NCERT Solutions Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy

F R E E S T U D Y M AT E R I A L F O R E V E R Y S T U D E N T

CLASS 9 · SOCIAL SCIENCE

NCERT Solutions

Chapter 13:
Governance and
Public Policy

NCERT Textbook — Understanding Society: India
and Beyond

BOOK PAGES SECTIONS QUESTIONS MEDIUM

Part II, 81 – 106 16 41 English

Every question Step by step Exam ready
Activities, in-text questions The working shown, not Written to match how
and all exercises. just the final answer. marks are awarded.

Solutions, notes, sample papers & more at 48 pages

Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

CLASS 9 · SOCIAL SCIENCE · UNDERSTANDING SOCIETY: INDIA AND BEYOND

NCERT Solutions — Chapter 13: Governance and Public
Policy
This chapter (Part II, Chapter 4 of the book) explains governance, the way decisions are made, carried out
and checked for people’s welfare, and how it differs from government. It traces Indian ideas of good
governance from Rājadharma to the Constitution, introduces e-governance, and shows how public policy
moves through a cycle from identifying a problem to evaluation. You will learn who takes part in this cycle
and how citizens, including students, can strengthen good governance.

TEXTBOOK BOOK PAGES
Understanding Society: India and Beyond (Class 9) Part II, 81 – 106

SECTIONS QUESTIONS
16 41

MEDIUM
English

The Big Questions — Page 81
Chapter opener
THE BIG QUESTIONS

Q1 What is governance, and how have its meaning and practice evolved over time?

Governance is the process by which decisions are made, implemented and monitored for the
welfare of the people. It is the way a country, state, city, village, school or organisation is
managed, and it involves the government as well as citizens, the media, civil society and
private organisations.
In India its meaning and practice have evolved in three broad stages:
Ancient India: governance was a sacred duty. The Ṛigveda mentions the Sabhā and Samiti;
Rājadharma required the king to uphold Dharma and protect the people; the Arthaśhāstra
says the ruler’s happiness lies in the people’s happiness.
Colonial rule: European rulers imposed their own models, and many colonial institutions
continued even after independence.
After 1947: the Constitution was framed in the spirit of India’s own values. Today
governance rests on transparency, accountability, participation and the rule of law, and uses
technology (e-governance).

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

Why: The chapter calls government the institutional aspect and governance
the functional aspect (page 84). Institutions change slowly, so governance
practice changes too: new values, new mottos, new tools.

Signs of the change (pages 84–85): the colonial ‘Order of the Star of India’ had the motto
‘Heaven’s Light, Our Guide’; independent India adopted ‘Satyamev Jayate’ (Truth alone
triumphs) from the Muṇḍaka Upaniṣhad. The Supreme Court’s motto is ‘Yato Dharmastato
Jayaḥ’ (Where there is Dharma, there is victory), from the Mahābhārata. The Sengol, a
Chola-era marker of righteous rule, was placed in the new Parliament building in 2023.
Rām Rājya: Mahatma Gandhi used it to describe ideal governance based on probity,
transparency, compassion, welfare and a people-centric approach.

Tip: In an exam, give the definition first, then one example from each period.
That shows ‘evolution’ clearly.

Q2 What is public policy? How does it affect our day-to-day lives, and what makes it
‘public’?

Public policy is a course of action adopted by the government to solve public problems, meet
people’s needs and promote the welfare of society. It decides what should be done, why, by
whom, how, and how success will be measured.
Daily life: the roads we use, traffic signals, clean drinking water, electricity in classrooms,
public parks and garbage collection are all made possible by public policies. They make our
lives safer, healthier and more convenient.
What makes it ‘public’ (Fig. 4.4): it exists for everyone, is formulated by the government, uses
public resources (taxes), lets citizens participate and promotes public welfare. A school’s
mobile-phone rule is a policy, but not a public policy, because it covers only one organisation.

Why: A policy becomes public when it is made for the public benefit,
implemented by public institutions and often paid for with public money
collected through taxes (page 91).

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

The chapter uses a school ‘Plastic-Free Campus Policy’ to show what any policy is: a
planned course of action to solve a problem and reach a lasting goal. Governments do the
same thing on a much larger scale, for whole societies.

Check it yourself: Ask two questions about any rule: Who made it? and Whom
does it cover? If the answer is ‘the government’ and ‘society at large’, it is a
public policy.

Q3 What are the various stages of policy-making and policy implementation?

Public policy is made through a continuous cycle, not a single decision. Fig. 4.5 shows seven
stages:
1. Policy desirability: identify the needs and problems to be addressed.
2. Prioritising policy: decide which issues need attention first.
3. Policy formulation: consult stakeholders, draft the policy and check financial feasibility.
4. Policy adoption: frame the legislation (laws) and regulations (rules and guidelines).
5. Policy implementation: put it into action through officials, local bodies, civil society, private
organisations and citizens.
6. Policy monitoring: measure progress, ensure accountability and find shortcomings.
7. Policy evaluation: assess results and impact, and generate feedback.

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

A real example: NEP 2020 went through these stages: a need was felt (the old policy
dated from 1986), an expert committee drafted it, the draft was opened for public
feedback, and the Union Cabinet approved it in July 2020.

Q4 Who are the major contributors to policy-making and implementation?

Policy-making is not the work of the government alone. Table 4.1 names six groups of
contributors:

CONTRIBUTOR ROLE EXAMPLE FROM THE
BOOK

Citizens Identify problems, vote, give Residents ask for a zebra
suggestions and feedback crossing near a school

Elected representatives (MPs, Raise public issues, make laws, An MLA raises drinking-water
MLAs, local representatives) approve budgets shortage in the Assembly

Government officials, departments, Prepare and implement policies, A district collector coordinates
ministries deliver services, monitor progress a scheme

Civil society, NGOs, experts, Study problems, suggest An NGO runs a water-
researchers, media solutions, create awareness, give conservation campaign
feedback

Private sector Technical know-how, innovation, A company installs solar panels
resources in government schools (PPP)

International organisations Experience, technical and WHO helps control infectious
financial support diseases

Why: Public problems have many sides. Each group brings something the
others lack: citizens know the problem first-hand, officials have authority and
staff, experts have knowledge, companies have resources and technology.

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

Tip: PPP stands for public-private partnership: the government and a private
company work together on a public project.

Q5 What role do citizens play in shaping public policy and strengthening good
governance?

