This course aims at providing a basic understanding of public policy, the policy-making process, and the institutions involved in public policy making in India. Public policies reflect the objectives and directions of the government. An organized and integrated policy structure symbolizes an efficient and effective governance system.
The learners will gain insights into the development of public policy as a major determinant of governance, understand various theories and approaches towards policy making, identify different types and stages of public policy, and note the emerging trends and goals in public policy in current times. The course is designed to offer theoretical knowledge of the policy process as well as a practical opportunity to apply the tools and models in the analysis of a prevailing public policy.
Course Content
Unit I: Introducing Public Policy
a) Public Policy: Meaning, Definitions, and Significance
b) Approaches to Public Policy:
- Lasswell’s Policy Science
- Lindblom’s Incrementalism
- Dror’s Normative-Optimum Approach
c) Public Policy Theories:
- Elite Theory
- Systems Theory
- Rational Choice Theory
Unit II: Policy Cycle and Analysis
a) Types of Public Policy:
- Regulatory
- Distributive
- Redistributive
- Constitutional
- Substantial Public Policies
b) Stages of Public Policy:
- Agenda Setting
- Formulation
- Adoption
- Implementation
- Evaluation
c) Policy Analysis:
- Cost-Benefit Analysis
- SWOT Analysis
- Stakeholder Analysis
Unit III: Public Policy in India
a) Institutions for Policy Formulation:
- Legislature
- Executive
- Judiciary
- Agenda Setters
- Corporate Sector
- Civil Society Organizations
- International Agencies
b) Policy Implementation:
- Bureaucracy
- Local Bodies
- Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
c) Impact of Global Goals on Public Policy:
- MDGs
- SDGs
- HDI
- GDI
Unit IV: Experiential Learning in Public Policy
a) Poverty Alleviation Programmes: MGNREGA
b) Citizen-Centric Accountability:
- RTI
- Citizens’ Charter
- ORTPS
c) E-Governance Initiatives: Jana Seva Kendra
d) Public Health: ASHA
e) Promoting Civil Society Initiatives: Mission Shakti
Essential Readings
- Arora, R. K. (2006). Public Administration in India: Continuity and Change. Rajat Publications.
- Chakrabarti, R., & Sanyal, K. (2016). Public Policy in India. Oxford India.
- Chakrabarty, B., & Chand, P. (2015). Public Policy: Concept, Theory and Practice. Sage.
- Mathur, K. (2015). Public Policy and Politics in India: How Institutions Matter. Oxford University Press.
- Sapru, R. K., & Sapru, Y. (2019). Public Policy: Formulation, Implementation and Evaluation. Sterling Publications.
Source: Undergraduate (UG) Political Science Syllabus – Core XVIII (Semester VII): Public Policy and Governance in India.