In the context of post-liberalization economic governance in India, what does the concept of 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance' fundamentally imply, and how does it reflect a shift in the role of the state?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is It promotes a downsized state that focuses on facilitation, efficiency, and citizen-centric service delivery rather than direct control and ownership.
Explanation:
☛ The philosophy of 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance' signifies a transition in the state's role from a 'controller and owner' to an 'enabler and facilitator'.
☛ 'Minimum Government' implies streamlining bureaucratic procedures, reducing redundant regulations, eliminating obsolete laws, and downsizing direct state intervention in commercial enterprises.
☛ 'Maximum Governance' emphasizes improving transparency, accountability, administrative efficiency, and delivering citizen-centric public services effectively.
☛ This concept relies heavily on digital governance (e-Governance) and systemic reforms to ensure seamless service delivery without unnecessary red-tapism.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ In line with this governance reform, the NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) replaced the Planning Commission on 1 January 2015 to promote cooperative federalism.
☛ The government repealed over 1,500 obsolete and archaic laws to simplify the legal architecture in India.
☛ Initiatives like the JAM trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile) and the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) were instituted to plug leakages and maximize governance.
☛ The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (2nd ARC) was set up in 2005 under the chairmanship of Veerappa Moily to suggest measures to revamp the public administration system.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Which year was the New Economic Policy (LPG reforms) introduced in India? → 1991
☛ Which institution replaced the Planning Commission on 1 January 2015? → NITI Aayog
☛ Who was the chairman of the First Administrative Reforms Commission (1966)? → Morarji Desai
☛ What does the acronym 'JAM' stand for in public welfare delivery? → Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile
☛ Under which Ministry does the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) function? → Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions