Governance: Then and Now in India

Governance in India has evolved significantly over the years. Here's a brief overview of governance in India, comparing the past and the present:

Pre-Independence Era (Before 1947)

India was under British colonial rule, with limited self-governance in some regions. The governance structure was highly centralized, with the British authorities holding significant power. Limited representation of Indians in decision-making processes.

Post-Independence Era (1947-1990s)

India adopted a democratic system with a federal structure, outlined in the Constitution of India, enacted in 1950. The country adopted a parliamentary system of governance with periodic elections. Governance aimed at addressing social and economic inequalities through policies such as land reforms, public sector enterprises, and planned economic development.

Economic Reforms (1990s Onward)

India embarked on economic liberalization and globalization in the 1990s, opening up its economy to foreign investment and reducing state control over various sectors. Governance reforms aimed at reducing bureaucracy and increasing efficiency.

21st Century Governance (2000s Onward): India has seen advancements in technology, which have led to e-governance initiatives, making government services more accessible online. The introduction of Aadhaar, a biometric identification system, has transformed service delivery and targeted welfare programs. Initiatives like "Make in India," "Digital India," Health care reforms, Foreign Policy, GST Reforms and "Smart Cities" have been launched to spur economic growth and improve urban governance. 

Transformation in Policy Reforms in India 

Policy reforms in India have undergone significant transformation over the years, driven by changing economic, social, and global dynamics. Here are some key transformations in policy reforms in India:

Economic Liberalization (1991)

One of the most transformative moments in Indian policy history was the economic liberalization of 1991. The government introduced a series of reforms to open up the economy, including reducing trade barriers, privatizing state-owned enterprises, and encouraging foreign direct investment. This shift from a largely closed and planned economy to a more market-oriented approach led to increased economic growth.

Financial Sector Reforms

India initiated financial sector reforms to modernize its banking and financial systems. The introduction of banking sector reforms, like the establishment of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), improved transparency and investor confidence.

Taxation Reforms

The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017 was a significant reform in India's tax system. GST aimed to simplify and unify the country's complex tax structure, making it easier for businesses to operate across state borders.

Infrastructure Development

India has focused on infrastructure development through various reforms. Initiatives like the National Highways Development Project (NHDP) and the Smart Cities Mission aimed to improve transportation and urban infrastructure.

Social Welfare and Inclusion

Policy reforms have aimed at promoting social inclusion and welfare. Programs like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) have targeted poverty alleviation and direct cash transfers to beneficiaries.

Digital Transformation

India has witnessed a digital revolution with policies like "Digital India." Initiatives like Aadhar, UPI (Unified Payments Interface), and the spread of internet connectivity have transformed service delivery and financial inclusion.

Environmental Sustainability

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on environmental sustainability and renewable energy. India has set ambitious targets for renewable energy generation and introduced policies to encourage sustainable practices.

Global Engagement

India has actively engaged in global policy forums and trade agreements. The "Make in India" campaign and participation in forums like BRICS and G20 reflect India's desire to play a more prominent role on the world stage. These transformations in policy reforms have shaped India's economic and social landscape, making it one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world. However, challenges like income inequality, environmental degradation, and inclusive growth remain important areas for further reform and development. 

Transformation in Policy Planning in India 

Policy planning in India has evolved significantly over the years to address the changing needs of the country's diverse population and its economic and social challenges. Here are some key transformations in policy planning in India:

Five-Year Plans (1951-2017)

India initially adopted a centralized planning approach with a series of Five-Year Plans. These plans focused on achieving specific economic and social targets through government intervention and public sector development. The last Five-Year Plan was concluded in 2017, marking a shift away from this approach.

Decentralization and State Planning:

In the 1990s, India started moving away from centralized planning towards decentralized planning. States were given greater autonomy in formulating and implementing their development plans, reflecting the country's federal structure.

NITI Aayog (2015)

The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) was established in 2015 to replace the Planning Commission. NITI Aayog's role is to provide strategic policy and planning advice to the central and state governments. It promotes cooperative federalism, involving states in policy formulation and implementation.

Outcome-Based Planning

Modern policy planning in India emphasizes outcomes and results rather than just inputs and expenditure. Policies are increasingly evaluated based on their impact and effectiveness in achieving desired goals.

Sector-Specific Planning

India has shifted towards more sector-specific planning to address various challenges comprehensively. Examples include initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) for sanitation and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Housing for All) for affordable housing.

Technology and Data-Driven Planning

The use of technology and data analytics has become central to policy planning. Initiatives like Digital India and the use of Aadhar for targeted welfare programs reflect this shift.