Citizens are at the centre of democratic governance. They:
vote to choose representatives and hold them accountable;
identify problems and raise them with officials and representatives, as the patients did in
the hospital case study;
take part in consultations: about 2 lakh suggestions were received while NEP 2020 was
being drafted;
follow laws and use public resources responsibly;
give feedback after a policy is implemented, which governments use to improve it;
volunteer in their community, for example helping vulnerable neighbours during floods.
In this way citizens help make governance responsive, transparent and accountable.

Why: Page 103 says that by voting, following laws, raising concerns,
participating in public affairs and giving feedback on government services,
people ‘can help improve the way public institutions function’.

Did you know? Citizens can lodge complaints about central government
departments online through CPGRAMS, one of the e-governance tools named
on page 89. Using such channels is also participation.

LET'S EXPLORE — Pages 81–82

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

Governance: a town faces heavy rainfall
LET'S EXPLORE

Q1 Imagine that your town experiences several days of unusually heavy rainfall. Roads
become flooded, schools remain closed, electricity is disrupted in some areas, public
health concerns rise, and many people find it difficult to reach schools, workplaces, or
even hospitals. During such situations, organisations and individuals come together to
help all in need. The municipal corporation clears drains and removes garbage. The
Public Works Department repairs damaged roads. The police manage traffic. School
authorities inform parents that schools will remain closed. Health workers prevent the
spread of diseases. Local representatives raise people’s concerns, while residents
volunteer to help vulnerable neighbours and report on flooded areas. The situation
improves with collective efforts of all.

Fig. 4.1 shows a flooded town street. Municipal workers in safety jackets clear a
blocked drain with spades, an earth-mover removes debris, and volunteers at a
relief table hand out water bottles, food packets and first-aid supplies to residents,
including elderly people and children.
Fig. 4.1, page 82 — Collective response to resolve the crisis (photo described)

Form groups and discuss: Who are the different people and organisations involved in
dealing with this situation?

Municipal corporation: clears drains and removes garbage.
Public Works Department (PWD): repairs damaged roads.
Police: manage traffic.
School authorities: close schools and inform parents.
Health workers: prevent the spread of diseases.
Local representatives: raise people’s concerns with the administration.
Residents and volunteers: help vulnerable neighbours and report flooded areas.
Since electricity is disrupted, the electricity department also has to restore power. So the
response involves government departments, elected representatives and citizens together.

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

Why: The passage is built to show that governance means many actors, not
one office giving orders. The next page sums it up: different institutions and
citizens ‘need to work together, make decisions, implement them effectively,
and remain accountable’.

Your own answer: Add the bodies found in your own town, for example the fire
service, the disaster response force, hospitals, local NGOs or the gram
panchayat.

Q2 Why cannot a single department solve the problem on its own?

Because a flood creates many problems at the same time: blocked drains, broken roads, traffic
jams, power cuts, closed schools and health risks. Each needs different skills, staff, equipment
and legal authority. The municipal corporation cannot repair roads or treat patients, and the
police cannot clear drains. The scale of the crisis is also too large for one office. Only when
each department does its own job, and they work together, can the whole problem be solved.

Why: Government is divided into departments so that each can specialise. The
other side of specialisation is that big problems need coordination.

Q3 What would happen if these departments did not communicate or coordinate with one
another?

The response would be slow, wasteful and even dangerous:
The PWD might repair a road while the drains next to it are still blocked, so the road floods
and breaks again.
If the police are not told which roads are closed, traffic jams could block ambulances.

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Schools might reopen before the area is safe or the water is clean.
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Before Keep drains free of garbage and plastic; follow weather alerts; keep drinking water, a torch

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

Q5 What makes the collective response effective?

The response works because:
everyone has a clear role and does it, so there are no gaps;
departments coordinate and communicate and act quickly;
citizens participate, volunteering and reporting problems;
representatives make sure people’s concerns are heard and acted upon;
special care is taken of vulnerable people;
everyone works towards one shared goal: public safety and welfare.

Why: These are the same qualities that the chapter later lists as features of
good governance in Fig. 4.3.

Q6 Share your ideas with the class. Make a list of the qualities that help the town respond
effectively.

Qualities that help the town respond effectively:
1. Coordination: departments work together.
2. Responsiveness: quick action on people’s needs.
3. Participation: citizens volunteer and report problems.
4. Accountability: each office answers for its task.
5. Transparency: correct information is shared openly.
6. Inclusiveness: the elderly, sick and disabled are not left behind.
7. Effectiveness: resources are used where they are most needed.
8. Cooperation and empathy: people help one another.

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

Why: The book says these qualities ‘are essential whenever governments and
society work together to solve public problems’. Several of them reappear as
the features of good governance in Fig. 4.3: participation, transparency,
responsiveness, accountability, effectiveness and inclusiveness.

LET'S EXPLORE — Pages 83–84

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

Understanding Government and Governance
LET'S EXPLORE

Q1 Government refers to the institution that has the authority to provide public services.
For example, the municipal corporation or panchayat is responsible for installing street
lights. Governance is the process by which this street lighting is planned,
implemented, and maintained, involving people in identifying dark spots, reporting
non-functional lights, and providing feedback. It ensures the continuous delivery of
public services—in this case, well-lit streets and greater public safety.
Can you identify more such examples from your day-to-day life to understand the
difference between government and governance?

SERVICE GOVERNMENT (WHO GOVERNANCE (HOW IT IS RUN, WITH
HAS THE AUTHORITY) PEOPLE)

Garbage Municipal corporation or Collection schedule is fixed; households segregate
collection panchayat waste; residents report missed pick-ups and give
feedback

Government State education department Teachers and parents plan and review the school’s
school work in school committees; students and parents
give feedback

Ration shop Food and civil supplies Lists of beneficiaries are displayed; people check
department stock and prices and complain about irregularities

Water supply Water board or jal board Supply timings announced; residents report leaks
and dirty water; repairs are tracked

Traffic signals Traffic police and Signals are timed to traffic; citizens follow rules and
municipality report faulty signals

In each case the government is the institution, while governance is the continuous process of
planning, delivering, checking and improving the service with people’s help.

Why: The table on page 83 sums it up: government ‘focuses on who governs’;
governance ‘focuses on how governing is carried out’ and includes citizens,
media, civil society and private organisations.

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

Your own answer: Pick services you actually use, such as the bus service, the
public library or the health centre, and fill in both columns for them.

