“Good governance” means that processes and institutions produce results that meet the needs of society while making the best use of the resources at their disposal. The concept of efficiency in good governance also covers the sustainable use of natural resources and the protection of the environment. It is concerned with the structures and processes for decision-making, accountability, control and behaviour at the top of an entity.
The context in Jharkhand
According to the PAC India organisation, Jharkhand languishes at the bottom on the criteria of governance. Jharkhand was created on 15 November 2000, and since then governance in the state has deteriorated. It was stressed that even under an Adivasi Chief Minister good governance could not be provided, and that the Adivasi community as a whole had failed to give a positive political, social, economic and cultural direction to the Adivasi-dominated state.
The tribal community seems to be the most vulnerable and politically voiceless. Although Jharkhand has had tribal Chief Ministers since its creation, they were either voiceless or under the burden of party pressure, highly obliged to the political party they represented. Consequently tribal issues were hardly ever raised in the corridors of power. The community clearly suffers from a leadership vacuum, and most Gram Sabhas and other traditional bodies are in the clutches of political parties.
The community does not possess political power in the real sense, due to its lack of politicisation. It is being denied its tribal identity — its culture destroyed, turned into a caste- and class-based society with an individual-centred economy, and deprived of ownership over natural resources as the corporate sector is allowed to grab tribal land in the name of national development.
SIGN’s role
Governance is a system and a process, not a single activity. Successful implementation of a good-governance strategy therefore requires a systematic approach that incorporates strategic planning, risk management and performance management. Like culture, it is a core component of the unique character of a successful organisation.
SIGN plays the role of facilitator, promoting good governance from the village level so that the confidence of tribals is preserved and strengthened. SIGN is trying to bring tribals out of the culture of silence. If tribals are united at the village level, they promote good governance at the state level. SIGN promotes local governance by forming, promoting and strengthening Gram Sabhas.