Inclusive and Sustainable Planning

Recent policy planning has a stronger focus on inclusivity and sustainability. Schemes like Ayushman Bharat aim to provide healthcare for all, while renewable energy policies target sustainability.

Global Collaboration

India engages in international collaboration and adopts global best practices in policy planning. Initiatives like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) align India's development goals with global priorities.

Crisis Response Planning

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of crisis response planning. India adapted its policies to address the pandemic's immediate and long-term impacts, including healthcare, economic recovery, and vaccination campaigns.

These transformations in policy planning reflect India's commitment to adapt to changing circumstances, promote decentralization, incorporate technology, and focus on outcomes to address the complex challenges it faces. Policy planning in India continues to evolve to meet the country's aspirations for growth, development, and social progress. 

Transformation in Policy Implementation and Monitoring in India 

Policy implementation in India has undergone several transformations over the years. Here are some key aspects:

Decentralization: India has increasingly shifted towards decentralization, empowering local governments and panchayats to implement policies at the grassroots level. This has promoted better alignment of policies with local needs.

Technology Integration: The Digital India initiative has played a significant role in policy implementation. E-governance platforms, like Aadhaar, have streamlined service delivery and reduced corruption.

Social Welfare Schemes: India has expanded its social welfare programs, such as MGNREGA and PM-Kisan, to provide direct benefits to citizens. These schemes aim to alleviate poverty and improve livelihoods.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): In sectors like healthcare and education, there has been a growing emphasis on PPP models to improve service delivery and infrastructure development.

Policy Reforms: The government has embarked on various policy reforms, including the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), to simplify regulations and promote ease of doing business.

Environmental Sustainability: With increasing concerns about climate change, India has introduced policies and programs to promote renewable energy, reduce pollution, and enhance environmental sustainability.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): India has liberalized FDI policies to attract foreign investment in various sectors, aiming to boost economic growth and job creation.

Healthcare and Education: There has been a focus on improving healthcare infrastructure and education access, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Digital Payments: The promotion of digital payments and the demonetization drive have aimed to reduce the informal economy and promote transparency.

Ease of Doing Business: Efforts have been made to simplify bureaucratic procedures, reduce red tape, and improve the ease of doing business in India. Policy implementation in India remains a complex and evolving process, influenced by political, economic, and social factors. Changes in government leadership and public opinion also play a significant role in shaping the direction of policy implementation. 

Wealth Income Distribution

Wealth and income distribution in India is characterized by significant disparities and inequalities. While India has made considerable progress in terms of economic growth over the years, the benefits of this growth have not been evenly distributed among its population. 

1. High Income Inequality

India has one of the highest levels of income inequality in the world. A significant portion of the population continues to live in poverty, while a small fraction enjoys a disproportionately large share of the country's wealth.

2. Rural-Urban Divide

Income inequality is often more pronounced in rural areas compared to urban areas. Agriculture, which employs a substantial portion of the population, often provides lower incomes and limited economic opportunities.

3. Gender Disparities

Gender-based income and wealth disparities persist in India. Women often face lower income levels, limited access to education and employment opportunities, and reduced access to resources and assets.

4. Caste and Social Inequality

Caste-based discrimination and social inequality continue to influence income and wealth distribution in India. Historically disadvantaged and marginalized groups often face economic hardships and limited access to opportunities. 

To diminish the wealth inequality Government initiated several reforms to increase the living standards as: 

The ambitious Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) introduced on August 28, 2014, aims to eradicate "financial untouchability" by implementing the largest banking-for-all program in history. The plan called for financial literacy, access to credit, insurance, and pension services, as well as universal access to banking services through a minimum of one fundamental bank account for every household. This financial inclusion program aims to give all households access to banking resources and financial services. 

The "Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana" (PMUY) is a prominent social welfare program that the Indian government introduced. The program's goal is to give women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families free LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) connections. It was introduced on May 1, 2016. A financial assistance of Rs. 1,600 is given to qualified women from BPL households as part of the Ujjwala Yojana to pay for the security deposit for an LPG connection, a pressure regulator, and a basic gas stove. 

The government's "Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas aur Sabka Vishwas" initiative aims to improve citizens' quality of life while promoting inclusive growth. This program places a strong emphasis on enhancing people's capacity to fully participate in the booming economy in order to facilitate use of their potential.

The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) - Gramin (Rural) is a landmark housing initiative started by the Indian government. This program's main goal aims to deliver "Housing for All" in remote regions, with the intention of giving pucca (permanent) dwellings to qualified rural households that don't already own a home or are living in subpar housing conditions. To help those who are eligible in rural regions build pucca homes with the amenities they need, PMAY-Gramin offers financial support. The program targets particular beneficiary groups, such as homeless households, those residing in kutcha (temporary) housing, members of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Members of Scheduled Tribes (STs), and various other vulnerable populations.

