‭Unit 2‬

‭ HAT IS POLICY ?‬
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‭A policy is a set of decisions which‬
‭(a) sets out directives for immediate or‬
‭future action or conduct; or‬
‭(b) lays down guidelines for the implementation of action or conduct already approved.‬

‭ HAT IS PUBLIC POLICY‬

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‭Public policy is policy made by the three organs of the State:‬
‭1.legislature‬
‭2. executive‬
‭3. higher judiciary (the high courts and the Supreme Court).‬
‭Courts, particularly in democratic countries like India, are increasingly involved in shaping‬
‭public policies. Traditionally, policymaking was primarily the domain of legislative and‬
‭executive branches of government. However, in recent times, courts have become more active in‬
‭interpreting laws and constitutional provisions, thereby influencing the development and‬
‭implementation of policies.‬

*‭ Public policy is whatever governments choose to do or not to do.‬

‭Governments do many things. They regulate conflict within society; they organize society to‬
‭carry on conflict with other societies; they distribute a great variety of symbolic rewards and‬
‭material services to members of the society; and they extract money from society, most often in‬
‭the form of taxes. Thus, public policies may regulate behavior, organize bureaucracies, distribute‬
‭benefits, or extract taxes--or all of these things at once.‬

*‭ Public policy is a set of laws, regulations, directives, and budget allocations that governments‬
‭or their representatives put in place to achieve public good goals. This process is an iterative one,‬
‭with many players involved, leading to a policy determined by various interests and options. This‬
‭also means that government policies are continually changing. As governments assess who‬
‭benefits from or is affected by the policies they make, they often review and revise them to keep‬
‭up with the times. For instance, India recently released an updated version of its New Education‬
‭Policy (NEP) in 2020. This included new elements like guidance on using ed-tech in the‬
‭classroom, replacing the NEP that had been instituted in 1986. The policy-making process is an‬
‭ideal framework for developing, executing, and assessing the effectiveness of policies. It usually‬
‭consists of six steps: agenda setting, policy formulation, adoption, implementation, evaluation,‬
‭and policy maintenance.‬

‭ or public policymaking by an executive, the operating environment‬

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‭comprises:‬
‭(a) actors (ministries, decision-making bodies such as‬
t‭he cabinet and its committees, key ministers and offi cials);‬
‭(b) the constitution,‬
‭and the rules of procedure for decision-making; and‬
‭(c) power relationships‬
‭within the government.‬
‭The external environment comprises:‬
‭(a) actors(foreign and domestic interest groups having a stake in the policy-in-themaking,‬
‭the media);‬
‭(b) the political standing of the government;‬
‭(c) structural‬
‭factors specifi c for the policy-in-the-making such as the security environment in respect of‬
‭defense and foreign policy, international trade environment in respect of the trade policy;‬
‭(d ) ‘rules of the game’, such as binding international obligations and norms; and‬
‭(e) the reigning ideas in respect of the policy-in-the-making‬

‭STAGES OF PUBLIC POLICY‬

‭ homas Dye (2004) sets out the following stages in his analysis of the policy process:‬
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‭1) Problem Identification: The identification of policy problems through demands for‬
‭government action.‬
‭2) Agenda Setting: Focusing the attention of the mass media and public officials on specific‬
‭public problems as a prelude to decision making.‬
‭3) Policy Formulation: The development of policy proposals by interest groups, officers of the‬
‭chief executive’s office, committees of the legislature, think tanks, etc.‬
‭4) Policy Legitimation: The selection and enactment of policies through political actions by the‬
‭executive, the legislature, and the courts.‬
‭5) Policy Implementation: The implementation of policies through organized bureaucracies,‬
‭public expenditures, and the activities of executive agencies.‬
‭6) Policy Evaluation: The evaluation of policies by government agencies themselves, outside‬
‭consultants, the press, and the public.‬

‭ genda Setting‬‭–‬‭In this stage, the need for government intervention is revealed to‬
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‭decision-makers, with particular matters being looked into and the most pressing being‬
‭prioritized. Examining these issues is crucial in deciding what the policy should look like.‬

‭ or example – Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign launched in 2015 was aimed at setting the‬
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‭agenda for improving the declining child sex ratio in India. The campaign aims to create‬
‭awareness and sensitize communities about the importance of educating and empowering girls.‬
‭The campaign is focused on creating a gender-favorable environment that promotes the‬
‭education and protection of girl children.‬
‭ he interpretation of what constitutes a problem is often debatable and relies on the existing‬
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‭government’s ideologies, outlook towards benefits, and bias. The NITI Ayog plays an integral‬
‭role in this phase.‬

‭ olicy Formulation‬‭–‬‭This is the stage that sets up the policy. Objectives are determined, costs‬
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‭are calculated, policy instruments are selected, potential impacts are analyzed, and stakeholders‬
‭are identified. Several solutions can be proposed while aiming to meet goals under existing‬
‭bounds.‬

‭ or example –‬‭Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana –‬‭The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana‬
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‭is a crop insurance scheme launched by the Indian government in 2016. The scheme aims to‬
‭provide financial support to farmers in the event of crop failure due to natural calamities, pests,‬
‭or diseases. The policy was formulated to mitigate the risks faced by farmers and to encourage‬
‭them to adopt modern agricultural practices.‬

‭ sually, public policies are created without consulting sources external to the government, or‬
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‭critically analyzing the issues involved. Before turning the proposals into official policies, more‬
‭comprehensive analyses should be conducted such as cost-benefit analysis, economic‬
‭forecasting, operations research and systems analysis, and budgeting analysis with current‬
‭information. It is also beneficial to gauge the opinion of those people who will be affected by the‬
‭policy because it can affect the success of the policy.‬

‭ doption or Legitimation‬‭–‬‭This is a critical stage in the decision-making process, involving‬

