Good Governance (शासनधर्मः)

Good Governance (Samskrit: शासनधर्मः)

In the course of the dialogue with Bharata at Chitrakuta, being under the impression that Bharata had already become the emperor and has been ruling the kingdom of Ayodhya, Rama puts certain questions to Bharata, which at ones indicates the criteria for good administration. Some of them are.

1. Are you following the rule of Trivarga - namely, the rule that Artha and Kama shall be subject to Dharma.
2. Do you renounce the following failings of the Raja namely, anger, neglect of Raja Dharma, procrastination, shunning the wise, laziness, bondage of the five Senses, devoting thought to the affairs of the state without seeking the advise of others (Ministers etc.).
3. Are you avoiding eight evils born out of anger ?
4. Are the forests well preserved ?
5. Is the income sufficiently more than expenditure ?
6. Do your ministers decide impartially between rich and the poor ?
7. Are the thieves caught red handed are being punished without fail ?
8. I hope that no innocent person is being punished.
9. I hope agriculture does not depend only on rain water but they are well irrigated.
10. I hope you are paying wages to officers and servants of the state in cash or kind in time and wages are not delayed.
11. I hope you are fully protecting the Capital City Ayodhya.
12. I hope there is supply of water to the residents of Ayodhya in plenty.

From the aforesaid questions it may be seen that greatest priority was given to doctrine of trivarga. Other questions indicate what are the functions of good Government.

In Mahabharata (Shantiparva) also detailed guidelines are given as to the steps, which are necessary for providing good administration. Addressing Yudhishthira, Bhishmacharya says a Raja should take the following steps for better administration of the state. Yudhishthira, please note that duties of the Rulers are :-

1. To employ good detectives.
2. To appoint ambassadors to the states.
3. Payment of wages to the employees in time.
4. Collection of tax cleverly.
5. Not acquiring or confiscating the wealth of the people illegally.
6. Collecting good people.
7. To be brave.
8. Efficient in doing every work.
9. To be truthful.
10. Always working for the welfare of the people.
11. Repairing or rebuilding old houses and temples.
12. To look after those who are poor and afflicted.
13. Imposing punishment on the guilty depending upon the facts of the case.
14. Not to desert good people.
15. Always keeping persons from respectable family around him.
16. Collecting articles which are worth collecting.
17. To serve the wise and knowledgeable individuals.
18. Improve the happiness of army personnel by giving reward and by keeping them in good humour.
19. Everyday to look after the interests of subjects.
20. Should never feel difficulty in doing his work and should never consider it as a burden.
21. Enriching the treasury or exchequer.
22. Full and perfect security for the Capital city and should not depend on others in this behalf.
23. Suppressing any groupism against the ruler.
24. Not to allow any groupism interse among State Servants.
25. Personally inspect the capital.
26. Not to depend entirely on anyone.
27. Should always follow the rules of Dharma.
28. Should always be vigilant and industrious.
29. Must be alert about the activities of enemies.
30. Desert or extern wicked people and those indulging in heinous crimes.