Excelsior Correspondent
GANDHINAGAR, GUJARAT, Jan 30: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, while addressing the National Conference on Good Governance in Gandhinagar, emphasized that the “Gujarat Governance Model” presents numerous exemplary practices that can be adopted nationwide.
The Minister highlighted that several governance innovations at the Central level originated in Gujarat during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister.
Speaking to an audience of policymakers, senior officials, and governance specialists from across India, Dr. Jitendra Singh commended the significant advancements in governance over the past decade. “This evolution was not instantaneous. Many of the reforms now implemented nationally were first honed and tested in Gujarat, and they are currently being adopted throughout the country,” he stated.
Dr. Jitendra Singh pointed out the essential change in governance culture under Prime Minister Modi, emphasizing that policymaking has transcended the traditional administrative confines of Delhi and spread into various regions across the nation. He referenced the Prime Minister’s initiative to decentralize governance by ensuring that crucial policy discussions, conferences, and outreach efforts take place in different locales instead of solely in New Delhi. “By relocating governance conversations outside of Delhi, we are making certain that reforms are more inclusive and resonate with the aspirations of people from every corner of the country,” he remarked.
The Minister also reflected on the progression of India’s administrative structure, recalling Sardar Patel’s vision of a strong bureaucracy as the ‘steel frame’ of India, a vision further evolved by the Modi Government’s principle of ‘Maximum Governance, Minimum Government.’ He highlighted pivotal reforms, such as the repeal of nearly 2,000 outdated laws, the abolishment of requirements for attested documents, and the elimination of interviews for junior-level government positions, all of which have streamlined bureaucratic processes and enhanced transparency.
One notable instance of innovative governance mentioned by Dr. Jitendra Singh was Gujarat’s early adoption of the 24-hour rural electrification initiative in the early 2000s. “During a period when electricity supply was unstable across India, Gujarat led the way in providing uninterrupted rural electrification, a model that was subsequently enhanced at the national level,” he noted. Reflecting on the remarkable changes, Dr. Jitendra Singh recounted how power outages were once a common occurrence throughout the country. “There was a time when people celebrated the return of lights after a blackout. Now, power cuts are infrequent, and continuous electricity is expected, not a luxury. This illustrates the extent of governance transformation achieved,” he commented.
The Minister also highlighted India’s advancements in digital governance, underscoring significant technological interventions in public administration. Initiatives like online RTI submissions, digital life certificates for pensioners through facial recognition technology, and AI-assisted administrative decision-making have established India as a frontrunner in governance innovation. He affirmed that the application of emerging technologies will be pivotal for governance in the future, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and citizen engagement.
Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensuring governance that is responsive and aligned with the citizens’ needs. He emphasized that under Prime Minister Modi’s stewardship, the focus remains on making government services more accessible, accountable, and technology-centric. He commended Gujarat for setting a high standard in administrative efficacy and encouraged other states to adopt similar governance practices to elevate service delivery and public administration.
Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed confidence that ongoing collaboration between Central and State Governments would foster more impactful reforms, ultimately steering India toward becoming a global benchmark for effective governance.