LET'S EXPLORE — Page 85
Evolution of Governance in India
LET'S EXPLORE

Q1 The Sengol—a cultural marker of rulership and good governance—was placed in
India’s newly inaugurated Parliament building in the year 2023 by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi. The tradition of using the Sengol as a mark of righteous governance
began more than a thousand years ago during the reign of Chola dynasty. To mark the
occasion of India’s Independence, at the stroke of midnight on 15th August 1947, the
first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, received the Sengol from the Adheenam Saints
(an old Shaivite tradition) of Tamil Nadu. Try to find out more about the journey of the
Sengol through its historic pictures.

Fig. 4.2 shows the Sengol: a tall, gold-coloured sceptre with a richly decorated staff
and a small carved figure on top.
Fig. 4.2, page 85 — Sengol (photo described)

The journey of the Sengol, as a picture timeline:
1. Chola period (over 1,000 years ago): a sceptre was a sign that the king must rule justly,
following Dharma.
2. August 1947: the Adheenam saints of Tamil Nadu presented the Sengol to Jawaharlal Nehru
to mark India’s Independence. Pictures from this time show the ceremony.
3. After 1947: the Sengol was kept for many years in a museum in Allahabad (now Prayagraj).
4. 2023: it was placed in the Lok Sabha chamber of the new Parliament building, near the
Speaker’s chair.
The Sengol is a reminder that power is a trust to be used for the people’s welfare.

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Why:mThe ag and ‘Yato
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Dharmastato Jayaḥ’, to show that independent India links its institutions with
older Indian ideals of righteous rule.

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How to do the activity: collect pictures from.creliable
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Information Bureau, newspaper archives
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of the 2023 inauguration. Paste athem in date order on chart paper and write a two-line
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Did you know? The word Sengol is usually linked to the Tamil word
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Check it yourself: Writers have described the meaning of the 1947 ceremony in
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LET'S EXPLORE — Page 87
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Good Governance
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LET'S EXPLORE

m a region other than yours) in India that have as em
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city. Make a visual presentation (chart paper or a
Q1 Select two cities (one should be from
received awards for being the e m
s governance model’ used in those cities by looking into
cleanest
slideshow) to explain g l a‘good
a the
the role played by government agencies (local, state, and national), residents, market
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associations, civil society organisations, etc. Also look into the steps they are taking to
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continue being clean cities.
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cities in Swachh Survekshan 2023, the cleanliness survey of the Union Ministry of Housing
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and Urban Affairs (results announced in January 2024).
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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

WHO ROLE IN THE CLEANLINESS MODEL

National agencies Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) gives funds and guidelines; Swachh Survekshan
ranks cities every year

State government Supports municipal bodies with funds, rules and staff

Municipal Door-to-door collection, segregation, waste processing, fines for littering
corporation

Residents Segregate waste at home, do not litter, report problems

Market associations Keep markets clean; shops keep bins

Civil society Awareness drives, cleanliness campaigns in schools

Steps to stay clean: processing wet waste into compost and bio-gas, recycling dry waste,
regular public feedback, and keeping citizens involved.

Why: A city stays clean only when every actor does its part. This is the
chapter’s idea of good governance as a ‘partnership between the government
and citizens’ (Fig. 4.3).

Did you know? Indore has topped the Swachh Survekshan rankings several years in a row.
It processes much of its wet waste into bio-CNG, a fuel used to run some of its city buses.
Surat rebuilt its sanitation system after a plague outbreak in 1994 and has since become
one of India’s cleanest cities.

Your own answer: If you live in Madhya Pradesh or Gujarat, choose a city from
another region. Check the latest Swachh Survekshan results on the Ministry’s
website before making your chart.

LET'S EXPLORE — Page 88

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

Good Governance: State and UT initiatives
LET'S EXPLORE

Q1 Form pairs or groups and assign one State or Union Territory to each group. Prepare a
short classroom discussion paper on:
1. Good governance initiatives being implemented.
2. Suggestions for further improving governance.

Sample discussion paper: Good Governance in Kerala
1. Initiatives being implemented
Kudumbashree (1998): a state-wide network of women’s self-help groups that fights
poverty through savings, small businesses and community work. This is participation and
inclusiveness.
Akshaya centres (from 2002): local centres where people get e-governance services and
learn digital skills. This makes services accessible.
People’s Plan Campaign (1996): gram panchayats and municipalities plan local
development with people in village meetings. This is decentralisation.
2. Suggestions for improvement
Publish service delivery times and complaints online so that people can track them
(transparency).
Run digital-literacy camps for elderly citizens.
Hold regular social audits of local projects (accountability).
Improve coordination between departments during floods and landslides.

Why: A good discussion paper links each initiative to a feature of good
governance from Fig. 4.3. Then the class can compare states feature by
feature.

Your own answer: Use your group’s State or UT. Look on its official portal for
initiatives in three areas: service delivery (for example, a public services
guarantee law), grievance redress (a helpline or portal) and participation (local
planning or self-help groups).

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

LET'S EXPLORE — Page 88
Challenges to Good Governance
LET'S EXPLORE

Q1 Did you know that 25th December is celebrated as National Good Governance Day?
Can you find out why this date was chosen? How is National Good Governance Day
celebrated in your district? Discuss in your class.

Why 25 December: it is the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee
(born 25 December 1924). The day has been observed since 2014 to spread awareness about
accountability and efficiency in government.
How it is celebrated (sample for a district):
government offices and schools take a pledge for transparent and responsive
administration;
the district administration holds camps to settle pending public complaints;
schools hold essays, quizzes and debates on good governance;
officials explain e-governance services so that more people can use them.

Why: Linking the day to a former Prime Minister honours his contribution to
public life and gives the country a fixed day to reflect on how well it is being
governed.

Your own answer: Ask your teachers or check your district administration’s
website or local newspapers for the events held last 25 December, and write
those in place of the sample.

LET'S EXPLORE — Page 89

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

E-Governance: Technology for Better Governance
LET'S EXPLORE

Q1 Below is a chart of a few e-governance initiatives. Complete the chart and also add two
such initiatives undertaken by your state government.

