Prof SK Tapasvi talks about the importance of public policy management, how important it is for governance and its scope as a possible career choice
Public Policy and governance is of utmost importance as it an attempt by the Government to address public issues by instituting regulations, decisions or actions pertinent to a given problem. Policy makers have the potential to shape the destiny of nations and citizens. In every state, it is the administrative executive branches that are responsible for taking actions with respect to problems — socio-economic or political — affecting the society. Policy makers, not only in India but also in other countries, need to look at these ground level problems and suggest detailed policies to resolve the issues within the government.
For successful governance
Figuring out complex public problems in society and drafting effective solutions play a major role in elevating the lives and living standards of people in that society. Every sector, including education, energy, healthcare, transportation and housing is influenced by public policy decisions at all levels of government activity.
In short, in every aspect of human life, public policy decisions are crucial. These policies essentially capture the intentions of the Government and the success of a Government is gauged on the basis of how effectively the policy maker manages to target the specific areas.
Objectives
Traditionally, all the policies are framed by the government agencies and it is necessary that Civil servants connect the policies with the grass-root level in a way that is advantageous to the masses. If all the policies are implemented successfully, only then can one expect to see tangible results and positive impacts on the quality of life. Therefore, all over the world, Governments are increasingly turning to assistance from consultancy firms, NGOs and individual experts to enhance the effectiveness of policies thus framed. These developments have generated the urgency for trained public policy experts, who could operate in the complex terrain of public institutions and policies.
Career prospects
Public policy courses are relatively new in India but academic programmes in this domain are slowly catching pace. Mid-career civil servants, executives from public sector undertakings and NGOs are showing interest in public policy programmes. The aim of these management courses is to help students achieve excellence in all core areas of activities related to interface between effective management of public affairs and strong grounding in public policy analysis and change management. Public policy programmes offer a novel opportunity to those who are aspiring to contribute to India’s sustained progress towards emerging as a major player in global affairs, whether it is in the field of managerial excellence or in the domain of development for creating a better future for citizens.
Public policy programmes enhance the sensibility and capability of the participants to better manage the public programmes and systems and also make them understand the global trends and practices in these areas to allow exploration of innovative options and choices for the public service delivery.
The Programme
nProvides a platform for participants from different disciplines, experiences and professions wherein innovative ideas are generated for policy formulation and implementation.
nHelps in dissemination and replication of available resources in public policy across the world.
nPartners with agencies at all levels, so as to boost implementation of policies framed for the amelioration of society.
Keeping in mind the increasing significance public policy programmes’ syllabus is usually designed in the form of fast-track learning modules consisting of core themes in public policy as well as in management. Focus is more on active learning rather than passive listening with a view to create leaders rather than just professionally-oriented mangers. The key features of curriculum are flexibility, innovativeness and relevance.
The purpose of a public policy management course is to enhance the sensibility and capability of the participants to better manage the public programmes and systems as well as to make them understand the global trends and practices in these areas to allow exploration of innovative options and choices.
Without a policy there can be no governance and to govern there must be a set of guidelines. The policies come up with these guidelines. It also enables citizens to understand the causes and consequences of policy decisions and enhances the overall functioning of the governance eco-system.
(The writer is chairperson, PGP Public Policy Programme, MDI Gurgaon)