Governance
Topic: State, Government and Governance: Organs, Levels and the Citizen · NCERT: Class 6, Ch 10 "Grassroots Democracy – Part 1: Governance"
Meaning
Governance is the process of taking decisions, organising society through rules and laws, and making sure those rules are followed. Government is who holds office. Governance is how that power is used. Governance is not limited to the government. Markets, civil society groups and communities also take part in it.
Example
In India, Good Governance Day is observed on 25 December. DARPG's Good Governance Index (2019, 2021) ranks states on how well they govern, not on which party runs them. The same government can govern well or badly.
Don't confuse with
- Government: the group or system of people and institutions that makes and enforces rules. It changes after elections, while governance is the ongoing process.
- Good governance: governance that meets set standards. UNESCAP lists eight: participation, rule of law, transparency, responsiveness, consensus orientation, equity and inclusiveness, effectiveness and efficiency, and accountability.