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) introduced the UPI in 2016. Users can utilize a smartphone application to instantly transfer money across banks. An immediate time payment system called Unified Payments Interface (UPI) enables fast money transfers between banks using mobile devices. Cashless payments and digital transactions have significantly increased as a result. MyGov is a platform for citizen participation that enables anyone to take part in governance by offering recommendations, criticism, and thoughts on various government policy initiatives and programs. The landscape of digital payments in India has been completely transformed by UPI's widespread adoption. Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) NPCI created this UPI-based mobile app to enable safe and efficient cashless transactions. Without the requirement for account information, consumers can send and receive money using their smartphones.

Whether or not it was repealing Article 370, immunizing a billion people, outperforming in extremely difficult conditions, Government of India, took a significant step by revoking Article 370 through a Presidential Order and a subsequent resolution passed by the Parliament of India. This move effectively ended the special status that Jammu and Kashmir had enjoyed for decades, removing its autonomy in many aspects including governance, property rights, and laws. Additionally, the state of Jammu and Kashmir was reorganized into two separate union territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. 

This move was accompanied by significant political, legal, and constitutional changes. The decision was a major departure from the previous policy and aimed to integrate Jammu and Kashmir more closely with the rest of India. Outlawing triple talaq, or placing the groundwork for the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, it has exceeded all of its own expectations. India achieved enormous goals for rural electrification and cutting-edge infrastructure while ensuring that everyone has access to basic services, such as food and healthcare. On the one hand, the country documented the greatest number of exports in history and gave birth to a digital revolution that is multiplying faster than one can blink. 

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019, was presented in the Lok Sabha on June 21, 2019.  A February 21, 2019, Ordinance is replaced by this one. The Triple Talaq (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019, is an Act of the Indian Parliament that makes triple talaq a crime. The Indian Supreme Court ruled in August 2017 that the practice of triple talaq, which allows Muslim husbands to quickly divorce their wives, is unconstitutional. The minority viewpoint recommended that the Parliament take appropriate legislation controlling triple talaq in the Muslim community into consideration. 

The majority of programs have advantages that go beyond the obvious; they promote secondary economic development and large-scale social transformation. Numerous revisions to one policy. Numerous advantages (encompassing all beneficiaries) from one scheme. Many Jan Bhagidaaris from a single initiative. Many lives are transformed by one change. 

The PM's strategic agenda has preached this "gift of giving." Only dreams may be made of the tale of the new India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. It's fortunate that we now anticipate realizing those dreams. Perhaps the definition of "serving the poor" in the true sense is redefined by the latter push, which aims to make everyone feel included, appreciated, and regarded for their involvement in societal progress. Atmanirbhar Bharat endorsed following concerns:

Inclusive Growth: Regardless of caste, creed, religion, or socioeconomic status, the government wants to make sure that development programs serve all facets of society.

Empowerment of Marginalized Communities: The idea places a strong emphasis on giving opportunities and support for socioeconomic advancement to marginalized groups, such as the economically underprivileged, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.

Infrastructure Development: To close the development gap and raise the standard of living for all inhabitants, concentrate on building infrastructure and providing essential amenities in both rural and urban areas. Encourage policies and initiatives that boost economic expansion and open up job possibilities, raising living standards and reducing poverty. Foster an inclusive and participatory approach to governance by including citizens in the process of making choices.

Education and Skill Development: Prioritize education and training initiatives to provide people the knowledge and abilities they need to succeed in a world that is changing quickly. 

The direct benefits of plans and policies take on magnified significance when they are converted into second-order benefits that provide more inferred advantages and advantages than was initially suggested or envisaged, as PM Modi himself has said in recent public appearances. As an example, consider the Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin. By the second of October 2019, all villages in the nation had to declare themselves ODF under SBM-Gramin. One example of a power policy that has a multiplier, continuous effect is the ODF aim, women's safety and hygiene, and the increasing enrolment of girls into educational institutions (and, consequently, in the next workforce and the country's economic success). Construction of Toilets: To end open defecation, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has concentrated on building bathrooms in both rural and urban regions. As a result, the nation now has thousands of privately owned household toilets in addition to community and public restrooms.