INITIATIVE OBJECTIVE

UMANG

Aadhaar

GeM (Government e-Marketplace)

DigiLocker

CPGRAMS

APAAR

INITIATIVE OBJECTIVE

UMANG (Unified Mobile One mobile app through which citizens can use many central and
Application for New-age state government services
Governance)

Aadhaar A 12-digit unique identity number for every resident, linked to
biometric data (fingerprints, iris scan and photograph), used to
prove identity and send benefits directly

GeM (Government e-Marketplace) An online platform where government offices buy goods and
services openly, saving money and reducing corruption

DigiLocker A digital locker to receive and store official documents such as
marksheets and driving licences, so paper copies are not needed

CPGRAMS (Centralised Public An online portal to file complaints against government departments
Grievance Redress and Monitoring and track their redress
System)

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APAAR (Automated Permanent ‘One Nation, One Student ID’: a permanent ID that stores a student’s

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Academic Account Registry) academic records and certificates

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Computerised land records that farmers can
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Sample state initiative:

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(Karnataka) from office to office

Sample state initiative: MeeSeva One-stop centres and portal for certificates, bill payments and other

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(Telangana and Andhra Pradesh)

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Why: Each initiative makes governance more transparent (fewer middlemen),
accessible (online, any time) and quick (less paperwork), whichseismhow page 89
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describes agl
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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

E-Governance: life before and after
LET'S EXPLORE

Q1 Let us try to understand the quality of life of citizens before and after e-governance.
Form five groups and interview your seniors, teachers, security guards, administrative
staff, and parents regarding the issues listed below. Did they have access to the
internet and a smartphone or computer to make use of these e-governance facilities?
Find out what problems they had faced before e-governance and whether they felt the
same issues were easily handled after e-governance.
1. Obtaining a birth certificate
2. Obtaining a admit card
3. Collecting and storing marksheets
4. Receiving salary
5. Booking rail/flight tickets
6. Registering a vehicle

Method: each group interviews one category of people, asks the same questions for all six
issues and notes whether the person has a smartphone, computer and internet.
Sample findings:

ISSUE BEFORE E-GOVERNANCE AFTER E-GOVERNANCE

Birth certificate Many visits to the municipal office; long Applied and downloaded online
waits

Admit card Collected in person or by post Downloaded from the exam website

Marksheets Paper copies; duplicates hard to get if Stored safely in DigiLocker
lost

Salary Paid in cash or by cheque Credited directly to bank account

Rail/flight tickets Long queues at counters or agents Booked online or on an app

Vehicle Several office visits, agents, paperwork Online form and fee; one visit for
registration inspection

Conclusion: e-governance saved time, money and trips, but people without a smartphone or
digital skills still depended on others.

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

Why: This activity shows both sides that the book mentions on page 89: e-
governance makes services quick and convenient, but ‘is only effective when
people have access to digital devices, reliable internet, and the skills needed to
use them’.

Your own answer: Your interviews may give different results. For example, a
security guard may have no smartphone and still get salary in cash. Record
exactly what people say, and suggest how such gaps could be closed, for
example through help centres or digital-literacy classes.

LET'S EXPLORE — Pages 92–93

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

What is ‘Public’ about Public Policy?
LET'S EXPLORE

Q1 Read each of the following examples carefully. Identify whether they are a policy or a
public policy. Give a reason for your answer.

EXAMPLE POLICY/ PUBLIC WHY?
POLICY

The government introduces a sports policy.

The government launches a campaign to provide safe
drinking water to every household.

A company allows employees to work from home twice a
week.

A municipality introduces waste segregation in the city.

A housing society fixes visiting hours for guests.

The government introduces free vaccination for children.

EXAMPLE POLICY/ WHY?
PUBLIC
POLICY

The government introduces a sports Public policy Made by the government for sports
policy. across the whole country, using
public funds

The government launches a campaign to Public policy Government action for the welfare of
provide safe drinking water to every every household
household.

A company allows employees to work Policy Applies only to the employees of one
from home twice a week. company

A municipality introduces waste Public policy A local government body acts for all
segregation in the city. residents of the city

A housing society fixes visiting hours for Policy Applies only to one housing society
guests. and its guests

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

The government introduces free Public policy Government provides a public health
vaccination for children. service for all children, paid from
taxes

Why: A public policy is made by the government (central, state or local), applies
to society at large and uses public resources (Fig. 4.4). A company or housing
society makes rules only for its own members.

Tip: A municipality is a government body at the local level. So its decisions for
the city are public policies, even though they do not come from the Union
Government.

LET'S EXPLORE — Pages 95–96

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Participants in the Public Policy Process
co m
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LET'S EXPLORE
m l
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a s emschool’s main gate faces a road that connects residential areas and a major
agl
Q1 Your
market area. There is heavy traffic congestion on the road, especially during morning

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and afternoon hours. Pedal rickshaws, electric rickshaws, school buses, private
vehicles, and pedestrians—all struggle.cto get their way. ag
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The picture on page 95 shows a crowded road outside a school gate: a school bus,
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students in uniform cross on a zebra crossing and others wait at the gate.

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Picture, page 95 — traffic at the school gate (described)

a sem
agl Form groups in your class and choose a course of action from the options given below.
1. Form a group of volunteers to regulate traffic in rush hours.
c o m about the issue. g las
. all the class representatives of the school, to
2. Write an application to the principal
m
3. Meet the principal, alongewith a
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discuss the gravity goflathe situation and then impress upon the principal the need
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c om side of the school. g l as
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as e
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6. Change school timings so that the school’s opening and closing hours do not
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ag l
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l a affects the whole school, so it is taken seriously.
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It uses the proper democratic channel: citizens → institution → elected representative.

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

Why not the others? Option 1 puts students at risk; managing traffic is the job of the traffic
police. Option 2 is a good first step but is weaker on its own. Option 4 needs land, money
and time. Options 5 and 6 reduce the crowd at the gate but do not control the market
traffic.

Your own answer: Any option is acceptable if you give sound reasons. Groups
may also combine options, for example 3 and 5 together.

Q2 Can you suggest a better solution to address the given problem? Compare your
suggestion with other options.

Our suggestion: a combined ‘Safe School Zone’ plan
A traffic police constable or trained warden at the gate during school hours.
A freshly painted zebra crossing, a speed-breaker and ‘School Zone’ signboards from the
municipality.
A pick-up and drop-off bay a little away from the gate (option 5).
Classes leave in batches 10 minutes apart.
Traders agree not to load goods or park outside the gate at school times.