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‭two institutions – the executive and the legislature or Parliament.‬

‭●‬ T ‭ he Executive‬‭– The real executive which includes‬‭the Council of Ministers and Prime‬
‭Minister’s Office considers the policy and then presents it before the Parliament.‬
‭●‬ ‭The Parliament‬‭– Parliament is the highest body when‬‭it comes to making public‬
‭policies in India. It reigns supreme since the Council of Ministers headed by the PM is‬
‭held accountable to Parliament. Therefore, its role takes on more of a “constitutional‬
‭procedural device” for validating public policy by passing bills through a majority vote‬
‭from the members present.‬

I‭ mplementation‬‭–‬‭Once the bill is signed into law by the President, the next step is to figure out‬
‭how to put it into action. This typically involves setting up a structure that connects those in the‬
‭field so that they can implement the policy at the ground zero level.‬

‭ or Example –‬‭Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act‬

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‭(MGNREGA)‬‭– The MGNREGA is a social security measure‬‭that guarantees 100 days of wage‬
‭employment to every household in rural areas of India. The policy was implemented in 2006 and‬
‭has been successful in providing employment opportunities to millions of people in rural India.‬
‭ valuation‬‭–‬‭In this stage the government assesses the effectiveness of the policy they have‬
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‭implemented, to determine if it has been implemented correctly and has had the desired impact.‬
‭As there may be various ways to measure the results, it can lead to varying evaluations of the‬
‭effectiveness, depending on the standards of measurement leveraged.‬

‭ or Example –‬‭Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)‬‭–‬‭PMJDY was launched in 2014‬
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‭to provide financial inclusion to every household in India. The policy was evaluated to assess its‬
‭effectiveness in achieving its objectives and making changes to improve its implementation.‬

‭ or the government to keep tabs on all its programs and initiatives, NITIAayog is continually‬
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‭monitoring and evaluating their implementation.‬

‭ olicy Maintenance, Succession, or Termination‬‭–‬‭This determines whether or not, the policy‬

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‭will be maintained by improving or building upon it. Usually, if there are issues with the existing‬
‭policies, they can be adjusted or ended.‬

‭ or Example –‬‭National Commission for Backward Classes‬‭–‬‭The National Commission for‬

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‭Backward Classes was set up in 1993 to investigate and recommend measures for the welfare of‬
‭backward classes in India. The commission was terminated in 2018, and a new commission, the‬
‭National Commission for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes, was set up in its place.‬
‭This decision was made to expand the scope of the commission and address the needs of other‬
‭socially and educationally backward classes in India.‬

I‭ n the policy-making process in India, the role of the Judiciary cannot be ignored. The‬
‭Constitution of India issues the Judicial Review – the authority to check the constitutionality of‬
‭government policy actions. Hence, the Judiciary plays a constructive role in promising judicial‬
‭scrutiny in policy formulation in India.‬

‭ he policy-making process in India consists of six steps: agenda setting, policy formulation,‬
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‭adoption, implementation, evaluation, and policy maintenance. The role of the Judiciary is also‬
‭crucial and cannot be ignored.‬

‭FEATURES AND NATURE OF PUBLIC POLICY‬

‭ ublic policy is a deliberate and systematic attempt to address various social, economic, and‬
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‭political issues that affect society. It is a multifaceted field encompassing a wide range of policies‬
‭and decision-making processes to achieve specific goals and outcomes. Understanding the nature‬
‭and features of public policy is essential to appreciate its significance and impact on society.‬

‭Here are some of the key features of public policy:‬

 ‭●‬ P ‭ urposeful‬‭: Public policy is designed to solve specific problems or address‬
‭particular societal needs. It is not random or haphazard but a deliberate effort to‬
‭address identified issues. Policies may aim to improve the economy, enhance‬
‭public health, reduce crime, or mitigate the effects of climate change, among‬
‭others.‬
‭●‬ ‭Systematic:‬‭Public policy is not a one-off decision but a set of coordinated actions‬
‭that work together to achieve a desired outcome. Policies are typically developed‬
‭and implemented systematically, involving various stakeholders and‬
‭decision-making processes.‬
‭●‬ ‭Strategic:‬‭Public policy aims to achieve long-term goals, not just immediate needs.‬
‭Policymakers consider the potential consequences of their decisions and try to‬
‭create policies that will have a lasting impact. This means that policies may take‬
‭time to implement and require significant resource investments.‬

‭FORMULATION OF PUBLIC POLICY‬

‭3.3.1 CONSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR POLICY MAKING‬

‭ olicy-making in India is shaped within the framework of the constitutional system, of which‬
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‭four features stand out most prominently: democratic and sovereign republic, parliamentary‬
‭system, the federal character of the Constitution and a broad socio-economic philosophy -‬
‭reflected especially in the preamble, the chapters on Fundamental Rights and the Directive‬
‭Principles of the state policy.‬

‭3.3.2 Institutional Factors‬

I‭ n addition to these four constitutional factors there are other factors that govern policy-making‬
‭in India.‬

‭Legislature‬

‭ arliament in India is the supreme public policy-making body. It reigns supreme because the‬
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‭council of ministers headed by the Prime Minister is dependent upon the support of a‬
‭parliamentary majority to remain in force. It enacts laws which will bring the policies into effect.‬
‭It also legitimises the policy decisions of the government. In reality, however, it does not reign‬
‭supreme. It does not determine policies except in a formal sense. It influences public policies‬
‭through general discussions and debates. Most of the legislation in India is prepared within the‬
‭executive and introduced in the legislature by the minister concerned. The executive is assured of‬
‭a legislative majority for the policy proposals it presents.‬
‭Executive‬

