‘In Democracy, The Practice Is As Important As The System’

Ironically enough, with the proliferation of the term 'good governance’ in popular discussions and academic discourses alike, the crux of the concept seems to have become increasingly elusive. So affirms Surendra Munshi, former professor of sociology, who has consistently represented issues regarding the changes and challenges that surmount the idea of good governance today in international forums. With the The Intelligent Person's Guide To Good Governance (Sage Publications) Munshi along with co-authors Biju Paul Aabraham and Soma Chaudhuri aim to redress the lack of a cohesive understanding, by providing a ‘basic idea’ on the subject of good governance to the interested reader. In an e mail interview with Alokita Datta, the author shares his perspectives on the crisis in India’s democratic framework, the need for developing new forms of partnerships in the globalised world and the different connotations and ideologies that are at work in promoting various forms of governance.
 
How decisive is the role of the people in ensuring good governance, especially in the light of the approaching elections?
In a democratic system, the people can make all the difference. It is important to take interest in the electoral process, select the right candidates and parties, and make those who are selected accountable for their performance. It is often said that there is not much to choose between different candidates. In such a situation, it is important for the right persons, especially the young, to come forward and take part in this great effort to operate democratically in a country as vast and diverse as India.
 
Since its inception and popularisation, how has the concept of 'good governance' changed in political discourse?
Good governance has been in discussion, primarily because of the importance given to it by many international organisations, including the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), Asian Development Bank (ADB). The European Union, a major international alliance of European nations has put good governance on its agenda. The United Nations and some of its specialised agencies have tried to promote good governance as well.
 
However, even though the importance of good governance has been stressed by all of them, their approaches have differed significantly. While the World Bank and the IMF, for example, have tried to put up good governance as what is commonly known as conditionality for aid, the United Nations has sought to support member-states in their efforts to implement good governance reforms. Emphasising good governance in bilateral and multilateral forums, the European Union has also sought to ensure good governance in its own functioning. These differences in their approaches are worth noting, since criticisms of prescriptions for achieving good governance are often criticisms of the approaches that underlie these prescriptions rather than criticisms of the prescriptions themselves
 
When talking about developing different modes of partnerships (for governance), where and how can the corporate sector be involved, particularly with reference to globalisation?
The private sector has a role to play as an important partner. It must set its own house in order by following good corporate practices and by playing a responsible role as a corporate citizen not only in the society of its operation but also with global concerns in mind. We cannot create wealth if we ignore those who are left out of the process, nor can we carry on thinking that the resources of the planet can be exploited commercially as if these resources could last for ever. In short, we must think seriously of inclusive growth and sustainability.
 
In the Indian context, what are the challenges that endanger the 'Third Way' model? And how effective is this form of governance likely to be?
Thanks to the legacy of Nehru, we have followed our own model of the 'Third Way' in this country even before the term was coined and gained popularity in the West. The experience of the Third Way in the West, as indeed our own experience, shows above all that the state and the market are needed, though it must be recognised that both of them can fail or create problems. The debate about the Third Way shows that it is necessary to carefully consider choices that are available and learn from mistakes, one’s own and those of others. These choices have to be made in the context of the specific requirement of the country.
 
What was the process involved in writing this guide to good governance?
Some years ago I was entrusted with the task of leading an Indo-European project in which some European institutions participated, including the London School of Economics, on the issue of good governance. The project was financed by the European Commission, and it led to the publication of a book. While working on the project, I realised along with Biju Paul Abraham who joined me that there was no single book on the issue of good governance that treated the theme of good governance in a connected manner.
 
This book is written with the need of the reader in mind who is looking for just one book that can be read on good governance to form a basic idea on the subject. It is written for all those who may be interested in exploring the subject for academic or practical purposes. Surprisingly, in the vast literature that exists on good governance, it is hard to find such books. Actually, we were surprised to find that there was no such book, nationally or internationally.
 
The book is premised on the idea defining a single concept of good governance. What would be the practical implications of such an achievement?
There seems to be an inverse relationship between the volume of literature on the subject and the clarity that has been achieved on it. The term has nevertheless found a wide acceptance even outside the circles of experts and institutions which are professionally concerned with developmental issues. In India, for example, it is not all that uncommon to hear these days that a particular election was fought on the issue of good governance. Politicians, journalists, and common citizens do not feel uncomfortable using the term. Nobody denies that good governance is needed, though it is a different matter whether this need is met beyond rhetorical assertions.
 
I define good governance, taking into consideration the requirements of democracy and industrial development, in the following manner: 'Good governance signifies a participative manner of governing that functions in a responsible, accountable, and transparent manner based on the principles of efficiency, legitimacy, and consensus, for the purpose of promoting the rights of individual citizens and the public interest, thus indicating the existence of political will for ensuring the material welfare of society and sustainable development with social justice.’ It is important to remember that good governance, also in the corporate context, must take care of the process, principles, and purpose.
 
You mention in the book that "democratic arrangements" in many countries have not been successful in recent history. In India, for instance, do the problems lie in the democratic framework per se or with the specific people in power?
There is a full chapter in the book that deals with the issue of democracy. The problems that democracy currently faces and the unsuitability of alternatives raise questions of where we go next. It is here that a reassessment of current models, as we argue in the book, becomes vital. There is a need to reassess the crisis of democracy itself and the external positive influences on democracy that could be encouraged. The practice of democracy is as important as the system of democracy.
 
alokita dot datta at gmail dot com