Inclusive public policy

Interesting observation from Ram Madhav Ji from RSS:

Highlighting the “people-centrism” of his governance model, Modi reiterated his regime’s commitment to the principle of “minimum government, maximum governance”. He underscored the need for a “whole of society” approach instead of the “whole of government” approach. Citing schemes of his government like the Jan Dhan Yojana, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and LiFE (Lifestyle For the Environment) campaign, which emphasise the “bottom-up” approach of making people primary stakeholders in the government’s development campaigns, he told the audience that “we have witnessed many transformations in Bharat following this principle of ‘people-centrism’”.

“People-centrism” as a governance model is unique to the Modi government. It is the secret behind his invincibility. The sense of empowerment he accorded to the citizens and the direct connection he has established with them makes it extremely hard for his political adversaries to challenge Modi. As people become direct stakeholders, intermediate agencies like the media, power elite, and, to some extent, even the political establishment become less relevant. While the empowered people are elated, the disempowered sections crib and complain about their own growing marginalisation.

Source: Facing The People by Ram Madhav

One of the most significant write ups in recent times. Why? Because instead of the western model of doles, this one actually has direct impact on the ground. There’s no “global institute model” of governance. For example, a withering economy like Canada has a “Global Institute for Public Policy” (Toronto) but can’t bring about consensus locally around healthcare delivery models.

Instead the “flawed democracies” like Bharat rise to the challenge and get it delivered; so much so lifting the entire equivalent population of Canada out of multidimensional poverty. The Western models have become increasingly jarring and redundant and are useless to get the “world view”. The growth engine has shifted to Asia (and to Bharat), so publications like Economist/Financial Times are increasingly at sea about the impact.