Citizen-Centric Governance in India: Key Administrative Reforms Explained | Pratiyogita Darpan

Added: 2026-05-19

[00:00:00]The citizen-first approach is a governance model that puts the needs and welfare of citizens at the center of administration. It aims [snorts] to make government services more transparent, accountable, responsive, and inclusive.

[00:00:13]In India, this approach has become important due to rising public awareness, digital growth, and increasing expectations from the government. It is based on the idea that citizens should not remain passive recipients of services, but active participants in governance. Concepts like new public management and new public service support this idea by promoting efficiency along with democratic participation. India's administrative system earlier followed the Weberian model, which focused on hierarchy, strict rules, and centralized control. Although it ensured stability, it often caused delays and inefficiency.

[00:00:50]After the economic reforms of 1991, India introduced major administrative changes to improve efficiency, reduce government control, and promote decentralization. In recent years, digital governance has become a key feature of these reforms. Programs like Digital India, Co-WIN, DigiLocker, and UMANG have made public services more accessible and reduced corruption through online systems. Several important reforms have strengthened the citizen-first approach. The Right to Information Act 2005 improved transparency by allowing citizens to seek information from public authorities. Direct Benefit Transfer reduced leakages by sending subsidies directly into bank accounts. Civil service reforms like Mission Karmayogi aim to improve the skills and efficiency of government officials.

[00:01:33]Decentralization through the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments has also empowered local governments and panchayats. Despite progress, many challenges remain. The digital divide continues to exclude rural and poor communities from accessing online services. Bureaucratic resistance, lack of coordination among departments, and weak accountability mechanisms also reduce the effectiveness of reforms.

[00:01:57]Overall, India's administrative reforms have improved efficiency and transparency, but inclusiveness remains a challenge. To achieve a truly citizen first governance system, India must strengthen digital access, improve institutional accountability, build administrative capacity, and encourage greater citizen participation in governance. If you found this video informative, please like, share, and subscribe to the channel. And before you leave, don't forget to answer this question in the comments below.

[00:02:25]Question: Which platform was widely used for vaccination registration during COVID-19? A, Umang. B, DigiLocker. C, CoWIN. D, Aadhaar.

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