Civil Society Participation and Good Governance: A Conceptual Study of Waste Management Behaviour under Swachh Bharat Mission

Abstract

Good governance is possible when the active involvement of citizens involved. In India, waste management has become a major concern due to population growth, urbanisation, and changing lifestyles. To address this issue, the Government of India launched the Swachh Bharat Mission in 2014 to promote cleanliness and proper waste management. However, the success of this mission depends not only on government efforts but also on the behaviour and participation of civil society. This conceptual study focuses on understanding how citizen behaviour, such as waste segregation, avoiding littering, and participating in cleanliness activities, contributes to good governance. The study is based on information collected from research articles, government reports, and other secondary sources. The study finds that when citizens are aware, responsible, and actively involved, waste management systems function more effectively. Civil society helps in improving accountability, transparency, and overall governance outcomes. The study concludes that government policies alone cannot achieve the desired results unless they are supported by positive behavioural changes among citizens. Therefore, civil society participation plays an important role in achieving the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission and ensuring good governance in waste management.