| Introduction: Contextual Introduction Body: Highlight reasons behind India’s inability to produce world-class public schools and suggest measures Conclusion: Way forward |
India, despite being the world’s largest democracy, has yet to establish a globally recognized public policy school.
Reasons
- Centralization of Power in the Executive: In India, policymaking is dominated by the executive, with limited entry points for academics, think tanks, and civil society to influence decision-making. The legislature’s weak oversight role over the executive further constrains the development of a deliberative policy ecosystem.
- Lack of a Stable Policy Ecosystem: Influence in India’s policy sphere often depends on alignment with the ruling regime, leading to instability when governments change. This contrasts with more institutionalized democracies, where think tanks and policy institutions maintain influence regardless of political transitions.
- Overemphasis on Western Models: Indian policy schools often attempt to replicate Western models, which assume straightforward paths to influence through formal institutions. This approach overlooks India’s complex, informal power dynamics, where caste hierarchies, regional elites, and grassroots movements shape governance.
- Low Empathy for Ground Realities: Many policy initiatives in India suffer from a lack of understanding of the lived realities of the population, leading to top-down approaches that fail to address local needs effectively. Public policy education in India has not prioritized cultivating empathy and practical adaptability among its students.
Measures to Bridge the Gap
- Designing Institutions Suited to India’s Realities: Public policy schools must integrate India’s unique governance structure into their curricula, teaching students to navigate informal networks, regional power structures, and grassroots dynamics.
- Strengthening Empathy and Grassroots Engagement: Public policy programs should select candidates with a demonstrated commitment to public service and cultivate empathy for India’s diverse population. Incorporate experiential learning through fieldwork, case studies, and community interactions to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
- Promoting Independent Policy Research: Establish policy incubators and think tanks within institutions to generate evidence-based research that addresses pressing governance challenges. Focus on applied research in areas critical to India’s development, such as urban planning, public health, and education.
- Fostering Partnerships and Collaborations: Build partnerships with global institutions while tailoring programs to local realities. Engage with policymakers, think tanks and development professionals to create a practice-oriented curriculum.
Conclusion
A public policy school grounded in these principles could not only transform governance in India but also serve as a model for other developing democracies.