Status of Open Defecation Freedom (ODF): Under the program, a sizable number of towns and localities received the ODF designation (Open Defecation Free). When all homes in a town or city have access to toilets, it is said that open defecation is no longer practiced there. The designation of thousands of villages as Open Defecation Free communities has been one of the campaign's most important victories in rural areas. Because of their ODF status, these villages no longer practice open defecation and every home is connected to a toilet.

Swachh Survekshan: The yearly Swachh Survekshan survey was created by the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to gauge the cleanliness and hygienic conditions in Indian cities and towns. The poll was designed to spur competition among communities to raise their standards for cleanliness.

Waste Management: To lessen the load on landfills, efforts were undertaken to encourage effective garbage disposal techniques and recycling. There have been initiatives for composting, trash segregation, and promoting environmentally responsible behaviours. The careful handling of waste in rural regions has also been emphasized by the campaign.

Numerous Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) are being established to offer top-notch generic medications at competitive prices around the nation. Under the auspices of the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), close to 41 crore loans have been approved since the scheme's inception, which is another fundamental necessity that enables bigger goals.

National Digital Communications Policy of 2018 has been developed as substitute of the National Telecom Policy of 2012. Establishing a "customer-focused" and "application-driven" policy towards the Indian telecom industry, which can serve as the foundation for a "Digital India" by addressing new opportunities for expanding the availability of both telecom services and services based on them. A "customer focused" and "application driven" policy was judged to be necessary.

The key objectives of the policy are:

Universal broadband

•Increasing the impact of the digital communications sector with India's GDP from less than 6% in 2017 to 8% in 2018

•Pushing India up to the Top 50 Nations in the ITU's ICT Development Index from 134 in 2017.

•Boosting India's involvement in global value chains, and ensuring digital sovereignty are all objectives which will be encountered.

It propagates in three Missions:

• Connect India: Creating Robust Digital Communications Infrastructure. By 2022, every citizen to have access to universal internet connectivity at 50 Mbps according to the National internet Mission (Rashtriya Broadband Abhiyan).

• BharatNet: By 2020, to offer 10 Gbps access to all of India's Gram Panchayats. GramNet connects all significant institutions for rural   with a 10 Mbps connection that can be upgraded to 100 Mbps. NagarNet is creating 1 million free Wi-Fi hotspots throughout metropolitan areas.

• JanWiFi: Creating 2 million rural Wi-Fi hotspots. By 2022, all important development institutions, including all educational institutions, to have access to 100 Mbps broadband on demand.

• Secure India: Ensuring Sovereignty, Safety and Security of Digital Communications.

• Create an all-encompassing safeguarding information legislation regarding digital communications that protects people's privacy, autonomy, and choice and enables India to participate effectively in the international digital economy.

• Guarantee that the principles of net neutrality are preserved and in line with service needs, bandwidth availability, and network capabilities, including next-generation access technologies.

• Create and implement strong frameworks for protecting digital communication networks.

• Increase security testing capabilities and set appropriate security guidelines.

The National Policy on Electronics (NPE) 2019 aims to establish India as a worldwide hub for ESDM by supporting and advancing national capabilities for building essential components, including chipsets, and by fostering an environment that would allow the sector to compete internationally. Electronic Components and Semiconductors Manufacturing Promotion Scheme (SPECS)

With the target segment consisting of upstream value chain products such as electronic components, semiconductor/display fabrication units, ATMP units, specialized sub-assemblies, and capital goods for manufacture of aforesaid goods, SPECS has been informed to strengthen the value chain for electronics manufacturing in India. Scheme for setting up of Semiconductor Labs in India In order to attract significant investments for the establishment of semiconductor wafer manufacturing facilities in the nation, the scheme offers financial help to qualified applicants for the establishment of semiconductor factories. 

Digital Personal Data Protection 2022, it is crucial to appreciate and comprehend the applicability of the Digital Personal Data Security Bill, 2022, which creates an entirely novel structure for personal data security. The Indian government sees the recently published law as a component of its bigger plan for a digital economy, which would eventually include a comprehensive "Digital India Act" to replace the current Information Technology Act, 2000. 

Merger of Banks: The economics and profitability were significantly impacted by the intensifying competition among the major competitors in the same industry. Even while the Indian bank merger has positively impacted the country's economy as a whole, we must continue to wait and monitor how the banking sector develops after the merger. State Bank of India (SBI) amalgamated with its partner banks, State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur, State Bank of Hyderabad, State Bank of Mysore, State Bank of Patiala, and State Bank of Travancore in 2017, making it the largest public sector bank in India. These affiliate banks vanished after the merger, and SBI took over their activities.

