As the financial capital grapples with heavy rains, reminiscent of the historic deluge in 2005, the national capital is yet to convene for the monsoon session of Parliament, slated to commence from September 14. This delay underscores the pressing need for effective policymaking, particularly in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has propelled technology to the forefront of governance and economic sustenance.

Embracing Virtual Policy-making

Amidst the pandemic, technology has emerged as an indispensable tool for businesses, driving a paradigm shift towards tech-enabled business models. This transition aligns with the government’s Digital India initiative, yet it also poses challenges in terms of policymaking, particularly concerning technology, digital landscapes, and data privacy.

Harnessing Technology for Constituency Management

The proliferation of digital platforms, from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official app to Aarogya Setu and dedicated apps for farmers, has generated a wealth of data on citizens. This data reservoir presents an opportunity for elected representatives and relevant institutions to better understand constituents’ needs and preferences, akin to how businesses leverage data for customer insights.

Such digital solutions can optimize resource allocation, ensure compliance, and utilize real-time constituency data for need-based budget allocation, thereby enhancing governance efficiency.

Implementing Non-partisan Data-centric Governance

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) can facilitate non-partisan, data-driven governance recommendations for parliamentary committees, political parties, and Members of Parliament. By enabling efficient impact assessment and constituency analysis, such technologies can introduce digital oversight into fund allocation, fostering accountability in public service.

Fostering Connectivity Amidst Remote Work

With the pandemic necessitating remote work for politicians, tech-enabled governance measures can establish alternative feedback mechanisms, enabling leaders to stay connected with constituents. This not only upholds democratic ideals by fostering citizen engagement but also paves the way for “phygital” policymaking, blending physical and digital realms.

Learning from Start-ups: A Path to Innovation

Amidst the need for clarity and innovation in policymaking, political start-ups can play a pivotal role in fostering competition and innovation. These start-ups should prioritize serving constituents over political interests, cultivating a culture of innovation and action within established political entities.

While tempted to emulate corporate funding models, political start-ups must uphold transparency and integrity. A collaborative approach between the Centre and the States, leveraging India’s vibrant start-up ecosystem, can generate political capital for the future, ensuring India’s resilience in the digital economy while fostering accountability and transparency in its governance framework.