I‭ t is the constitutional task of the executive to decide the policies which are to be submitted to‬
‭Parliament. The executive at the Union level in India consists of the President of India, the‬
‭Council of Ministers and the machinery of government. The main bodies engaged in policy‬
‭formulation in the executive are:‬

i‭) Cabinet:‬‭The real executive is the Council of Ministers consisting of the Prime Minister,‬
‭cabinet ministers, ministers of state and the deputy ministers. It is well-known that the Council‬
‭itself hardly meets, and all the policy functions are performed by the Cabinet.‬

i‭i) The Prime Minister:‬‭Within the Council of Ministers in general and the cabinet in particular,‬
‭the Prime Minister enjoys a special position in the realm of policy-making. The Prime Minister is‬
‭expected to exercise control over the cabinet decision-making process.‬

i‭ii) Secretariat-Department and Ministry:‬‭The secretariat is an administrative organisation to‬

‭assist the government in the discharge of its executive and legislative responsibilities. It is a‬
‭complex of departments and ministries whose administrative heads are known as secretaries and‬
‭whose political 48 Public Policy heads are the ministers. The secretary acts as the chief adviser‬
‭to the minister. He assists the minister(s) in the formulation of public policies. As policies can be‬
‭framed only on the basis of availability and adequacy of data, the secretariat makes relevant‬
‭information available to the minister, thus helping him to formulate policies.‬

‭The judiciary‬

‭ he Judiciary in India also plays a constructive role in shaping and influencing public policies in‬
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‭two ways:‬

‭a) by its power of judicial review, and‬

‭b) judicial decisions.‬

‭ he Constitution empowers the Supreme Court, and High Courts at the state levels to exercise a‬
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‭judicial review of legislation. Judicial review is the power of the courts to determine the‬
‭constitutionality of actions of the legislature and the executive. They are not only specifying the‬
‭government’s limits with regard to certain actions, but also stating what it must do to promote‬
‭public interest. Besides, the higher judiciary is also exercising its influence through its decisions‬
‭in Public Interest Litigation cases.‬
‭ORIGIN OF PUBLIC POLICY‬

‭ he genesis of public policy dates back to ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome, where‬
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‭rulers made decrees and laws to regulate society. However, the contemporary study of public‬
‭policy began in the late 19th century when American scholars like Woodrow Wilson and John‬
‭Burgess explored the relationship between government and society. After World War II, public‬
‭policy became an established field of study, focusing on solving social, economic, and political‬
‭problems.‬

I‭ ndia has a long history of public policy dating back to ancient times. The Arthashastra, written‬
‭by Chanakya in the 4th century BCE, is considered one of the earliest texts on public policy.‬
‭During British colonial rule, the Indian government was heavily influenced by Western ideas and‬
‭models of governance. The British introduced laws and regulations that were designed to‬
‭promote their own interests rather than those of the Indian people.‬

‭ fter independence in 1947, India adopted a democratic system of government based on the‬
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‭principles of secularism, socialism, and federalism. In the early years of independent India,‬
‭public policy focused primarily on nation-building and promoting rapid industrialization.Over‬
‭time, public policy in India has evolved to address emerging challenges and opportunities. More‬
‭recently, initiatives like Digital India and Make in India reflect the country’s growing ambition to‬
‭become a digital and manufacturing powerhouse.‬

‭ he‬‭evolution of public policy in India‬‭has been influenced by various factors, such as the‬
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‭legacy of colonialism, the diversity and complexity of Indian society, the aspirations and‬
‭expectations of the people. The‬‭public policy topics in India‬‭have been varied and dynamic,‬
‭ranging from the core issues of nation-building, development, and security. The‬‭public policy‬
‭making in India‬‭has been characterized by a mix of continuity and change, consensus and‬
‭conflict, centralization and decentralization, and participation and exclusion.‬

‭Some evolutionary movements :‬

‭Suffrage Movement‬

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● ‭ he Suffrage movement means the right to vote or franchise.‬
‭●‬ ‭It was the struggle for the privilege of women to vote and run for office and is part of the‬
‭overall women’s rights movement.‬
‭●‬ ‭British women organised the Suffrage Movement in the early 20th century to win‬
‭political rights and for participation in government.‬
‭●‬ ‭During World War-1, the struggle for the right to vote got strengthened.‬
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‭ he suffrage movement accomplished its goal and included women in the mainstream of‬
‭voting and government.‬
‭The Chipko movement‬

‭ he Chipko movement was a non-violent agitation in 1973 that was aimed at protection and‬
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‭conservation of trees, but, perhaps, it is best remembered for the collective mobilisation of‬
‭women for the cause of preserving forests, which also brought about a change in attitude‬
‭regarding their own status in society. The uprising against the felling of trees and maintaining the‬
‭ecological balance originated in Uttar Pradesh’s Chamoli district (now Uttarakhand) in 1973 and‬
‭in no time spilled onto other states in north India. The name of the movement ‘chipko’ comes‬
‭from the word ’embrace’, as the villagers hugged the trees and encirled them to prevent being‬
‭hacked.‬

‭Mgnrega‬

‭Evolution of Public Policy in India‬

‭●‬ F ‭ irst Phase:‬‭Post-independence India selected planned economic growth. It was believed‬
‭that economic progress would spur social, political, and human development.‬
‭○‬ ‭The Planning Commission shaped the nation's policies and opinions.‬
‭○‬ ‭The FYP formed the basis for all government policies.‬
‭●‬ ‭Second Phase:‬‭It was started after LPG reforms in India and marked with devolution of‬
‭power through the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments act.‬
‭●‬ ‭Present Phase:‬‭It is characterised by the creation of the NITI Aayog and the emergence‬
‭of cooperative and competitive federalism in India.‬