2019 saw the merger of Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank with Bank of Baroda (BoB). In terms of assets, this merger produced India's third-largest public sector bank. Merger of Canara Bank and Syndicate Bank: The 2020 merger of Canara Bank and Syndicate Bank strengthened Canara Bank's status as one of the biggest government-owned banks in India. Merger of Indian Bank with Allahabad Bank: This expansion of Indian Bank's range in 2020.Merger of Corporation Bank and Andhra Bank with Union Bank of India. United Bank of India and Oriental Bank of Commerce will merge with Punjab National Bank.

On December 11, 2019, the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 was introduced in the Lok Sabha. The Bill creates a Data Protection Authority to ensure the protection of personal information about persons. A legal foundation for the protection and control of personal data in India was to be provided by the bill. The Bill outlines certain person (or data principal) rights. These rights include the ability to (i) ask the fiduciary to confirm whether or not their personal data was actually analyzed (ii) request modification of insufficient, inaccurate, or outdated personal data, (iii) request transfer of personal data to some other data fiduciary duty under certain conditions, and (iv) restrict a fiduciary's ability to continue disclosing their personal data if it is no longer required or their consent is withdrawn. 

National Health Policy 2017 is to achieve the highest possible level of good health and well-being, through a preventive and promotive health care orientation in all developmental policies, and to achieve universal access to good quality health care services without anyone having to face financial hardship as a consequence. The policy envisages strategic purchase of secondary and tertiary care services as a shortterm measure to supplement and fill critical gaps in the health system. Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission) Initiative in 2017, aims to improve the nutritional health of pregnant and nursing women while reducing childhood stunting and malnutrition. In order to address the problem of malnutrition in India, Poshan Abhiyan was established. It seeks to lower the prevalence of stunting, undernutrition, hemophilia, and low birth weight newborns. 

NATIONAL PROGRAMME CAPACITY BUILDING – MISSION KARAMYOGI 

Prime Minister Narender Modi Address about The Mission Karamyogi

The National of Programme Capacity Building (NPCB) in India is a program intended to improve people's capacities, knowledge, and skills in a variety of fields. The program focuses on actions that increase capacity in order to improve service delivery, strengthen governance, and support sustainable development. The National Program Capacity Building (NPCSCB) is Mission Karmayogi. It was launched by the Union Cabinet on September 2, 2020. The mission seeks to improve governance while laying the groundwork for the capacity building of Indian government officials. It was started by the Union Cabinet with the intention of creating a new national framework for enhancing the ability of the civil service at the person, institutional, and procedural levels. Under the Companies Act of 2013, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) (non-profit corporation) is established to carry out this aim. This SPV is going to be in charge of managing the online training platform i-GOT Karmayogi. By significantly improving the citizen-government interface, NPCB is focused on boosting ease of living and ease of conducting business. The civil servants have to cultivate both behavioural and functional competencies as a result.

Mission Karamyogi Emphasize on Rules Based to Role Based Approach

The need for training reforms is emphasized in the NITI AAYOG report on India@75. The COVID 19 pandemic experience also highlighted the significance of requiring the civil service to be flexible, able to collaborate with a variety of stakeholders, as well as scale up currently with new competencies. It also introduced the concept of capacity building to enable future generations of civil servants to learn from best practices around the globe while staying connected to their roots. Creating an ecosystem of competency-driven instruction and Human Resource (HR) planning by switching from a "rules-based" system to a "roles-based" system is a significant component of NPCB.

 The Six Pillars of Capacity Building are:

• Frameworks for Policies 

• Institutions Competencies

• Integrated Government Internet-Based Training Karmayogi Platform (iGOT-Karmayogi) 

• Digital Learning Framework

• Technology Human Resource Management Systems (eHRMS) and 

• The Framework for Monitoring and Evaluation.

Mission Karamyogi: Capacity Building Paradigm (In Two Parts)

Human Resource Management (HR)'s shift from a rules-based to a roles-based approach - The goal is to assign tasks to each of the civil servants in accordance with their qualifications. To supplement off-site learning, on-site training is provided for government employees. The regulatory structure will also make it possible to adopt innovative technological instruments for monitoring and evaluating the entire program, especially the quality of the learning materials, customer input analysis, and competency evaluation. These tools include a digital medium, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics.

Institutional Framework

'PMHRC’ or the Prime Minister's Public Human Resource Council: The Prime Minister of India will preside over the Council, which is designed to be the top body for guiding and giving strategic guidance to civil services improvements and capacity building. The Council will be made up of eminent public human resources thinkers, international thought leaders, and members of the Indian political establishment. It will also endorse the National Capacity Building Plan and determine possibilities for policy intervention. Civil Service Capacity Building Commission: The NPCSCB's core organization is the Civil Service Capacity Building Commission. It will oversee and evaluate the implementation of yearly capacity building programs as well as functionally manage the training institutes.

