The Road to Getting Things Done

Context: The implementation deficit in our policymaking needs a dynamic public monitoring system.

Adverse outcomes of poor implementation of public policy

• Wastage of scarce public resources: Uncompleted projects are the “ruins” of modern development and will result in wastage of scarce public resources.
• Hurt trust and faith of common man in a democratic system: Implementation-failure underlines inefficiency, unaccountability, corruption and the lack of single-mindedness in the political leadership.
• Skewed development: due to consolidated development chart.
  • On the one hand - With tall skyscrapers, commercial malls and landscaped environment.
  • On the other hand - vast areas surviving with mostly stagnant civic infrastructure, inaccessible rural and hilly inhabitations, crumbling and non-functional education and healthcare institutions
• Leads to unjust society: with abject poverty and deprival of basic amenities like a liveable house, a private toilet and safe water.

Way forward:

• Work on the implementation and reforms processes in a wider manner:  With an aim of attaining fast-paced development and effective delivery of the intended public benefits.
• A capable implementing machine – as the “perfect administration”, driven by passionate team leaders.
  • Play by the rule of “Brook no delay”:  which includes the swift resolution of any bottlenecks, contradictions and completion of the task before schedule.
  • Unambiguous demarcation of responsibilities: particularly at supervisory levels.
  • Conduct brainstorming sessions: to anticipate challenges and finding solutions.
  • Empower the implementers: By authorizing a largely freehand with matching resources and the ability to make on-the-spot decisions.
• Set up an autonomous “Monitoring Trust”:   comprising of core technical, administrative and legal members along with stakeholders and social activists.
• Engage stakeholders and implementers: Share information and progress through dashboards, Invite suggestions through IT portals as MyGov (will democratize and enrich policymaking).
• Generate larger participation and a sense of ownership amongst stakeholders.
• Create fusion between human ingenuity and the miracles of the customized technology: For e.g., institutions and methodologies developed in the rural electrification programme — Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana.

Conclusion: An endeavour in effective implementation of policy alone can converge with good governance, bold innovation, rewarding delivery and the transformation of marginalized human lives.