Growth and development of a state is closely linked to governance. SKOCH Group has been studying and documenting governance practices of Indian states for nearly two decades. The study reveals that there is a direct correlation between governance and growth and development of a state. The states with effective, efficient and transparent governance have been able to maintain a sustained higher economic expansion and substantially improved the standard of living and well-being of its citizens, while the states with poor governance have remained laggards. Governance is not just about a particular leader, political party or government. The focus of the SKOCH Group’s annual State of Governance study is the common people, especially the marginalised. The study is the most extensive, widespread and exhaustive in the country that covers every nook and corner and remains totally apolitical. Its focus has been to access and highlight the governance initiatives that make a positive difference in the life of a common man. Apart from going into project details, the assessment focuses on the implementation.
Out of thousands of governance projects from across the country, which were assessed as part of the State of Governance 2017 study (up to September), 304 projects were shortlisted for SKOCH Order-of-Merit Award. These projects were extensively studied and reviewed and their grassroots impact were examined and monitored before conferring the honour. Out of this shortlist, 107 projects/ organisations were conferred the Award in different categories. Categories of the Award include Platinum, Gold and Silver. 31 awards were conferred in Platinum category, 35 in Gold and 41 in Silver categories.
The study is based on the entries invited from implementing agencies of the projects. Nominations were invited to different categories from across the country. Each entry was studied, reviewed and weighted for an initial shortlist. Project leaders, champions and architects responsible for the implementation/rollout were invited to make presentations to domain experts. Each project was cross-examined and weighted on several parameters including scale, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, replicability, impact on the targeted section of the society and outcomes. The projects that were found to have made notable difference at the ground were conferred the SKOCH Order-of-Merit. The projects that made exceptional contribution in making governance better were selected to be conferred SKOCH Award in different categories.
In recent years, a very active and visible determination of most stakeholders, be it the Centre, state governments, urban or rural local bodies, to deliver and work towards making governance better, easier and transparent for the people has been noticed. Impressive initiatives have been undertaken across states. Keeping this in mind, good governance is defined in relative terms rather than absolute. Thus, SKOCH study divides the states in categories rather than giving numeric rankings. The states where the projects have performed the best in terms of rankings on different parameters have been classified as ‘STARS’. The states that have done commendable work are next in rankings classified as ‘PERFORMERS’ and the remaining states from where SKOCH received winning nominations are grouped as ‘CATCHING-UP’.
| S/N | State | Rank (April 2017 – Dec 2017) | Rank (April 2014 – March 2017) | Rank (April 2009 – March 2014) |
| 1 | Rajasthan | 1 | 13 | 5 |
| 2 | Telangana | 2 | 4 | – |
| 3 | Maharashtra | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| 4 | Haryana | 4 | 11 | 6 |
| 5 | Punjab | 5 | 13 | 14 |
| 6 | Tamil Nadu | 6 | 7 | 12 |
| 7 | Madhya Pradesh | 7 | 3 | 2 |
| 8 | Uttar Pradesh | 8 | 8 | 11 |
| 9 | West Bengal | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| 10 | Andhra Pradesh | 10 | 14 | 7 |
| 11 | Karnataka | 11 | 5 | 11 |
| 12 | Odisha | 12 | 15 | – |
