ADR In Public Policy Disputes: Mediation And Consensus-Building In Policy-Making Processes

Anushka Joshi, BBA-LLB Hons, Amity Law School, Amity University Rajasthan

ABSTRACT

Disputes and disagreements are inevitable in the context of public policy, typically resulting from varied stakeholder interests and values. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, specifically mediation and consensus- building, have emerged as important instruments for navigating these challenges and fostering cooperation in the policymaking process. This abstract provides a brief summary of the function of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in public policy issues, emphasizing its significance and possible advantages. Public policy is inherently complicated, encompassing an immense number of stakeholders, each with their own set of opinions, objectives, and interests. The traditional adversarial strategy for resolving these disputes can result in protracted confrontations, inefficiency, and unsatisfactory policy outcomes. ADR strategies like as mediation provide an alternate method for settling disagreements and encouraging collaboration. Mediation in public policy disputes is appointing a neutral third party to promote conversations between opposing groups. This technique promotes open conversation, improves comprehension of competing ideas, and assists stakeholders in finding common ground. Mediators can help policymakers reach mutually acceptable solutions by leading the discussion process, decreasing acrimony, and improving the chances of enacting good policies. On the contrary, consensus-building is a collaborative strategy that tries to involve all stakeholders in the policy-making process. It prioritizes inclusivity, transparency, and cooperation in order to create policies that are widely supported. Consensus-building can result in better informed, balanced, and sustainable policy solutions by involving multiple voices in decision-making. Finally in this paper we deal with its with its mediation and consensus-building strategies, provides a harmonic approach to resolving public policy conflicts. ADR improves laws by encouraging open and constructive communication, minimizing conflicts, and ensuring that all voices are heard. This inclusive and collaborative approach benefits both politicians and the general public, paving the way for more successful and generally supported policies.

Keywords: Disputes, Mediation, public policy, consensus-building, Transparency, disagreements