Good Governance & Peace

Good Governance & Peace

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 28th Oct. 2016

That peace is one of the measures of Good Governance is amply being highlighted. While the UP/Punjab junta has rejoiced trouble makers being worked upon by the likes of the army, it is distinctly looking for political options that could convince it that peace would be upheld by elected party/ies and that peace holds sway over any yearnings for Mandir or Cow-protection or Inter-caste struggles/reservation related struggles (when there are little government jobs). The political parties would interpret it differently that it is a victory for their brand of politics which has ‘silenced’ the ‘other side/s’. The fact is that none can manage a clear victory on their own, is almost evident to ‘all’ especially for the largest state. While the alliance talk is ongoing, what is missing is performance talk i.e. what can these sides deliver to the state in coming five years i.e. apart from mandir or caste/minority reservations, which nobody is looking at other than some defective pieces and their cronies.

It is also true that the largest state still remains a but feudal and the public at large is still enamoured towards its netas and what goodies are likely to brought by them is listened with excitement even if no one really has ever seen it getting delivered with the exception of a few cycles and development of parks and some roads. The dysfunctional and self destructive toilets, the ‘latto’ on poles which is seldom seen lit by the population to whom it is supposed to deliver illumination, seem more a part of the daily struggle apart from the monsoon related woes which affects agriculture and washes of roads and although the same monsoon charges off ground water on which people are largely dependent for drinking and agriculture is forgotten (by people).

The large industrial acceleration in job oriented sectors such as food processing, readymades or light manufacturing such as office furniture, fixtures or in services such as logistics hubs/warehousing, BPOs, healthcare etc. which could have accelerated employment, have not come up to the scale as desired. While the government may conjure up some statistics however, the fact is that the state could have housed approx. 20% of BPO hubs in the country but has hardly got any names other than say Noida/G. noida, or Lucknow earmarked for development under central schemes. Its parties have focused on regional air connectivity or possible road connectivity, but have never even demanded Rail connectivity for say Bundelkhand to Noida or Meerut or for transportation of veggies from Pilibhit to Delhi.

The public perception of the debate between Mandir pradhan vs Crony pradhan, veers around the political leader’s interest to protect illegal mining mafias, education mafias, Land-grab mafia (often called the builder-neta-bureaucrat-goonda nexus), Hafta gangs, PWD/Municipal contractors, appointments/transfer politics, ration & mid-day mis-suppliers etc. The author feels that there still hope for leaders and parties (including some who may be writing themselves off at the onset itself) who would want to debate the core issues vs those who would want to steer clear of these core issues. Let’s see the netas can stomach this and debate core issues.
 
Good governance and peace are intrinsically linked, forming the bedrock upon which stable and prosperous societies are built. Good governance involves the effective and efficient management of a country’s resources and affairs through transparent, accountable, and participatory processes. When governance is fair and inclusive, it fosters trust among citizens, which is essential for social cohesion and the prevention of conflict. Conversely, poor governance, characterized by corruption, lack of transparency, and exclusionary policies, can erode public trust, fuel discontent, and lead to social unrest or even violence. Peace, on the other hand, is not merely the absence of conflict but a positive and dynamic state where differences are resolved through dialogue and cooperation. In environments where peace prevails, individuals and communities are more likely to engage in constructive dialogue, participate in governance, and work towards common goals. This synergy between good governance and peace creates a virtuous cycle, where improved governance leads to greater peace, and a peaceful society facilitates better governance. Governments and international organizations must therefore prioritize both aspects, implementing policies and programs that promote transparency, accountability, and inclusivity while simultaneously working to resolve conflicts and build a culture of peace. By doing so, they can create resilient societies that are capable of withstanding challenges and ensuring the well-being of all their members.
 
Ah, governance and peace—two ideals that should go hand in hand yet often find themselves tangled in complex political landscapes. You’ve highlighted a crucial point: the gap between promises and tangible performance.

Public discourse frequently shifts toward ideological debates—Mandir politics, caste reservations, and symbolic gestures—while urgent issues like employment, infrastructure, and economic growth often receive less attention. Citizens are looking for real, measurable progress, yet governance often becomes entangled in legacy politics and short-term strategies.

The industrial sector in Uttar Pradesh presents a clear example of missed potential. With its vast workforce, the state could be a leader in manufacturing, logistics, and food processing. However, apart from a few hubs like Noida and Lucknow, large-scale investments remain limited. Rail connectivity, a crucial factor in economic development, has yet to be fully leveraged to connect key regions, restricting commercial growth and employment expansion.

Meanwhile, governance faces challenges beyond economic hurdles. Issues like land disputes, education accessibility, and bureaucratic inefficiencies persist, making it essential for leadership to shift focus toward long-term sustainable development rather than reactive policy measures.

On a positive note, judicial interventions continue to reinforce accountability, as seen in recent rulings emphasizing timely decision-making. These instances highlight the importance of governance that adheres to constitutional principles and prioritizes the needs of the people.

Looking ahead, the question remains: Can leadership move beyond rhetoric and focus on lasting reforms? Employment, infrastructure, and economic expansion need to take precedence over symbolic narratives. If governance embraces pragmatic solutions and strategic planning, meaningful progress is possible. The public is observant, and their expectations are shifting—let’s see if governance evolves to meet them.
 
"Good governance builds trust, ensures justice, and promotes peace in society. A strong foundation for a nation's growth and unity!"
 
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