| 13 | Gujarat | 13 | 2 | 4 |
| 14 | Chhattisgarh | 14 | 17 | 14 |
| 15 | Delhi | 15 | 18 | – |
| 16 | Arunachal Pradesh | 16 | 26 | – |
| 17 | Kerala | 17 | 10 | – |
| 18 | Himachal Pradesh | 18 | 12 | 10 |
| 19 | Jharkhand | 18 | 6 | 3 |
| 20 | Chandigarh | 19 | 16 | – |
| 21 | Sikkim | 20 | 22 | – |
| 22 | Bihar | 21 | 27 | 14 |
| 23 | Meghalaya | 22 | 23 | 8 |
| 24 | Assam | 23 | 25 | 13 |
| 25 | Andaman & Nicobar | 24 | – | – |
| 26 | Puducherry | 25 | – | – |
| 27 | Tripura | 26 | 20 | – |
| 28 | Dadra & Nagar Haveli | – | 27 | – |
| 29 | Goa | – | 24 | – |
| 30 | Jammu & Kashmir | – | 27 | 14 |
| 31 | Mizoram | – | 21 | – |
| 32 | Uttarakhand | – | 19 | – |
Based on the overall rankings of the projects, seven best performing states have been designated ‘STAR’ category. These are:
Ten states that have done commendable work have been categorised as ‘PERFORMER’. These are:
The remaining states from where SKOCH received winning nominations are grouped as ‘CATCHING-UP’. These are:
| Category | Awards | Order-of-Merit |
| Municipalities | 34 | 86 |
| e-Governance | 25 | 80 |
| District Administration | 10 | 26 |
| Education & Skill | 8 | 21 |
| Governance & Development | 7 | 27 |
| Health | 7 | 19 |
| Women & Child Development | 4 | 7 |
| Labour | 4 | 4 |
| Transport | 3 | 14 |
| Agri & Rural Dev | 2 | 6 |
| Finance & Treasuries | 1 | 8 |
| Social Justice & Security | 1 | 6 |
SKOCH State of Governance study is one of the most comprehensive studies done in the sector. It analyses the findings from different perspectives. Apart from the state rankings, it has also done segment-wise analysis. This includes education, health, transport, finance, agriculture and rural development, labour, municipalities and district administration. This has been done with an objective to highlight the good governance practices undertaken in different sectors. This gives an idea where the policy is working the best.
The study reveals that a number of innovative steps have been taken by the urban local bodies in order to make the service delivery system more efficient and transparent. In the number of SKOCH Order-of-Merit and awards, municipalities stood at number one position. Total 86 SKOCH Orders-of-Merit were conferred to municipalities, the highest sector-wise. The highest number of awards also went to the municipalities, i.e., 34. This included eight Platinum, 11 Gold and 15 Silver Awards.
| S. No | State | Rank |
| 1 | Maharashtra | 1 |
| 2 | Tamil Nadu | 2 |
| 3 | Andhra Pradesh | 3 |
| 4 | Delhi | 4 |
| 5 | Gujarat | 5 |
| 6 | Chhattisgarh | 6 |
| 7 | Madhya Pradesh | 7 |
| 8 | Karnataka | 8 |
| 9 | Telangana | 9 |
| 10 | Chandigarh | 10 |
| 11 | Punjab | 11 |
| 12 | Bihar | 12 |
Maharashtra topped the list in terms of the number of awards conferred to municipalities state-wise. Total SKOCH 17 Orders-of-Merit went to municipalities from Maharashtra, which also got 10 Awards. This included two Platinum, four Gold and four Silver awards. Tamil Nadu stood at second place with 15 SKOCH Orders-of-Merit and seven awards. This included three Platinum and four Silver awards. Andhra Pradesh came at number three with six SKOCH Orders-of-Merit and three awards. Four SKOCH Orders-of-Merit and four awards in the municipalities category went to Delhi. Gujarat bagged six SKOCH Orders-of-Merit and three awards, while seven SKOCH Orders-of-Merit and one award went to Chhattisgarh. Eight SKOCH Orders-of-Merit went to Madhya Pradesh, however, there was no award. Karnataka bagged five SKOCH Orders-of-Merit and two awards, while Telangana bagged four SKOCH Orders-of-Merit and one award. Chandigarh bagged two SKOCH Orders-of-Merit and two awards, while Punjab won two SKOCH Orders-of- Merit and one award. Bihar won four SKOCH Orders-of-Merit, Haryana and Jharkhand two SKOCH Orders-of-Merit each, while Assam and Tripura bagged one SKOCH Order-of-Merit each in Municipal Governance category.
