Notes Chapter 4 Governance and Public Policy Class 9 Social Science Book – II CBSE Board

3. Evolution of Governance in India

• Before colonial rule, many societies followed their own local systems and traditions of governance.
• During colonial rule, foreign rulers introduced their own models of governance and policymaking.
• After Independence in 1947, India adopted the Constitution based on its own values and ideals.
• India continued to use traditional ideas and values while adapting them to the needs of a modern democracy.
• The national motto “Satyamev Jayate” means “Truth alone triumphs.”
• The Supreme Court of India uses the motto “Yato Dharmastato Jayaḥ,” which means “Where there is Dharma, there is victory.”
• Mahatma Gandhi visualised an ideal model of governance as Ram Rajya, based on probity, transparency, compassion, welfare, and people-centred governance.

4. Traditional Ideas of Governance

Rajadharma: It refers to the foremost duty of an ideal king to protect people by upholding Dharma and promoting the welfare of society.

Sabha and Samiti: These were important institutions mentioned in the Rigveda where matters of governance and public welfare were discussed.

Ram Rajya: It represents an ideal system of governance based on justice, welfare, compassion, transparency, and the well-being of people.

Kautilya’s Arthashastra expresses the idea that the happiness and interests of the ruler depend on the happiness and interests of the people.

5. Good Governance

Good governance means managing public affairs effectively and responsibly to ensure the welfare of people. It helps maintain law and order, protects citizens’ rights and freedoms, provides public services, promotes justice, and builds trust between citizens and the government.

The main features of good governance are:

• Transparency: Government decisions are open and accessible to people.
• Accountability: Public officials are responsible for their actions.
• Participation: Citizens take part in decision-making.
• Rule of Law: Everyone is equal before the law.
• Responsiveness: The government addresses people’s needs.
• Effectiveness: Public resources are used wisely to achieve results.
• Inclusiveness: Every citizen has equal opportunities.

Good governance is a shared responsibility of the government and society. Citizens, media, civil society organisations, and the private sector also contribute to it.

6. Challenges to Good Governance

Good governance faces several challenges:

• Weak coordination: Poor communication between government departments can affect the implementation of programmes.
• Unequal access to public services: Some communities face social, economic, or geographical barriers.
• Misuse of public offices: Malpractices can prevent resources and benefits from reaching the people.
• Misinformation and fake news: False information creates difficulties for effective governance.
• Changing public needs: Governments must respond to the changing needs and aspirations of people.

These challenges require effective institutions, responsible officials, active citizens, and cooperation among different organisations.

7. E-Governance: Technology for Better Governance

E-governance refers to the use of information and communication technology by governments to provide public services, share information, communicate with citizens, receive feedback, and improve administrative processes.

Advantages of E-Governance

• It makes government services faster, more convenient, and more accessible.
• It improves transparency in government work.
• It reduces paperwork.
• People can access many services without visiting government offices.
• It helps deliver public services across large geographical areas.

Limitations of E-Governance

E-governance is effective only when people have access to digital devices, reliable internet, and the skills needed to use them. Therefore, digital services must remain inclusive and accessible to everyone.

Examples of E-Governance Initiatives

• UMANG
• Aadhaar
• GeM (Government e-Marketplace)
• DigiLocker
• CPGRAMS
• APAAR

8. Meaning of Public Policy

Public policy is a course of action adopted by the government to solve public problems, meet people’s needs, and promote the welfare of society.

It helps the government decide what should be done, why it should be done, who will do it, how it will be implemented, and how its success will be measured. Public policies are monitored and evaluated, and necessary changes are made based on feedback.

Examples of Public Policy

Public policies affect our daily lives through roads, traffic signals, clean drinking water, electricity, public parks, waste collection, education, healthcare, transportation, and environmental protection.

9. What Makes a Policy Public?

A policy becomes a public policy when it is made for the benefit of the public, implemented by public institutions, and often financed through public money collected as taxes.

The main characteristics of public policy are:

• It aims to promote public welfare.
• It addresses problems affecting society as a whole.
• It is formulated by the government.
• It uses public resources.
• Citizens can participate in its development and provide feedback.

A policy made by a school, company, hospital, sports club, or housing society generally applies to that particular organisation or group. It is not necessarily a public policy.

