Political Economy of Environment : Claims and Contestations in Public Policy Formulations

The Public Policy deliberations in a democracy entails that competing and divergent interests are accommodated and consensus is reached through an informed and organised participation by all the sections of society. However in neo-liberal societies there is an inherent asymmetry in power relations and  structures, where dominant market forces have acquired substantial power to influence Public Policy and decision making process in their favour as they command economic growth of the country, which necessitates rampant industrialisation and subsequent exploitation of natural capital leading to displacement of powerless tribal and poor people losing their land and livelihood which contributes in aggravating deprivations, inequalities and powerlessness which seriously interferes with their ability of political participation, thus restraining their say in Public Policy deliberations, which is by large more responsive to the needs of business than poor. Studies suggest that it is poor who will bear the brunt of environmental degradation and climate change to the greatest extent by being pushed further into grave threat of poverty, diseases, hunger and malnutrition etc.Moreover,the progressing unsustainable economic growth intensifies the powerlessness and poverty of marginalised rather than mitigating it as propounded by trickle-down growth enthusiasts, ensuring Human development is equally pertinent for robust participation in bottom-to top Policy making deliberations on Sustainable Development.

Keywords:
Democracy, Environment, Public Policy, Civil Society, Economic Growth, Inequality, Marginalized