"Modern Trends in Public Policy: Analyzing the Dynamics of Indian Polity"

Abstract

The Indian political landscape has undergone profound transformations in recent decades, characterized by complex policy dynamics that reflect the nation's evolving socio-economic and governance structures. This paper aims to explore the changing trend of public policy in India with a particular focus on significant trends in the field of education, health, and environmental governance. Using an in-depth examination of the past context and the current issues, the study focuses on the complex interplay of policy-making and socio-economic phenomena. Research shows that there has been a tremendous improvement in the literacy rates, where there was a projected increase in literacy rates to 77.74% in 2021, and infant mortality rates declining from 44 to 30 in 1000 live births, thereby a success of policies like the Right to Education Act and Ayushman Bharat. However, stark differences between an urban and rural populace continue to be challenging issues. The paper also deals with encompassing environmental issues with fearsome levels of air quality in big cities, pointing to a strict need for regulatory systems. Participatory governance trends show an increasing involvement of citizens in the policymaking process, but missing representation for marginalised communities points out areas of improvement. On the other hand, economic liberalization has helped in alleviating poverty (projected at 17.4% in 2023), but further increases the gap that separates the rich from the poor. On the whole, the necessity of adaptive, inclusive, and sustainable policy strategies involving the use of technology and capitalizing on the collaboration of the stakeholders is emphasized by this study. To develop an integral scope of the public policy dynamics, this research is set to guide future policymaking and help achieve equitable growth and development in India.