10. In the Indian governance system, the role of non-state actors has been only marginal. Critically examine this statement. (CSE Mains 2016)GS-II 2016

10. In the Indian governance system, the role of non-state actors has been only marginal. Critically examine this statement. (CSE Mains 2016)GS-II 2016

Non state actors primarily refers to civil society organisations such as Non governmental organisations (NGOs), self help groups(SHGs) as well as multinational corporations (MNCs),  International bodies( UN, UNESCO, WTO,etc) multilateral organisations(BRICS, G8, G20, OPEC, etc).

Post independence India adopted as closed economic model. Colonial domination had made India septic about Global trade. Indian policies were designed to ward off external influence.  Indian economy was planned and state driven. Five year plans were adopted for Rapid economic growth.

Civil society organisations were weak and underdeveloped. They rarely played any role governance. Some have used the term ‘licence raj’ to refer to the systems of quotas, licenses and inspections which inhibited Indian economy from going at its true potential.

Post 1991 Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation (LPG) there has been an increase in non state actors. LPG has opened up the Indian economy. The government too has made provisions to use the non state actors to multiply the effects of government policies.

• Common Service Centre acts as  the hub of eSeva for villages
• Private firms are being hired to maintain the services and data network of governments. Example GSTN network, Passport Kendra Seva project by Tata Consultancy Services,etc
• Infrastructure projects have been given a fresh importers with the incorporation of PPP models (Public private partnership).
• Most airports are being maintained with the partnership of private firms.

This enhanced Cooperation has brought in expertise and efficiency in governance.

Civil society organisations have also acted as Watchdogs (of human rights, democracy)  as well as been active in environmental protection (Greenpeace, Narmada bachao andolan,etc). These bodies have acted as pressure groups and brought about progressive changes in governance initiatives

• Activism and Litigation by organisations such as Association For Democratic Reforms, PRS, have ushered in electoral reforms.
• Pratham Foundation has brought out Annual Status of Education Report which captures the quality and coverage of education in India.
• Activism by India Against Corruption led to the enactment of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas act 2013.

On some occasions this has caused friction between the government and these activistic organisations.

The role of non state actors has increased post 1991. Despite opening up of the Indian economy India is one of the most regulated and controlled economy. Non state actors still performed only a limited role . The extensive state apparatus which India incorporated from the colonial administration with steel frame bureaucratic governance has dominated the Indian developmental scenario. Also the welfare state model adopted by India has given primacy to government in most spheres.