1. Improve governance

India's governance problems stem from the inability of the government and public institutions to deliver public services. Without better governance, delivery systems and effective implementation, India will find it difficult to educate its citizens, build infrastructure, increase agricultural productivity, and ensure that the fruits of economic growth are well-distributed.

The problem

• Accountability of politicians to the voters is weak.
• Citizens do not organise to demand better services.
• The role of the state is blurred as both a regulator to ensure adequate services and a producer of services.
• Citizens do not have the ability to hold service providers to account.

Elements of reform

To resolve these issues, there has to be greater accountability of politicians to the citizens, unbundling of government's role as regulator and provider of services, autonomy for service providers, and greater ability of citizens to hold service providers to account for the services they deliver.

The Goldman report says that the elements of reform should comprise:

• Public-private partnerships. Allowing the private sector to provide public services.
• Decentralisation. By decentralising provision of public services, the government can unbundle responsibilities across tiers of government to create checks and balances.
• Greater information. The use of greater transparency and information can allow more accountability and increased citizen voice in ensuring good governance. The Right To Information Act passed in 2005 is a step in the right direction.