OPTION COMPARED WITH OUR PLAN

1 Student volunteers Unsafe; our plan uses trained wardens instead

3 Traffic signal Useful; our plan adds it to other quick steps

4 New gate Costly and slow; our plan works within weeks

6 Change timings Disturbs families; batches spread the rush instead

Why: A problem with many causes usually needs several small steps taken
together, by several stakeholders. This is the chapter’s point about policy
coordination.

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

Q3 Which stakeholders would be involved in solving this problem in your suggested
solution? Explain their role in solving the problem.

STAKEHOLDER ROLE

Students and class representatives Raise the issue, follow road rules, use the drop-off bay, leave
in batches

Principal and school management Take the issue to authorities, plan the batches, mark the
drop-off bay

Parents Use the drop-off bay, avoid parking at the gate, encourage
school buses

Local people’s representative (councillor or Take up the demand with the municipality and the traffic
MLA) police

Municipal corporation Repaint the zebra crossing, build the speed-breaker, put up
signboards

Traffic police Post a constable at rush hours, fine wrong parking

Market traders’ association and rickshaw Avoid loading and parking near the gate at school times
drivers

Why: Table 4.1 shows that citizens, elected representatives, government
departments and civil society each have a part in solving public problems. Here
every one of them appears at a local scale.

Q4 Suggest a feedback loop to ensure that the problem does not recur.

Feedback loop: Act → Observe → Report → Review → Improve → Act again.
1. Observe: a student road-safety club records, twice a week, how long it takes to clear the
gate and any near-accidents.

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

2. Report: parents, students and traders use a suggestion box or online form to report
problems.
3. Review: every month the principal, a traffic police officer, the councillor and student
representatives meet to look at the data.
4. Improve: they adjust the plan, for example shifting the drop-off bay or changing batch
timings.
5. Results are shared with everyone, and the cycle repeats each term.

Why: The book says public policy ‘is monitored and evaluated through a
feedback loop, and necessary changes are made to the policy if required’ (page
91). Without monitoring, old habits return and the jam comes back.

LET'S EXPLORE — Page 97

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

Case Study—A Ramp to Better Healthcare
LET'S EXPLORE

Q1 Case Study—A Ramp to Better Healthcare (pages 96–97)
Smt. Shanti Devi, a 72-year-old woman, visits the hospital for a health check-up. On
arriving the hospital, she finds that she has to climb stairs to reach the Outpatient
Department (OPD). There is no ramp or handrail to support her. At the same time, a
man in a wheelchair arrives but is unable to enter the building because the entrance
has only steps, with no wheelchair-accessible ramp. A visually impaired person may
be able to climb the steps to enter the hospital but finds it difficult to locate different
hospital departments because there are no tactile paths or Braille signs.
Many patients and their family members realise that the hospital infrastructure is not
accessible to everyone. They decide to raise this issue with the hospital authorities
and local representatives. A local disability rights organisation also highlights the
problem through newspapers and social media. The district administration takes note
of the issue and asks the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Health Department
to inspect the hospital. After consulting doctors, hospital staff, architectural experts,
organisations working with persons with disabilities (PwDs), senior citizens, and
residents, a plan is prepared to make the hospital more accessible. The government
approves the funds needed to construct ramps, lifts, handrails, tactile pathways, and
accessible toilets, and to install clear signboards. Once the work is complete, the
hospital becomes easier to use for older persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant
women, patients, and children.
Read the case study and follow the journey of the issue from identifying the problem to
implementing a solution. As you read, identify the problem, the people and institutions
involved, the actions taken, and the steps through which the solution was developed
and implemented. Then, answer the questions below:
Arrange the various stages of the policy process in sequence for upgrading the
hospital to be more patient-friendly.

1. Problem identification: elderly, wheelchair-using and visually impaired patients cannot use
the hospital easily.
2. Raising the issue: patients and families approach the hospital and local representatives; a
disability rights organisation highlights it in the media.
3. Prioritising: the district administration takes note of the issue.
4. Study: the PWD and the Health Department inspect the hospital.
5. Consultation and formulation: doctors, staff, architects, disability organisations, senior
citizens and residents are consulted, and a plan is prepared.
6. Adoption: the government approves the funds.

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o m
7. Implementation: ramps, lifts, handrails, tactile paths, accessible toilets and signboards are
m .c
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built.

c
8. Outcome ando mfeedback: the hospital becomes easier to use for all patients,
g l as and users’
se m. shows whether more changes are needed.
experience a
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Why: These steps follow the policyem
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cycle in Fig. 4.5: desirability → prioritising →
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formulation → adoption → implementation → monitoring and evaluation.

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Tip: The case study ends when the work is complete. Monitoring andcevaluation
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a sem
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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

Q3 Can you think of any public building in your locality that could be made more
accessible? What improvements would you suggest?

Sample answer: our local post office. Its entrance has four steps, the counters are high, and
there is no toilet anyone can use.
Suggested improvements:
a gently sloping ramp with handrails beside the steps;
at least one low counter for wheelchair users and short people;
an accessible toilet with grab bars and a wide door;
tactile paths and signboards in Braille and large print;
seating for elderly people and pregnant women while they wait;
a doorbell at the entrance to call staff for help.

Why: Accessibility is part of inclusiveness, a feature of good governance:
every citizen should be able to use public services with dignity.

Did you know? India’s Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 requires
public buildings to be made accessible, and the Accessible India Campaign
(Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) was launched in 2015 for this purpose.

Your own answer: Choose a building you know, such as a bus stand, railway
station, school, bank, library or health centre, and suggest changes for what
you have actually seen there.

DON'T MISS OUT — Pages 98–99

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Stakeholder Role-Play
DON'T MISS OUT

Q1 Stakeholder Role-Play. Divide the class into groups. Each group represents one of
these stakeholders:
The Union Government, a state government, a school principal, a teacher, a
parent, a student, an NGO, and a journalist
Discuss how the stakeholder group you belong to can contribute to the
successful implementation of the NEP. Present your ideas to the class. You can
access the policy document at
https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/NEP_Final_English_0.pdf

STAKEHOLDER HOW IT CAN HELP IMPLEMENT NEP 2020

Union Government Give the overall framework and funds; prepare national curriculum frameworks;
monitor progress across states

State government Adapt the policy to the state; recruit and train teachers; build infrastructure; teach
in the mother tongue or local language in early classes

School principal Plan the changes in the school; arrange teacher training; involve parents

Teacher Use activity-based and experiential learning; assess understanding, not memory;
give extra help to weak learners

Parent Support learning at home; take part in school meetings; value skills, sports and
arts, not only marks

Student Learn actively; try vocational, art and sports options; give honest feedback

NGO Help with foundational reading and numeracy; run community libraries; bring out-
of-school children back

Journalist Explain changes to the public; report gaps and good practices fairly, after
checking facts

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

Why: NEP 2020 was made through wide consultation (2.5 lakh Gram
Panchayats, 6600 blocks, 6000 Urban Local Bodies and 676 districts, with
about 2 lakh suggestions). Its success also depends on all these groups
working together at the implementation stage.

