The Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 41), envisions a welfare state that ensures social justice and empowerment of vulnerable sections. However, their impact is limited due to design and implementation gaps.
Absence of awareness and active involvement
Policy Making
Poor Representation in Design – Lack of beneficiary consultation leads to top-down, one-size-fits-all schemes. Eg- uniform guidelines under PMAY
Absence of local participation results in policies ignoring grassroots realities.
Misallocation of Priorities- Without local input, funds get diverted to non-core activities. Eg- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao spent 80% of funds on publicity
Political populism and short termism rather than long term capability building approach. Eg- Farm Loan Waiver
Policy Implementation
Limited Awareness of Rights and Entitlements – Eg- MGNREGA workers rarely claim unemployment allowance due to ignorance of provisions.
Poor Coordination – Absence of SHGs, PRIs, and NGOs in execution leads to leakages and inefficiency. Eg- leakages in PDS
Digital and Social Exclusion – Digital illiteracy limits registration and access.
Policy Monitoring
Weak Social Accountability Mechanisms – Eg- Social audits under MGNREGA are irregular in several states.
Absence of Community Oversight- Eg- NFSA grievance redressal committees underperform due to lack of public participation.
Crisis Management
In disasters, schemes fail to respond effectively due to missing local coordination. Eg- Migrant crisis during COVID-19 lockdown
Weak Role of Civil Society in Emergency Delivery- Limited engagement with NGOs reduces last-mile efficiency.
However, there are few success stories
Mid-Day Meal (POSHAN) -Reduced hunger and educational deprivation.
Direct Benefit Transfer saved 3.48 lakh crore of government.
Social Audit of MGNREGA – Andhra Pradesh Model
Participatory Democracy – Peoples Plan Campaign of Kerala
Way Forward
Institutionalising Social Audit and Citizen Charters with legal backing
Strengthening Grassroot democracy through effective devolution and principle of subsidiarity
Bottom-up Planning – Porto Alegre Brazil Model
Inclusive Development- Involve SHGs, and CSOs in design, execution, and feedback.
Ensuring “people-centric governance” through information, inclusion, and participation aligns with the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas”