India urgently needs a legal framework to regulate lobbying

Despite the fact that it is a practice widely prevalent in the Indian policy ecosystem, lobbying often lends itself to a negative connotation. But with proper regulation, lobbying can be an intrinsic and legitimate part of the democratic process and policy making.

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THERE is some ambivalence in the manner in which policy lobbying is perceived in India.

Despite the fact that it is a practice widely prevalent in the Indian policy ecosystem, lobbying often lends itself to a negative connotation. It is equated with influencing policy actors holding public offices with monetary and other forms of gratification.

This perception is also bolstered because on the Indian policy scene, lobbying operates in a legal and policy vacuum without any regulatory regime to define or delimit it.

It is nevertheless important to understand that lobbying in itself is not always negative or undesirable. Lobbying can be an intrinsic and legitimate part of the democratic process and policy making.

Lobbying activities can, in fact, contribute effectively to the input gathering process and agenda setting for a more informed decision on policy choices and alternatives.

Lobbyists intervene in the policy process using various strategies such as conducting and showcasing research, advocacy and persuasion, mobilising public opinion, and engaging with policymakers in an attempt to steer policy in the direction of their stated positions or interests.

The perils of unethical lobbying

Problems start creeping in when unethical means and ulterior motives overshadow the legitimate lobbying process. When parochial vested interests try to negatively influence policy making, it robs public policy of its representative and welfare-oriented character.

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Also, given the legal and policy silence in India, lobbying activities are often carried out behind the scenes and with an absolute lack of transparency which exacerbates the perception as well as apprehensions of corruption and clandestine dealings.