Lecture: Understanding Public Policy-Making
What is Public Policy-Making?
Public policy-making refers to the structured process through which governments
identify issues of public concern, develop appropriate strategies to address them,
and ensure effective implementation for the benefit of society. It is a systematic
and goal-oriented activity carried out by state institutions to achieve desired
outcomes in sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, security, and
economic development. Policy-making reflects the values, priorities, and capacities
of a government and is shaped by a dynamic interplay of political, economic, and
social forces. It is not merely about laws or decisions; it is about setting directions,
resolving conflicts, allocating resources, and improving the well-being of citizens.
The Policy-Making Cycle: Stages, Features, and Examples
The public policy process typically unfolds in five major stages, each essential for
the policy's success and legitimacy.
1. Agenda Setting
Features:
Identifies issues that need government attention.
Driven by public opinion, media, interest groups, and political priorities.
Filters out less urgent issues due to time, resources, or political will.
Example:
The growing public concern over climate change led governments worldwide to
place environmental protection on their policy agendas, resulting in global
agreements like the Paris Climate Accord.
2. Policy Formulation
Features:
Involves technical experts, politicians, civil servants, and stakeholders.
Designs feasible policy alternatives and assesses potential impacts.
Often backed by research, consultations, and cost-benefit analysis.
Example:
Pakistan's National Education Policy (NEP) was formulated after consulting
provincial governments, international donors, and education experts to standardize
and improve education quality across the country.
3. Policy Adoption/Legislation
Features:
The decision-making stage where selected policy proposals are officially
adopted.
Involves legislative bodies, cabinet approvals, or executive orders.
Translates ideas into formal law, rules, or regulations.
Example:
The Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program in Pakistan was adopted through executive
authority during COVID-19 to provide immediate financial relief to vulnerable
families.
4. Policy Implementation
Features:
Converts policy into actionable programs, projects, and services.
Involves public bureaucracies, field offices, and local administrations.
Requires coordination, funding, and communication.
Example:
The implementation of the Sehat Sahulat Card across Pakistani provinces relied on
NADRA’s data, health departments, and contracted hospitals for delivering free
healthcare.
5. Policy Evaluation
Features:
Measures the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of the policy.
Uses data collection, surveys, and audits to assess success or failure.
Provides feedback for policy continuation, revision, or termination.
Example:
The failure of the Yellow Cab Scheme in Punjab was evaluated through
performance audits, revealing issues such as loan defaulting and poor targeting.
Benefits of a Structured Policy-Making Process
Evidence-Based Decision-Making: Ensures that policy is grounded in
research and data, not guesswork or ideology.
Transparency and Accountability: Each stage is subject to scrutiny,
making government actions more open and responsible.
Efficiency and Resource Optimization: Well-designed policies avoid
waste and maximize the use of limited public resources.
Public Participation: Engages stakeholders, experts, and citizens,
increasing legitimacy and trust in government.
Adaptability and Learning: Policy evaluation fosters continuous
improvement by learning from past experiences.
Role of Institutions and Actors in Policy-Making
Public policy-making involves a wide array of formal and informal actors and
institutions:
Institutions:
Executive Branch: Ministers, Prime Minister, President – initiate and
approve policies.
Legislature (Parliament/Provincial Assemblies): Debate and pass laws.
Bureaucracy: Provides technical input, drafts policy, and ensures
implementation.
Judiciary: Ensures legality and constitutional compliance of policies.
Local Governments: Implement and adapt national policies at the
grassroots level.
Policy Making Actors:
Political Leaders and Parties: Set political agendas and public priorities.
Interest Groups & NGOs: Advocate for specific issues or communities
(e.g., women’s rights, environment).
Media: Shapes public perception and holds the government accountable.
International Donors and Agencies: Influence policy through funding and
technical advice.
Citizens: Engage through petitions, protests, consultations, and voting.
Tools of Public Policy (Policy Instruments)
Governments use different instruments to influence behavior and solve public
problems:
1. Regulation
Involves legal rules and enforcement.
Example: Banning plastic bags to reduce environmental pollution.
2. Subsidies and Incentives
Financial support to promote desirable behavior.
Example: Providing subsidies to farmers for solar-powered irrigation
systems.
3. Taxation
Discourages harmful activities or raises revenue for public goods.
Example: Higher taxes on tobacco to reduce smoking and fund health
services.
4. Public Services
Direct provision of goods and services by the state.
Example: Free primary education through government schools.
5. Information Campaigns
Uses education and communication to influence public behavior.
Example: Polio awareness campaigns run by the Ministry of Health in
collaboration with UNICEF.
Case Studies of Public Policy Successes and Failures
Successful Policy Example: Ehsaas Program (Pakistan)
Goal: Poverty alleviation through cash transfers, education stipends, and
health coverage.
Why Successful?
Integrated databases (NADRA), transparency mechanisms, and
stakeholder engagement.
Use of digital technology to prevent corruption and target
beneficiaries.
Failed Policy Example: Sasti Roti Scheme (Punjab)
Goal: Provide subsidized bread to poor households.
Why Failed?
Poor monitoring, misuse of funds, and political interference.
Lack of sustainability and planning caused the scheme to collapse
after a short time.
Conclusion
Public policy-making is a dynamic and complex process essential to democratic
governance and national development. Understanding the policy cycle helps in
designing better policies, avoiding past mistakes, and ensuring efficient delivery of
public goods and services. From agenda-setting to evaluation, each stage involves
diverse actors, institutions, and tools. Case studies of success and failure show that
the quality of policy-making directly impacts public trust, social equity, and
national progress. For students, administrators, and policymakers, mastering the
process of policy-making is not just academic it is a pathway to real change in
society.
