The Mighty Challenge

Article Type

Article

Description

Several questions are often raised in the context of governance. Why do we need Institutional Reforms? What good they can bring to the country? Why is it so difficult to get these reforms implemented? These are valid questions that need to be addressed.

First, these reforms are needed as the country’s governance is dependent upon the efficiency and effectiveness of these institutions. Whether it is industrialisation or energy or law and order or education, every sector is lagging behind because the vehicles through which the delivery can be made have become dysfunctional. To revive and make them functional is by no means an easy task and takes years even if a broad consensus is reached.

Second, these reforms are of structural nature and long term. If they are successfully implemented, they help in shifting the economic growth curve from a low level equilibrium to a higher level which keeps moving on an upward path with the passage of time. Japan, Korea, and China are three examples of countries that have made successful transitions from low growth to high growth within a few decades – an unparalleled feat in human history – by strengthening their institutions working cooperatively with the private sector.

Third, there is a misconception that a technocratic fix can be found for these reforms. Technocrats can design the schemes but the implementation has to be politically driven as they entail difficult choices and compromises. These choices cannot be made by unelected technocrats as it is only the elected representatives of the people who have to face the consequences before the electorate. The background technical work can be carried out by task forces and committees of experts but the crucial stage i.e. of debating and discussing them, making compromises, reaching consensus, messaging and carrying the people along with the proposed reforms belongs solely in the domain of the elected representatives.

Publication Source

Narratives

Publication Date

10-18-2021

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS