There is a need to design public policies keeping in mind these main goals, improving human development indices (HDI) and ensuring sustainable environmental development, former registrar of the Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC) Vijay Kumar Torgal said in Dharwad on Wednesday.
“Thanks to the efforts of successive governments and planned development for several years, there has been a significant reduction in hunger and poverty, and there has been a noticeable improvement in the HDI. However, there is still a need to focus on eradicating hunger, reducing poverty and strengthening infrastructure development when designing new policies,” he said.
“Next to economic progress, equal attention must be paid to sustainable environmental development,” he said.
He was speaking after inaugurating a one-day seminar on ‘Public Planning and Recent Trends’ jointly organized by the local branch of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), Dharwad, and the Department of Economics, Karnataka University.
In connection with the planning of Dr. Torgal said governments at various levels are proposing both long-term and short-term schemes based on current issues to promote development.
“In accordance with the spirit of the constitution, various plans are being made for public welfare and social progress. But there is a need for governments to design suitable schemes for sustainable development,” he said.
“For sustainable development, it is essential to implement the schemes properly. Every plan, if well designed, carries the objective of social welfare. Current plans should help solve current problems. There is a need to implement projects that promote poverty alleviation, sustainable environmental development and economic progress in the country,” he said.
“Today, the private sector plays a major role in project planning and implementation. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has been instrumental in bringing many well-designed projects to reality,” he said.
Dr. Torgal gave examples of various attempts at planning by the Union and state governments.
“The Union government has now unveiled a long-term plan for a developed India. The Make in India initiative has revived the domestic manufacturing sector,” he said.
He added that the Digital India program is making governance more technology-based and efficient. Similarly, NITI Aayog is working on using artificial intelligence to design schemes that will effectively reach people.
Technology, he noted, had a huge impact on public life. There is a growing need to emphasize the development of skills and resources when formulating public policies. “Currently, about 54% of the skilled population has access to job opportunities,” said Dr. Torgal.
Vice-Chancellor AM Khan said that all plans must be in line with the principles of sustainability and achieve overall progress by reaching the intended beneficiaries.
BH Nagur, who chaired the session, gave a historical overview of planning in India. He said more opportunities must be provided to women and youth through vocational and skill training.
Resource persons SS Patagundi, ST Bagalkoti and others spoke on recent trends in public planning.
Published – 29 Oct 2025 20:45 IST