Karmayogi Bharat is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV): For the purpose of owning, managing, maintaining, and improving the digital assets, i.e., iGOT Karmayogi the electronic learning system, which comprises the IPR of all software, content, process, etc., on behalf of the government, a not-for-profit organization under the administrative control of DoPT has been created as a 100% government owned entity. The SPV will be in charge of developing and launching the material onto the marketplace and regularly monitoring usage. 

Mission Karamyogi: Concertrating on Building Competent Civil Servants

Competency Framework

• Digital Learning Framework

The Indian government created the digital learning framework known as the iGOT (Integrated Government Online Training) Karamyogi platform. It is made to offer government workers at all levels thorough training and possibilities for skill development. The following are the main characteristics and elements of the iGOT Karmayogi Structure:

Portal for online learning: A variety of classes and educational programs are available through the iGOT Karamyogi platform, which acts as an online educational portal. It offers a central hub where government workers may access interactive modules, learning tools, and training materials. The framework encourages a blended learning strategy that combines self-paced online modules with instructor-led instruction and virtual classrooms. This guarantees a well-rounded educational experience that takes into account various learning preferences and styles.

• Human Resource Management (eHRMS)

This pillar emphasizes supporting people in the workforce enhance their skills, knowledge, and capabilities. It seeks for ways to enhance their professionalism, productivity, and performance. Initiatives for human resource development under the NPCB include training courses, venues for information sharing, mentorship programs, and possibilities for career advancement. 

Automation of HR operations: The eHRMS program intends to automate a number of HR operations, including hiring, onboarding new employees, tracking attendance and leaves, conducting performance reviews, providing training and development opportunities, as well as handling payments. 

Centralized HR Network: This application makes it possible to build a centralized HR repository that houses detailed employee data, such as biographical information, credentials, job history, training logs, and achievement statistics.

Self-Service Portal: Self-service websites for managers, HR administrators, and employees are included in eHRMS. Employees can read their performance reviews, register for branches, modify their online identities, and access personal information.

KARAMYOGI Bharat

iGOT Karmayogi, a digital platform, will be owned, managed, improved, and used by Karmayogi Bharat on behalf of the government to carry out Mission: National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB). 

• To change the way the Indian civil services improve their capacity by creating a strong digital environment that allows for continuous learning anywhere, at any time, so that the officials are prepared for the future.

• Create and maintain a thorough online platform to aid government employment administrators in their competency-driven capacity building journey. This platform should support on the internet, in person, and blended learning, discussion through topical forums, career path management, and dependable evaluations that credibly signal officials' competencies.

• Create, deploy, improve, and oversee the digital infrastructure

• Create, purchase, source internally, curate, and guarantee that every piece of material on iGOT-Karmayogi is validated.

• Control and provide services for proctored assessments

• Manage dashboards for all levels of viewing and the regulation of telemetry data. 

Recruitment Reforms

In India, the term recruitment reforms refer to the many programs and adjustments put in place to enhance the nation’s hiring practices. These changes are intended to enhance justice, effectiveness, openness, and equal opportunity in the hiring process for positions in the public sector and other industries. The goal of current employment reforms in India is to increase the bureaucracy’s effectiveness, openness, and accountability. The Indian government has employed a number of strategies in order to restore about these reforms over the years. Among the major projects are:

Civil Service Reforms: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and other competitive exams have been used to find and select qualified applicants. Merit-based hiring has been prioritized, and political intervention in the hiring process has been minimized.

Productivity-based Appraisal: Systems that assess the performance of civil officials have been introduced. Having the use of these systems, good performance will be acknowledged problem areas will be found, and suitable chances for training and growth will be offered.

E-Governance: To improve service delivery while lowering administrative processes, the Indian government has advocated the use of technology. Online services, automated administrative procedures, and a reduction in paperwork are all goals of programs like the National e-Government Plan (NeGP) and Digital India.

The government constantly organizes the Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) to research and make recommendations for administrative reforms. The reform strategy in the government sector has been significantly shaped by the ARC’s proposals. 

National Recruitment Agency

In order to set up a common preliminary test for diverse employment in the central government, the Union Cabinet, which is presided over by the Prime Minister, has decided to establish the National Recruitment Agency. For the purpose of hiring employees for non-gazetted positions within government and banks in the public sector, the NRA will administer the Common Eligibility Test (CET). Every year, 1.25 lakh government positions are advertised, attracting 2.5 crore applicants to various tests. A organization incorporated within the Societies Registration Act of 1860 will be the National Recruitment Agency. A Chairman with the rank of Secretary to the Government of India shall serve as its leader. 