Some key features of NEP 2020 that groups can refer to: a new 5+3+3+4 school structure
in place of 10+2; focus on foundational literacy and numeracy; mother tongue or local
language as the medium of instruction where possible, at least till Grade 5; vocational
education from Grade 6 with internships; and holistic, multidisciplinary learning.

Tip: In the role-play, speak as your stakeholder (‘As a parent, I will…’), give two
or three concrete actions, and say which other stakeholder you need to work
with.

THINK ABOUT IT — Page 99
The Making of a Public Policy
THINK ABOUT IT

Q1 If any step in policy-making and implementation is skipped, what would be the
implications? Discuss with a suitable example.

Each step of the policy cycle has a purpose, so skipping one weakens the whole policy.
Example: the hospital accessibility case (page 96).

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

STEP SKIPPED WHAT COULD GO WRONG

Problem identification Money is spent on something people do not need, while the real problem stays

Consultation Without disability organisations, the ramp may be too steep and tactile paths
may be forgotten

Financial feasibility Work stops halfway when funds run out

Adoption (approval) No legal backing or budget, so departments do not act

Implementation The plan stays on paper; patients still face steps

Monitoring Poor-quality work or misuse of funds goes unnoticed

Evaluation and Mistakes are repeated in other hospitals
feedback

So a skipped step means wasted public money, unmet needs and loss of public trust.

Why: Page 97 explains that a public policy ‘is developed through a systematic
process rather than a single decision’. Each stage checks the one before it.

Another example: in the school’s ‘Plastic-Free Campus Policy’ (page 91), teachers are
given the job of monitoring. If that step were skipped, students might slowly go back to
plastic bottles and the policy would fail even though it was well designed.

LET'S EXPLORE — Page 102
Policy Coordination: Khelo Bharat Niti 2025
LET'S EXPLORE

Q1 As a student, what role can you play in the successful implementation of Khelo Bharat
Niti 2025?

As a student I can:
take part regularly in at least one sport and in school, block and district events;
encourage others, especially girls and specially-abled classmates, to join in;

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look after facilities such as grounds, parks and equipment, and report damage; m
m .co
se
help organise sports days and inter-school matches as a volunteer;
m
eat healthy ofood l a
g missing.
.c to teachers and local authorities about what facilitiesaare
and stay fit, and spread awareness about fitness;
e
s m
give feedback
a
agl

. com ag
a em
Why: Fig. 4.7 shows that citizenss‘encourage children, especially girls’ and
agllocal talent’. Students are citizens, and the
‘provide feedback and support
policy’s focus on block-level mass participation depends on them.
co m
em.
m l as
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a sem
aglQ2
Your school is designated as the ‘state’s sports ambassador’. What actions should it
take to fulfil its role as sports ambassador?
m a s
em
.co agl
a s
agl daily, through regular sports periods.
Make sure every student plays
Host inter-school and block-level tournaments and invite nearby schools.

o
Open its ground and coaching to children from the neighbourhood after school
c m hours.
m .
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Spot talent and link promising players with state sports academies and coaches.
aswith suitable equipment.
mequal opportunities for girls and specially-abled students,
c o
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Provide
gl
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as Celebrate achievers and run awareness campaigns on fitness and nutrition.
Seek
ag l
Collect feedback and report progress to the state sports department.
se m
com g l a
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ag las
Why: An ambassador represents and promotes something. The school should
com is the
both practise a strong sports culture and spread it to others, which
.
emlevel upwards.
policy’s goal of building a sporting ecosystem from the block
m a s
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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

Q3 Which ministries of the government can contribute towards the success of Khelo
Bharat Niti 2025? How?

MINISTRY HOW IT CAN CONTRIBUTE

Youth Affairs and Sports Lead ministry: plans, funds and runs sports programmes and
training

Education Builds sports into the school curriculum and timetable

Health and Family Welfare Sports medicine, nutrition and fitness of players

Housing and Urban Affairs; Panchayati Grounds, parks and local sports facilities in cities and villages
Raj

Social Justice and Empowerment Support for specially-abled athletes and para-sports

Women and Child Development Encourages girls to take up sports

Science and Technology Research on better equipment and nutrition

External Affairs Sports diplomacy and hosting international events

Finance Allocates funds in the budget

Why: Fig. 4.7 and page 101 show that the policy needs funding, infrastructure,
research, family support and international diplomacy. No single ministry handles
all of these, so policy coordination across ministries is essential.

Questions and activities — Pages 104–106

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

End of chapter
QUESTIONS AND ACTIVITIES

Q1 “Good governance is the responsibility of the government alone.” Do you agree with
this statement? Give reasons to support your answer.

No, I do not agree. Governance is the government’s responsibility, but good governance
depends on how all sections of society and government perform their roles and work together
(page 86).
Government makes laws and policies and provides public services.
Citizens elect representatives, follow laws, participate and give feedback.
Media brings public issues to attention.
Civil society organisations raise awareness and work with communities.
The private sector contributes through economic activity and innovation.
The chapter’s examples prove this: during the flood, residents volunteered alongside
departments; NEP 2020 used about 2 lakh public suggestions; cities stay clean only when
residents segregate waste. Good governance is a partnership between the government and
citizens.

Why: Fig. 4.3 ends with the line: ‘Good governance is a partnership between
the government and citizens. When we work together, we build a just, peaceful,
and prosperous nation.’

Tip: For ‘agree or disagree’ questions, state your stand in the first line, give
three or four reasons with examples from the chapter, and end with a one-line
conclusion.

Q2 Do you think students can contribute to good governance? Write a short note
describing any five ways in which students can become more responsible and active
citizens.

