actions, policies, and decision-making processes, enabling citizens to access information about how power and public resources are used. Accountability ensures that all institutions, officials, and representatives are responsible for their actions and answerable to the people. Together, they build public trust, reduce corruption, and make governance more efficient and people-driven. India, since independence, has made continuous efforts to strengthen transparent governance through legal frameworks such as the Right to Information (RTI) Act, citizen charters, and e-Governance initiatives. These instruments have improved accessibility and brought citizens closer to administrative processes. However, as India moves toward the goal of a developed nation by 2047, the expectations from governments—both central and state—are expanding. Telangana, as one of India’s most forward-looking states, has already shown leadership in digital public service delivery through projects like MeeSeva, Dharani, and Telangana State Data Portal. These initiatives promote transparency by leveraging technology to minimize human interference, ensure quick service delivery, and leave digital audit trails for accountability. Looking ahead, a transparent and accountable government must focus not only on technology but also on strengthening public institutions, civic participation, and ethical governance. Educating citizens about their rights, strengthening local self-government institutions, and encouraging participatory budgeting are crucial. Future governance models should ensure that information flows openly and that feedback mechanisms are integrated at every stage of public policy—from formulation to evaluation. An accountable government is one that welcomes evaluation and learns from criticism. Public servants should be trained in ethical leadership, and anti-corruption laws must be strongly enforced. Regular audits, social accountability tools like social audits and citizen report cards, and open data systems will ensure that citizens remain active participants in democratic governance. In Telangana, integrating these mechanisms into digital platforms can make governance faster, fairer, and more reliable. By 2047, the goal of Viksit Bharat should be to achieve a governance structure that is transparent by design and accountable by culture. It should not merely rely on rules but be embedded as a value system guiding public institutions. Telangana’s experience in combining technology with governance reform can become a model for India’s development journey. With transparency ensuring openness and accountability ensuring responsibility, good governance will evolve into great governance—responsive, ethical, and sustainable.

DOI: http://doi.org/10.37648/ijrssh.v15i05.003

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