Municipalities in Maharashtra, notably Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd and Thane Municipal Corporation, have taken some path-breaking initiatives to make life of its citizen better and root out corruption. Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd has implemented an Intelligent Transport Management System, which includes automatic vehicle tracking, automatic fare collection, web-portal with basic information and a mobile application (for citizens) for journey planning, grievances, online pass, bus schedules, etc. The real-time tracking of buses has resulted in increased reliability, accountability and transparency in transportation system in the city. In a bid to enhance citizen’s engagement in development works, Pune Municipal Corporation has introduced Participatory Budgeting (PB). Under this initiative, an average of around Rs.30 crore is allocated annually to works suggested by citizens. PB has given citizens a formal forum to engage with the municipality management on public works.
Thane Municipal Corporation has taken multi-pronged, holistic and systematic approach to improve energy efficiency and promote renewable energy. The Corporation is in the process of making Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital a net-zero building. This means all its energy requirements would be met through renewable energy. This will be the first such hospital in the country.
Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation has taken a number of measures to improve service delivery and cleanliness. As part of the Smart City drive, the Corporation has introduced Smart City App and Smart City innovation lab. The Corporation has implemented public-private-partnership mode for waste management. It has introduced steps for processing and disposal of chicken waste.
City Corporation Kalaburagi of Karnataka has implemented technological interventions, which have improved SWM activities, road maintenance, street light maintenance and several other public service delivery systems. Tadipatri Municipal Corporation of Andhra Pradesh has taken innovative steps for infrastructure development and sanitation. Nagar Panchayat Bodhgaya has become the first Nagar Panchayat in Bihar to introduce e-Municipality services. Introduction of e-Governance has increased the efficiency of the various related functions of the municipal body. Patna Municipal Corporation has taken commendable steps for solid waste management.
With a view to increase common people’s participation in sanitation drive, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh has created women functionaries of area level federations as Swachhata Grahi. Raipur Smart City Limited has introduced Intelligent Traffic Management System. Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation has increased the trade license fee collections for GHMC through record linkages and advanced data mining using IPIH citizen 360-degree platform. Surat Municipal Corporation has taken steps for installation and promotion of education of rooftop grid connected solar plants through net-metering.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is being increasingly used to make public service delivery system more efficient and transparent. Modern technology is also being used in interaction with business enterprises and communication and exchange of information between different agencies of the government. Such initiatives are broadly categorised as e-Governance. A total of 80 SKOCH Orders-of-Merit was conferred in e-Governance category. Total number of awards to e-Governance category stood at 25. This included six Platinum, 12 Gold and seven Silver category awards.
| S. No | State | Rank |
| 1 | Rajasthan | 1 |
| 2 | Telangana | 2 |
| 3 | Haryana | 3 |
| 4 | Madhya Pradesh | 4 |
| 5 | Arunachal Pradesh | 5 |
| 6 | West Bengal | 5 |
| 7 | Karnataka | 6 |
| 8 | Kerala | 7 |
| 9 | Uttar Pradesh | 8 |
| 10 | Himachal Pradesh | 9 |
| 11 | Punjab | 10 |
| 12 | Andaman & Nicobar Islands | 11 |
Haryana is placed at second place in e-Governance category with 12 SKOCH Orders-of-Merit and five awards. Three awards were conferred in Gold and two in Silver category. CM Window introduced by the government acts as an effective grievance redressal tool. The key policymaking bodies of Haryana from the top CM office and offices of all ministers, secretaries, district magistrates to sub-divisional offices are all connected to this system. Grievances are registered, monitored and addressed online. The Monitoring System has been thoroughly revamped and enhanced with graphical Dashboards for all officers of Haryana with a weekly comparative chart of their progress on redressal. The government has also introduced e-Dashboard for Elections for monitoring and enabling transparency in polling.
With 13 SKOCH Orders-of-Merit and four awards, Telangana is the third best performer in e-Governance category. To ensure proper monitoring and implementation of government projects, Department of ITE&C, Government of Telangana, has developed an “Interactive MeeSeva Dashboard”. It provides real-time statistics and analysis of citizen transactions undertaken through MeeSeva channels. Telangana has done complete computerisation of the both Houses of the Legislature, with the objective to bring more transparency in the working of the legislators.
