Addressing 'trust deficit' and 'fixing accountability' key to good governance: CBI chief

While speaking at the session on 'Delivering Better Governance

He provided this solution in response to his concern that deteriorating values are mainly attributing to corruption.

Sinha also emphasized on the need for bridging the gap between the expectations of the people and the effectiveness of the delivery mechanisms to improve governance.

"Effective governance require effective institutions; and the effectiveness of the institutions- be it the Legislature, the Executive or the Judiciary- depends on its delivery mechanisms and the framework of supportive rules, regulations and procedures, which need to continuously evolve in response to the challenging times and emerging situations," Sinha said.

Attributing poor governance to corruption, Pradeep Kumar, Commissioner, Central Vigilance Commission, focused on the ill effects of corruption and ways to minimize it.

"The fight against corruption calls for a twin pronged approach of 'preventive' as well as 'punitive' action. He also said that "corruption in government occurs mainly due to misuse of discretion enjoyed by the public authorities, cumbersome, non transparent and ambiguous procedures, over regulation and excessive state control. Lack of citizen oriented and responsive approach by the officials aggravate the problem," Kumar said.

Another panelist, T.S. Krishnamurthy, who is a former Chief Election Commissioner of India, emphasized on improving the governance in political sphere. His most important suggestion in this regard, included establishment of a 'National Election Fund' for addressing the misuse of unaccounted money power in elections.

His other suggestion included assertive behavior by bureaucracy to check political masters whenever required. Mr. Krishna also suggested that mechanism should be made to properly channelize the corporate social responsibility fund before it starts creating problems.

Gurcharan Das, author, management guru and intellectual, highlighted the need for establishing a 'strong liberal state' to improve governance. This would require; reforming state institutions, regular participation in neighborhood by the general public, and building on our philosophy 'Dharma'.

Lastly, Dipankar Gupta, a Member of the Board, Reserve Bank of India, said that fraternity is the essence of democracy. Universal health and education can lead to an independent middle class which can uphold fraternity.