With political parties dominating policies, there has been greater emphasis on winning elections. This concern has become the priority for ...
With political parties dominating policies, there has been greater emphasis on winning elections. This concern has become the priority for research. This obviously meant conducting studies that cater to the populist appeal which included election studies and poll surveys meant to influence voters while change measurement and long-term implications became secondary (2010-20). But this has not yet sensitised the political leaders nor the concerned agencies in the government.
Good governance and populism
The government’s recent campaigns such as Swachh Bharat or Smart Cities has brought about a new kind of research. “Endorsement research” or supportive research or justifying studies has garnered more preference recently. Whether research is independent is no longer the preferred criteria. Even the credibility of independent institutions, which have been the primary sources for the country’s statistics, have come under questioning. There has been more reliance on audit- based methodology than evaluative research (2015-20).
Despite “national policy” becoming the latest craze among leaders in power, primary or independent research remains ignored. Instead, there is more reliance on the “consultation route”. Although the consultation process is overall effective for policies, it is necessary to question whether this process should be used to get “endorsement”.
Today, every ministry claims to be developing a “national...
