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…
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…