There is growing realizations in the Indian context that despite cumulative increase in wealth and resources including trained and skilled manpower the country is not able to perform as per expectation. There is also growing unanimity among all sections in India as well as in other developing economies that poor public policy would not result in the optimum output and inclusive development. India is a critical case where despite very high growth rates, poverty, unemployment, exclusion (social and economic) is not diminishing appreciably.
Given this there is growing need to develop trained manpower professionally to deal with the issues of the public policy – social, economic, political and cultural – to get the best out of the given resources and technology. Thus, a good public policy is like an input in the production process known as the soft skill as well.
Given this, the Shankar Dayal Sharma Institute of Democracy has launched the following two courses from the session 2014-15.
| Features | BA (Honours) in Public Policy | MA in Public Policy and Governance | PG Diploma in RTI and Democracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of seats | 60 (Thirty) | 30 (Thirty) | 30 (Thirty) |
| Course duration | 6 semesters (3 years) | 4 semesters (2 years) | 2 semesters (1 year) |
| Nature of course | Innovative Course | Professional Course | Profession Course |
| Fee of the course | Rs 9,500/- per semester | Rs 35000/- per semester | Rs. 18000/- per semester |
| Qualification for admissions | Any student who has qualified the 10+2 examination | Any Graduate from Recognized University. (Minimum marks: General/OBC 50%, SC/ST 45%) |
Graduation from Recognized University. (Minimum marks: General/OBC 45%, SC/ST 40%) |
| Admission Process | Through merit and Interview | Through merit and Interview | Through Merit and Interview |
| Utility of the Course | This level of training will prepare the manpower at mid-level to provide the support in the policy analysis and understanding. Such skilled manpower would be a strong link between top policy makers and policy dissemination besides supporting the top policy makers. Such people may get jobs in the government sector, NGOs, research organizations and elsewhere. | At this level even mid career professional would be invited to join the course to train and upgrade their skills. This level of training would help the people in understanding and formulating a suitable policy analysis. They may get employment in government agencies, NGOs, research organizations, work as consultants besides exploring further avenues. | This line basically sums up the basis for right to know and highlights the rationale for introducing this course. We live in democracy which requires an informed citizenry and transparency of information. Right to information Act, 2005 was enacted with the objective of promoting transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority. This transparency is brought by allowing the citizens to access the information which is under the control of public authorities subject to certain restrictions. Such access to information is also necessary to check corruption and hold governments and their instrumentalities accountable. The right to know as guaranteed under the Act can be exercised only when a person is aware about the functioning of the Act. This diploma course on Right to Information and Democracy will not only create awareness but will also cater the inquisitive minds who desire to know and participate in the matters concerning the country or own self. |