The Era of the Politics of Performance

The brief delves into the competency of elected representatives in India, highlighting the importance of various skills and qualities beyond educational qualifications for effective governance.

Competencies Required for Elected Representatives: 

• Behavioural Skills: Effective communication, leadership, and negotiation skills are essential for politicians to engage with stakeholders, unite diverse teams, and drive behavioural change initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
• Functional Competencies: Representatives must possess a deep understanding of legislative processes, policy implementation, and citizen engagement to influence policy changes through legislative advocacy and ensure efficient allocation of resources.
• Domain-based Competencies: Tailored expertise in specific domains like healthcare policy, infrastructure planning, and technological advancements is crucial for addressing constituency needs and making informed policy decisions.

Institutionalization of Competency-based Politics: 

• Alignment with Karmayogi Competency Model: Incorporating existing competency models like the Karmayogi Competency Model from Mission Karmayogi to identify skill gaps and develop comprehensive capacity-building plans for elected officials.
• Utilization of Training Resources: Leveraging central and State training institutions, online platforms, and civil society organizations to provide orientation, workshops, and research support for continuous learning and skill development.
• Shift in Public Perception: Encouraging citizens to demand more accountability from elected representatives, focusing not only on promises but also on their ability to deliver results and uphold integrity, thereby making competency a central aspect of political discourse.

Mains question: 

Examine the significance of behavioural, functional, and domain-based competencies for elected representatives in India's governance framework.