India must reform the very way that reforms are brought about

News: Every section of society want reforms to make their life easier. The government is also introducing various reforms in various sectors. But still, various voices came who are against the method which government is adopting while introducing any reform.

What are the mistakes government is doing while introducing reforms?

The government is in a rush to make big announcements and to make bold reforms to attract large investments. This process, it does not follow the democratic process where consultation of various stakeholders and states is required.

Due to this, the government had to withdraw its proposed reforms in land acquisition. Reforms of environmental regulations to enable large industrial projects are resisted by organizations representing concerns of local communities, Reforms of agricultural institutions to double farmers’ income have been stalled because of farmers’ protests who are the intended beneficiaries of these reforms.

How the process of reforms should be followed?

Purpose of reforms: Government should be clear about the purpose of bringing reforms. For example in Agriculture reforms- the government has to be clear whether the government aimed at increasing the income of farmers or attracting corporate investments to build supply chains.

Rightful Approach: Government should adopt the righteous approach. It should know about who is going to benefit from reforms, Who will be most affected, Will the reforms supported by those who will be more affected, Have all the stakeholders have been considered honestly, etc. These type of questions needs to be properly addressed.

Collaborative approach: Government should listen to the views of all stakeholders who are going to be affected favourably or unfavourably by the reforms. Accordingly, the government should make the decision on a consensus basis.

Process of consultation: Government should design the consultation in a fair and well-coordinated way. This will help to produce good insights and well-rounded solutions.

What should be the way forward?

India should reform its process of democratic governance. It should also reform its economic institutions to enable income and wealth to increase so that every section of the society can take benefit from it. Economic reforms which are going to affect the masses should not be developed only by the experts but also with the people who are going to benefit from it.

Source: This post is based on the article “India must reform the very way that reforms are brought about” published in Livemint on 10th February 2022.