Q1. Discuss major approaches to analyse the public policy in India.

Ans. There are several approaches to analyze public policy in India. Below are some of the major approaches:

Institutional approach: This approach focuses on the formal institutions that shape public policy in India. This includes the Constitution, political parties, and the bureaucracy. The analysis is based on the assumption that the institutional framework plays a crucial role in shaping policy outcomes.

Political economy approach: This approach analyzes the distribution of power and resources in society and how it affects public policy. It examines the role of interest groups, political parties, and social classes in influencing policy outcomes.

Policy cycle approach: This approach breaks down the policy process into several stages, including agenda setting, formulation, implementation, and evaluation. It analyzes each stage of the policy cycle to understand the factors that shape policy outcomes.

Comparative approach: This approach compares public policies in India with policies in other countries to identify similarities and differences. It seeks to understand how India’s policy outcomes compare with those of other countries, and what factors contribute to these differences.

Participatory approach: This approach emphasizes the involvement of citizens and civil society organizations in the policy process. It analyzes how citizen participation and engagement can lead to better policy outcomes.

Gender approach: This approach focuses on the gendered dimensions of public policy in India. It examines how policies affect women and men differently, and how gender biases and stereotypes shape policy outcomes.

Overall, each of these approaches provides a unique perspective on the analysis of public policy in India, and all are important for a comprehensive understanding of the policy-making process and its outcomes.

Q2. Analyse the public policy-making process in India.

Ans. The public policy-making process in India is a complex and multi-layered process that involves various actors and institutions at different levels of government. The following is a general overview of the policy-making process in India:

Agenda Setting: The policy-making process begins with the identification of a problem or issue that requires policy intervention. This could be initiated by the government, civil society, or the private sector. The issue then enters the policy agenda of the government.

Policy Formulation: Once an issue is on the policy agenda, policy formulation takes place. This involves the development of policy options, consultation with stakeholders, and the assessment of the potential impact of each option.

Policy Adoption: After policy formulation, the policy is presented to the appropriate decision-making body for adoption. This could be the Cabinet, Parliament, or a specialized body.

Policy Implementation: Once the policy is adopted, it is implemented by the appropriate agency or department. This involves the allocation of resources, the development of regulations, and the establishment of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.

Policy Evaluation: The final stage of the policy-making process is evaluation. This involves the assessment of the effectiveness and efficiency of the policy in achieving its intended goals. Based on the evaluation, adjustments and modifications may be made to the policy.

It is important to note that the policy-making process in India is often influenced by political considerations, bureaucratic politics, and interest group pressure. Additionally, the federal nature of India’s political system means that policy-making is often a collaborative process between the central government and the state governments.

Overall, the policy-making process in India is a dynamic and complex process that involves various actors and institutions. Successful policy outcomes require effective coordination, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to navigate political and bureaucratic pressures.

Q3. 74th Constitutional Amendment Act has strengthened the local self-governance in urban India. Discuss.

Ans. The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 was a landmark legislation that aimed to strengthen local self-governance in urban India. The Act provided for the establishment of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) such as Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and Nagar Panchayats in urban areas, and empowered them with administrative and financial powers to carry out their functions effectively. The Act was a significant step towards decentralization and democratization of governance in India.

The Act brought about several positive changes in the urban governance system in India. Some of the key changes are discussed below:

Constitutional recognition of ULBs: The Act provided constitutional recognition to ULBs and ensured that they are legally mandated to perform their functions.

Empowerment of ULBs: The Act provided ULBs with the power to levy taxes, prepare and implement development plans, and implement schemes for social and economic development.

Reservation for women and marginalized communities: The Act mandated that at least one-third of the seats in ULBs should be reserved for women, and reserved seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes were also provided.

Strengthening of financial resources: The Act provided for the establishment of State Finance Commissions, which are mandated to recommend the allocation of resources to ULBs. This ensured that ULBs have access to adequate financial resources to carry out their functions effectively.

Accountability and transparency: The Act mandated the establishment of Ward Committees, which are responsible for monitoring and evaluating the functioning of ULBs. This ensures greater accountability and transparency in the functioning of ULBs.

