Chanakya Governance Index: Redefining India’s Governance Intelligence

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 Chanakya Governance Index: Redefining Bharat’s Governance Intelligence

Note: This is just a personal thought process initiated to help and contribute for better governance system. Interested may comment and  add further. 

In an age of rapid digital transformation, governance is no longer defined by administrative reach alone — it’s measured by fiscal prudence, technological readiness, and ethical intent. Drawing from the timeless wisdom of Kautilya’s Arthashastra, the Chanakya Governance Index (CGI) proposes a new, indigenous way to assess how effectively governments govern — not just how efficiently they function.

The Chanakya Framework

The CGI is built on four classical pillars, reinterpreted for modern governance:

  • Arthashastra (Finance): Fiscal discipline, fund utilization, and economic sustainability.
  • Anvikshiki (Wisdom): Innovation, data-driven insights, and ethical foresight.
  • Dandaniti (Technology): Cybersecurity, system integration, and digital transparency.
  • Rajneeti (Policy): Leadership, convergence, and participatory administration

Each pillar carries quantifiable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Key Result Areas (KRAs) — from e-payments and AI forecasting in finance, to data ethics, digital service uptime, and citizen feedback in governance.

 The National Landscape — How CGI Complements Existing Frameworks




FrameworkAgencyPrimary FocusGap / Limitation
IMAF (ICCC Maturity Assessment)MoHUAEvaluates digital and ICCC integration under Smart Cities MissionTechnology-centric, limited fiscal or ethical lens
Good Governance Index (GGI)DARPGTracks state-level administrative outcomesOutcome-based, lacks tech and fiscal depth
Ease of Living & Municipal IndexMoHUAUrban quality of life and local service deliveryCitizen-centric but not strategic or tech-integrated
SDG India IndexNITI AayogMeasures development outcomes across 17 SDGsFocuses on impact, not on institutional efficiency
ESG Governance (Corporate)SEBICorporate environmental, social, and governance disclosurePrivate-sector focused, not applicable to public systems







Where CGI differs:
It unifies Finance + Technology + Policy + Ethics into one measurable framework — embedding the principles of Chanakya into 21st-century governance metrics.
It doesn’t just ask, “Are we efficient?” — it asks, “Are we wise, transparent, and fiscally sustainable?”







What CGI Measures?
  • Financial Intelligence: Budget utilization, fund convergence, ROI, and fiscal transparency.
  • Digital Resilience: Cybersecurity compliance, automation, open data standards, uptime.
  • Strategic Governance: Scheme convergence, inter-departmental collaboration, decision quality.
  • Ethical & Innovative Governance: Data ethics, AI policy foresight, citizen trust, innovation index.



Why This Matter

Governance today requires more than administration — it demands data-backed wisdom. The Chanakya Governance Index envisions a Made-in-India framework for cities, states, and institutions that promotes:

  • Responsible technology adoption
  • Transparent financial ecosystems
  • Citizen-driven decision-making
  • Ethics-led governance growth
Invitation for Public Comments
The CGI aims to evolve through collaboration. Citizens, researchers, administrators, and policy experts are invited to share views on:
  •  What parameters best represent wise governance?
  •  How should fiscal and digital transparency be measured together?
  •  Can Indian philosophical principles guide next-generation policy analytics?
Your insights can help shape an Indian-origin governance index that blends ancient wisdom with modern intelligence — a true reflection of “Arthasya Moolam Rajyam” — the idea that the strength of governance lies in its economic and ethical foundation. 


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