Madhya Pradesh was at fourth place in e-Governance initiatives with four SKOCH Orders-of-Merit and two awards, both in the Platinum category. Arunachal Pradesh came at fifth position with six SKOCH Ordersof- Merit. West Bengal bagged three SKOCH Orders-of-Merit and two awards; Karnataka got four SKOCH Orders-of-Merit and one award; Kerala got five SKOCH Orders-of- Merit; Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh got one SKOCH Order-of- Merit and one award each.
In the Governance & Development category 27 SKOCH Orders-of-Merit and seven awards were conferred. The awards included three in Platinum, two Gold and two Silver categories. With eight SKOCH Orders-of-Merit and two awards, Rajasthan topped the list in Governance & Development category. The state won one award in Platinum and one in Silver category. Rajasthan Skill & Livelihoods Development Corporation, set up by Rajasthan government, has ensured efficient, effective, reliable, transparent and accountable governance in skilling and livelihood section. e-Panchayat initiative implemented in the mission mode has made Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in the state more transparent, accountable and effective. The project aims to automate the functioning of the Panchayats including planning, monitoring, implementation, budgeting, accounting, social audit and delivery of citizen services like issue of certificates, licenses etc.
| S. No | State | Rank |
| 1 | Rajasthan | 1 |
| 2 | Telangana | 2 |
| 3 | West Bengal | 3 |
| 4 | Uttar Pradesh | 4 |
| 5 | Kerala | 5 |
| 6 | Gujarat | 6 |
| 7 | Punjab | 6 |
| 8 | Arunachal Pradesh | 7 |
| 9 | Jharkhand | 7 |
Telangana won five SKOCH Orders-of-Merit and two awards. One award went in Gold and one in Silver category. In a bid to fill the gap between the government officers and citizens, Telangana has introduced an initiative called Janahitha. Under this initiative, all records are digitised at source itself, eliminating the chances of corruption and irregularity.
With three SKOCH Orders-of-Merit and one award, West Bengal was at third place. Uttar Pradesh won two SKOCH Orders-of-Merit and one award, while Kerala bagged one SKOCH Order-of-Merit and one award. Gujarat and Punjab, three SKOCH Orders-of-Merit each, while Arunachal Pradesh and Jharkhand were conferred one SKOCH Order-of-Merit each in Governance & Development category.
A total 26 SKOCH Orders-of-Merit and 10 awards were conferred in District Administration category, which is largely focused on making governance better for rural India. Four awards were conferred in Platinum, two Gold and four Silver categories.
| S. No | State | Rank |
| 1 | Punjab | 1 |
| 2 | Uttar Pradesh | 2 |
| 3 | Maharashtra | 3 |
| 4 | Haryana | 4 |
| 5 | Jharkhand | 5 |
| 6 | Gujarat | 6 |
| 7 | Madhya Pradesh | 7 |
| 8 | Arunachal Pradesh | 8 |
| 9 | Assam | 8 |
| 10 | Chhattisgarh | 8 |
| 11 | Rajasthan | 8 |
| 12 | Telangana | 8 |
Punjab topped the list with 10 SKOCH Orders-of-Merit and three awards. One award went in Platinum and two in Silver category. District administration Bathinda has implemented project Navjeevan as one common platform for providing rehabilitation and treatment facilities for disabled. Door-to-door survey was conducted to maintain a record of all the disabled persons in the district. The services are provided through a common digital platform enabling all to access an
Tripura ranks #21 nationally in the SKOCH State of Governance Report 2023.
Goa ranks #28 in the SKOCH State of Governance Report 2023.
Uttarakhand ranks #23 nationally in the SKOCH State of Governance Report 2023.
Nagaland ranks #19 nationally in the SKOCH State of Governance Report 2023
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