Students and Good Governance

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

Yes. Good governance needs active citizens, and students are citizens in the making. Five
ways in which students can help:
1. Follow rules: obey traffic rules, stand in queues and never litter. Respect for rules supports
the rule of law.
2. Take part in school democracy: vote thoughtfully in student council elections and serve on
school committees.
3. Protect public resources: save water and electricity and take care of public property such
as parks, buses and libraries.
4. Report problems and give feedback: report broken street lights or overflowing garbage to
the local body, and use the school suggestion box.
5. Stop misinformation: check facts before forwarding messages and help elders use e-
governance services safely.
Small, responsible actions by many students make governance more effective, accountable
and inclusive.

Why: The chapter says active citizen participation, through feedback, obeying
laws, community involvement and holding authorities accountable, ‘strengthens
democracy and promotes good governance’ (page 104).

Did you know? Other ways include joining cleanliness drives, volunteering in
disasters, and taking part in consultations or surveys that the government
opens to the public.

Q3 Choose any one public policy [for example, Right to Education (RTE), Swachh Bharat
Mission, PM POSHAN, Ayushman Bharat, Digital India, or Jal Jeevan Missio] and
prepare a chart showing the following aspects:
The problem it addresses
The major stakeholders involved
How different actors coordinate
The role of citizens in its success
Present your findings to the class.

Sample chart: Swachh Bharat Mission (launched 2 October 2014)

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

ASPECT SWACHH BHARAT MISSION

Problem it Open defecation, lack of toilets and poor waste management, which spread disease
addresses and harm dignity, especially of women

Major Union ministries (Jal Shakti for rural areas; Housing and Urban Affairs for cities), state
stakeholders governments, district administrations, gram panchayats, municipal bodies, NGOs,
companies, media, citizens

How actors The Centre gives funds, guidelines and targets; states and districts plan and monitor;
coordinate panchayats and municipalities build toilets and run waste collection; NGOs and media
spread awareness; companies fund facilities; progress is tracked online and cities are
ranked every year in Swachh Survekshan

Role of Build and use toilets, segregate waste, avoid littering, join cleanliness drives, report
citizens problems and give feedback

The mission shows that a policy succeeds when government action and people’s participation
go together.

Why: The four headings follow the chapter: problem identification (policy
desirability), stakeholders (Table 4.1), policy coordination (Fig. 4.7) and citizen
participation.

Extra facts for the chart: rural households that were eligible received an incentive of
₹12,000 to build a toilet. The first phase aimed to make India open-defecation free by 2
October 2019, Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary.

About the book: ‘Jal Jeevan Missio’ in the question is a misprint for Jal Jeevan
Mission, which aims to provide tap water to every rural household.

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com
Answer the following in one or two sentences.
m.
Q4
a. Whatoismgovernance? as e
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seWhat is meant by public policy?
b. How
la
ag d. Name any four principles of good governance.
c.

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a. Governance is the process by which
agladecisions are made, implemented and monitored for the
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com and
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ag
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b. Policy and public policy
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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

BASIS GOVERNMENT GOVERNANCE

Meaning Institutions that exercise political Process of making, implementing and monitoring
authority decisions

Who is Legislature, Executive, Judiciary Government, citizens, media, civil society,
included private organisations

Focus Who governs How governing is carried out

Aspect Institutional Functional

Example The municipal corporation Planning and maintaining street lights with
people’s feedback

b. Policy and public policy

BASIS POLICY PUBLIC POLICY

Made by Any organisation: school, company, club, family Government (central, state or local)

Applies to Members of that organisation only Society as a whole

Resources The organisation’s own Public money from taxes

Aim Smooth running of the organisation Public welfare

Example A company’s work-from-home rule Free vaccination for children

Why: Both comparisons come from the chapter: the government and
governance table on page 83 and Fig. 4.4 with the text on page 92.

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

Q6 Imagine you have been appointed to advise the district administration on improving
governance. You have proposed six points (given below), but the administration
decides to prioritise only three areas for improvement. Which three would you
recommend as priority areas, and which one out of the three do you feel is the most
important?
a. Improve drinking water facilities in schools.
b. Improve sanitation and public toilets in schools and market areas.
c. Provide tricycles for orthopaedically challenged students.
d. Install open-area swings and open-air gym in public parks.
e. Ensure the vaccination of stray dogs to prevent rabies.
f. Ensure distribution of iron and folic acid tablets for female students in schools.

Priority areas: (a) drinking water, (b) sanitation and public toilets, and (f) iron and folic acid
tablets.
Criteria used: how many people benefit, how serious the problem is, and whether it is a basic
need.
(a) Every student needs safe water every day; unsafe water causes diarrhoea and other
diseases.
(b) Clean toilets protect health and dignity, keep girls in school and benefit thousands in
markets.
(f) Anaemia is common among adolescent girls; it causes tiredness and affects learning.
The tablets are cheap and work quickly.
Most important: (a) safe drinking water. It is the most basic need, it affects every student, and
toilets cannot be kept clean without water either.

Why: This is the prioritising policy stage of Fig. 4.5: when resources are
limited, the government must decide which issues to address first.

About the other three: (e) is also strong, because rabies is almost always fatal once
symptoms appear, and some groups may choose it over (f). (c) is important for
inclusiveness but serves a smaller group, and may be covered by existing schemes for
assistive devices. (d) is useful for fitness but is less urgent than basic health needs.

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

Your own answer: Other choices are acceptable if you state your criteria
clearly and apply them consistently.

Q7 Match the policy action point to its corresponding stage in the policy cycle.

S. POLICY ACTION POINT STAGE OF POLICY CYCLE
NO.

1. Assessing the impact of the policy Policy implementation

2. Putting the policy into action Policy evaluation

3. Framing the legislation Policy adoption

4. Multi-dimensional consultation with Policy formulation
stakeholders

5. Addressing a new need of the people Policy desirability (problem
identification)

S. POLICY ACTION POINT CORRECT STAGE
NO.

1. Assessing the impact of the policy Policy evaluation

2. Putting the policy into action Policy implementation

3. Framing the legislation Policy adoption

4. Multi-dimensional consultation with Policy formulation
stakeholders

5. Addressing a new need of the people Policy desirability (problem
identification)

So: 1 – Policy evaluation, 2 – Policy implementation; items 3, 4 and 5 already match their
stages.

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

Why: Fig. 4.5 defines each stage: evaluation is ‘assessing results and the
impact of the policy’; implementation is ‘putting the policy into action’; adoption
is ‘framing the legislation’; formulation includes ‘consultation with various
stakeholders’; desirability asks ‘what needs and problems are to be addressed?’

