Karnataka bags 4th spot in governance

BENGALURU: For the third time, Kerala has emerged the best-governed state in India among the larger states, as per the Public Affairs Index 2018 released by Bengalurubased think tank, Public Affairs Centre. Karnataka has bagged the fourth position. Among the smaller states, Himachal Pradesh has secured the top spot for the second consecutive year. Among the larger ones, Tamil Nadu is in the second place, followed by Telangana, Karnataka and Gujarat. The analysis was done through data on various themes available in the public domain. Karnataka stood at the fourth spot in 2017 too and was third in the list in the 2016 report. The data-based study of the quality of governance employed 10 themes, 30 focus subjects and 100 indicators. When it comes to essential infrastructure, which comprises power, water, roads and communication and housing, Karnataka has shown consistent growth from 2016 to 2018. State tops in environment and transparency Karnataka bagged the top spot among the larger states in themes like environment, transparency and accountability. The state was at the fourth position in fiscal management, fifth in essential infrastructure, sixth in women and children. However, the state was ranked 16th in social protection and 13th in delivery of justice. Releasing the report, Dr K Kasturi Rangan, chairman of the centre, said the nation is witnessing remarkable development in science and technology, but facing environmental degradation, unprecedented ideological wars and threats like terrorism. “Upholding democracy, rule of law, robust governance, transparency, engagement of public and data-based decision making are essential for good governance. The report reflects the same,” he said. PAC has added another chapter, Children of India, to the index this year, which encompasses themes of early education development, protection, adolescence, institutional structure and governance. While Kerala has topped the list, Karnataka stands at the eighth position. Source: Times of India [one_fourth]