‭ LASSIFICATION OF PUBLIC POLICY‬

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‭General Policy-‬‭A general policy is a broad statement or set of principles that guide‬
‭decision-making and behavior within an organization, institution, or governing body. Unlike‬
‭specific policies that address particular issues or procedures in detail, general policies provide‬
‭overarching guidance on fundamental values, objectives, and standards.‬

‭Here are some key characteristics of general policies:‬

1‭ . Broad Scope: General policies typically apply across various functions, departments, or areas‬
‭of operation within an organization. They are not narrowly focused on specific tasks or activities‬
‭but instead set the tone for overall conduct and operations.‬

2‭ . Foundational Principles: General policies often articulate the core values, mission, vision, and‬
‭strategic priorities of an organization. They establish the fundamental principles that guide‬
‭decision-making and behavior at all levels.‬

3‭ . Flexibility: While general policies provide a framework for action, they are often flexible‬
‭enough to accommodate different situations and contexts. They allow for interpretation and‬
‭adaptation to specific circumstances while remaining aligned with overarching objectives.‬

4‭ . Long-Term Orientation: General policies are designed to provide enduring guidance over time,‬
‭reflecting the long-term goals and aspirations of the organization. They are less likely to change‬
‭frequently compared to specific policies, which may be updated in response to evolving needs or‬
‭external factors.‬

5‭ . High-Level Direction: General policies set high-level direction and priorities rather than‬
‭prescribing detailed procedures or tactics. They empower individuals and units within the‬
‭organization to exercise discretion and initiative within the bounds of established principles.‬
‭Eg: constitution‬

‭ pecific Policy-‬ ‭A specific policy in the context of India refers to a detailed set of guidelines,‬
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‭rules, regulations, or initiatives that address a particular issue or aspect of governance,‬
‭administration, or socio-economic development within the country. Unlike general policies,‬
‭which provide overarching principles and direction, specific policies are more targeted and‬
‭focused on addressing specific challenges or objectives. Here are some examples of specific‬
‭policies in India:‬

1‭ . Goods and Services Tax (GST): The GST policy introduced in India is a specific taxation‬
‭policy aimed at reforming the country's indirect tax system by replacing multiple indirect taxes‬
‭with a single unified tax. It provides detailed rules and procedures for the levy, collection, and‬
‭administration of GST across various goods and services.‬

2‭ . Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): PMJDY is a specific financial inclusion policy‬
‭launched by the Government of India to provide universal access to banking services, including‬
‭savings accounts, remittances, credit, insurance, and pension schemes, particularly targeting‬
‭low-income households and marginalized communities.‬
3‭ . Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission): Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is a specific‬
‭cleanliness and sanitation policy initiated by the government to achieve the goal of universal‬
‭sanitation coverage and eliminate open defecation by constructing toilets, promoting hygiene‬
‭practices, and ensuring proper waste management.‬

4‭ . National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA): NREGA is a specific social welfare‬
‭policy aimed at providing guaranteed employment opportunities to rural households by‬
‭guaranteeing 100 days of wage employment per year to every rural household willing to do‬
‭unskilled manual work.‬

5‭ .National Health Mission (NHM): NHM is a specific health policy launched by the Government‬
‭of India to address healthcare delivery challenges, improve access to quality healthcare services,‬
‭reduce maternal and child mortality rates, and combat communicable and non-communicable‬
‭diseases through various programs and interventions.‬

6‭ . Digital India: Digital India is a specific policy initiative aimed at transforming India into a‬
‭digitally empowered society and knowledge economy by promoting digital infrastructure‬
‭development, digital literacy, e-governance, and digital inclusion across various sectors such as‬
‭education, healthcare, and agriculture.‬

7‭ .National Education Policy (NEP): NEP is a specific policy framework introduced by the‬
‭government to reform and revitalize the education system in India by addressing issues such as‬
‭curriculum redesign, teacher training, skill development, use of technology in education, and‬
‭promoting holistic and multidisciplinary learning approaches.‬

8‭ . Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): PMAY is a specific housing policy launched by the‬
‭government to provide affordable housing to all urban and rural households by constructing‬
‭pucca houses with basic amenities and promoting slum rehabilitation and affordable housing‬
‭schemes.‬

‭ mbiguous policy-‬‭Ambiguous policies refer to those that are unclear, vague, or subject to‬
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‭multiple interpretations, leading to confusion, inconsistency, or inefficiency in their‬
‭implementation. Ambiguity in policies can arise due to various factors, including unclear‬
‭language, lack of specificity, conflicting objectives, or inadequate coordination between‬
‭stakeholders. Here are some examples of ambiguous policies in India:‬

1‭ . Land Acquisition Policy: India's land acquisition policies have often been criticized for their‬
‭ambiguity regarding compensation, rehabilitation, and the process of acquiring land for‬
‭development projects. Ambiguities in these policies have led to disputes, protests, and delays in‬
‭infrastructure and industrial projects.‬
2‭ . Reservation Policy: India's reservation policies, particularly those related to caste-based‬
‭reservations in education and employment, have been a subject of debate and controversy due to‬
‭ambiguities regarding their implementation, effectiveness, and impact on social justice and‬
‭meritocracy.‬

3‭ . Environmental Clearance Policy: India's environmental clearance policies for development‬

‭projects have been criticized for their ambiguity in assessing environmental impact, determining‬
‭mitigation measures, and balancing economic development with environmental conservation.‬
‭Ambiguities in these policies have led to delays and legal challenges in project approvals.‬

4‭ . Taxation Policy: India's taxation policies, including income tax, corporate tax, and indirect‬
‭taxes such as GST, have been criticized for their complexity, ambiguity, and frequent changes,‬
‭leading to compliance challenges, tax evasion, and disputes between taxpayers and tax‬
‭authorities.‬

5‭ . Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy: India's FDI policies across various sectors have been‬
‭criticized for their ambiguity regarding sectoral caps, approval processes, and eligibility criteria‬
‭for foreign investors. Ambiguities in these policies have deterred foreign investment and‬
‭hindered ease of doing business in India.‬

