(General Studies II – Governance section – Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation. Development Processes and the Development Industry — the Role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.)
- Despite being the world’s largest democracy with a complex socio-political structure, India lacks a globally recognized public policy institution like the Harvard Kennedy School or London School of Economics.
- Such an institution is critical not only to equip leaders with the skills to navigate India’s governance landscape but also to strengthen the foundation of democracy and foster a more inclusive and participatory public policy framework.
The Necessity for a Public Policy Institution in India –
1. Bridging the Gap Between Policy and Practice:
- India’s political system heavily centralizes decision-making within the executive, leaving little room for independent policy debate and legislative deliberation.
- Unlike the U.S., where Congress enables think tanks and policy schools to thrive through a pluralist model of democracy, India’s governance structure leaves public policy professionals at the periphery of decision-making.
2. Enhancing Democratic Participation:
- A vibrant public policy institution can promote deliberative democracy, encouraging diverse voices in policymaking.
- Civil society theories highlight the role of non-governmental actors like think tanks, academics, and advocacy groups in enhancing accountability and strengthening democratic values.
3. Creating a Stable Policy Ecosystem:
- In India, political regimes often realign the public sphere, sidelining previous networks of influence.
- A public policy institution can serve as a non-partisan platform, fostering stability by training professionals to work across political transitions, thereby stabilizing the policy ecosystem.
4. Addressing Ground Realities:
- Current policymaking often overlooks grassroots concerns due to inadequate engagement with diverse social realities.
- Institutions rooted in empathy can ensure that policy frameworks are informed by the lived experiences of citizens, bridging the gap between governance and the public.
| Challenges Faced by Indian Higher Education System Access and Equity: The Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) for higher education is approximately 26.3%, indicating that a significant portion of the eligible population lacks access to tertiary education. This disparity is more pronounced among underrepresented groups, including women, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and rural populations.Quality of Education: The rapid expansion of higher education institutions has led to uneven quality, with many institutions lacking adequate infrastructure, qualified faculty, and research opportunities. This results in graduates who may not meet industry standards or possess necessary skills.Fragmented Governance: The higher education sector is regulated by multiple agencies with overlapping functions, leading to a lack of coherence in policies and standards. This fragmentation hampers effective governance and quality assurance.Research and Innovation Deficit: India’s investment in research and innovation is limited, contributing to a low output of high-quality research publications and patents. This affects the country’s global competitiveness and ability to address local challenges through innovation.Teacher Shortages and Training: There is a significant shortage of well-trained faculty, and existing faculty often lack opportunities for professional development. This impacts the quality of teaching and learning outcomes.Financial Constraints: Public expenditure on education remains below the recommended 6% of GDP, limiting resources available for infrastructure development, scholarships, and research funding. |
What a Public Policy Institution Should Look Like –
1. Locally Relevant Curriculum
- Focus on India’s unique governance challenges, such as regional political dynamics, caste hierarchies, and informal power structures.
- Teach students how to integrate policy theory with practical skills to navigate India’s fragmented and multi-layered administrative setup.
2. Fostering Inclusivity and Empathy
- Emphasize inclusive development by training future leaders to understand the challenges of marginalized communities.
- Link public policy with theories of participatory governance, encouraging collaborative approaches with civil society and grassroots movements.
3. Building Cross-Sectoral Networks
- Create platforms to connect professionals across politics, bureaucracy, civil society, academia, and media, fostering collaboration that transcends political ideologies.
- Establish partnerships with global institutions to integrate international best practices with India-specific solutions.
4. Strengthening Civil Society’s Role
- Theories of civil society stress the importance of robust institutions in holding governments accountable and facilitating dialogue.
- By engaging with think tanks and advocacy groups, the institution can strengthen India’s democratic fabric and contribute to evidence-based policymaking.
| India’s democratic aspirations demand a world-class public policy institution to prepare leaders capable of navigating its unique governance challenges. Such an institution would enhance democratic participation, strengthen civil society, and ensure policies are informed by grassroots realities. By fostering inclusivity, stability, and accountability, this institution can bridge the gap between governance and public welfare, serving as a beacon for developing nations to design context-specific policy solutions rooted in local realities and global best practices. |
