Constitutional framework key to ensuring transparency and accountability

By Raj Kumar Sinha*

holds an important place in creating a transparent system because it provides a fundamental framework that defines and limits the functions of the government. This ensures and helps prevent the . The Constitution clearly defines the powers and functions of the different organs of the government—the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary. It prevents the concentration and misuse of power, ensuring that all actions are carried out according to law.

The Constitution establishes , which means that the country is governed not by the whims of individuals but by established laws. This creates a fair and equal system. It grants citizens fundamental rights that the government is obligated to protect. Provisions like the , often inspired by constitutional principles, give citizens the right to seek information about the functioning of the government, thereby increasing transparency.

Transparency and accountability are two essential elements of good governance. The Constitution includes provisions that make government bodies accountable to the people for their decisions and actions, such as the establishment of constitutional authorities like the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). When the government works transparently as per constitutional norms, citizens’ trust in government increases. This strengthens legitimacy and builds trust between the government and the people. Transparency is a powerful tool in combating , and the constitutional framework promotes a culture of openness and integrity at all levels of governance.

The Constitution serves as the foundation for a transparent and accountable system of governance, ensuring that the government functions in the public interest and within the limits of the law. , in several landmark judgments, has clarified that the Right to Information is a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech and expression) and (right to life). This right allows citizens access to information about government functioning, ensuring transparency.

Bringing government schemes and services online has improved transparency and made access to information easier for citizens. The central government has significantly expanded the use of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in various welfare schemes (such as ), ensuring that subsidies or benefits are sent directly to the bank accounts of beneficiaries. Such transfer systems reduce the role of middlemen and minimize leakages. For public procurement, the central government launched the , which allows bidding, auctions, and transactions to take place digitally. Through mechanisms like e-bidding and reverse auctions on GeM, transparency in purchasing processes has increased. According to a report by the central government’s data and Bluekraft Digital Foundation, the DBT system has saved a total of ₹3.48 lakh crore over the past decade, attributed mainly to “reducing leakages.”

The Constitution tells us how the entire system will function. It covers serious and complex matters such as the , formation and dissolution of governments, separation of powers, and protection of rights. The Constitution remains important because it provides direction to governments as well.

Independent institutions are the protective shield of democracy. If they appear biased, public trust weakens. Allegations of pressure on institutions like the Election Commission, Enforcement Directorate, CBI, and the judiciary are often raised against the government. Many civil society groups and international reports have expressed concern over freedom of expression, media autonomy, and internet restrictions. The Indian Constitution is based on “cooperative federalism.” Several state governments complain that the Centre does not adequately consult them on policy and financial decisions.

In a democratic society, judicial transparency and accountability cannot be underestimated. These principles serve as the foundation of public trust in the judiciary, ensuring not only that justice is done but that it is also seen to be done. When citizens have access to information about court proceedings and decisions, it enhances understanding and trust in the legal system. At the same time, accountability acts as a check against misuse of power and helps maintain the independence of the judiciary.

---

*Bargi Dam Displaced and Affected Union

Comments

Buddhist shrines were 'massively destroyed' by Brahmanical rulers: Historian DN Jha

Nalanda mahavihara By Rajiv Shah Prominent historian DN Jha, an expert in India's ancient and medieval past, in his new book , "Against the Grain: Notes on Identity, Intolerance and History", in a sharp critique of "Hindutva ideologues", who look at the ancient period of Indian history as "a golden age marked by social harmony, devoid of any religious violence", has said, "Demolition and desecration of rival religious establishments, and the appropriation of their idols, was not uncommon in India before the advent of Islam".

A comrade in culture and controversy: Yao Wenyuan’s revolutionary legacy

By Harsh Thakor* This year marks two important anniversaries in Chinese revolutionary history—the 20th death anniversary of Yao Wenyuan, and the 50th anniversary of his seminal essay "On the Social Basis of the Lin Biao Anti-Party Clique". These milestones invite reflection on the man whose pen ignited the first sparks of the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution and whose sharp ideological interventions left an indelible imprint on the political and cultural landscape of socialist China.

New RTI draft rules inspired by citizen-unfriendly, overtly bureaucratic approach

By Venkatesh Nayak* The Department of Personnel and Training , Government of India has invited comments on a new set of Draft Rules (available in English only) to implement The Right to Information Act, 2005 . The RTI Rules were last amended in 2012 after a long period of consultation with various stakeholders. The Government’s move to put the draft RTI Rules out for people’s comments and suggestions for change is a welcome continuation of the tradition of public consultation. Positive aspects of the Draft RTI Rules While 60-65% of the Draft RTI Rules repeat the content of the 2012 RTI Rules, some new aspects deserve appreciation as they clarify the manner of implementation of key provisions of the RTI Act. These are: Provisions for dealing with non-compliance of the orders and directives of the Central Information Commission (CIC) by public authorities- this was missing in the 2012 RTI Rules. Non-compliance is increasingly becoming a major problem- two of my non-compliance cases are...

