India’s governance and policy framework plays a crucial role in managing its vast population, socio-economic diversity, and democratic institutions. Despite significant policy reforms and institutional developments since independence, India continues to face multiple governance and policy challenges that affect inclusive growth and sustainable development. Key challenges include bureaucratic inefficiencies, policy implementation gaps, corruption, overlapping institutional responsibilities, regional disparities, and limited accountability mechanisms. Additionally, frequent policy changes, inadequate coordination between the central, state, and local governments, and insufficient stakeholder participation often hinder effective policy outcomes. Socio-economic inequalities, rapid urbanization, digital transformation, and political pressures further complicate governance processes. This study seeks to examine the major governance and policy challenges in India, analyse their structural and institutional causes, and assess their impact on economic development, social welfare, and public service delivery. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature and policy frameworks, the research aims to identify critical gaps in governance mechanisms and propose strategic recommendations for strengthening transparency, administrative efficiency, and policy coherence. The study contributes to the ongoing discourse on governance reforms in India by providing insights that can support evidence-based policymaking and improved governance practices.
Mrs. Sayali Patil (Fri,) studied this question.