Answer:

Government cannot govern systems with a 19th century mindset, 20th century government processes, for meeting 21st century needs. And this is the precise reason

for the urgent need of ‘minimum government, maximum governance’. The following

points examine how ‘less government, more governance’ could be achieved:

1. More governance must begin with the elected members of Parliament observing a 365-day code of conduct. This means rewriting of the oath of office as MPs. They do not only take an oath of secrecy and allegiance to India's Constitution but also of a solemn pledge to ensure that Lok Sabha does not become a 'Lock' Sabha and the Rajya Sabha not a 'Rage' Sabha. This means elected representatives set the right example of civility and decorum in parliamentary proceedings. Members may oppose if they need to, but without obstruction and destruction; without pepper sprays, tearing papers, pulling out mikes or indulging in unruly behaviour.

Unless the elected political class sets the right example of good governance, they will not be able command moral authority, respect and trust to get citizens' participation for good governance.

2. There cannot be maximum governance with minimum government without bright, upright officers in the right places. And the critical positions begin with the cabinet secretary, who oversees union secretaries and provides the critical link between the PMO and the rest of the secretaries at the Centre and even the states. Other key positions are chief secretaries, director generals of police and revenue commissioners. These officers need to be the best, if the goals of good governance have to be achieved.

3. Prime Minister cannot keep transferring saved or borrowed money into leaking buckets without plugging the holes. This is in reference to several social welfare schemes, which are money guzzlers, doled out with an eye on the votebank.

4. Systems that enable identifying right officers for postings, transfers and promotion for key positions, such as cabinet secretary, chief secretaries, director generals of police and revenue commissioners, must be put in place. By Chief Secretaries effective coordination is ensured: with capable police chiefs, law and order is made possible, and with revenue officials, enough revenue is generated for money to be available for equitable development.

5. Use of technology- All contracts above a certain amount can be on site to ensure a level playing field for business and entrepreneurial community. This will restore faith in the government.