One of the best ways to bring fast and effective governance to people would be by engaging in more open public participation in legislation and execution of key decisions especially those related to governance. This not only keeps the government on toes by keeping it under a true public check but also builds on the talent of individuals outside the government machinery. Moreover, the consensus building that the process would enable will be unprecedented.
The information revolution has made it possible to do this now then ever before. Linux and Mozilla are examples of two famous software that were developed from “crowd sourcing”. Nokia, Apple and Microsoft have websites that invite people to contribute applications that run on their device/OS.
Implementation
The government just needs to make ad-hoc panels like the National Knowledge Commission (NKC) to include various stakeholders and to come up with solutions with in deadlines. The deliberations of the group should be put on a website for public participation. And this step will bring power truly to the governed!
Only Downside – People who get left out might hinder in decision making process as no doubt there will be some people who will be adversely affected. But then these can be accommodated too by providing some minimum period in legislations and support.
Wishful Thinking?
The best part is that I don’t think that it is completely new idea for India. We have written our own constitution through such an exercise by getting people from all walks of life to participate.
The constitution was not written by a group of people specifically asked to write it, but, by an open assembly of intellectuals and representatives. The process has been more open than any other since.
Moreover, the intent has been there and Governments in principle have been advocating decentralisation of power. There has been a thrust to get the panchayati institutions run on the ground and empower municipalities. Alas, these ideas have seen maximum action on paper only.
Finally, its an idea whose time has come. Obama during his candidacy advocated the need for an open Government and criticed Bush era secrecy.
He started boldly by appointing a CTO for his administration and coming up with the agenda for his Government in this regard: White House Press Release
However the idea is facing problems in getting implemented. A
A recent report by Judicial Watch charges the administration of not doing enough to put its word into deed.
“Obama’s administration hasn’t become any more open since his Inauguration. He has placed great importance on FOIA, but his administration has already failed time and time again to provide information to the American people. What happened to his completely transparent transition process, or his campaign promise to post bills online for the public to see a full five days before signing? The 1,100 page Economic Stimulus Bill was made public for only thirteen hours before being voted on.”
The entire article can be viewed here
Coming back to India I think it is going to be a tough road because of two reasons:
It brings the power directly to people and make executive and legislature a funnel for the ideas; a follower of the people. This will be quiet a remarkable and uncomfortable change for them as they have traditionally seen themselves as the lordships who decide and lead but not follow.
Second and more fundamental is the increasing intolerance that one generally sees on fresh ideas and new interpretation of events. The irony is that the people who run the largest democracy in the world are autocratic within their party and outside. Congress, BJP and Left have all moved to a closed group where they harp on old ideas and look to guidance from the party high command/politburo. When only a few people can always be correct, and idol worship is prominent – there is a slim chance for an open participation.