6‭ .Data Protection and Privacy Policy: India's data protection and privacy policies, including the‬
‭proposed Personal Data Protection Bill, have been criticized for their ambiguity regarding data‬
‭protection standards, regulatory oversight, and enforcement mechanisms. Ambiguities in these‬
‭policies have raised concerns about data privacy and security in the digital age.‬

‭ ositive policy -‬‭Positive policies refer to those that are aimed at promoting inclusive growth,‬
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‭social justice, sustainable development, and the overall well-being of the population. These‬
‭policies seek to address socio-economic challenges, reduce inequalities, and improve the quality‬
‭of life for all citizens.‬
‭Here are some examples of positive policies in India:‬

1‭ .Poverty Alleviation Programs: India has implemented various poverty alleviation programs‬
‭such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA),‬
‭National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) to provide‬
‭employment opportunities, livelihood support, and food security to disadvantaged communities.‬

2‭ . Education Initiatives: The Government of India has launched several education initiatives such‬
‭as the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), and‬
‭ id-Day Meal Scheme to improve access to quality education, increase enrollment rates, and‬
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‭reduce dropout rates, particularly among marginalized groups.‬

3‭ . Healthcare Programs: India has implemented various healthcare programs such as the National‬
‭Health Mission (NHM), Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), and‬
‭National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) to improve access to healthcare services, reduce‬
‭maternal and child mortality rates, and address public health challenges.‬

4‭ . Rural Development Schemes: The Government of India has launched rural development‬
‭schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), National Rural Employment‬
‭Guarantee Act (NREGA), and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) to improve rural‬
‭infrastructure, provide housing for the poor, and create employment opportunities in rural areas.‬

5‭ . Women Empowerment Policies: India has implemented policies such as the Beti Bachao Beti‬
‭Padhao (BBBP) initiative, National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW), and Mahila‬
‭Shakti Kendra (MSK) to promote gender equality, empower women, and address issues such as‬
‭gender-based violence, discrimination, and inequality.‬

‭Formal and Informal‬‭:‬‭Policy may be formal or informal.‬

‭●‬ ‭A formal policy may take the form of a draft policy document that has been discussed,‬
‭drafted, reviewed, approved, and published by the policy-making body. It could be a‬
‭national government program on HIV / AIDS, for example.‬
‭●‬ ‭An informal policy can be a practical, general, unwritten but widely known method or‬
‭understanding within an organization that must be followed by a specific action.‬
‭Although this policy can be clarified in writing it is still operational.‬

‭IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC POLICY‬

1‭ . Addressing Social Issues: Public policy provides a framework for addressing various social‬
‭issues such as poverty, inequality, education, healthcare, and social welfare. Through targeted‬
‭interventions and programs, public policy aims to improve the well-being and quality of life of‬
‭citizens.‬

2‭ . Promoting Economic Development: Public policy influences economic growth, stability, and‬
‭prosperity by fostering an enabling environment for business, innovation, investment, and trade.‬
‭ olicies related to taxation, regulation, infrastructure development, and industrial promotion can‬
P
‭have significant impacts on economic outcomes.‬

3‭ . Ensuring Social Justice and Equity: Public policy plays a key role in promoting social justice,‬
‭equity, and inclusiveness by addressing disparities and discrimination based on factors such as‬
‭income, gender, ethnicity, and disability. Policies such as affirmative action, anti-discrimination‬
‭laws, and social welfare programs aim to create a more just and equitable society.‬

4‭ . Managing Public Resources: Public policy governs the allocation and management of public‬
‭resources, including finances, infrastructure, natural resources, and public services. Effective‬
‭policies ensure the efficient and equitable use of resources to meet the needs of current and‬
‭future generations.‬

5‭ . Regulating Behavior and Protecting Rights: Public policy sets rules, standards, and regulations‬
‭to govern individual and collective behavior, protect rights, ensure public safety, and maintain‬
‭social order. Policies related to law enforcement, human rights, consumer protection, and‬
‭environmental conservation serve to safeguard the interests of citizens and society as a whole.‬

6‭ . Fostering Good Governance: Public policy contributes to the effectiveness, transparency, and‬
‭accountability of governance systems by establishing norms, procedures, and institutions for‬
‭decision-making, public administration, and service delivery. Policies related to governance‬
‭reform, anti-corruption measures, and institutional strengthening aim to enhance the quality of‬
‭governance and public administration.‬

7‭ . Responding to Challenges and Opportunities: Public policy provides a mechanism for‬

‭governments to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities, such as technological‬
‭advancements, demographic shifts, climate change, and global crises. Flexible and adaptive‬
‭policies enable governments to address evolving needs and circumstances effectively.‬

8‭ .Promoting Public Participation and Engagement: Public policy encourages citizen‬

‭participation, engagement, and deliberation in the policy-making process, fostering democracy,‬
‭civic empowerment, and social cohesion. Policies that promote transparency, accountability, and‬
‭public consultation enhance the legitimacy and effectiveness of governance.‬

I‭ n the Indian Context- India is a diverse country socio-economic landscape characterized by vast‬
‭regional variations , cultural diversity and socio economic disparities , public policy plays a‬
‭crucial role in addressing these disparities and complexities, poverty allevation, inclusive growth,‬
‭development challenges ,democratic governance, global leadership , social cohesion,‬
‭environmental stability.‬
‭DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PUBLIC V. PRIVATE‬

‭PUBLIC‬ ‭PRIVATE‬

‭1.‬ ‭Goal is social welfare‬ ‭Goal is individual profit‬

‭2.‬ ‭Strict laws and hierarchy‬ ‭General laws and flat hierarchy‬

‭3.‬ M
‭ ore burden of responsibility‬ ‭ ess responsibility as it is mostly profit‬
L
‭-environment‬ ‭motivated‬
‭-job security‬
‭-gender sensitivity‬
‭-maternity leave‬
‭-less discrimination‬

