Q. Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance?

Model Answer: 

Social capital, popularized by Robert Putnam, refers to the collective value of social networks, shared norms, and interpersonal trust that facilitate societal cooperation.

1. Core Dimensions of Social Capital

• Trust: Foundational mutual confidence enabling collective action.
• Norms: Shared ethical values promoting civic responsibility.
• Networks: Includes bonding (intra-group), bridging (inter-group), and linking (citizen-state connections).

2. How Social Capital Enhances Good Governance

• Promotes Participatory Governance: High institutional trust fosters active civic involvement, driving a shift toward Jan Bhagidari (Swachh Bharat Abhiyan).
• Ensures Administrative Accountability: Strong community networks facilitate robust collective oversight and demand-driven governance (MGNREGA Social Audits).
• Improves Service Delivery: Grassroots collaboration reduces administrative friction and transaction costs (Kudumbashree for decentralized poverty alleviation).
• Facilitates Crisis Management: Deep civic solidarity supplements state capacity during emergencies (community-run kitchens during COVID-19).
• Drives Behavioral Change: Shared civic norms reduce legal non-compliance, aiding effective ethical policy implementation (Beti Bachao Beti Padhao).

As emphasized by the 2nd ARC, actively cultivating social capital is imperative for transitioning from procedural administration to an ethical, citizen-centric model of good governance.