Public Policy Education In India — Need, Challenges, Role And Road Ahead

There's a need for a structured public policy education system in India to address the country's policy-level challenges and leverage its potential for sustainable economic growth.

Inclusive learning, hands-on experience, and collaboration are essential components of successful public policy pedagogy. [Image used for representational purpose only]

Source : Getty

By M Sri Bharat

As per the recent comment by International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, India continues to remain a relative "bright spot" in the world economy, and will alone contribute 15% of the global growth in 2023. India, being a developing country, has a lot of room for growth in public policy, and there is much that the right policy and policymakers can add to this growth trajectory.

Need For Public Policy Education

Public policy education is an essential component of development, as it enables individuals to acquire the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to tackle complex global issues. With a deeper understanding of the policy-making process, individuals are equipped with the right skills to identify problems, develop solutions, and make informed decisions that positively impact their communities.

India faces a wide range of policy-level challenges, which cripples the socio-economic fabric of the country, adversely affecting healthcare, education, sanitation, and the environment. India's large and diverse population also presents a unique challenge, requiring innovative and effective public policy solutions. To address these challenges, India needs a well-trained workforce equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to develop, implement and evaluate effective public policy solutions. 

Breaking Down Challenges 

Despite the glaring need for a structured public policy education in India, the ground-level realities hamper the coverage and reach. A primary challenge is the lack of access to quality education, particularly in rural areas, due to the absence of qualified teachers and adequate infrastructure. Another key issue is the lack of representation in public policy schools, with a majority of students enrolled in these programs hailing from privileged backgrounds, thus limiting the diversity of ideas and perspectives necessary for effective public policy solutions.

Many public policy programs in India focus on theoretical knowledge, with little emphasis on practical experience. Practical experience is crucial in providing students with the skills necessary to address real-world public policy challenges effectively. Its lack thereof poses another significant challenge. 

Role Of Public Policy Education 

The policy has a crucial role to play in changing the geo-political dynamics of India.

“The growth per capita of India is only one-quarter of that of China and with the right policy, growth can potentially be above 7% and that is going to lead India to become a very strong economic power and a major geopolitical power, both in Asia and globally," according to Nouriel Roubini, Professor of Economics and International Business at New York University Stern School of Business. 

It is vital for the government and private entities to acknowledge the critical role of public policy education in India's development and the need to churn out experts with the skills and knowledge required to develop and implement effective solutions. A well-trained workforce can lead to innovative and effective solutions that address the unique challenges facing India today. 

Inclusive learning and a hands-on learning experience must be at the heart of a successful public policy pedagogy. Adequate representation of students from across the cultural and economic strata will ensure a variety of perspectives. Meanwhile, a hands-on experience as part of the public policy pedagogy will enable students to gain real-time learning in addressing real-world public policy issues and work effectively in public policy roles.

Collaboration — The Road Ahead

The binding factor of a successful public policy pedagogy is collaboration - at an individual level, among individuals from different sectors and backgrounds to promote interdisciplinary learning and at the organisational level - between universities and government agencies. This collaboration can also help bridge the gap between academia and the public sector, enabling effective policy implementation.

Despite the huge demand for public policy experts over the last few decades, a good number of public policy schools are concentrated within Western and developed countries. There is a greater need now than ever to draw such parallels in developing countries, like India, leveraging the existing skill gap in the domestic market. 

The author is the President of GITAM ( Deemed to be University) and founder of the Kautilya School of Public Policy.

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