Overall, the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act has strengthened the local self-governance in urban India by providing constitutional recognition, empowering ULBs with administrative and financial powers, and ensuring greater accountability and transparency in their functioning. However, there are still challenges that need to be addressed, such as the need for greater capacity building of ULBs and effective implementation of the provisions of the Act.

Q4. Define Budget. Examine the budgetary cycle in INDIA.

Ans. A budget is a financial plan that outlines the expected revenue and expenditure of a government, organization, or individual for a specific period, usually one year. In the case of the government, the budget is a crucial policy tool that outlines its priorities, plans, and strategies for the upcoming financial year. It helps the government to allocate resources efficiently and effectively, achieve its policy goals, and ensure macroeconomic stability.

The budgetary cycle in India involves several stages, as discussed below:

Budget formulation: The budget formulation process starts with the preparation of estimates of revenue and expenditure for the upcoming financial year. The Ministry of Finance prepares the budget under the guidance of the Finance Minister. The budget is formulated based on inputs from various ministries and departments of the government.

Budget presentation: The budget is presented to the parliament by the Finance Minister on the last working day of February every year. The budget speech outlines the government’s fiscal policy, its priorities, and its revenue and expenditure estimates.

Parliamentary scrutiny: The budget is scrutinized by the parliament through a process of debates and discussions. The budget is divided into demands for grants for various ministries and departments, which are discussed and approved by the parliament.

Budget approval: The budget is approved by the parliament after the demands for grants are discussed and voted upon. The Finance Bill, which contains the proposals for taxation and expenditure, is also passed by the parliament.

Budget execution: After the budget is approved by the parliament, the government starts implementing its plans and strategies. The budget is executed by various ministries and departments through their programs and schemes.

Budget review: The budget is reviewed periodically to ensure that it is on track and achieving its goals. Mid-term reviews and end-of-year reviews are conducted to assess the progress and make necessary adjustments.

In conclusion, the budgetary cycle in India involves several stages, from budget formulation to budget execution and review. The budget plays a crucial role in the government’s policy-making process and ensures efficient and effective allocation of resources.

Q5. What are the important mechanisms for redressal of public grievances in India? Elaborate.

Ans. In India, there are several mechanisms for the redressal of public grievances, which are as follows:

Public Grievance Redressal System: The Public Grievance Redressal System is an online platform that allows citizens to lodge grievances related to government services and seek their redressal. The system provides a unique grievance ID, which can be used to track the status of the grievance.

Grievance Redressal Cell: Many government departments have Grievance Redressal Cells that are responsible for addressing citizens’ grievances related to their respective departments. These cells usually have a designated officer who receives and processes the grievances and takes necessary action.

Lokpal and Lokayuktas: The Lokpal and Lokayuktas are statutory bodies established at the central and state levels, respectively, to investigate and redress complaints of corruption against public officials.

Right to Information (RTI) Act: The RTI Act empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities regarding their functioning and decision-making processes. This Act has been instrumental in increasing transparency and accountability in the government system.

Consumer Courts: Consumer Courts are established at the district, state, and national levels to handle consumer disputes and grievances related to goods and services.

Ombudsman: An Ombudsman is an independent statutory body appointed to investigate complaints against government officials and agencies. They have the power to make recommendations and take necessary action to redress the grievances.

Jan Sunwai: Jan Sunwai is a public hearing forum where citizens can present their grievances to government officials and seek their redressal. These forums are held at regular intervals at the district and state levels.

In conclusion, the redressal of public grievances in India is facilitated through various mechanisms, including the Public Grievance Redressal System, Grievance Redressal Cells, Lokpal and Lokayuktas, RTI Act, Consumer Courts, Ombudsman, and Jan Sunwai. These mechanisms play a crucial role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in the governance process.

Q6. What do you understand by E-governance? Explain its relevance in contemporary India.

Ans. E-governance, also known as electronic governance, refers to the use of digital technologies and the internet to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency of governance processes. E-governance aims to provide citizen-centric services, enhance the accessibility and availability of information, and increase the participation of citizens in the governance process.

In contemporary India, e-governance has become an essential tool for transforming the delivery of public services and improving governance outcomes. The relevance of e-governance in India can be understood through the following points:

Accessibility: E-governance provides citizens with easy and quick access to government services and information. This makes governance more inclusive and democratic, as citizens from all parts of the country can avail of these services without any physical or geographical barriers.

