Good governance is a foundation for sustainable development, and Chhattisgarh has made significant strides in embracing this principle. With a focus on transparency, accountability, and public participation, the state has worked towards enhancing the efficiency of its administration and ensuring equitable growth for all citizens. From improved infrastructure and health services to the empowerment of rural communities, Chhattisgarh's approach to good governance reflects a commitment to inclusive development, presenting a model for other regions to emulate. Through innovative policy implementation and citizen-centered reforms, the state continues to build a strong foundation for progress and prosperity. In the past 11 months, the state government has revitalised Chhattisgarh’s administration by implementing stringent governance measures, adopting IT tools, and enforcing anti-corruption actions. The Department of Good Governance and Convergence has been formed for the successful implementation of the public welfare policies of the state government. E-review, e-public service guarantee and digital secretariat will now be the responsibility of the Department of Good Governance and Convergence. The Chief Minister has started the Jandarshan program to solve the problems of the general public by establishing direct communication with them. IT is being used in more and more areas to prevent corruption.

 

As part of its initiative to enhance e-governance and transparency, the Chhattisgarh government has introduced a range of online platforms, such as the e-office system, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) online portal, and the ‘Swagatam’ portal. These platforms aim to improve efficiency, reduce corruption, and integrate IT across various government sectors. The e-office system will digitize office documents, streamline file processing, and secure records against tampering or loss. The CMO portal, which offers easy access to information about government schemes and local affairs, is designed to keep citizens informed and engaged in the decision-making process. The Swagatam portal simplifies the process for citizens to meet officials, ensuring a more efficient and transparent interaction with the state bureaucracy. This shift to digital governance aims to reduce corruption, enhance efficiency, and ensure transparency in file processing and public service delivery. In view of increased procurement challenges, compromised quality, and a rise in corruption allegations, the previous system of purchasing items from state e-portal was scrapped and procurement of goods and services from the Centre’s e-Market (GeM) portal was resumed marking another step towards good governance. Chhattisgarh’s progress rests on a foundation of political stability, sound policies, and strong leadership. The state has built a sustainable and efficient governance model based on the principle of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.”

 

This approach has replaced bureaucratic red tape with a welcoming environment for industrial growth. With an aim to transforming the state into a self-reliant industrial hub, a simplified Single Window System 2.0 has been introduced to streamline the various processes involved in obtaining permissions, licenses, and registrations across different government departments. By making the investment process more straightforward and timelier, the government aims to attract significant investment to the state, promoting economic growth and development. Adopting a zero-tolerance policy on corruption, the government abolished the FL 10 AB license. The responsibility of purchasing foreign liquor has been given to Chhattisgarh Beverage Corporation. Bottles with new holograms were brought to prevent illegal sale of liquor and protect consumers, making it easier to identify illegal liquor and increase revenue. To ensure transparency, eliminate corruption and promote good governance in the transportation of minerals, the government has restarted the system of online transit pass.

 

Biometric systems and electronic weighing machines have been installed to make paddy procurement transparent, making the process smoother and fraud-free. Prioritising security and creating a favourable environment in Naxal affected regions of Chhattisgarh, 34 camps have been established with its focus on rural and tribal development. 30 new camps are proposed. The government has achieved a remarkable success in anti-Naxal operation, in 11 months, more 195 Naxals have been killed, 801 have been arrested, while 742 Naxals have surrendered. Under the state's social justice schemes, Niyad Nella Nar (Your Good Village) scheme is proving to be a game changer in Naxal-affected areas. Under the initiative 96 villages are being provided basic resources like housing, healthcare, water, electricity, bridges, schools etc, bringing positive changes in the lives of locals. Interest-free loans for technical and vocational education to students of Maoist terror-affected districts is yet another initiative by the state government. Students in higher education will be given monthly travel allowance and Rs 6000 annually will be provided through DBT. In the field of education, emphasis has been laid on skill development and technical education. Effectively implementing National Education Policy 2020 in the state, the government has initiated a move to provide primary education in 18 local languages and dialects in remote tribal regions.

 

Education in mother tongue and local languages has started in Chhattisgarh till class 8, which includes languages like Chhattisgarhi, Halbi, Gondi and Bhatri. Chhattisgarh has adopted a comprehensive approach to good governance by strengthening local self-governments through better training, resource allocation, and greater decision-making power, while also integrating digital innovation, citizen engagement, enhanced transparency, and efficient public service delivery to create a more accountable and people-centered administration. (The writer is Secretary to Chief Minister Chhattisgarh and Department of Good Governance and Convergence)