Fresh SSB batches start around  1st and 15th of every month.

What are the fundamental principles of effective governance -

 • Transparency and Accountability in Decision-making

 • Citizen Participation and Democratic Institutions

• Social Justice and Equity in Policy Implementation

1. Transparency and Accountability in Decision-making

Explanation:

Transparency ensures that government decisions, policies, and financial expenditures are open and accessible to citizens. Accountability ensures that public officials are answerable for their actions and can be questioned or penalized in case of misuse of power.
Data & Facts:

 • According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index 2024, countries with strong transparency mechanisms show 20–30% higher public trust in governance.

• The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 in India has significantly strengthened transparency. Since its implementation, over 6 million RTI applications are filed annually, enabling citizens to seek government information. • The introduction of digital governance platforms such as Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) has saved the Indian government over ₹2.7 lakh crore by reducing leakages and corruption.
Examples:

• RTI Act allows citizens to access government records and hold authorities accountable.

 • DBT transfers subsidies directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts, reducing middlemen and corruption.

2. Citizen Participation and Democratic Institutions
Explanation:

Citizen participation means involving people in decision-making processes through elections, public consultations, and local governance. Strong democratic institutions ensure that power is distributed and balanced among various governing bodies.
Data & Facts:

 • India has the largest democratic electorate in the world, with over 96 crore registered voters in the 2024 general elections.

 • The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments strengthened local self-governance by empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies.

 • More than 30 lakh elected representatives serve in local bodies in India, and nearly 46% are women, promoting inclusive governance.
Examples:

• Gram Sabhas allow villagers to participate directly in local development decisions.

• Public consultations for policies such as Digital India and Smart Cities Mission involve stakeholder feedback.

3. Social Justice and Equity in Policy Implementation
Explanation:

Social justice ensures equal opportunities and fair distribution of resources among all sections of society, especially marginalized communities. Equity focuses on providing support based on need to reduce social and economic disparities.
Data & Facts:

 • According to the World Bank, poverty in India declined from 22.5% in 2011 to around 10% in recent years, largely due to welfare schemes.

• Government initiatives like Ayushmann Bharat aim to provide health insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh per family to over 50 crore beneficiaries.

 • Schemes such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and reservation policies in education and employment promote gender and social equality.
Examples:

• Ayushmann Bharat provides affordable healthcare to economically weaker sections.

• Mid-Day Meal Scheme improves nutrition and school attendance among children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Conclusion
Effective governance relies on transparency, citizen involvement, and social justice to build trust, strengthen democracy, and ensure inclusive development. When these principles function together, they create a governance system that promotes accountability, empowerment, and equitable growth.