Politics of Governance: A Study of Gujarat
| Author | Ghanshyam Shah |
| Published date | 01 June 2013 |
| Date | 01 June 2013 |
| DOI | http://doi.org/10.1177/2321023013482788 |
| Subject Matter | Article |
Military-Madrasa-Mullah Complex 65
India Quarterly, 66, 2 (2010): 133–149
A Global Threat 65
Article
Ghanshyam Shah is ICSSR National Fellow, Centre for Social Studies, Surat.
E-mail: ghanshyam.shah2008@gmail.com
Politics of Governance:
A Study of Gujarat1
Ghanshyam Shah
Abstract
This article is a study of political economy of Gujarat in the context of the issues pertaining to ‘good
governance’. The article reviews Gujarat’s socio-economic development with respect to key indica-
tors of environment, health, education and welfare programmes. It presents an argument that overall
economic growth alone is not the adequate criterion for assessing good governance. Rather, broader
issues of human development, reach and depth of welfare programmes and the approach informing the
economic policy constitute the core bases for the assessment of a state’s claims to good governance.
Gujarat, one of the states of the Indian union, is seen as a developed state that has made consider-
able progress in more recent times in the direction of good governance. This article seeks to critically
examine this impression.
Keywords
good governance, economic growth, human development, welfare programmes, economy of Gujarat
The function of any government is to govern socio-economic affairs of society in its jurisdiction. Nature
of its governance is closely related to (a) its mission and objective for preserving and/or developing
nature of socio-economic and political order; (b) overall and sectoral policy formations, and (c) manner
and modus operandi of management in executing policies. Overall policy postulates provide holistic
perspective as well as approach of the government towards its priority for capital accumulation, distribu-
tion of resources, socio-cultural dimensions and role of the state therein. This is essentially a political
task. Within this political framework, government prepares legislations for different sectors. Laws, rules
and procedures follow. Next step is implementation of policy through macro as well as micro level
management.
A premise of neo-liberal political economy school is that markets are the best engine to lift living
standards and build shared prosperity. What is needed is ‘good governance’ for sustainable development
so as ‘all can enjoy long, healthy and creative lives’ (UNDP, 2006).2 ‘Good governance’ and democracy
are intertwined. In this system citizens and groups articulate their interests, mediate their differences and
exercise their legal rights and obligations. Transparency in decision making process and accountability
of the government at all levels enhance legitimacy of the rulers. Participation of citizens and civil society
actors in governance at different stages is sine qua non for efficient and effective implementation of the
policies. While participating in governance the stakeholders can assert their priorities and make the
Studies in Indian Politics
1(1) 65–77
© 2013 Lokniti, Centre for the
Study of Developing Societies
SAGE Publications
Los Angeles, London,
New Delhi, Singapore,
Washington DC
DOI: 10.1177/2321023013482788
http://inp.sagepub.com
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