Q8 Read the following case and answer the given questions.
The government launches a programme to plant one lakh trees in a city. Funds are
allocated, but only a few saplings survive because they are not watered or protected.
a. Which stage of the policy cycle appears to be weak?
b. Which organisations should coordinate to improve the programme?
c. Suggest two measures that could improve the outcome.

a. Implementation is weak: the saplings were planted but not watered or protected. Monitoring
is also weak, because nobody checked survival in time to correct it.
b. The municipal corporation (horticulture or parks department), the state forest department,
Resident Welfare Associations, schools and eco-clubs, NGOs working on the environment, and
private companies willing to sponsor tree guards and watering.
c. Two measures:
1. Assign care: give each group of saplings to a named caretaker (a school, RWA or shop
owner), with tree guards and a watering plan, and keep part of the budget for maintenance,
not just planting.
2. Monitor survival: count surviving saplings every three months, publish the results, and
replace dead plants.

Why: The policy and funds existed, so desirability, formulation and adoption
were done. The failure happened after planting, at the stages of putting the
policy into action and checking its progress.

Page 43 of 48

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

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m as e
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ag l Page 44 of 48

Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

Q10 Design a public policy. You are a member of your school’s student representative
body. Identify one issue, for example, plastic waste, water wastage, road safety,
energy conservation, or littering in public places. Prepare a simple policy proposal
that includes the following aspects of policymaking:
The reason for selecting the issue
Your proposed solution
Who should implement it?
How will students participate?
How will you know whether the policy has succeeded?
Present your proposal to the class as a chart or slideshow presentation.

Sample proposal: ‘Every Drop Counts’, a school policy on water wastage

ASPECT PROPOSAL

Reason for the Taps are left running, some taps leak, and the tank overflows daily, while our area
issue faces water shortage every summer

Proposed Fix leaking taps; fit push or low-flow taps; set an alarm on the overhead tank; reuse
solution RO waste water for mopping and plants; put up ‘Close the tap’ signs

Who Principal and management (approval and funds); maintenance staff (repairs); eco-
implements club teacher (in charge); student council (awareness)

Student ‘Water monitors’ in each class check taps; monthly poster and slogan drives; students
participation report leaks in a register

Measuring Compare the monthly water meter reading or number of tank fillings before and after;
success count leaks reported and fixed; target a clear fall in water use within three months

Results will be reviewed every month and the policy improved, completing the feedback loop.

Why: The five headings match the policy cycle: reason (desirability), solution
(formulation), who implements (adoption and implementation), participation
(citizens’ role), and success (monitoring and evaluation).

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

Your own answer: Choose an issue you have actually seen in your school. A
good proposal uses a measurable target, for example ‘reduce litter bags
collected from the playground from ten a week to three’, rather than vague
words like ‘improve’.

Chapter at a glance
Government is the set of institutions that exercise political authority (Legislature,
Executive, Judiciary): who governs. Governance is the process of making, implementing
and monitoring decisions for people’s welfare, involving citizens, media, civil society and
the private sector: how governing is carried out.
India’s idea of governance draws on the Sabhā and Samiti, Rājadharma, Kauṭilya’s
Arthaśhāstra (‘In the happiness of the people lies the happiness of the ruler’) and Rām
Rājya. After 1947 colonial mottos gave way to ‘Satyamev Jayate’ and the Supreme Court’s
‘Yato Dharmastato Jayaḥ’.
Features of good governance (Fig. 4.3): rule of law, participation, accountability,
transparency, effectiveness, responsiveness and inclusiveness. Challenges include weak
coordination, unequal access, misuse of office and misinformation.
E-governance uses ICT to deliver services (UMANG, Aadhaar, GeM, DigiLocker,
CPGRAMS, APAAR). It cuts paperwork and delays but works only if people have devices,
internet and skills.
Public policy is a course of action adopted by the government to solve public problems. It
is ‘public’ because it exists for everyone, is made by government, uses public resources,
involves citizens and promotes public welfare.
The policy cycle (Fig. 4.5): desirability → prioritising → formulation → adoption →
implementation → monitoring → evaluation, with feedback starting the cycle again. NEP
2020 is an example of wide consultation.
A policy gives direction, programmes give the plan, and schemes are the action (National
Health Policy 2017 → AB-PMJAY, Mission Indradhanush). Policy coordination among many
levels and actors is the key, as Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 shows.

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

Quick revision
TERM WHAT IT MEANS WHERE IT WHAT THE CHAPTER SAYS
APPEARS IN THE ABOUT IT
CHAPTER

Governance Process of making, Pages 81–83 Needs institutions and citizens to
implementing and monitoring work together and stay
decisions for public welfare accountable

Government Institutions that exercise Page 83 table Focuses on who governs; the
political authority institutional aspect

Rājadharma The foremost duty of a ruler Page 85 Indian tradition saw governance as
to uphold Dharma and protect a sacred responsibility, not just
people power

Rām Rājya Gandhi’s ideal of governance Page 85 Based on probity, transparency,
compassion, welfare and people-
centric rule

Good Governance that is fair, open, Pages 86–87, Fig. A partnership between the
governance responsive and effective 4.3 government and citizens

Rule of law Everyone is equal before the Fig. 4.3 One of seven features of good
law governance

Accountability Public officials are Fig. 4.3 Strengthened when citizens give
responsible for their actions feedback and hold authorities to
account

E-governance Use of ICT by governments to Pages 88–89 Makes governance transparent and
deliver services and quick, but must be inclusive
communicate

Public policy Government’s course of Pages 90–92, Fig. Is ‘public’ because it is for
action to solve public 4.4 everyone and uses public
problems resources

Stakeholders Everyone who contributes to Table 4.1, page 94 Citizens, representatives, officials,
making and implementing civil society, private sector,
policy international bodies

Policy cycle Seven stages from desirability Fig. 4.5, page 98 Policy-making is a continuous cycle
to evaluation with a feedback loop

Programme and Programme = plan to reach Fig. 4.6, page 100 Policy gives direction, programmes
scheme policy goals; scheme = show the path, schemes act
specific action

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Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Governance and Public Policy AglaSem · NCERT Solutions

TERM WHAT IT MEANS WHERE IT WHAT THE CHAPTER SAYS
APPEARS IN THE ABOUT IT
CHAPTER

Policy Different levels and actors Fig. 4.7, pages 101– Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 needs the
coordination working together on one 102 Centre, states, blocks, institutions,
policy companies and citizens

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