Efficiency: E-governance enables the automation of government processes, reducing the time and cost involved in delivering public services. This helps in improving the efficiency of the government machinery and reducing corruption and malpractices.

Transparency: E-governance promotes transparency in governance by providing citizens with easy access to information and reducing the discretion of public officials. This helps in reducing corruption and improving the accountability of public officials.

Participation: E-governance promotes citizen participation in governance by providing platforms for feedback, complaints, and suggestions. This helps in creating a dialogue between citizens and the government and ensures that governance outcomes are aligned with citizen needs and aspirations.

Innovation: E-governance enables the adoption of innovative technologies and practices in governance. This helps in improving the quality of public services and enhancing the overall governance outcomes.

In conclusion, e-governance is a critical tool for improving governance outcomes in contemporary India. Its relevance lies in its ability to provide accessible, efficient, transparent, and participatory governance, which is aligned with the needs and aspirations of citizens.

Q7. MGNREGA has played a vital role in eradicating unemployment in rural India. Discuss.

Ans. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was introduced in India in 2005 with the aim of providing employment to rural households in India. The scheme provides a guaranteed 100 days of wage employment to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. The scheme has played a vital role in eradicating unemployment in rural India, and the following points can be used to discuss this:

Creation of employment opportunities: MGNREGA has created employment opportunities for millions of rural households in India. The scheme has provided work to millions of rural workers who were previously unemployed or underemployed. This has helped in reducing poverty and improving the livelihoods of rural households.

Empowerment of women: MGNREGA has played a crucial role in empowering women in rural India. The scheme has given priority to women workers, and a significant proportion of the work is allocated to women. This has helped in reducing gender inequality and improving the social status of women in rural India.

Infrastructural development: MGNREGA has also played a vital role in the development of rural infrastructure. The scheme mandates that a significant portion of the funds be used for creating durable assets such as rural roads, water conservation structures, and irrigation facilities. This has led to the development of rural infrastructure, which has improved the living conditions of rural households.

Reduction in migration: MGNREGA has helped in reducing rural-urban migration by creating employment opportunities in rural areas. This has helped in addressing the issue of overcrowding in urban areas and has also improved the economic conditions of rural households.

Economic stimulus: MGNREGA has acted as an economic stimulus for rural areas, particularly during times of distress. The scheme provides a safety net for rural households during times of drought, floods, and other natural calamities.

In conclusion, MGNREGA has played a vital role in eradicating unemployment in rural India. The scheme has created employment opportunities, empowered women, developed rural infrastructure, reduced migration, and acted as an economic stimulus for rural areas.

Q8 Write short notes on following :

a Performance Budget

Ans. Performance budgeting is an approach to budgeting that emphasizes the relationship between the inputs, outputs, and outcomes of government programs. In a performance budgeting system, the focus is on achieving specific goals and objectives rather than simply allocating funds to various government departments and programs.

A performance budget typically includes the following elements:

1. Goals and objectives: Performance budgets begin with specific goals and objectives that the government aims to achieve through its programs.

2. Performance measures: Once the goals and objectives have been established, performance measures are developed to determine how well the programs are meeting these objectives.

3. Budget allocation: The budget allocation is based on the expected performance of the programs in achieving the desired goals and objectives.

4. Performance evaluation: Finally, performance evaluation is conducted to assess the extent to which the programs have met the performance targets and objectives.

Performance budgeting has several advantages. It enables the government to allocate resources more efficiently, ensure that funds are being used effectively, and measure the effectiveness of government programs. Performance budgeting can also improve transparency and accountability, as it requires government departments to report on their performance and justify their use of funds.

However, there are also challenges associated with performance budgeting. Developing performance measures can be complex, and it may be difficult to measure the impact of some government programs. There may also be resistance from government departments who are not used to working within a performance-based framework.

In India, the government has introduced performance budgeting at both the central and state levels. The Union Budget of India now includes a detailed performance budget that provides information on the performance of various government programs. However, there is still scope for improvement in the implementation of performance budgeting in India, particularly in terms of developing robust performance measures and improving data collection and analysis.

Q8 b Lokpal

Ans. Lokpal refers to an anti-corruption ombudsman in India. The Lokpal Act, which was passed by the Indian parliament in 2013, provides for the establishment of a Lokpal at the national level to investigate allegations of corruption against public officials and elected representatives. The Lokpal Act covers all government officials, including the Prime Minister, Members of Parliament, and other high-ranking officials.

