Context:

Policymaking in India faces a multitude of challenges that have persisted over decades, particularly in the context of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) and the broader landscape of governance. 

More on News:

• The corporatisation of the OFB, which has been recommended by various government committees for over two decades, was only realised in 2020. 
• This delay highlights the complexities and difficulties inherent in Indian policymaking, as illustrated by the protracted discussions surrounding India’s data protection law, which has remained unimplemented since its introduction in 2015.

Complexities in Policymaking:

• Interministerial and Intraministerial Issues: The intricacies of policymaking are exacerbated by interministerial conflicts, as discussed by former Union Minister Yashwant Sinha in his book Relentless: An Autobiography. 
  • Each ministry often prioritises its own objectives, leading to conflicting agendas that complicate consensus-building. 
  • For instance, while one ministry may focus on industrial growth, another may prioritise environmental sustainability. 
  • The absence of a standardised procedure to resolve these disagreements often results in diluted policies that fail to meet their intended goals.
  • Additionally, there is often duplication of efforts across ministries due to a lack of coordination, which can lead to inefficiencies. 
    • Initiatives like the PM Gati Shakti platform aim to address these overlaps by promoting synergy across infrastructure projects.
• Ultra-Bureaucratisation: The bureaucratic structure in India has become increasingly convoluted, leading to what can be termed “ultra-bureaucratisation.” 
  • This phenomenon manifests as excessive documentation and procedural requirements that reinforce the status quo. 
  • Each policy change triggers a cascade of interdependencies among existing regulations and guidelines, making it challenging to implement reforms effectively. 
  • The bureaucratic culture tends to favour risk aversion and adherence to established processes over innovative approaches.
• Extreme Government Interventions: The Economic Survey of 2019-20 highlighted the impact of extreme government interventions on economic growth and efficiency. 
  • While interventions are sometimes necessary to achieve specific policy outcomes, excessive regulation can stifle innovation and hinder the private sector’s ability to contribute effectively to economic development. 
  • The balance between necessary oversight and allowing market dynamics to function freely is a critical area for improvement.
• Resistance to Change: Resistance from various stakeholders poses a significant barrier to effective policymaking. 
  • Concerns about job security, financial risks, and loss of influence often lead individuals and organisations to oppose necessary changes. 
  • Historical examples include labour unions resisting computerisation due to fears of job losses. 
• Cultural Challenges: A pervasive culture of distrust within bureaucratic structures further complicates policymaking. 
  • This distrust stems from India’s colonial legacy and manifests in extensive checks and balances that treat officials as potential wrongdoers rather than collaborators. 
  • Transitioning towards a trust-based governance model is essential for fostering cooperation among government entities and enhancing public trust.
• Data Utilisation and Technological Integration: The underutilisation of data in policymaking is another critical gap. 
  • Historically, decision-making has relied more on intuition than on evidence-based analysis. 
  • Limited training in analytical methods among civil servants exacerbates this issue. 
  • However, initiatives like Digital India have improved data quality, which should be leveraged for more informed decision-making.

Steps Taken by the Government:

• Initiatives for Manufacturing Growth: The government has launched various schemes to boost the manufacturing sector, such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, which aims to enhance production capabilities and create jobs. 
• PM Gati Shakti Platform: This initiative seeks to improve infrastructure project coordination among different ministries, addressing duplication of efforts and promoting synergy in development projects. 
• Digital India Initiative: The Digital India program has improved data quality and accessibility, facilitating evidence-based policymaking. 
• Capacity Building and Training: The government has emphasised continuous learning and capacity building for civil servants through initiatives like Mission Karmayogi. 
• Interministerial Coordination Mechanisms: Regular meetings and collaborative platforms have been introduced to ensure that ministries align their objectives and work towards common goals.
• Focus on Emerging Technologies: The government is encouraging the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), drones, and quantum computing to enhance policymaking efficiency. 
• Streamlining Regulations: Efforts have been made to reduce bureaucratic delays and simplify regulatory frameworks, aligning with the principle of “Maximum Governance, Minimum Government.” 

Way Ahead:

• Enhanced Collaboration: Building a culture of collaboration among ministries is essential. This can be achieved through joint initiatives, shared objectives, and regular dialogue to address interministerial conflicts proactively.
• Data-Driven Policymaking: Increasing the use of data analytics in policymaking will enable more informed decisions that reflect real-world conditions and public needs. Training civil servants in analytical methods is crucial for this transition.
• Trust-Based Governance: Transitioning towards a trust-based governance model will foster cooperation among officials and between the government and citizens, reducing inefficiencies caused by distrust (Sabka Sath, Sabka Viskas and Sabka Vishwas).
• Proactive Technology Adoption: Embracing new technologies should be a priority for future policymaking efforts. 
• Public Engagement: Encouraging greater citizen participation in the policymaking process can help align government actions with public sentiment, easing resistance to change and enhancing policy acceptance.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Implementing robust monitoring mechanisms will help assess the impact of policies and initiatives over time, allowing for timely adjustments based on feedback and changing circumstances.