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Abstract

The adoption of ‘good governance’ practices has been seen as a necessary condition for a country to grow economically, provide essential services and reduce poverty. Yet, there is ambiguity about what exactly good governance is. The use of the adjective ‘good’, which has a positive moral connotation, further confounds the issue. This article examines good governance practices adopted in India, and unbundles the concept to define what good governance is. The article asks if good governance practices have lived up to the promises made in terms of the wellsprings of economic growth, scientific research and innovation with an example from sector of water supply in India. If in reduction of poverty and inequality, there is an important role for the government/state, then what kind of state should a country have? Examining Indian experience, the article shows that a state with good governance can quickly degenerate into a predatory one. The state has an important role that good governance practices do not give it, but it is also important that a country has the right kind of state. It is to this question that researchers must now turn their attention.

Keywords

Good governance India state poverty inequality growth innovation

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‘Good’ Governance in India: How Good or Bad?

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