Urban migration and livelihoods, MSME development for marginalized groups

Welfare Protection and Urban Economic Inclusion: A Critical Examination of Government Schemes for Vulnerable Communities

Introduction Governments across the world, including India, design special schemes to uplift vulnerable and backward communities by protecting essential social resources such as land, forests, education opportunities, reservations, subsidies, and welfare entitlements. These measures are rooted in the principles of social justice, equity, and historical correction. However, a growing concern is whether such protective mechanisms—while…

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Child protection policy India

National Child Policy in India: Provisions and Status of Implementation

Introduction Children form the foundation of a nation’s future, and their protection, development, and well-being are central to inclusive growth and human development. Recognising this, India has developed a comprehensive National Policy for Children, first introduced in 1974, revised in 2013, and supplemented by several welfare programs and legislation in the subsequent decades. The National…

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engine of sustainable economic growth

Realising India’s Demographic Dividend: Enhancing Skills, Education, and Employability

Introduction India is often described as a country poised for a demographic dividend, with a large proportion of its population in the working-age group (15–59 years). This demographic structure provides a unique opportunity to accelerate economic growth, improve global competitiveness, and enhance social development. However, the demographic dividend remains theoretical unless India’s human capital becomes…

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Primary education in India

Improving Primary Education and Primary Health Care in India: Insights Inspired by Amartya Sen

Introduction Professor Amartya Sen, a Nobel laureate in economics and a leading authority on human development, has consistently emphasized that education and health are not just means to economic growth but central to human freedom, capability, and development. According to Sen, human capabilities—such as the ability to read, write, and access basic health services—are fundamental…

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Poverty reduction strategies in India

Poverty Alleviation Programmes in India: Political Will as the Key to Success

Introduction Poverty alleviation has been a central objective of India’s development strategy since Independence. From planned economic development to rights-based welfare schemes, successive governments have introduced numerous programmes aimed at reducing poverty, unemployment, and social deprivation. Despite these sustained efforts, poverty—particularly in its multidimensional form—continues to pose a serious challenge to inclusive growth and good…

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Self-Help Groups

Self-Help Groups and Development in Contemporary India: State Withdrawal or Participatory Governance?

Introduction In recent decades, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have emerged as one of the most significant grassroots institutions in India’s development landscape. From microfinance and livelihood generation to social empowerment and local governance, SHGs today play a multifaceted role in addressing developmental challenges. Their rapid proliferation has led to the argument that the growing prominence of…

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poverty and intergenerational deprivation

Hunger, Poverty and Good Governance in India

Introduction Good governance is not merely about efficient administration or robust institutions; it is ultimately judged by its ability to ensure a dignified life for all citizens. In India, despite decades of planned development and democratic governance, hunger and poverty continue to remain among the most serious challenges to good governance. These problems undermine human…

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Empowerment and Inclusion

Ensuring Empowerment and Inclusion: A Critical Appraisal of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016

Introduction The status of persons with disabilities (PwDs) in any society reflects the depth of its commitment to equality, justice, and human dignity. For long, disability in India was viewed largely through a charity-based or medical lens, resulting in social exclusion, limited access to opportunities, and systemic discrimination. Recognizing the need for a rights-based framework,…

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Outcome-Based Beneficiary Targeting in WASH Schemes

Outcome-Based Beneficiary Targeting in “WASH Schemes”

Introduction Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) form the foundation of public health, human dignity, and sustainable development. In a country like India, where population pressure, socio-economic inequality, and environmental stress intersect, WASH interventions are not merely infrastructure projects but instruments of social transformation. Over the years, India has launched several ambitious WASH-related initiatives, including sanitation…

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Strengthening Earn While You Learn for Meaningful Skill Development

Strengthening “Earn While You Learn” for Meaningful Skill Development

Introduction India is at a crucial demographic juncture. With more than 65% of its population below the age of 35, the country possesses what is often described as a demographic dividend. However, this dividend can easily turn into a demographic burden if the youth are not adequately skilled, employable, and economically productive. Despite significant expansion…

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