Policy & Governance is a fundamental concept (concept) in Indian administration, representing the twin pillars of state function. Public Policy is the course of action or inaction chosen by the government to address public issues, encompassing decisions, actions, and non-actions to achieve specific goals. Governance refers to the mechanisms, processes, and institutions through which citizens articulate their interests and exercise their legal rights.
The modern framework originated post-Independence when India adopted a democratic system with a federal structure, outlined in the Constitution of India, enacted in 1950. This structure was created to address social and economic inequalities through planned economic development and policies like land reforms. A major shift occurred in the 1990s with economic liberalization, which spurred governance reforms aimed at reducing bureaucracy and increasing efficiency.
The system works through a federal structure with a division of powers between the central government and states. Policy formulation involves identifying issues, setting objectives, designing strategies, and consulting stakeholders. Governance is characterized by being participatory, accountable, and based on the Rule of Law.
The concept connects directly to the Constitution and modern initiatives like e-governance. Recent changes in the 21st Century include the introduction of the Aadhaar biometric identification system to transform service delivery and targeted welfare programs. Furthermore, major reforms like the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Reforms have been launched to streamline the taxation system.