The statement that "Transparency and Accountability are complementary to each other" is profoundly true, as these two principles are inextricably linked and mutually reinforcing in fostering good governance, public trust, and efficient administration. They are not merely desirable attributes but essential pillars for any robust democratic system.

Transparency refers to the openness and accessibility of information regarding the functioning of public institutions, decision-making processes, and the use of public resources. It means that government actions, policies, and expenditures are visible and understandable to the public. Mechanisms like the Right to Information (RTI) Act, public disclosure of assets, open government data portals, and accessible legislative proceedings are all manifestations of transparency.

Accountability, on the other hand, implies the obligation of individuals or institutions to explain and justify their actions, decisions, and performance to those who are affected by them or to whom they are answerable. It also entails accepting responsibility for outcomes, whether positive or negative, and being subject to sanctions or corrective measures if performance falls short of expectations. Audits, parliamentary oversight, grievance redressal mechanisms, and electoral processes are key tools for ensuring accountability.

The complementarity between them is evident in several ways:

1. Transparency Enables Accountability: For individuals or institutions to be held accountable, there must first be access to relevant information. Without transparency, it is impossible for citizens, oversight bodies, or the media to scrutinize decisions, identify inefficiencies, or detect corruption. If information is hidden or obscured, accountability becomes a mere facade. For example, public disclosure of government contracts (transparency) allows citizens to question the fairness or efficiency of spending (accountability).

2. Accountability Reinforces Transparency: The knowledge that one will be held accountable for actions incentivizes greater transparency. When officials know their decisions and actions will be subject to scrutiny and potential consequences, they are more likely to operate openly and adhere to established procedures. The fear of being held accountable for non-transparent practices can drive institutions to adopt more open policies.

3. Building Trust and Legitimacy: Together, transparency and accountability build public trust in governance. When citizens can see how decisions are made and know that officials are answerable for their actions, they are more likely to perceive the government as legitimate and trustworthy. This fosters civic engagement and reduces cynicism.

4. Reducing Corruption and Improving Efficiency: Lack of transparency creates fertile ground for corruption, as illicit activities can thrive in secrecy. Accountability mechanisms, when combined with transparency, act as powerful deterrents to corruption and promote efficient use of resources. For instance, transparent budgeting and expenditure tracking, coupled with robust audit mechanisms, help ensure public funds are used for their intended purposes.

In conclusion, transparency provides the 'what' and 'how' of governance, while accountability provides the 'who' and 'why' of responsibility. One cannot effectively exist or function optimally without the other; they are two sides of the same coin, indispensable for good governance and a healthy democracy.