How can public policy be used to improve society?

By ISPP

Published Mar 20, 2024

What is Public Policy?

Public policy refers to a set of rules, directions, and financial plans that governments create to achieve goals that benefit the public. This involves a step-by-step process with different people contributing, resulting in policies that can change over time. Governments regularly assess who is impacted by these policies and may update or change them to stay relevant.

1-https://www.ispp.org.in/the-formulation-and-development-of-public-policies-in-india/

Let’s take a look at the:

Nature of Public Policy

Public policy is a thoughtful and organised effort to deal with different issues affecting society, covering social, economic, and political aspects. It involves various policies and decision-making processes to reach specific goals.

The key nature of public policy is –

➤ Purposeful – Public policy is intentional, addressing specific problems or societal needs. It’s a purposeful effort to tackle identified issues, such as improving the economy, and public health, reducing crime, or addressing climate change.

➤ Systematic – Public policy isn’t a single decision but a series of coordinated actions working together for a desired outcome. It involves multiple stakeholders and decision-making processes in its development and implementation.

➤ Strategic – Public policy focuses on achieving long-term goals rather than immediate needs. Policymakers consider the potential consequences of their decisions, aiming to create policies with a lasting impact. This may require time and significant resource investments.

3-https://jgu.edu.in/blog/2023/12/30/what-is-public-policy/#:~:text=Public%20policy%20is%20essential%20in,shape%20a%20more%20equitable%20future.

Types of Public Policy

The government’s strategic initiatives foster a balanced and inclusive development across diverse sectors-

➤ Economic Policy

Aimed at stimulating economic growth and inclusive development.
Strategies like Five-Year Plans and ‘Make in India’ focus on industrialization, infrastructural expansion, and foreign investment.

➤ Social Policy

Addresses healthcare, education, gender parity, and social well-being.
Initiatives like NRHM, SSA, and MGNREGA showcase the government’s commitment to tackling social disparities.

➤ Environmental Policy

Strives to balance economic development with ecological sustainability.
Programs like NCAP and NAPCC highlight the importance of environmental preservation.

➤ Education Policy

Plays a crucial role in shaping the future of India’s youth.
NEP 2020 aims to revolutionise education by endorsing holistic learning, promoting research and innovation, and improving access to quality education.

➤ Healthcare Policy

Considers access to quality healthcare a fundamental right for all citizens.
Policies like Ayushman Bharat and NHM focus on delivering affordable healthcare services and enhancing healthcare infrastructure.

4-https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/understanding-concept-public-policy-india-its-impact-development-vhi2f/

So, what is

The influence of these Public Policies on society?

Public policies have proven to be extremely helpful in –

➤ Fighting Poverty – Policies like MGNREGA and targeted welfare programs have made big strides in reducing poverty and improving the lives of many Indians. Especially for marginalised communities, these policies act like a safety net.

➤ Fair Growth – Making sure everyone benefits has been a key goal of India’s policies. Steps to bridge the gap between cities and villages, boost financial inclusion, and empower women, such as the Jan Dhan Yojana, have made resources and opportunities more equal.

➤ Economic Progress – India’s economic policies have been crucial in making it one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Opening up the economy in the early 1990s led to more foreign investment, technological progress, and job opportunities.

➤ Social Improvement – Policies in education and healthcare have increased literacy rates, brought more children to school, and lowered maternal and child mortality rates. The focus on social justice has led to policies supporting the rights of groups like Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.

➤ Protecting the environment – Environmental policies are vital for a sustainable future. India’s commitment to renewable energy, planting more trees, and controlling pollution shows its dedication to preserving the environment for the well-being of future generations.

5-https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/understanding-concept-public-policy-india-its-impact-development-vhi2f/

However, there do exist a few

Challenges in Public Policy Implementation

While India has made progress in making and putting public policies into action, it still deals with some ongoing issues such as –

➤ Too Much Red Tape – Excessive bureaucracy and complicated administrative processes can slow down policies and make it hard to get their benefits to the people they’re meant for.

➤ Corruption – Corruption within government institutions can weaken how well public policies work. It’s crucial to have measures in place to fight corruption and make sure resources are used properly and fairly.

➤ Regional Differences – India has big differences between regions, making it a challenge to apply public policies consistently across the country. Dealing with these differences means creating specific policies and taking targeted actions.

➤ Limited Resources – The government may not have enough resources to cover all sectors with comprehensive policies. In such cases, it’s important to prioritise and use resources efficiently for policies to work well.

6-https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/understanding-concept-public-policy-india-its-impact-development-vhi2f/

Is there a solution for these challenges?

India is changing quickly, and hence there exists a dire need for skilled policymakers to navigate complexities like the ones mentioned above and keep the country moving in the right way. This involves professionals getting the right education and thorough training from the top Public Policy schools to be able to do justice to the role and their country.

7-https://www.ispp.org.in/are-you-interested-in-learning-the-science-of-policymaking-this-could-be-your-sign/

Which is the top school for Public Policy in India?

The Indian School of Public Policy

The Indian School of Public Policy (ISPP) brings together top policymakers, experts, and influencers to revolutionise policymaking. With strong industry connections, a world-class faculty, and an innovative approach, ISPP offers a year-long Post Graduate Programme in Public Policy, Design, and Management. The immersive course spans seven terms of seven weeks each, delving into crucial areas such as public policy, finance, ethics, and public administration. This program empowers students to grasp public policies thoroughly, arming them with the skills needed to excel as adept policy analysts and executives.

Programme Objectives

During the programme, students analyse policies, create new ones, and learn how to make a real-world impact. They consider factors like financial feasibility, necessary skills, and ethical principles. The programme focuses on finding the best strategies for implementing policies, efficient management, and thorough evaluation in the field of public administration and policy making.

Take a peek into the class profile 2023.

Check out the PDM programme highlights!

Harris Uchicago – Certificate In Public Policy
Immersive Learning Projects
Interactive Labs
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Tea & Policy

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FAQ

What is public policy?

Public policy refers to a set of rules, directions, and financial plans created by governments to achieve public benefits. It involves a step-by-step process with contributions from various individuals, resulting in evolving policies.

How does public policy impact education in India?

The government’s new education policy exemplifies the impact of public policies on education. The shift from the old 10 + 2 system to a 5 + 3 + 3 + 4 structure is a notable change aimed at improving the education system.

What are the key features of public policy?

Public policy is purposeful, systematic, and strategic. It is intentional in addressing specific problems, involves coordinated actions, and focuses on achieving long-term goals with lasting impact.

How do economic policies contribute to India’s growth?

Economic policies, including initiatives like Five-Year Plans and ‘Make in India,’ stimulate growth, alleviate poverty, and promote inclusive development by focusing on industrialization, infrastructural expansion, and foreign investment.

What challenges does India face in public policy implementation?

Challenges include bureaucratic red tape, corruption, regional differences, and limited resources. These challenges highlight the need for efficient policy implementation and measures to combat corruption.