Good Governance and the Dilemma of Development : What Lies Beneath?

Ideas unleash human imaginations, as well as hold these imaginations on a leash. However, they are scarcely disarticulated from material realities. Together with these realities, they take on the form of discourses - words, concepts and thoughts that characterize how we live. 'Good governance' has come to occupy such a space in the practical and theoretical discussions on development. This paper attempts to put current understanding into perspective, by locating specific trends in government reform and public expenditure. It realizes that the nature of the Indian state, international finance and fiscal prudence, rather than responsiveness to democratic demands of poor people, inform the discourse on 'good governance'. Such thinking among the key players poses a dilemma to the theory and practice of development, because it reflects the tendency of the state to shy away from responsibility to its citizens. The discourse on 'good governance' must articulate democratic aspirations