Introduction Gender inequality, poverty, and malnutrition are three interlinked social challenges that continue to affect the socio-economic fabric of developing nations like India. These problems are not isolated; they reinforce one another, creating a vicious cycle that traps women and marginalized communities in conditions of deprivation and underdevelopment. Poverty limits access to food, healthcare, and…
Introduction In the contemporary era of globalization and rapid technological transformation, digital literacy and access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) have emerged as critical determinants of socio-economic progress. The ability to access, understand, and utilize digital technologies effectively has become as essential as traditional literacy in enabling individuals to participate in the modern economy….
Introduction Economic planning has been a cornerstone of India’s developmental journey since independence. When India gained freedom in 1947, it faced widespread poverty, low per capita income, unemployment, underdeveloped industries, and stagnant agriculture. To overcome these structural challenges, India adopted the model of planned economic development, inspired by socialist ideas and the success of the…
Introduction Sustainable development has emerged as one of the most crucial objectives of modern governance, especially in the 21st century when nations are facing the dual challenge of economic growth and environmental protection. For India, a country with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, diverse ecosystems, and rapid urbanization, the pursuit of sustainable development is not…
Introduction Economic development is a broad concept that goes beyond simple economic growth. While economic growth refers to the increase in a country’s output or income, economic development encompasses improvements in the quality of life, living standards, and overall well-being of people. It involves structural transformation, social progress, and the reduction of poverty and inequalities….
Introduction Employment generation remains a central concern for India’s economic growth. Despite rapid GDP growth, India faces challenges of unemployment, underemployment, and regional economic disparities. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2021–22, the unemployment rate in India was around 7–8%, with rural areas facing disguised unemployment in agriculture and urban areas struggling with…
Introduction Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) form an integral part of India’s financial architecture aimed at promoting rural development. Established in 1975 under the Regional Rural Banks Act, 1976, RRBs were designed to combine the local feel and accessibility of cooperatives with the professionalism and financial strength of commercial banks. Over the years, however, RRBs faced…
Introduction Universal Basic Income (UBI) has emerged as one of the most debated economic and social policy ideas in the 21st century. The concept advocates for providing all citizens with a guaranteed, unconditional sum of money regularly, regardless of their employment status, income, or wealth. Supporters argue that UBI has the potential to eradicate poverty,…
Introduction Economic inequality refers to the unequal distribution of income, wealth, and opportunities among individuals or groups within a society. While some level of inequality is inevitable in a market-driven economy, excessive economic disparity can threaten social cohesion, reduce economic efficiency, and impede sustainable development. In contrast, inclusive growth emphasizes equitable access to economic opportunities,…
Introduction In the context of global economic development, financial inclusion refers to the process of ensuring that individuals and businesses, regardless of their financial status, have access to useful and affordable financial products and services. These include payments, credit, insurance, and savings that are delivered in a responsible and sustainable manner. In India, financial inclusion…