Raipur: The two-day Conference on Good Governance, jointly organized by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Grievance Redressal (DARPG) and the Government of Chhattisgarh, concluded today with a focus on governance reforms aimed at transparency, efficiency, and improving citizens’ ease of living.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and Personnel, Dr. Jitendra Singh, emphasized the transformative governance initiatives introduced under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Speaking as the chief guest, Dr. Singh reiterated that these reforms, including the abolishment of over 2,000 obsolete rules and regulations, reflect a commitment to reducing bureaucratic red tape and empowering citizens.
Dr. Singh highlighted the adoption of innovative technologies, such as face-recognition systems for pension verification, which eliminates the need for physical presence. “With just a mobile phone and a camera, pensioners can now complete verification in seconds, benefiting senior citizens who face difficulties with traditional biometric systems,” he said.
The digitization of pension and entitlement systems has ensured timely disbursal of benefits, streamlining processes for millions of beneficiaries. Dr. Singh also spoke about the government’s decision to remove interviews for Group B and C posts, a reform aimed at eliminating bias and corruption in recruitment.
The conference underscored the importance of cooperative federalism, with Dr. Singh emphasizing the government’s approach of holding governance discussions across states instead of centralizing them in Delhi. Over the years, similar conferences have been held in Jammu & Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, and Tamil Nadu, fostering tailored solutions for regional challenges.
Highlighting a unique initiative, Dr. Singh cited the partnership between Tamil Nadu and Jammu & Kashmir on water-cleaning projects, showcasing how state collaborations can tackle shared challenges and drive innovation.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, who graced the event, lauded the Centre’s support in enhancing the state’s administrative capabilities. He stressed the importance of such platforms in fostering innovative ideas and creating replicable governance models. “The cooperative spirit showcased here is vital for addressing challenges unique to our state,” he said.
Dr. Singh also discussed amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, which now penalizes both giving and taking bribes. “This strengthens accountability and ensures that corruption is tackled at its root,” he noted.
The conference focused on simplifying governance and improving public service delivery. Panel discussions explored ways to reduce delays, enhance transparency, and make administrative processes more citizen-friendly.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Dr. Jitendra Singh both underscored that governance reforms should ultimately aim to improve the quality of life for every citizen.
The Conference on Good Governance highlighted the synergy between the Centre and states in creating a more inclusive, efficient, and transparent governance model. With a focus on leveraging technology, fostering collaboration, and modernizing administrative frameworks, the event showcased India’s ongoing efforts to build an equitable and prosperous society.
Dr. Singh’s call for governance tailored to regional needs and Chief Minister Sai’s endorsement of cooperative federalism reaffirmed the importance of partnerships in driving India’s development journey. The conference stands as a testament to the potential of governance reforms to transform lives across the nation.