‭Consistent treatment‬ ‭Preferential treatment‬

‭ eservation - admission , employment,‬

R ‭No reservations‬
‭promotion‬
‭Misuse- Pradhan pati‬

‭Bribery‬ ‭More on merit‬

‭Less efficient‬ ‭More efficient‬

‭More effective in making social change‬ ‭More effective in deriving profit‬

‭ IMILARITIES BETWEEN PUBLIC V. PRIVATE‬

S
‭Public policy and private policy share several similarities despite their differences in scope and‬
‭implementation. Here are some key similarities:‬

1‭ . Goal Orientation: Both public and private policies aim to achieve specific goals or outcomes.‬
‭Whether it's improving societal welfare, promoting economic growth, or enhancing‬
‭organizational performance, policies in both sectors are designed with clear objectives in mind.‬

2‭ . Decision-Making Process: The process of formulating and implementing policies involves‬

‭similar decision-making mechanisms in both public and private sectors. This includes identifying‬
‭issues, analyzing data, evaluating alternative courses of action, and choosing the most‬
‭appropriate policy measures.‬

3‭ . Resource Allocation: Both public and private policies involve the allocation of resources to‬
‭achieve desired outcomes. This includes financial resources, human capital, technology, and‬
‭other assets necessary for policy implementation.‬
4‭ . Stakeholder Involvement: Both sectors involve multiple stakeholders, including government‬
‭agencies, businesses, non-profit organizations, and individuals, whose interests must be‬
‭considered in policy development and implementation.‬

5‭ . Evaluation and Feedback: Effective policies, whether public or private, require ongoing‬
‭evaluation to assess their effectiveness and make necessary adjustments. Both sectors utilize‬
‭monitoring and feedback mechanisms to measure policy outcomes and identify areas for‬
‭improvement.‬

6‭ . Risk Management: Policies in both sectors address various risks and uncertainties. Whether‬
‭it's managing financial risks in the private sector or addressing public health risks in the public‬
‭sector, risk management is a crucial aspect of policy formulation and implementation.‬

7‭ . Legal and Regulatory Framework: Both public and private policies operate within a legal and‬
‭regulatory framework that governs their implementation. This includes compliance with laws,‬
‭regulations, and ethical standards relevant to their respective sectors.‬

8‭ . Impact on Society: While private policies primarily impact the organizations or individuals‬
‭directly involved, they can also have broader societal implications. Similarly, public policies‬
‭directly influence society as a whole but may also have specific impacts on private sector‬
‭entities.‬

9‭ . Adaptation to Changing Circumstances: Both public and private policies must adapt to‬
‭changing circumstances, such as shifts in economic conditions, technological advancements, or‬
‭social dynamics. Flexibility and responsiveness to change are essential for the success of policies‬
‭in both sectors.‬

‭TYPES OF POLICIES‬
‭a.‬ ‭Distributive‬
‭b.‬ ‭Redistributive‬
‭c.‬ ‭Regulatory‬
‭d.‬ ‭Constituent‬
‭e.‬ ‭Conflict‬
‭f.‬ ‭Bargaining policy‬

‭Regulatory Policies-‬‭Regulatory policies involve the establishment of rules, standards, and‬

‭guidelines by the government to regulate the behavior and operations of industries, businesses,‬
‭and public entities in order to protect public interest, ensure safety, promote fairness, and‬
‭maintain order in the marketplace.‬

‭1. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI):‬

‭- TRAI is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the telecommunications sector in‬
‭India.‬

‭- Its primary role is to ensure the orderly growth and development of the telecommunications‬
‭industry while protecting consumer interests and fostering competition.‬

‭- TRAI formulates policies, regulations, and guidelines related to tariffs, quality of service,‬
‭spectrum management, and licensing of telecom operators.‬

‭- It monitors the compliance of telecom service providers with regulatory requirements and‬
‭addresses consumer grievances.‬

‭- TRAI plays a key role in promoting affordable access to telecommunications services,‬

‭facilitating innovation, and promoting the growth of the telecom sector in India.‬

‭2. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS):‬

‭- BIS is the national standards body of India responsible for the formulation and‬
‭implementation of standards across various sectors.‬

‭- Its primary role is to establish standards for goods, products, and services to ensure quality,‬
‭safety, and reliability.‬

‭- BIS develops Indian standards (IS) in consultation with stakeholders, including industry,‬
‭government, consumer organizations, and technical experts.‬

‭- It grants certification marks (ISI mark) to products that meet the prescribed standards,‬
‭indicating conformity to quality and safety requirements.‬
‭- BIS conducts testing and certification activities, promotes standardization, and facilitates‬
‭conformity assessment to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.‬

‭3. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI):‬

‭- FSSAI is the regulatory body responsible for ensuring food safety and regulating the food‬
‭industry in India.‬

‭- Its primary role is to protect public health by regulating and supervising the manufacturing,‬
‭storage, distribution, sale, and import of food products.‬

‭- FSSAI formulates regulations, standards, and guidelines related to food safety, hygiene,‬
‭labeling, and packaging.‬

‭- It grants licenses and registration to food businesses, conducts inspections, and enforces‬
‭compliance with food safety standards.‬

‭- FSSAI conducts surveillance, monitoring, and risk assessment of food products to identify and‬
‭address potential hazards and ensure consumer safety.‬

‭- It also promotes public awareness and education on food safety and hygiene practices.‬

