Unit 1 Economic Policy: An: 1.0 Objectives
Unit 1 Economic Policy: An: 1.0 Objectives
Unit 1 Economic Policy: An: 1.0 Objectives
INTRODUCTION
Structure
1.0 Objectives
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Need for Economic Policy in India
1.3 Aims of Economic Policy in India
1.4 Instruments of Economic Policy in India
1.5 Process of Economic Policy Formulation
1.5.1 Planning Commission of India
1.5.2 Central Statistical Organisation
1.5.3 ICSSR
1.5.4 Lobbyists
1.5.5 NGOs
1.5.6 International Politics and Multilateral Lending
1.6 Disappointing Outcomes
1.7 Let Us Sum Up
1.8 Exercises
1.9 Some Useful Books
1.10 Answers or Hints to Check Your Progress Exercises
1.0 OBJECTIVES
After going through this unit, you shall be able to:
• state the need and objectives of economic policy;
• explain the various instruments of economic policy;
• examine the dynamics of formulation of economic policies in India; and
• identify the causes of failures of economic policies in India.
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Economic policies are statements of aims and ideals to be achieved through
various instruments outlined by the Government to guide the process of
economic development. In a way, it can be termed as a structural response to
correct economic imbalances (and inequality). Government, by manipulating
economic and social variables, influences the process of resource allocation to
achieve desired level of economic development with social justice and
stability. An economic policy essentially relates to either or all of the three
basic economic decisions viz., ‘what to produce’, ‘how to produce’ and ‘for
whom to produce’ at macro level.
Generally, it is believed that economic policy-makers are guided by economic
considerations supported by economic theories in framing various subsets of
economic policies. However, in the democratic countries like India, the
decisions about public policy in general and economic policy in particular are
taken by the elected representatives at different levels. Hence, these are
essentially political decisions. Apart from legislators, different shades of
public opinion, through mass-media, bureaucracy, judiciary, trade 5
Framework of Indian organisations, experts’ bodies, voluntary organisations (NGOs), and other
Economy
interest groups exert ‘pulls and pressure’ to influence the process of economic
policies formulation. Hence, comprehension of the interaction between
politics and economics can help us to gain insight into the key questions of
‘making, implementation and failure’ of economic policies and programmes.
This unit aims to introduce you to economic policy formulation process
wherein apart from interaction between economists and politicians, a large
number of institutions/organisations influence the policy formulation process.
To begin with, let us discuss the need and importance of economic policy and
its various instruments.
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Framework of Indian
Economy
1.5.3 Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)
ICSSR was established in the year 1969 by the Government of India to
promote research in social sciences in the country. The Council was meant,
inter-alia, to advise the Government of India on all matters pertaining to social
science (including economics) research as may be referred to it from time to
time; and take such measures generally as may be necessary from time to time
to promote social science research and its utilisation.
The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) with 27 research
institutes is established to provide regional orientation to research that can be
used for policy purposes. All these institutes receive state grants and,
therefore, act according to the requirements of the pay-master.
Subsequently, few private funded research organisations have come up, viz.,
National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, Centre for Science and
Environment, Tata Energy Research Institute, Tata Institute of Social
Sciences, etc. Apart from conducting research, these institutes play an
important advocacy role by publicising their studies in the media and holding
seminars for the relevant policy-makers. Time to time, the Government also
constitutes committees and task forces in which social and other scientists
play major roles.
1.5.4 Lobbyists
There are other forms of organised advocacy by private interests in the
formulation and implementation of public policy. Organised labour (Trade
Unions) and their counterparts Trade Associations (FICCI, ASSOCHAM, CII)
also influence the policy process through representation and collective actions.
These private organised interest groups are normally well-connected to
different political parties as latter depend upon their support for funds and
workers during elections. The cost of elections has become almost obscene,
requiring candidates to raise hundreds of thousands of rupees just to seek a
legislative seat. The only ready source for such huge sums of money is
‘special interests’. They, of course, have a very direct stake in economic
policies.
1.5.5 Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs)
Recently, with the adoption of economic reform policies in 1991, there has
been explicit recognition of the role of markets and non-governmental
organisations (NGOs). In fact, the Eighth Plan made a strong plea for greater
role of the voluntary organisations. This resulted into mushrooming of non-
governmental organisations, popularly known as NGOs. Most of these NGOs
are registered under the Societies Registration Act, which gives them legal
recognition to raise funds from Government and non-government sources. The
numbers of such NGOs run into thousands. They also try to influence policy
using their micro-level experience as a basis of suggestions for policy options.
1.5.6 International Politics and Multilateral Lending
In the guise of guidance based upon ‘cross-country experiences’ the external
forces also influence the policy formulation in India. We have observed
‘socialistic’ influences during 1950s; and have been feeling ‘pressure for
privatisation and liberalisation’ since 1990s. There has been constant pressure
of developed countries to open up fast growing Indian economy for
multinational corporations. The subsequent shift in ‘policy framework’ in
recent years may be viewed in this perspective.
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Anyway, on the record, it is the departments and ministries of Government of Economic Policy: An
Introduction
India headed by political functionaries (ministers) who supervise the making
of economic policies in their respective domains. Normally, these policies are
announced with approval of the Union Cabinet. Occasionally, these policy
statements are approved by the Parliament in the form of Resolutions/Acts.
The Government could seldom meet the policy targets in the past. Earlier, we
have argued that the way to rein in “market failures” is to introduce
Government intervention, i.e., policies and programmes. But we have
experienced that there also is such a thing as “Government failure”.
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Framework of Indian Multiplicity of similar type of schemes is another important reason
Economy
responsible for failure of schemes. Due to lack of inter-ministry or Centre-
State co-ordination, similar kind of ‘benefits’ compete to reach to same
segment of ‘beneficiaries’. Success of one programme leads other
programmes to failure.
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2) Do you think that economic policies are essentially political decisions?
Give two reasons in support of your answer.
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3) How is CSO useful in policy formulation process?
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4) State any two disappointing outcomes of Indian Economic Policy.
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Economic Policy: An
1.7 LET US SUM UP Introduction
1.8 EXERCISES
1) ‘Economic Policy in India is a purely political process’. Comment.
2) Examine how different shades of public opinion influence the process of
economic policy formulation. Give illustrations in support of your answer.
3) Discuss the various disappointing outcomes of the poor implementation of
economic policies.
4) Suggest some measures to improve implementation of economic policy
and programmes in India.
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