Chapter 13 Solutions — Governance and Public Policy

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1. 1.
   "Good governance is the responsibility of the government alone." Do you agree with this statement? Give reasons to support your answer.
2. 2.
   Do you think students can contribute to good governance? Write a short note describing any five ways in which students can become more responsible and active citizens.
3. 3.
   Choose any one public policy [for example, Right to Education (RTE), Swachh Bharat Mission, PM POSHAN, Ayushman Bharat, Digital India, or Jal Jeevan Mission] and prepare a chart showing: the problem it addresses; the major stakeholders involved; how different actors coordinate; the role of citizens in its success. Present your findings to the class.
4. 4.
   Answer the following in one or two sentences.

   • (a) What is governance?
   • (b) How is governance different from government?
   • (c) What is meant by public policy?
   • (d) Name any four principles of good governance.
5. 5.
   Compare the following and present your answer in a tabular form.

   • (a) Government and governance.
   • (b) Policy and public policy.
6. 6.
   Imagine you have been appointed to advise the district administration on improving governance. You have proposed six points (given below), but the administration decides to prioritise only three areas for improvement. Which three would you recommend as priority areas, and which one out of the three do you feel is the most important?

   • (a) Improve drinking water facilities in schools.
   • (b) Improve…
7. 7.
   Match the policy action point to its corresponding stage in the policy cycle. (1) Assessing the impact of the policy — (2) Putting the policy into action — (3) Framing the legislation — (4) Multi-dimensional consultation with stakeholders — (5) Addressing a new need of the people —
8. 8.
   Read the following case and answer the given questions. The government launches a programme to plant one lakh trees in a city. Funds are allocated, but only a few saplings survive because they are not watered or protected.

   • (a) Which stage of the policy cycle appears to be weak?
   • (b) Which organisations should coordinate to improve the programme?
   • (c) Suggest two measures that could improve the…
9. 9.
   Read each statement carefully. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer.

   • (a) A good public policy can fail if it is not implemented properly.
   • (b) Citizen participation sometimes makes decision-making slower, but it can improve governance.
   • (c) Technology alone cannot ensure good governance.
10. 10.
    Design a public policy. You are a member of your school's student representative body. Identify one issue, for example, plastic waste, water wastage, road safety, energy conservation, or littering in public places. Prepare a simple policy proposal that includes: the reason for selecting the issue; your proposed solution; who should implement it; how will students participate; how will you know…