Shimla: For the third consecutive year, Kangra district has secured the top position in Himachal Pradesh’s Good Governance Index, earning the first-place award along with a cash prize of Rs 50 lakh. The achievement was celebrated at an official ceremony held in Shimla, where the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh presented the award. Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa accepted the honour on behalf of Kangra district, expressing pride in this recognition.

In his remarks, the Deputy Commissioner credited the district’s success to the dedication and hard work of Kangra’s officers and employees. He noted that their commitment to enhancing public services, improving administrative efficiency, and achieving government-set goals has been instrumental in the district’s consistent high performance. Bairwa highlighted that the focused efforts of local officials have played a crucial role in achieving excellence in governance and delivering quality public services.

The Good Governance Index is a state-level initiative aimed at evaluating and strengthening governance practices across districts in Himachal Pradesh. Using a data-driven approach, the index assesses governance quality across a range of parameters. Each district’s performance is evaluated in eight broad categories, including infrastructure development, transparency, accountability, human resource management, health, education, drinking water availability, road facilities, and law and order. These categories cover 19 focal areas and 76 distinct indicators, allowing for a detailed analysis of each district’s governance performance.

Kangra’s repeated success in the index reflects its commitment to high standards of governance and addressing citizen needs effectively. With a focus on improving essential areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, along with maintaining a transparent and accountable administration, Kangra has consistently demonstrated leadership in effective governance. By achieving strong results across critical sectors, Kangra has set a benchmark that other districts in the state may look to emulate.

This recognition not only celebrates Kangra district’s achievements but also serves as an example for other regions in Himachal Pradesh, encouraging them to adopt best practices in governance to better serve their communities. Kangra’s sustained leadership in the Good Governance Index highlights its proactive approach to tackling challenges and fostering a positive, growth-oriented environment for its residents.

BI Bureau