Launched by Prime Minister, MyGov is a Citizen Engagement Platform which collaborates with multiple Government bodies/ Ministries to engage with citizens for policy formulation and seeks opinion of people on issues of public interest and welfare.
In short, it empowers people to connect with Government and contribute towards good governance.
Since 2014, it has evolved into a robust platform with over 4.72 crore registered users, known as MyGov Saathis.

Major MyGov Campaigns

LiFE Campaign: To engage individuals in addressing environmental degradation and climate change, emphasizing impact of individual and community actions on global challenge.
Stay Safe Online: Launched by MeitY during India’s G20 presidency to educate citizens, including specially-abled individuals, about online risks, safety measures, and cyber hygiene to enhance overall cyber safety.
Swachh Bharat Survekshan: Through interactive activities and social media engagement, it fosters active public participation in creating a cleaner and healthier India.
Millet-SuperFood: To highlight nutritional advantages of millets and understand their role in preventing lifestyle diseases.

How Citizen Participation helps in Good Governance?

Accountability and Transparency: Citizens hold government officials accountable by providing feedback, reporting issues, and demanding action, which encourages transparency and openness in government decisions.
- For instance, RTI empowers citizens by providing them information to hold government officials and agencies accountable for their actions.
Service delivery: Through active participation in policymaking, citizens ensure their needs and interests are considered in decision-making process, enhancing delivery of public services and policy outcomes.
- For instance, community participation in evaluation of Delhi government's Mohalla Clinics improved access to quality healthcare.
Fosters Inclusivity: Engaging citizens in governance develops a sense of belongingness and ensures that diverse voices, including marginalized groups are heard, promoting equity and social justice.
- For instance, MGNREGA Social audit helps in prioritisation of voices of the poor and marginalised.
Trust-building: Active citizen participation programs foster trust in government institutions, reinforcing democratic principles and promote cooperative relationship between state and society.
- Example, Gram Sabhas fosters community trust at the grassroot level.
Innovation: Citizen participation can bring new perspectives, innovative ideas and solutions to address issues strengthening governance structure.
- For instance, Mysuru- based firm has been granted a patent for their innovative solution to use plastic waste to make environment friendly interlock tiles or pavers that are stronger than cement.

Challenges associated with Citizen Participation in Good Governance

Lack of Commitment: Engagement in policymaking requires time and resources, which are often limited, restricting the continuous participation of citizens.
Limited engagement: Many citizens lack required knowledge and understanding of government processes, laws, and their rights, hindering their effective participation.
- Further, complex procedures and red tape can make it difficult for citizens to participate.
Administrative challenges: Governments may lack capacity to manage large-scale participation, including processing feedback, organizing events etc. further hampering active participation.
Limited trust in government: Public trust in government is often low due to unfulfilled promises, perceived corruption and nepotism, and failure to consider community input on development priorities, impeding their participation.
Social factors: Lack of equal access, ability to participate, due to socio-economic conditions, cultural norms and traditions such as patriarchy, may limit participation of women and other marginalized groups in governance.

A graphic titled "Initiatives taken to ensure Citizen Participation in Good Governance" lists five initiatives: Swachh Bharat Mission, National Mission for Clean Ganga, Digital India, 73rd and 74th Amendment Acts, and Citizen’s Charter. Each initiative includes a brief description.

Way ahead

Accessibility: Release government data in a structured and accessible format and ensure that citizens have easy access to government information e.g. strengthening RTI Act to enhance transparency.
Awareness: Incorporate governance and civic education into school curriculum, organizing workshops to educate citizens on their rights, importance of their participation, and how they can effectively engage in governance processes.
Digital Platforms: Strengthening digital infrastructure, creating user-friendly e-governance platforms where citizens can access information, and provide feedback to facilitate citizen’s participation.
Inclusive Policy-Making: Organize regular public consultations, hearings on key policy decisions, ensuring representation from diverse communities to strengthen governance processes. E.g. strengthening public hearing component of Environmental Impact Assessment.
Grievance Redressal: Strengthen and streamline grievance redressal mechanisms, ensuring that citizen complaints are addressed promptly to build trust in governance system. Further, strengthening feedback systems to enhance policy implementation.