Good governance is the key to nation’s progress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said , a day being observed as Good Governance Day.

The government is committed to provide a transparent and accountable administration that works for the betterment of the common citizen, he said in his message to the nation.

“‘Citizen-first’ is our mantra, our motto and our guiding principle. It has been my dream to bring government closer to our citizens, so that they become active participants in the governance process,” Modi said.

Good Governance Day is being observed Dec 25, to pay tribute to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose birthday falls on the same day. Vajpayee has been named for India’s highest civilian honour, Bharat Ratna.

Modi said simplifying procedures and processes in the government was one of the easiest ways to ensure good governance.

“The push towards self-certification in place of affidavits and attestations is another indicator of the relationship of trust between the citizens and the government,” Modi said.

He said the government was also working on a simpler internal work process manual, which would be delivered through an e-learning module.

Emphasising that technology was an empowering tool for the citizens and an accountability medium for the government, he said: “Technology could and must bridge the divide between the government and the citizens.”