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Case studies

This paper presents the methodology and findings of a comprehensive governance assessment survey conducted in India as part of the World Governance Survey (WGS) project.

The questionnaire survey covered 177 experts from four states – Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi and Kerala – and recorded their ratings and comments to 30 indicators of governance. The findings do suggest that even in a country of the diversity and complexity of India it is feasible and valuable to carry out such governance assessments.

Although due to methodological challenges the findings are indicative rather than conclusive, they do point to some bright spots in India’s governance. These include:

• high levels of freedom of expression and association
• high levels of political competition, with increasing number of political parties
• the bureaucracy remains relatively well rated overall, although there is concern that standards are falling
• the military accepts its subordination to civilian government

However, there was an overarching concern that policy-making is rather divorced from the people – especially the poorest members of society. Democracy in India is more impressive in form than substance. More specifically, the survey found that corruption was the most important governance challenge in the country.

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