UPSC Mains 2026 · GS II · Q16 · 15 marks · 250 words

“Transparency and accountability in governance are not about controlling corruption but about creating the trust of stakeholders in the policy process by following the Rule of Law and Participatory Governance.” Comment.

हिन्दी में

“शासन में पारदर्शिता और जवाबदेही का उद्देश्य केवल भ्रष्टाचार को नियंत्रित करना नहीं है, बल्कि विधि के शासन (Rule of Law) और सहभागितापूर्ण शासन (Participatory Governance) का पालन करके नीति निर्माण प्रक्रिया में हितधारकों का विश्वास स्थापित करना है ।” टिप्पणी कीजिए ।

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “Recently demand has been rising for Social Accountability law and boost citizen's participation in decision making. How such a law can lead to good governance? Comment.”

Surabhi YadavAIR 14 · CSE 2025 · 149 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a definition

Social Accountability law refers to the idea of rights of citizens to held civic officials accountable to ensure services in a fair and transparent manner.

Body · points

It can ensure good governance by ensuring :-

1- Efficiency

  • Better utilisation of funds
  • Reduce overlapping & structured division of fund work.
  • less time consuming - faster delivery of services
  • MGNREGA fund allocation & work allocations.

2- Accountability

  • Prepare citizen charter, can help ensure accountability in ensuring public service.
  • Citizen awareness

Transparency

  • publication of reports e.g. Jan Soochna Portal of Rajasthan.
  • RTI accessible services.

Boost Citizen's Participation

  • Involved at grassroot level in Gram Sabha.
  • Aware about their rights.
  • Can hold administration accountable.
  • Can register complain - legal actions can be taken.

Thus, the idea as envisioned by Rousseau of a government ruling by

Close · a summary

the will of the people can be further strengthened.

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026, General Studies Paper II, Q16. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.