Question

Citizens file an RTI application to know details of budget spending. Which principle of good governance is applied?

• A. Transparency
• B. Accountability
• C. Equity
• D. Rule of law

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Transparency

Principles of Good Governance

Transparency

• Definition: Transparency refers to the principle that the actions of occupants of positions of responsibility in any organization, including the government, should be open to the public and its representatives. It means that citizens have the right to know what decisions are being made, by whom, and why.

• RTI Act, 2005: The Right to Information Act (RTI) enacted in India in 2005 is a landmark legislation that operationalizes the principle of transparency. It empowers citizens to request information from public authorities, thereby holding them accountable.

• Application in Budget Spending: When citizens file an RTI application to obtain details about budget spending, they are actively invoking the principle of transparency. This allows them to scrutinize how public funds are allocated and utilized, ensuring accountability and preventing misuse.

• Importance for Citizens: Transparency in governance builds trust between the government and its citizens. It ensures that public expenditure is aligned with public needs and priorities, and that resources are used efficiently and effectively.

• Broader Implications: Transparency is one of the core pillars of good governance, alongside accountability, participation, rule of law, and responsiveness. It is crucial for a functioning democracy and for the socio-economic development of a nation.

Related Concepts (for exam preparation):

• Accountability: The obligation of an individual or organization to be answerable for their actions. In the context of budget spending, accountability means that officials responsible for managing funds can be held answerable for their decisions and performance.

• Participation: The involvement of citizens in the decision-making processes of the government. While RTI is about accessing information, broader participation ensures that citizens' voices are heard in policy formulation, including budget allocation.

• Rule of Law: The principle that all individuals and institutions are subject to and accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated. Budget spending must adhere to established laws and financial regulations.

• Responsiveness: The ability of the government to respond to the needs and demands of its citizens in a timely and appropriate manner. Transparency in budget spending contributes to responsiveness by allowing citizens to identify areas where government action is needed.