The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Citizen-friendly code takes shape

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Nov 28, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Citizen-friendly code takes shape

By K. Venkateshwarlu

HYDERABAD, NOV. 27. In tune with the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh's emphasis on reforming the governance, a citizen-centric Model Code of Good Governance, has been prepared by the Centre for Good Governance here. It is believed to have got the nod from the Prime Minister's Office.

The model code incorporates tools, practices and strategies for good governance woven around transparency, responsiveness, accountability, equity and inclusiveness, rule of law, effectiveness and efficiency. In each of these areas, the CGG has come up with a set of proposals to "concretise" them.

What it means

The draft code takes a close look at the role and structure of governance institution, the service delivery mechanism and supportive rules and regulations. It has called for a review of old and outdated laws, addressing pendency of cases in courts and incorporation of "sunset provision" for schemes, programmes and laws.

The new legislations it proposed include Corrupt Public Servants Forfeiture of Property, Right to Information, Public Interest Disclosure (Protection of Informers), Performance Accountability, Comprehensive Public Services and Transparency in Public Procurement.

As for service delivery mechanism, apart from Citizen's Charters, it has suggested benchmarking and quality certification, social audit, performance measurement and management, reducing citizen's interface with the Government and rural and urban decentralisation.

Reform agenda

To uphold the principles of good governance, it has prescribed code of conduct for legislatures, the judiciary, local bodies, Ministers, political parties, public servants, anti-corruption agencies and code of ethics for civil society organisations. On Government institutions side, it has prepared Core Reform Agenda encompassing administration and civil services.

The model code is the outcome of a series of meetings held ever since the United Progressive Alliance assumed charge at the Centre. Dr. Manmohan Singh had been touching the subject all through his important speeches from the first one he made after he took over as Prime Minister.

A meeting of the Chief Secretaries was held on November 2, followed by another on November 18 and 19.

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