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…
Introduction India, despite being one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, continues to face the persistent challenge of poverty. With its rapid economic growth, the country has witnessed an increase in its GDP, infrastructure development, and human capital. However, these gains have not always been equitably distributed, and large sections of the population remain…
Introduction Infrastructure is the backbone of any modern economy. From roads, railways, and ports to power grids, internet connectivity, and urban transport systems, the development of infrastructure significantly influences a region’s ability to grow economically. Infrastructure acts as both an enabler and catalyst of development—it facilitates trade, improves access to resources and services, reduces production…
Introduction Financial inclusion has emerged as a cornerstone of equitable economic development in the 21st century. It refers to the process of ensuring access to appropriate financial products and services—such as savings accounts, credit, insurance, pensions, and digital payments—to all sections of society, particularly the underprivileged and marginalized. In a country like India, with its…
Introduction Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) is a transformative policy initiative launched by the Government of India to enhance the efficiency and transparency of welfare schemes. It aims to directly transfer subsidies and benefits to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts, thereby eliminating intermediaries, reducing leakages, and ensuring the targeted delivery of government assistance. Introduced in 2013, DBT…
Introduction India’s transformation into a globally significant economy depends on inclusive planning, decentralization, and sustainable practices. In this context, the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog), established in 2015, replaced the Planning Commission to better align with the needs of a dynamic and market-oriented economy. With the core principles of cooperative federalism, innovation, and…
Introduction India embarked on a new economic trajectory in 1991 with the adoption of liberalization, privatization, and globalization (LPG) reforms. These reforms marked a structural shift from a predominantly state-controlled economy to a more market-oriented system. The intent was to boost growth, attract foreign investment, improve efficiency, and integrate India with the global economy. Over…
Introduction Industrial corridors are large infrastructure projects aimed at boosting industrialization, economic growth, and regional development. These corridors serve as growth engines by integrating industries, transport networks, and urbanization, leading to the holistic development of various regions in India. The government of India has launched several industrial corridor projects, such as the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor…
Introduction Economic growth is essential for national development, but it must be accompanied by equality and distributive justice to ensure that the benefits reach all sections of society. Inclusive growth refers to a development process that fosters economic expansion while reducing inequalities in wealth, opportunities, and social mobility. In India, various policy measures have been…
Poverty is one of the most pressing socio-economic challenges in India, especially in rural areas where a large segment of the population struggles with inadequate income, lack of access to basic services, and limited employment opportunities. Understanding how poverty is measured and the various initiatives taken to combat rural poverty is crucial for addressing this…