Col Shiv Choudhary (Retd)
In a democratic society, transparency is not just a desirable trait of governance but an essential pillar upon which trust, accountability, and effective decision-making rest. The public, like any other democratic populace, has the right to be fully informed about all public projects initiated and executed by the Government using tax payers money unless such projects are related to national security. The transparency includes access to crucial details such as the name of the project, scope, name of the contractor, specifications, total cost, date of commencement and completion, penalty and maintenance clause for violations or failure, and the agency responsible for its quality and implementation. Transparency in these matters is not merely a matter of convenience or preference; it is a fundamental principle that ensures the proper functioning of democracy and the responsible use of public resources.
A concerning practice is prevalent in India, where the stated crucial information remains shrouded in secrecy. As one witnesses a surge in infrastructure development projects like road construction, educational initiatives, smart cities, tiling of tracks and paths, vehicle parking, fencing, lighting, irrigational dams, link roads, drainage, desilting and repair of canals and distributaries, sports facilities, youth programs, provision of proper alternative road while the permanent road is under construction, laying of cable, disposal of dug out earth, and refilling, the lack of transparency surrounding these endeavours raises significant questions about worthiness, accountability and governance.
The citizens at the grass roots level feel baffled and left out when the stated information applicable to projects funded and executed directly by the Centre or State authorities through its various formal agencies like local development authority, municipality, corporation, and MP or MLA local area development funds, remain shrouded in the veil of secrecy, leaving affected citizens in the dark. This opacity not only undermines the principles of democracy but also hampers public scrutiny and participation in the decision-making process by the end beneficiaries. After all, there is no bigger stake holder than the public.
First and foremost, providing the public with comprehensive information about Government projects fosters partnership and accountability. When citizens are aware of the details of a project, including its scope, budget, and timeline, they are better equipped to hold their elected representatives and Government officials answerable for the decisions made and the final outcomes. Transparency serves as a powerful deterrent against corruption, mismanagement, and inefficiency, as it allows for greater scrutiny and oversight by the public, media and other independent watchdog organizations. When Government officials know that their actions are subject to public audit, they are more likely to act in the best interests of the people they serve.
Transparency promotes integrity, confidence and a commitment in Government institutions. When citizens have access to accurate and timely information about Government projects, they feel more engaged in the democratic process and more connected to their Government. It reassures the public that their tax money is being spent wisely and judiciously. Conversely, a lack of transparency breeds suspicion, cynicism, and disillusionment among the public, undermining the legitimacy of Government institutions and eroding the much needed social contract between the Government and the governed.
Furthermore, transparency enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of Government projects. When all stakeholders have access to relevant information about a project, they can collaborate more effectively, identify potential challenges or bottlenecks early on, and intervene to keep the project on track. Transparency facilitates communication and coordination among Government agencies, contractors, civil society organizations, general satisfaction and the public, leading to smoother project implementation and better outcomes. By contrast, a lack of transparency can lead to confusion, duplication of efforts, and costly delays, ultimately resulting in wasted resources, criticism, dissatisfaction, and misplayed priorities.
Transparency promotes inclusivity and participation in the process. With transparency, citizens can actively engage in discussions about their actual needs and aspirations. Citizens can voice their opinions and raise questions on Government initiatives, ensuring that the decision-making process is more responsive to the people needs. By involving the public in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Government projects, transparency strengthens a sense of shared responsibility for the common good.
Given the importance of transparency in governance, it is incumbent upon Governments to proactively disclose information about their projects, detailed plans, targeted benefits, budgets, timelines, and performance metrics on Government websites and selected channels. It is equally vital to establish mechanisms for soliciting feedback such as joint meetings, consultations, feedback forms, and citizen advisory panels for factoring in the public feedback and likely hassles. It is equally vital to draw a redline between consultation for corrective actions and intention to obstruct a project due to lack of knowledge, unwanted suggestions, personal gains, and financial year closure targets.
Governments should prioritize the use of technologies and websites to make Government projects more understandable by one and all. These steps enable citizens, researchers, and developers to analyse, visualize, and utilize Government data for monitoring budgets to tracking environmental impacts. Such a step promotes innovation, and empowers citizens to actively see the aimed direction and accrued benefits.
Citizens have a right to know how their tax rupees are being utilized and whether public projects are being executed efficiently and effectively or these are just for politics and political visibility, and optics. In the absence of relevant information, it becomes challenging for public and media to ensure the judicious use of public funds. This undesired shroud of over confidentiality also fuels scepticism and suspicion among the public, eroding confidence in Government institutions. A mechanisms should be put in place for seeking clarification, raising concerns, and providing feedback through feedback mechanisms and empowering independent bodies. Government in all its endeavours must uphold the right of citizens to access information that affects their lives and livelihoods.
Shrouding project costs can create opportunities for corruption and kickbacks making it easier for individuals to engage in fraudulent activities without detection. Open information reflects responsible spending based on societal needs, and reduces the risk of mismanagement, favouritism, designing, unfairness or corruption leading to ahealthy competition amongst contractors bidding for Government contracts, better ideas and innovations and missing competition. The contractors can also be incentivized to propose cost-effective solutions and innovative approaches within the budget constraints.
Timely availability of relevant information at appropriate locations/ sites helps to identify potential cost overruns early in the project lifecycle and enables benchmarking against similar projects and learning from experiences. Governments can identify best practices, evaluate the effectiveness of different project delivery methods, and make data-driven decisions to improve future project planning and execution. The Government agencies can actually adhere to the regulatory standards and mitigate the potential risk of legal challenges. Transparent governance is a moral and practical necessity for building a much needed just, equitable, and sustainable society for all. There are many nations which follow a strict practice of putting all the connected details of towns and cities in public domain including periodic update on total tax collection and population of serving and retired soldiers residing within.
The veil of secrecy surrounding India’s public projects must be lifted to pave the way for a more transparent and participatory governance system. Only through open dialogue, public scrutiny, and active citizens’ engagement, public resources can be prioritized, judiciously utilized, where and when needed. Non-disclosure of the cost of public projects can have significant negative consequences, diminished accountability, risk of under spending, skewed allocation, limited public participation, reduced competition, and erosion of public trust in Government institutions. Responsible and effective use of taxpayer funds are corner stones for governance. It is time for voters and tax payers to question whosoever and at whatever the position to know the spending against actual delivery, and resultant benefits. There are mostly no national secrets under threat.
(The writer is a motivational speaker and knowledge enhancer).
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