Case Study: Making of Public Policy and Commission in Indian Context.

Introduction

Public policy in India is a complex process influenced by the federal structure, socio-economic diversity, and the evolving needs of citizens. Policies are crafted to address challenges ranging from economic growth and poverty alleviation to education, health, and infrastructure. Commissions play a pivotal role in advising and shaping these policies by providing expertise and facilitating dialogue between stakeholders.

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Public Policy Making in India

1. Framework for Public Policy

Public policy in India involves the following stages:

1. Problem Identification: Recognizing the need for intervention in a specific sector, often triggered by public outcry, media coverage, or political priorities.
2. Agenda Setting: Prioritizing the issue for policy formulation, often shaped by the government’s manifesto, parliamentary debates, or Supreme Court judgments.
3. Policy Formulation: Developing strategies and options to address the issue, involving ministries, think tanks, and subject matter experts.
4. Adoption: Gaining political and legal approval, typically through parliamentary processes or executive orders.
5. Implementation: Translating the policy into action by various government agencies.
6. Evaluation and Revision: Monitoring the impact and making necessary adjustments.

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2. Role of Commissions in Policy Making

Commissions in India are constituted to:

• Provide specialized expertise.
• Facilitate public consultation and stakeholder engagement.
• Recommend actionable steps for addressing critical issues.

Some notable commissions include:

1. Planning Commission (1950-2014): Central to formulating five-year plans for national development.
2. Finance Commission: Advises on the distribution of financial resources between the Centre and states.
3. Law Commission of India: Reviews and suggests reforms in legal frameworks.
4. National Commission for Women: Advocates for gender equality and protection of women's rights.

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Case Examples

1. Planning Commission’s Role in Economic Development The Planning Commission, replaced by the NITI Aayog, played a significant role in transforming India's agrarian economy into a service-oriented one through targeted planning.
2. Mandal Commission (1980) Recommended reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), significantly influencing India's socio-political structure.
3. National Education Policy 2020 Drafted by an expert committee, this policy aims to overhaul India's education system by focusing on skill development and holistic learning.

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Recommendations for Enhancing Public Policy and Commissions in India

1. Strengthening Public Participation: Encourage grassroots involvement in the policy-making process to make policies more inclusive and reflective of societal needs.
2. Empowering Think Tanks: Facilitate collaboration between government and independent research organizations for innovative policy solutions.
3. Technological Integration: Leverage data analytics and AI to assess the effectiveness of policies and predict future needs.
4. Regular Evaluation of Commissions: Assess the relevance and efficiency of commissions to ensure their recommendations align with contemporary challenges.
5. Capacity Building: Invest in training government officials and commission members in global best practices for policy formulation.

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Conclusion

The making of public policy in India, guided by commissions, is a dynamic and iterative process. While significant strides have been made, challenges like bureaucratic delays and inadequate implementation persist. Strengthening institutional mechanisms, promoting transparency, and fostering innovation can enhance the impact and efficiency of policy-making in India.

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Bibliography

1. Chakrabarty, B., & Bhattacharya, M. (2008). Public Administration: A Reader. Oxford University Press.
2. Rajan, R. (2005). Reforming Public Institutions. Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
3. National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2002). Final Report. New Delhi: Government of India.
4. Chhibber, P., & Kollman, K. (2004). The Formation of National Party Systems: Federalism and Party Competition in Canada, Great Britain, India, and the United States. Princeton University Press.
5. Planning Commission (2013). Twelfth Five-Year Plan (2012–2017). Government of India.
6. Mandal Commission Report (1980). Report of the Backward Classes Commission. Government of India.
7. Drèze, J., & Sen, A. (2013). An Uncertain Glory: India and Its Contradictions. Princeton University Press.
8. NITI Aayog. (2020). Strategy for New India @75. Government of India.
9. Ministry of Education. (2020). National Education Policy 2020. Government of India.
10. Law Commission of India Reports. Retrieved from: lawcommissionofindia.nic.in

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