‭SEBI‬‭, established in 1988, was given statutory status in 1992 to protect investors and develop‬
‭the domestic stock market. the‬‭Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA)‬
‭was constituted for the development of the insurance sector‬‭(IRDAI 2020)‬‭. After 1991, RBI’s‬
‭focus also shifted back to some of its core functions like banking supervision, regulation, and‬
‭providing support in case of a crisis. This was recently demonstrated when the‬‭RBI‬‭took over the‬
‭board of Yes Bank‬‭.‬‭The National Financial Reporting Authority‬‭was established to oversee‬
‭and regulate the auditing profession independently. It has the power to recommend standards as‬
‭well as enforce them.‬

‭In other sectors, the phenomenon of privatisation, a retreat of the state, and the rise of IRAs are‬
‭evident. For most sectors, the‬‭Bureau of Indian Standards‬‭has set standards with the aim of‬
‭consumer protection. In other sectors, regulation is being preferred over the direct presence of‬
‭the state or its complete retreat. Another example is that of the‬‭Food Safety and Standards‬
‭Authority of India (FSSAI)‬‭, established in 2006. It has been mandated to lay down scientific‬
‭standards for articles of food and to regulate their manufacturing, storage, distribution, sale and‬
‭import to ensure the availability of safe and wholesome food for consumption.‬

‭ndian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe)‬‭, which has been‬
‭envisaged both as a facilitator of increasing private participation in the space sector and as a‬
‭regulator‬‭(Sinha 2020)‬‭.‬

‭Distributive Policy-‬‭Aimed at a particular section of the society, benefits in a manner that‬

‭reduces inequalities and promotes social justice, distributive policies are crucial for addressing‬
‭the vast socio-economic disparities and ensuring inclusive growth.‬

‭1. Social Welfare Programs: India has implemented various social welfare programs aimed at‬
‭providing financial assistance, food security, and social protection to disadvantaged groups.‬
‭Examples include the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), which provides pensions‬
‭to elderly, widows, and disabled individuals, and the Integrated Child Development Services‬
‭(ICDS), which offers nutrition and healthcare services to children and mothers.‬

‭2. Subsidy Schemes: The government of India provides subsidies on essential commodities such‬
‭as food, fuel, fertilizers, and cooking gas to make them affordable for low-income households.‬
‭Schemes like the Public Distribution System (PDS), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural‬
‭Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), and Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) are‬
‭examples of distributive policies that provide subsidized goods or services to the poor.‬

‭3. Reservation Policies: India has implemented reservation policies in education, employment,‬
‭and political representation to promote social justice and uplift marginalized communities such‬
‭as Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).‬
‭Reservation quotas ensure equitable access to opportunities and representation for historically‬
‭disadvantaged groups.‬
‭4. Land Reforms: Land redistribution and tenancy reforms aim to address land ownership‬
‭inequalities and promote agricultural productivity and rural development. Land redistribution‬
‭programs, such as ceiling on landholdings and distribution of surplus land to landless farmers,‬
‭are examples of distributive policies aimed at reducing land inequality.‬

‭5. Affordable Housing Schemes: The government of India has launched affordable housing‬
‭schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) to provide housing for economically‬
‭weaker sections (EWS), low-income groups (LIG), and middle-income groups (MIG). These‬
‭schemes aim to address housing shortages and improve living conditions for the urban poor.‬

‭6. Healthcare Subsidies: India provides subsidies and financial assistance for healthcare services‬
‭through schemes such as the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) and Ayushman Bharat‬
‭Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). These schemes aim to provide health insurance‬
‭coverage and access to affordable healthcare for vulnerable populations.‬

‭7. Education Scholarships and Grants: The government of India offers scholarships, grants, and‬
‭financial aid to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to facilitate access to‬
‭education. Schemes like the National Means cum Merit Scholarship (NMMSS) and Post-Matric‬
‭Scholarship for Scheduled Caste Students aim to promote education among marginalized‬
‭communities‬

‭Redistributive-‬‭Aimed at ethical arrangement in the existing policy ,aimed at creating a more‬

‭ethical arrangement within existing policies by addressing inequalities and promoting social‬
‭justice.‬

‭1. Creamy Layer Criteria: In India, the concept of "creamy layer" is used in reservation policies‬
‭to exclude certain economically advantaged individuals from benefiting from reservation quotas.‬
‭For example, in the case of OBC (Other Backward Classes) reservations in education and‬
‭employment, individuals from the creamy layer (those who exceed a certain income or asset‬
‭threshold) are not eligible for reservation benefits. This policy aims to ensure that reservation‬
‭benefits reach those who are truly disadvantaged and in need of assistance.‬
‭2. Tax Slab Changes: Changes in tax slabs and rates are often used as redistributive measures to‬
‭ensure that the tax burden is distributed more equitably across different income groups. For‬
‭example, reducing tax rates for lower income brackets while increasing rates for higher income‬
‭brackets can help redistribute wealth and reduce income inequality. Similarly, introducing‬
‭progressive taxation policies that tax higher incomes at a higher rate can contribute to a more‬
‭equitable distribution of wealth.‬

‭3. Subsidies on Essential Goods: Subsidies on essential goods such as food grains, cooking gas,‬
‭and fertilizers are redistributive policies aimed at making these goods more affordable for‬
‭low-income households. For instance, the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India provides‬
‭subsidized food grains to below-poverty-line families, ensuring that they have access to basic‬
‭nutrition at affordable prices.‬

‭4. Universal Basic Income (UBI): While not yet implemented at a national level in India, the‬
‭concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) has been proposed as a redistributive policy measure.‬
‭UBI would involve providing a fixed income to all citizens, regardless of their employment‬
‭status or income level. By guaranteeing a basic level of income for every individual, UBI aims to‬
‭reduce poverty, inequality, and social exclusion.‬

