Page 47 - NIS English 1-15 Oct, 2026

SPECIAL REPORT

A Year Journey of Good Governance

25 Ideas That Transformed Directions and Processes

Over a 25-year journey of good governance, PM Modi introduced various ideas and institutional
initiatives – spanning from the state to the national level – that went beyond mere schemes to
redefine the very modus operandi of governance. The objective behind these initiatives was not
merely to keep the system running but to transform it institutionally. This shift saw responsibilities
devolve from the government to the community, citizens becoming active participants in policy
processes, technology serving as a public foundation, and national efforts gaining a global platform.

1. Water and Sanitation Management 5. Separate Climate Change Department
Organisation (WASMO), Gujarat (2003): (2009): Addressing climate change
Responsibility for rural water schemes shifted became a permanent government
from the government to the villages. ‘Pani responsibility. The government
Samitis’ (Water Committees) were entrusted established dedicated budgetary and
with planning, construction, operation, administrative frameworks for renewable
and maintenance. Women’s participation energy, water conservation, emission
transformed the initiative into a community- reduction, and climate-friendly planning.
led model, which was subsequently adopted in
the Jal Jeevan Mission. 6. MyGov (2014): This platform serves
as a conduit for citizens to engage
2. SDMA (2003): Following the Bhuj earthquake, meaningfully with governmental
Gujarat moved beyond limiting disaster initiatives. The public’s role shifted from
management to mere relief operations; spectator to active participant.
instead, it established a legal and institutional
framework focused on preparedness, capacity 7. NITI Aayog (2015): NITI Aayog
building, and risk mitigation. A similar system replaced the Planning Commission.
was established at the national level in 2005. Policymaking was linked to outcomes
and cooperative federalism through
3. Universities for Specialised Sectors: dialogue with states, the State Support
Dedicated institutes and universities were Mission, and the Aspirational Districts
established for fields such as forensic Programme.
science, internal security, energy, sports,
education, Sanskrit, and yoga. This created an 8. PRAGATI (2015): A system chaired
institutional foundation for nurturing talent by the Prime Minister was established
tailored to specific sectoral needs. to review stalled projects, making
both central and state officials jointly
4. GIFT City (2007): A greenfield hub for accountable. Project progress and issues
international financial services was developed became visible on a unified platform.
in India. A new platform for global
financial activities was created, featuring a
single regulator and systems aligned with
international standards.

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