Requirement of Agency 

This test intends to replace many exams administered by various recruitment agencies with solely one online exam for eligibility to government jobs announced each year. The government also intends to offer outreach and education services to help candidates in remote and rural locations become accustomed to the online testing process. A 24-hour helpline will be established to address complaints, questions, and other issues.

Tenure Based Hiring

Lateral Entry 

Lateral Entry is the process of bringing in new members through an inventory of individuals who are not currently a part of the system. In the context of administration, lateral entry pertains to the appointment of subject matter experts directly into intermediate or upper levels of bureaucratic hierarchy as opposed to just through promotion. Many people view the concept of lateral entrance into the civil service as the solution to the stagnation that has set in as a result of which it is still not responding to the needs of the times. In 1965, the 1st ARC discussed the necessity for specialization. A systematic, transparent process for lateral access at both the state and federal levels was also supported by the second ARC. The Central Government has jumped into the idea of appointing specialists to medium and high level positions within the Indian Administrative structure under this situation. Nine professionals were chosen to serve as joint secretaries in the Government of India after the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) was asked to draft a proposal on lateral entrance into the Civil Services.

According to Shri Surendra Nath Tripathi, Director-General of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), who instructs lateral entrants before they join respective ministries, "The government seems to be delighted with them. Hiring industry experts and placing them in pertinent ministries was one of the main goals. That goal has been accomplished, he declared. When seven were questioned about when they were admitted as lateral entrants, they were given 2 years of additional time, which was originally assigned as 3 years. 

Lateral Entry Breaking Bureaucratic Establishment

Professionals hired outsiders the conventional civil service through lateral entry into the government have the potential to significantly alter and transform the bureaucratic structure. It is crucial to remember that the commencement of lateral entry depends on a number of variables, including the selection procedure, the degree to which lateral entrants are successfully integrated into current structures, and the presence of an atmosphere of encouragement that fosters working together and exchanging information among lateral applicants and career civil servants. A balance between outside expertise and the institutional understanding and experience of the current bureaucracy should be ensured by appropriate means.

Infusion of Specialized Skills and Expertise: The government can access the specific talents, information, and experience of experts from a variety of sectors through lateral entry. These people provide new viewpoints, creative solutions, and industry-specific knowledge that can be used to tackle complicated problems and put in place sensible regulations.

Altering Organizational Culture: Lateral entrance can also help the bureaucracy change its organizational culture. Professionals from all backgrounds can foster a change from a typical bureaucratic culture to one that is more dynamic and agile by encouraging an improved accessible, cooperative, and result-oriented work environment.

Decision-Making Moves More Quickly: Lateral entrants frequently approach problem-solving and decision-making from a different perspective, which can result in quicker and more effective procedures. They are more able to adjust to change since they are used to functioning in dynamic circumstances.

Enhanced Efficiency and Performance: Professionals with expertise working in the private sector, where effectiveness and performance are essential for success, are frequently hired from outside the bureaucracy. Their presence can bring about performance-oriented procedures, goal-driven methods, and accountability systems that can enhance the overall effectiveness of the political system.

Closing the Awareness Gap: Lateral entrants contribute specialized knowledge and skills in areas where the bureaucracy may be deficient. This can close the information gap and guarantee that the government is knowledgeable about new trends, cutting-edge technology, and industry best practices. 

Agnipath Scheme

Scheme 2022 of Agnipath: The Union Cabinet made a momentous choice by approving an alluring recruitment program for young Indians to join three different branches of the armed forces. The program is open to both male and female candidates between the ages of 17.5 and 21.  AGNIPATH is the term given to the program authorized by the Government of India on June 14, 2022, for the recruitment of soldiers within each of the three services of the Indian military under the rank of commissioned officers. The program went into effect in September 2022. The national government has introduced a recruitment program called the Agnipath Scheme. Selected applicants would be enlisted as Agniveers for the Indian Armed Forces for a four-year period. 

The young people chosen for the Agneepath program will join the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force as Agniveers. A chance of possibility for young people to serve their country for four years has opened up with the launch of the Agnipath Scheme. After completing the four-year program, Agniveers will return to community as a focused, vibrant, motivated, and talented workforce for engagement in various industries so they can further their careers in the jobs of their choice.