‭5. Land Reforms: Land redistribution policies, such as imposing limits on landholdings and‬
‭redistributing surplus land to landless farmers, are redistributive measures aimed at addressing‬
‭land ownership inequalities. By providing land to those who are landless or have small‬
‭landholdings, these policies aim to promote agricultural productivity, rural development, and‬
‭social equity.‬

‭Capitalization Policy-‬‭Policy that is made by the government for the government , made by and‬
‭for central government to state government , it is government to government policy making and‬
‭distribution‬

‭Examples:‬

‭1. Fiscal Imbalance and Resource Allocation‬‭:‬‭Southern states often argue that they contribute‬
‭significantly to the central government's tax revenue but receive proportionately less in return.‬
‭This fiscal imbalance can be addressed through capitalization policy by ensuring that the funds‬
‭allocated by the central government are distributed more equitably among states. Capitalization‬
‭policy can involve revising the criteria for devolution of funds, grants, and resource-sharing‬
‭mechanisms to better reflect the economic contributions and needs of different states.‬

‭2. Disparities in Development and Investment: Southern states highlight disparities in‬
‭development and investment, both within their own states and across the country. Capitalization‬
‭policy can address these disparities by prioritizing investments in infrastructure, education,‬
‭healthcare, and other development sectors in regions that have been historically neglected or‬
‭underfunded. By directing capital expenditure towards lagging regions, capitalization policy can‬
‭promote balanced regional growth and development.‬

‭3. Autonomy and Decentralization: Southern states advocate for greater autonomy and‬
‭decision-making powers at the state level. Capitalization policy can support decentralization by‬
‭providing states with greater fiscal autonomy and flexibility in managing their finances. This can‬
‭include measures such as increasing the share of untied funds in central transfers, empowering‬
‭states to raise their own revenue, and expanding the scope of state-level taxation.‬

‭4. Natural Resource Management: States like Kerala and Karnataka raise concerns about the‬
‭sustainable management of natural resources. Capitalization policy can address these concerns‬
‭by incentivizing states to invest in sustainable resource management practices through targeted‬
‭funding, grants, and capacity-building initiatives. This can include funding for watershed‬
‭management projects, afforestation programs, and conservation efforts to promote the‬
‭sustainable use of water, minerals, and forests.‬

‭5. Infrastructure Development: Southern states stress the importance of infrastructure‬

‭development for economic growth and livability. Capitalization policy can support infrastructure‬
‭development by providing states with adequate funding and financing mechanisms for critical‬
‭infrastructure projects. This can include funding for transportation networks, energy‬
‭infrastructure, and urban development initiatives to enhance connectivity, mobility, and quality‬
‭of life in southern states.‬
‭Constituent Policy-‬‭Constituent policy, as you mentioned, involves setting up a new authority or‬
‭rearranging existing structures to address a specific need or gap in governance.‬

‭1. Research and Analysis Wing (RAW):‬

‭- RAW is India's external intelligence agency, responsible for gathering intelligence,‬

‭conducting covert operations, and analyzing information related to foreign threats and national‬
‭security.‬

‭- RAW was established in 1968 following the Sino-Indian War of 1962 and the Indo-Pakistani‬
‭War of 1965, highlighting the need for a specialized agency to handle external intelligence and‬
‭counter potential threats from neighboring countries.‬

‭2. National Security Advisor (NSA):‬

‭- The role of the National Security Advisor was institutionalized in India in 1998, with the‬
‭appointment of Brajesh Mishra as the first NSA by then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.‬

‭- The NSA serves as the principal advisor to the Prime Minister on matters related to national‬
‭security and coordinates the formulation and implementation of security policies across various‬
‭government departments and agencies.‬

‭3. National Investigation Agency (NIA):‬

‭- The NIA was established in 2008 following the 2008 Mumbai attacks to address the need for‬
‭a specialized agency to investigate and prosecute terrorism-related offenses across the country.‬

‭- The NIA Act empowers the agency to investigate and prosecute offenses under various laws,‬
‭including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), to combat terrorism, insurgency,‬
‭and other threats to national security.‬

‭By establishing specialized agencies such as RAW, NSA, and NIA, the Indian government has‬
‭demonstrated its commitment to enhancing capabilities in intelligence, security, and law‬
‭enforcement to safeguard the country's interests and protect its citizens from internal and external‬
‭threats.‬

‭Conflict policy-‬ ‭A situation where one objective is achieved at the cost of another , Conflict‬
‭policy often arises when there is a clash between different objectives or priorities, and achieving‬
‭one objective comes at the expense of another. This conflict can occur at various levels,‬
‭including between different government policies, between different stakeholders, or even within‬
‭the same policy framework.‬

‭1. Economic Development vs. Environmental Conservation:‬

‭- One common conflict policy in India is the tension between economic development and‬
‭environmental conservation. For instance, the construction of infrastructure projects such as‬
‭dams, highways, and industrial zones may lead to environmental degradation, loss of‬
‭biodiversity, and displacement of indigenous communities. Balancing the need for economic‬
‭growth with environmental sustainability poses a significant policy challenge, as decisions made‬
‭in favor of development may come at the cost of ecological integrity and social well-being.‬

‭2. Reservation Policies vs. Meritocracy:‬

‭- India's reservation policies, which aim to promote social justice and uplift marginalized‬
‭communities, often conflict with the principle of meritocracy. While reservations in education‬
‭and employment provide opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups, they may also lead‬
‭to perceptions of unfairness or reverse discrimination among those who believe they are denied‬
‭opportunities based on merit. Striking a balance between affirmative action and merit-based‬
‭selection criteria is a complex policy issue that continues to generate debate and controversy.‬

‭3. Federalism vs. Centralization:‬

‭- Another area of conflict policy in India revolves around the balance of power between the‬
‭central government and state governments. The tension between federalism and centralization‬
‭arises when states seek greater autonomy and decision-making authority, while the central‬
‭government aims to assert its control over certain policy domains.‬