Introduction: Give brief context to the question Body: Highlight arguments for and against the bigger role of the State and its impact on policy implementation. Conclusion: Way forward |
The Indian state is often labelled as a paradox of too big and yet too small. This fact can be gauged from the excessive legal requirement or bureaucratic process to do business in India while on the other hand, the country has the smallest number of civil servants per capita among the G20 nations. On the economic front, the Indian state is relatively small on metrics, such as the tax-GDP ratio and public expenditure-GDP ratio. ‘People-thin’ suggests a shortage of personnel for efficient governance, while ‘process-thick’ implies a bureaucratic system with intricate procedures.
Arguments for a Bigger Role of the State
- Equitable Resource Distribution: Advocates contend that a larger state is more capable of ensuring the equitable distribution of opportunities, money, and resources. As it contributes to closing the wealth gap, this is especially crucial for inclusive growth.
- Social Welfare Programmes: A larger state can establish and oversee extensive social welfare initiatives that tackle challenges such as homelessness, housing, healthcare, and education. These initiatives promote inclusive development by directly affecting vulnerable and marginalized populations.
Arguments for a Smaller Role of the State
- Decreased Bureaucracy: It is anticipated that a smaller state will have less bureaucracy, which will lead to quicker decision-making and more responsive governance. Faster policy implementation and a more flexible response to shifting needs may result from this.
- Budgetary Responsibilities: Those who favour a reduced state size stress the value of budgetary responsibilities. They contend that a leaner government is more suited to preserve economic stability, which is essential for inclusive growth over the long run and is less prone to accrue excessive debt.
Impact of the Indian State Being ‘People-Thin’ but ‘Process-Thick’
- Policy Implementation Challenges: Limited personnel in a ‘people-thin’ state can cause delays and corruption, hindering inclusive development.
- Barriers to Service Delivery: A ‘process-thick’ state with complex procedures may discourage access to crucial services, affecting marginalized communities.
- Corruption and Accountability Issues: A large bureaucracy and intricate processes can foster corruption, compromising transparency and hindering inclusive development.
- Inequality and Regional Disparities: A ‘people-thin’ state may struggle to address diverse needs, leading to unequal development and impeding inclusivity.
Conclusion
To truly achieve inclusive development in India, it is imperative to tackle the “people-thin” and “process-thick” components of the state to overcome implementation barriers and guarantee that public services are provided to all sections of the populace.