GeM Portal – Procurement Reimagined

GeM stands for Government e-Market Place, which is operated by the Directorate General of Supplies and Disposal (DGS&D). GeM is a powerful, self-sufficient, user-friendly site that makes it simple for government officials to make purchases. The Public Sector Units (PSUs) and central and state government departments can access the Government e Marketplace, an innovation in public procurement. The GeM Portal makes the procurement process transparent, effective, and thorough. It serves as a single and unified platform for public procurement for both vendors of goods and services and government purchasing groups.  Improved openness, reduced expenses, quicker efficiency, a bigger market for sellers, and decreased corruption are just a few benefits of GeM. It streamlines the purchasing procedure and encourages honest competition amongst vendors.

NITI Aayog as Consultant and Research Reform

The National Institution for Transforming India Aayog, also known as NITI Aayog, is a government organization and policy think tank in India. It became the primary establishing policies institution of the Indian government on January 1, 2015, after the government abolished the 65-year-old Planning Commission on August 13, 2014. India's development agenda is significantly shaped by NITI Aayog, which also supports sustainable and equitable development nationwide. It focuses on important topics such eradicating poverty, learning, medical care, farming, amenities and technology. NITI Aayog's main goal is to promote cooperative federalism in India by incorporating the states in the formulation of fiscal policies. It serves as a forum for the federal and state governments to interact, work together, and produce national development plans and goals. 

It was guided by the following principles with the goal to execute and carry out the NITI Aayog-specified functions:  

1) Antyodaya: Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya's concept of 'Antyodaya' calls for giving the poor, oppressed, and underprivileged priority service and uplift.

2) Inclusion: Strengthen marginalized and at-risk groups while addressing identity-based inequalities of all kinds, including those based on gender, region, religion, caste, or class.

3) Population's engagement: By fostering awakening and citizen engagement, the development process may be transformed into a process that is driven by the people, which is a key component of sound government.

4) Governance: Transparency, openness, accountability, proactivity, and support for purposeful governance, shifting emphasis from expenditure to consequence.

NITI Aayog introduced Seven Pillars for effective governance:

1. A pro-people program that satisfies both societal and personal objectives.

2. Proactive in identifying and addressing the needs of citizens.

3. Ensure participation through citizen involvement.

4. Put an emphasis on empowering women in all spheres.

5. Participation of every demographic with a focus on minorities, SCs, STs, and OBCs.

6. Youth opportunities are equal.

7. Using technology to increase government transparency and responsiveness.

One Nation, One Election

In relation to India's election system, the idea of "One Nation, One Election" has been put out and considered. It alludes to the notion of conducting simultaneous elections for all of India's state legislative assemblies as well as the Lok Sabha, the country's lower house of parliament. Since the Lok Sabha and state elections are currently held independently and at different times, elections are currently held often at various tiers of government throughout the year. The "One Nation, One Election" idea's supporters assert that it might bring about a number of advantages, such as:

Decreased Election Expenditure: It costs money to hold many elections at various periods for the government and political parties. Elections that take place simultaneously may lower the overall cost of holding elections.

Improved Governance: Because governments frequently give campaigning precedence over governance, frequent elections can stymie the policy-making process. Simultaneous elections might make it easier for elected officials to concentrate on their jobs because they wouldn't constantly be under election pressure.

Increased Voter Turnout: Some contend that holding elections simultaneously could result in a higher voter turnout since voters may be more likely to participate if they just have to cast their ballots once every few years as opposed to several times.

Stable Governments: Simultaneous elections may lead to more stable administrations because lack of trust motions would have to be properly evaluated and administrations would have a definite term.

Administrative Effectiveness: Holding elections at several levels might put a strain on the Election Commission's and local administrative bodies' financial resources. Elections held concurrently might increase administrative effectiveness.  

Life Expectancy from 1947 to 2023

In 1950, India's life expectancy was 35.21 years, and by 2100, it will be 81.96 years. It is important to remember that India's life expectancy in 2022 is 70.19 in order to comprehend this. According to projections, India will have improved by 57percent in 150 years. Life expectancy has increased along with improvements in living circumstances and hygiene. People now reside in areas that are cleaner than they were in the past because to improved sewage systems. Humans are now exposed to fewer microbes, which lowers the chance of illness and even death. Numerous improvements in healthcare and medicine have increased life expectancy. One of the most important is the development of vaccines. Before immunizations were discovered, millions of people perished annually from diseases like polio and smallpox. Vaccinations have abolished some diseases in various parts of the world, drastically reducing mortality rates. Higher life expectancy numbers have been attributed to improved diets, better medical treatment, and healthier lifestyles over time. Clean water, antibiotics, immunizations, and more plentiful and nutrient-dense food are all accessible to people. Additionally, more people are aware of the advantages of healthy lifestyle choices and exercise.