For Good Governance

Good governance is essential for the effective delivery of goods and services to the people and sustainable economic development of the nation. But political stability is a prerequisite for good governance, and stability is secured when the political parties forge unity among them. Political instability, triggered by the frequent changes of governments, has been badly hitting the governance and development endeavours for years. It is only with the stable politics that development initiatives come to fruition. The other day Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung spoke about the critical components that promote good governance. Gurung, also the government spokesperson, reiterated its priorities to enhancing good governance, accountability and transparency that strengthen timely delivery of services to the people.

Political leaders and policymakers must rise above partisan interests to cater the public goods. In a similar manner, collaboration among civil society, private enterprises, and government institutions create a synergic impact. Development works have not gathered pace due to low capital expenditure that largely results from political inefficiencies and bureaucratic inertia. Effective allocation and utilisation of the development budget plug the gap in the insufficient infrastructure and dearth of employment opportunities. Field monitoring and strict oversight help increase capital spending. Failure to do so likely to cause mismanagement and corruption, which ultimately erode public trust in the ability of government's mechanisms to deliver.

Public media like Gokhapatra daily and The Rising Nepal (TRN) have played an important role disseminating factual and objectives news and views to the people. The media bridges between the government and the people. When the public media such as The Rising Nepal and Gorkhapatra provide right information and perspective of events to the people, this helps them take informed decisions. The flow of right information fosters responsive governance, transparency, and civic engagement. As a watchdog, the public media holds government institutions and officials accountable by highlighting inefficiencies, corruption, and policy failures, thereby nudging them to act for the public interest. The media outlets inform the people about the effectiveness of development projects and their implementation status. Additionally, it provides a platform for inclusive voices, ensuring inclusivity in the democratic process and promoting equity.

 Limited budgets, institutional weaknesses, and deeply ingrained political patronage are significant hurdles to achieving good governance. In order to overcome these obstacles, it is essential to pursue reforms. Good governance extends beyond a government agenda. It is a shared responsibility that requires active participation of all sectors of society. Citizens must hold leaders accountable, while civil society serves as a bridge between government and the public. The media plays a crucial role in shedding light on governance challenges and proposing practical solutions. Achieving effective governance depends on consistent efforts, inclusivity, and the ability to fulfil promises. Minister Gurung said that the coalition government of Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, primarily aimed to ensure stability, good governance and all-round development, and highlighted the role of The Rising Nepal and Gorkhapatra to realise these goals at a function organised here to mark the 59th anniversary of TRN. 

However, there is the need for continuous vigilance and collaboration among the stakeholders. The government should address systematic problems to break cycles of corruption and inefficiency. Then only can it create an environment where trust and stability thrive. A foundation for a brighter and more equitable future can be built by fostering a culture of accountability and citizen engagement. Good governance is an ongoing process that requires the efforts of all segments of society.