N-power plant at Mithi Virdi: CRZ nod is arbitrary, without jurisdiction

By Krishnakant* A case-appeal has been filed against the order of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and others granting CRZ clearance for establishment of intake and outfall facility for proposed 6000 MWe Nuclear Power Plant at Mithi Virdi, District Bhavnagar, Gujarat by Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) vide order in F 11-23 /2014-IA- III dated March 3, 2015. The case-appeal in the National Green Tribunal at Western Bench at Pune is filed by Shaktisinh Gohil, Sarpanch of Jasapara; Hajabhai Dihora of Mithi Virdi; Jagrutiben Gohil of Jasapara; Krishnakant and Rohit Prajapati activist of the Paryavaran Suraksha Samiti. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a notice to the MoEF&CC, Gujarat Pollution Control Board, Gujarat Coastal Zone Management Authority, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and case is kept for hearing on August 20, 2015. Appeal No. 23 of 2015 (WZ) is filed, a...

Celebrating 125 yr old legacy of healthcare work of missionaries

Vilas Shende, director, Mure Memorial Hospital By Moin Qazi* Central India has been one of the most fertile belts for several unique experiments undertaken by missionaries in the field of education and healthcare. The result is a network of several well-known schools, colleges and hospitals that have woven themselves into the social landscape of the region. They have also become a byword for quality and affordable services delivered to all sections of the society. These institutions are characterised by committed and compassionate staff driven by the selfless pursuit of improving the well-being of society. This is the reason why the region has nursed and nurtured so many eminent people who occupy high positions in varied fields across the country as well as beyond. One of the fruits of this legacy is a more than century old iconic hospital that nestles in the heart of Nagpur city. Named as Mure Memorial Hospital after a British warrior who lost his life in a war while defending his cou...

History, culture and literature of Fatehpur, UP, from where Maulana Hasrat Mohani hailed

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat* Maulana Hasrat Mohani was a member of the Constituent Assembly and an extremely important leader of our freedom movement. Born in Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh, Hasrat Mohani's relationship with nearby district of Fatehpur is interesting and not explored much by biographers and historians. Dr Mohammad Ismail Azad Fatehpuri has written a book on Maulana Hasrat Mohani and Fatehpur. The book is in Urdu. He has just come out with another important book, 'Hindi kee Pratham Rachna: Chandayan' authored by Mulla Daud Dalmai.' During my recent visit to Fatehpur town, I had an opportunity to meet Dr Mohammad Ismail Azad Fatehpuri and recorded a conversation with him on issues of history, culture and literature of Fatehpur. Sharing this conversation here with you. Kindly click this link. --- *Human rights defender. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/vbrawat , X @freetohumanity, Skype @vbrawat

What Epstein Files reveal about power, privilege and a system that protects abuse

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak* The Jeffrey Epstein scandal is not merely the story of an individual offender or an isolated circle of accomplices. The material emerging from the Epstein files points to structural conditions that allow abuse to flourish when combined with power, privilege and wealth. Rather than a personal aberration, the case illustrates how systems can create environments in which exploitation becomes easier to conceal and harder to challenge.

Green capitalism? One-billion people in the Global South face climate hazards

By Cade Dunbar On Friday, 17 October 2025, the UN Development Programme released the 2025 edition of its Multidimensional Poverty Index Report . For the first time, the report directly evaluates their multidimensional poverty data against climate hazards, exposing the extent to which the world’s poor are threatened by the environmental crisis. According to the UNDP, approximately 887 million out of the 1.1 billion people living in multidimensional poverty are exposed to climate hazards such as extreme heat, flooding, drought, and air pollution.

From fake interviewer to farmer’s advocate: Akshay Kumar’s surprising role in 'Jolly LLB 3'

By Prof. Hemantkumar Shah* At the luxurious INOX theatre in Sky City Mall, Borivali East, Mumbai, around seventy upper-middle-class viewers attended the 10:45 a.m. screening of Jolly LLB 3. In the film’s concluding courtroom sequence, Arshad Warsi’s character asks the judge whether he would willingly surrender one of his own homes to the government for a development project in Delhi.

Search This Blog