The focus on state intervention through the instrument of Public Policy gained attention of the academics and practitioners alike with the growth in discourse on Good Governance. Each stage of public policy has significance and its success or failure is dependent on the comprehensive understanding of the challenges at each stage by the policy makers and the implementers. In a democratic set up the public policies have to respond to multiple stakeholders and the rising awareness and aspirations of the citizens are putting further pressures on the policy apparatus. At the same time, public policies are increasingly having conflicting linkages within the system as well. Additionally, the technology has not only brought citizens closure to the government but also put pressure on transparency and accountability mechanisms. While the country has made progress in lot of areas, there is increasing realization that the public policies in India could be more effective. There is need for the policy apparatus, to understand the importance of and pave ways for, the adequate and appropriate policy inputs, articulation of interests of multiple stakeholders, arriving at equilibriums in the bargains, etc.

COVID-19 has brought forth the significance of factoring in the phenomenon of ‘Unknown unknowns’ as well in designing the public policies. We may expect structural changes so that the policy response can be proactive in anticipating the needs/requirements of the citizens and be held accountable on account of less than expected performance.