4.1 How is a Major Policy Decision Taken ?

Description

Quick Overview

This section explores the process behind making significant policy decisions in a democracy, particularly focusing on the Government of India and its institutions.

Standard

The section outlines how a major policy decision, like the reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes, is taken in India. It highlights the roles of different institutions—legislature, executive, and judiciary—in this process, discussing the collaborative nature of governance and potential conflicts that arise.

Detailed

In a democracy, major policy decisions are not made in isolation but involve various government institutions. This section uses the example of an Office Memorandum issued by the Government of India on August 13, 1990, which announced a 27% reservation in civil posts for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC). The decision traced back to the recommendations of the Mandal Commission, established in 1979. The process involved the Prime Minister, the Cabinet, Parliament, and ultimately the judiciary, especially when disputes arose regarding the decision. The Supreme Court upheld the reservation in a landmark ruling, modifying the original order. This sequence illustrates the interconnected roles of legislature, executive, and judiciary, emphasizing that democratic governance relies on institutions that ensure systematic decision-making, representation, and dispute resolution.

Key Concepts

  • Major Policy Decision: A significant decision that impacts public policy and governance.

  • Mandal Commission: Commission formed to identify backward classes for reservation.

  • Legislature, Executive, Judiciary: Key institutions in a democracy working together in governance.

Memory Aids

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • In a democracy, we must see, / Decisions flow from you and me, / Legislature, executive, a guiding trio, / Ensure our rights, like a steady rio.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Once in a town, decision-makers met in a hall. The Prime Minister shared big thoughts; they specified rules just like the ancient eagles that governed the skies by knowing all currents.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • L.E.J: Remember 'Legislature, Executive, Judiciary' as a team that helps us agree!

🎯 Super Acronyms

R.E.J

  • Reservation
  • Executive
  • Judiciary— key parts of democracy!

Examples

  • The implementation of the Mandal Commission's recommendations for job reservations.

  • Supreme Court's ruling upholding the reservation policy while advising modifications.

Glossary of Terms

  • Term: Mandal Commission

    Definition:

    A commission set up in India in 1979 to identify socially and educationally backward classes.

  • Term: Office Memorandum

    Definition:

    A formal communication issued by the government outlining policy decisions.

  • Term: Reservation

    Definition:

    Policies that allocate certain percentages of jobs or educational opportunities to underrepresented groups.

  • Term: Judiciary

    Definition:

    A branch of government responsible for adjudicating disputes and interpreting laws.

  • Term: Legislature

    Definition:

    The institution responsible for making laws in a democracy.

  • Term: Executive

    Definition:

    The branch of government responsible for implementing laws and policies.