The Lokpal is an independent body that is responsible for receiving complaints about corruption, conducting investigations, and prosecuting offenders. The Lokpal has the power to initiate an inquiry, summon witnesses, and collect evidence. If the Lokpal finds evidence of corruption, it can recommend prosecution, and the case is then referred to the courts for trial.

The Lokpal is appointed by a selection committee consisting of the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament), the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, the Chief Justice of India or a judge nominated by him, and an eminent jurist nominated by the President of India. The Lokpal is appointed for a term of five years.

The Lokpal Act is seen as a significant step towards fighting corruption in India. It has been hailed as a landmark legislation that provides for an independent and effective mechanism to tackle corruption in the country. However, there have been criticisms of the Act, with some critics arguing that the Lokpal’s powers are limited, and its scope is too narrow. There have also been concerns about the lack of funding for the Lokpal and the delays in its implementation.

Overall, the Lokpal is an important institution in the fight against corruption in India. Its establishment is a significant development in the country’s efforts to tackle corruption and promote transparency and accountability in public life.

Q8 c Citizen’s Charter

Ans. A Citizen’s Charter is a document that outlines an organization’s commitments to its customers or clients, including the services it provides, the standards of service it aims to deliver, and the procedures for accessing those services. The purpose of a Citizen’s Charter is to promote transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in public service delivery.

In India, the concept of Citizen’s Charter was introduced in the mid-1990s as part of the government’s efforts to improve the quality of public services. The idea was to make public services more citizen-friendly by defining the expectations and responsibilities of both the service provider and the citizen.

The Citizen’s Charter typically includes the following elements:

1. Vision and mission statement of the organization.

2. Services offered by the organization and the standards of service delivery.

3. Grievance redressal mechanisms available to citizens.

4. Timeframe for delivery of services.

5. Information on fees and charges, if applicable.

6. Information on how to access the services provided.

The Citizen’s Charter is a tool for empowering citizens and enabling them to hold public authorities accountable. It provides citizens with a clear understanding of the services they are entitled to receive, the quality of service they should expect, and the mechanisms available to them for redressal of grievances.

In India, several government organizations, including central and state government departments, public sector undertakings, and municipal bodies, have adopted Citizen’s Charters. The Citizen’s Charter is a vital tool in promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen-centric governance in the country. However, there is a need for continuous monitoring and evaluation of Citizen’s Charters to ensure that they are effective in improving the quality of public service delivery.

Q8 d National Food Security Act, 2013

Ans. The National Food Security Act, 2013 is an act of the Indian Parliament that aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately two-thirds of the country’s population, which is eligible under the act. The act was passed in September 2013 and came into force on July 5, 2013.

The objective of the act is to ensure food security for all citizens of India by providing them with access to adequate quantity and quality of food at affordable prices. The act provides for the distribution of food grains to eligible beneficiaries through the public distribution system (PDS) and other welfare schemes.

The key provisions of the National Food Security Act, 2013 are as follows:

1. Identification of beneficiaries: The act provides for the identification of beneficiaries who are entitled to receive subsidized food grains. It specifies the criteria for identification of beneficiaries, including households below the poverty line, households with no adult member between the ages of 18 and 60, and households with destitute, disabled or mentally challenged members.

2. Coverage: The act aims to provide subsidized food grains to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population. The government is responsible for ensuring the availability of food grains for distribution through the PDS.

3. Food grains: The act provides for the distribution of rice, wheat, and coarse cereals at subsidized rates to eligible beneficiaries. The subsidized rates are fixed by the central government and are revised from time to time.

4. Nutritional support: The act also provides for nutritional support to pregnant women and lactating mothers and children in the age group of six months to six years.

5. Grievance redressal: The act provides for a grievance redressal mechanism for beneficiaries who are not receiving their entitlements under the act.

The National Food Security Act, 2013 is a landmark legislation that seeks to address the issue of food insecurity in India. It is a significant step towards ensuring that all citizens have access to adequate quantity and quality of food at affordable prices. The act has the potential to improve the nutritional status of millions of people in the country and reduce poverty and malnutrition.