In the end it is for the people, not for the policies. On the political processes for policy coherence in the formation of the Haryana Vision 2030, and consequences for Leaving No One Behind

Abstract

By now, it is universally accepted that policy coherence is required to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to sustain planet earth. The integrated Goals are grounded in the pledge for Leaving No One Behind (LNOB), derived from the notion that the SDGs need to be achieved in an equal and inclusive manner with the commitment to reach the furthest behind first. Although consensus exists on the importance of policy coherence for SDG achievement, concerns have arisen regarding the theoretical conceptualization and operationalization of policy coherence in order to Leave No One Behind. Current research focuses on policy coherence in terms of policy outputs and outcomes, while neglecting the political nature of policy coherence with social consequences left overlooked. In order to achieve policy coherence that is effective, fair, and inclusive, this research approaches policy coherence as a political process shaping certain consequences for LNOB. Aim of this research is to study the policy coherence processes in anticipation of SDG achievement in Haryana, India and to study the consequences of these processes for LNOB in terms of gender equality. This translates into the following research question: To what extent and how have the processes for policy coherence in the formation of the Haryana Vision 2030 led to reaching LNOB, operationalized in terms of gender equality? To answer the research question, a qualitative case study is executed in the state of Haryana in India during the months April and May 2019 by means of in depth interviews (N=21), literature and document analyses, and participatory observations. Results show that the policy coherence processes in anticipation of the Haryana Vision 2030 are embedded in silo based and top down governance structures, led by the Haryana state government without structurally inclusive involvement of stakeholders. Commitment to policy coherence is present within the government and reflected in leadership, however traditional governance structures inhibit policy coherence, resulting in a clustered approach where (interlinkages between) some stakeholders and SDGs are discriminated against others with negative consequences for reaching LNOB. Findings demonstrate the importance of institutional and political structures for shaping the behavior of stakeholders in policy coherence processes. Commitment is important, however stakeholders’ capacity is observed to be leading in terms of how policy coherence processes come about and lead to reaching LNOB. Due to the importance of institutional and political structures as shaping the political processes, future research in other contexts than Haryana is required.