10. Participants in the Public Policy Process

Many individuals and organisations participate in policymaking and implementation.

11. Case Study: A Ramp to Better Healthcare

A hospital was difficult to access for senior citizens, wheelchair users, and visually impaired people because it lacked ramps, handrails, tactile paths, and Braille signs.

Patients and their families raised the issue with hospital authorities and local representatives. A disability rights organisation highlighted the problem through newspapers and social media. The district administration asked the Public Works Department and Health Department to inspect the hospital.

After consultation with doctors, hospital staff, experts, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and residents, the government approved funds for improvements. Ramps, lifts, handrails, tactile pathways, accessible toilets, and clear signboards were provided.

This example shows how a public problem can be identified, discussed, planned for, and solved through cooperation among different stakeholders.

12. Stages of Public Policy-Making

Public policy is developed through a systematic process. Its main stages are:

1. Policy Desirability (Problem Identification)
Identifying the needs of people, new problems, and issues that require attention.

2. Prioritising Policy
Deciding which problems should be addressed first and given priority.

3. Policy Formulation
Consulting stakeholders, preparing a draft policy, and assessing its financial feasibility.

4. Policy Adoption
Approving the policy and framing the required legislation, regulations, and guidelines.

5. Policy Implementation
Putting the policy into action through government officials, local bodies, civil society, private organisations, and citizens.

6. Policy Monitoring
Measuring progress, ensuring accountability, and identifying shortcomings.

7. Policy Evaluation
Assessing the results and impact of the policy and collecting feedback for improvement.

The policy process is a continuous cycle. Feedback and evaluation help the government improve policies according to the changing needs of society.

13. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

The National Education Policy 2020 is an example of collaborative policymaking.

• India’s previous National Policy on Education was introduced in 1986.
• The Government of India initiated the process of developing a new education policy in 2015.
• An expert committee was established in 2017 under the chairpersonship of Dr K. Kasturirangan.
• The draft policy was made available for feedback from citizens and other stakeholders.
• Consultations were held with Gram Panchayats, blocks, Urban Local Bodies, and districts.
• About two lakh suggestions were received and examined.
• The Union Cabinet approved the National Education Policy 2020 in July 2020.

This example highlights the importance of expert advice, public consultation, and citizen participation in policy formulation.

14. Difference Between Policy, Programme, and Scheme

Remember: Policy gives direction, programmes provide the plan, and schemes put the plan into action.

15. Policy Coordination: Key to Good Governance

Policy coordination means cooperation among different government departments, institutions, and stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of public policies.

The success of a policy depends on the combined efforts of the Central Government, State Governments, local authorities, private organisations, and citizens.

Example: Khelo Bharat Niti 2025

The policy aims to transform India’s sports landscape. Different stakeholders have different responsibilities:

• Central Government: Provides the policy framework and funding.
• State Governments: Strengthen sports facilities and host major sporting events.
• Block-level authorities: Organise sports events and camps and support local talent.
• Sports promotion institutions: Provide coaching, training, equipment, and facilities.
• Private organisations: Provide sponsorships, funding, research, and improved equipment.
• Citizens and families: Encourage children, especially girls, to participate in sports and support local talent.

Coordination among these stakeholders helps improve sports infrastructure, encourage participation, and identify talented sportspersons.

16. Role of Citizens in Good Governance

Citizens play an important role in strengthening democracy and improving public services.

• Voting: Electing representatives who can raise public issues.
• Following laws: Helping maintain law and order.
• Raising concerns: Bringing public problems to the attention of authorities.
• Participating in public affairs: Taking part in discussions and consultations.
• Providing feedback: Sharing opinions about government policies and services.
• Community involvement: Volunteering and working with others to solve local problems.
• Holding authorities accountable: Ensuring that public officials perform their responsibilities properly.

Students can also contribute by following rules, keeping their surroundings clean, avoiding waste, participating in community activities, and raising concerns about public problems.

17. Importance of Good Governance and Public Policy

Good governance and public policy are essential for the development of a country.

• They strengthen democracy and public institutions.
• They promote justice, fairness, and equality.
• They help deliver essential public services.
• They ensure the effective use of public resources.
• They encourage transparency and accountability.
• They promote sustainable development and national progress.
• They help the government respond to people’s changing needs.