Hi Friends,

Even as I launch this today ( my 80th Birthday ), I realize that there is yet so much to say and do. There is just no time to look back, no time to wonder,"Will anyone read these pages?"

With regards,
Hemen Parekh
27 June 2013

Now as I approach my 90th birthday ( 27 June 2023 ) , I invite you to visit my Digital Avatar ( www.hemenparekh.ai ) – and continue chatting with me , even when I am no more here physically

Friday, 11 July 2025

Good Governance

 Courtesy as cornerstone of good governance

Extract from the article:

The recent critiques aimed at The Hindu BusinessLine highlight a perennial challenge in political and organizational nomination processes — the opacity that often shrouds key decision-making stages. Transparency, or the lack thereof, in the selection of employees or nominees is not merely an operational detail but a cornerstone for public trust and effective governance. This article draws attention to the common refrain in many institutions: the tendency toward excessive secrecy and poor communication, which fuels speculation, reduces accountability, and undermines confidence in the legitimacy of those who assume office or roles.

Moreover, the article implicitly suggests that the dynamics behind political nominations and appointments are rarely visible to the public or even insiders, which causes a disconnect between the organization’s stated principles and its operational realities. Such a lack of openness contributes to perceptions of favoritism, undermining meritocratic principles that ideally should govern nominations. The piece nudges organizations and political entities alike to reconsider how courtesy and transparent communication can serve as neglected pillars of good governance, reinforcing ethical standards and fostering greater public engagement in institutional processes.

My Take:

A. Re: Feedback on L&T Book
In reflecting on the issues of transparency discussed in the recent article, I’m reminded of my earlier insights on how large corporations manage their public perception and internal communication. Years ago, I highlighted how sharing frank experiences within organizations about handling difficult interactions with government agencies could have been invaluable both internally and externally. The same principle applies to nomination dynamics today — an openness about decision-making processes not only demystifies the outcomes but enriches understanding and trust. Back then, I was also critical of how leadership contributions were often understated or omitted from public narratives. This omission parallels how nomination procedures, when hidden from scrutiny, can erase recognition for truly deserving candidates while allowing less meritorious appointments to slip through unnoticed. I see this as a clarion call for improved transparency within all spheres, including political nominations, to bring deserving individuals into rightful prominence.

B. Smt Sitharamanji, You Are Totally Right
This blog post reminisces on numerous government initiatives aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency, and citizen engagement, from environment clearances to digital portals for government job applications. The conversation around political nomination processes in today’s article intersects significantly with these initiatives. They collectively underline the transformative power of transparent and accessible communication channels. Just as launching mobile apps and new schemes can revolutionize how citizens interact with government services, applying similar principles of openness and procedural clarity to nomination dynamics can revolutionize governance itself. It’s inspiring to reflect that my past advocacy for systemic transparency neatly aligns with today’s broader demand for accountability in every layer of administration and politics.

C. Re: Transparency Biggest Reform
Transparency is often the most fundamental reform that can catalyze change, yet it remains one of the hardest to implement consistently. As discussed in this prior blog, transparency in various sectors — from highway projects to defense bidding — has been crucial in building trust and ensuring fair outcomes. Political nominations, being no less critical, benefit immensely from this ethos. If the nomination processes were subjected to similar standards of openness as those suggested for public tenders or environment clearances, we would likely see a profound reduction in accusations of favoritism and secrecy. This underscores my long-held belief that transparency cannot be selective; its application must be widespread and systemic to truly enhance governance and public confidence.

Call to Action:

To the leadership teams within The Hindu BusinessLine and other similar institutions, as well as policymakers and political entities responsible for nominations — I urge you to embrace radical transparency in your nomination and selection processes. Establish clear, publicly accessible criteria and communication channels explaining how candidates are evaluated and chosen. Cultivate a culture of courtesy and openness, not only as ethical imperatives but as strategic assets to build credibility and public trust. Doing so will not only strengthen governance but restore faith that appointments are based on merit and fairness, not opaque maneuvering.

With regards, 

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

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