Good Governance Day 2023: Date, History and Significance

December 25, 2023, is celebrated as Good Governance Day 2023 in honor of the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. This day pays tribute to Vajpayee’s leadership and contributions to society, marked by his three terms as the Prime Minister of India.

Good Governance Day 2023 – History

The genesis of Good Governance Day can be traced back to December 23, 2014, when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was awarded the Bharat Ratna, along with Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya (posthumously). In recognition of this prestigious honor, the Narendra Modi-led government declared December 25 as Good Governance Day, aiming to celebrate Vajpayee’s enduring legacy.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior, Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s political journey was marked by distinction. Serving as the Prime Minister of India thrice, he held office during critical junctures in the country’s history. Beyond politics, Vajpayee was a prolific poet and writer, leaving an indelible mark on Indian literature. His leadership, marked by statesmanship and vision, paved the way for several transformative initiatives.

Objectives of Good Governance Day

The core objectives of Good Governance Day extend beyond mere celebration. It serves as a platform to educate citizens about their roles and responsibilities in a democratic setup. By fostering awareness about government accountability and administration, the day aims to create an informed citizenry capable of holding the government responsible for its actions. In the spirit of good governance, December 25 is not just a day off but a day of active participation in nation-building.

Significance of Good Governance Day 2023

The day serves as a platform to educate citizens about the responsibilities and duties of the government. Its primary objective is to bridge the gap between citizens and the government, fostering active participation from both parties and promoting good governance principles.

Check This: Important Days in December 2023

Good Governance Day 2023 – Celebrations

The Good Governance Week (Sushasan Saptah) celebrations commenced on December 19, extending until December 25. The Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) orchestrated various events and seminars throughout the week.

Inaugural Ceremony Highlights

The inaugural ceremony, held at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, saw Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh releasing a special booklet on the Journey of 25 Regional Conferences from 2014-2023 and the Annual Report 2023 of CPGRAMS.

E-Office Advanced Analytics Dashboard

On the first day of the Good Governance Week, the e-Office Advanced Analytics dashboard was launched. This innovative dashboard aims to facilitate in-depth data analysis and strengthen decision-making processes in the Central secretariat.

CPGRAMS Mobile App

A new mobile app, CPGRAMS Mobile App, is set to be launched, empowering citizens to conveniently file grievances, including through voice-based filing.

Coffee Table Book Release

According to the official statement from PIB, a coffee table book capturing the outcomes of the campaign will be launched during the week-long celebration.

Quotes by Atal Bihari Vajpayee

• To encapsulate Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s philosophy, some of his notable quotes are worth reflecting upon:
• “We are unnecessarily wasting our precious resources in wars… we have to do it on unemployment, disease, poverty, and backwardness.”
• “You can change our friends but not neighbors.”
• “You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.”
• “It is easy to win elections by raising the slogan of ‘garibi hatao,’ but slogans do not remove poverty.”
• “Our nuclear weapons are meant purely as a deterrent against nuclear adventure by an adversary.”

Important Questions Related to Exams

Q1. When was Good Governance Day first observed, and what event led to its establishment?

Sol. Good Governance Day was first observed on December 25. It was established in 2014 after Atal Bihari Vajpayee was awarded the Bharat Ratna on December 23.

Q2. Why did the Narendra Modi-led government choose December 25 as Good Governance Day?

Sol. December 25 was chosen to honor the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and celebrate his contributions to society.

Q3. When did the Good Governance Week celebrations commence, and when do they conclude?

Sol. The celebrations commenced on December 19 and extend until December 25.

Q4. What were the highlights of the inaugural ceremony held at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre?

Sol. The inaugural ceremony featured Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh releasing a booklet on regional conferences and the Annual Report 2023 of CPGRAMS.