Good Governance Day is celebrated in India annually on December 25, and it marks the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister and BJP party veteran Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Good Governance Day was established in 2014 to honour Vajpayee by spreading awareness among the Indian people of accountability in government.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee was born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. He had a long parliamentary experience spanning over four decades. He was among the few Indian PM who has left a rich historical legacy.

Vajpayee during his tenure introduced the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, providing connectivity to people in remote areas. He also launched the Antyodaya Anna scheme to provide cheaper subsidised foodgrains to the poor. Atal Bihari Vajpayee Statue Installed in Lucknow, to Be Unveiled on His Birth Anniversary on December 25th.

Date of Good Governance Day

On December 23, 2014, Atal Bihari Vajpayee was awarded Bharat Ratna by Indian President Pranab Mukherjee. Following the announcement was made, Narendra Modi government announced that the birth anniversary of Vajpayee would hence be celebrated annually in India as 'Good Governance Day'. Ever since that, the day is being celebrated annually across the country on December 25.

It was criticised by the Indian National Congress for both setting Good Governance Day on the same date as Christmas as well as for declaring this date as a government working day.

Significance of the Day

The main objective behind celebrating the day is to unite and make people active participants in the good governance process. Good Governance Day is celebrated to enhance the welfare and betterment of the people. One of the main objectives of celebrating the day is to enhance growth and ensuring the welfare of the people. Also finally to hand over a corruption-free administration to the people.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 25, 2019 08:07 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).