The sex ratio — defined as the number of females per 1,000 males — is a key demographic indicator reflecting gender equity, social norms, health outcomes, and cultural practices within a population. In India, data from the Census of India and National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) consistently show that many tribal groups (often referred to…
Introduction Poverty is often narrowly understood as a lack of income. However, modern development thinking recognizes poverty as a multidimensional phenomenon involving deprivation of opportunities, capabilities, dignity, and basic rights. Nobel laureate Amartya Sen conceptualized poverty as a “capability deprivation,” emphasizing that real poverty lies in the inability of individuals to live lives they value….
Introduction Scheduled Tribes (STs), often referred to as Adivasis, constitute one of India’s most historically marginalized communities. Living primarily in forested, hilly, and remote regions, tribal populations have faced systemic exclusion, land alienation, social discrimination, and economic deprivation for centuries. Colonial forest policies, exploitative intermediaries, and post-independence development projects further intensified their vulnerability. Recognizing this…
Introduction India is globally recognized for its extraordinary cultural diversity, marked by variations in language, religion, region, ethnicity, and social customs. Among these dimensions, caste has historically been one of the most influential organizing principles of Indian society. Originating in ancient social stratification systems, caste structured occupation, social interaction, marriage, and access to resources. With…
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 The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India plays a pivotal role in upholding and protecting human rights in the country. Established on October 12, 1993, under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993, the NHRC serves as an independent statutory body tasked with safeguarding the fundamental rights of individuals. Its primary mission…
Introduction Slums are an integral part of urbanization, housing millions of people in conditions of extreme poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of basic civic amenities. With rapid urbanization, particularly in developing countries, slums have expanded, creating challenges related to sanitation, healthcare, water supply, housing, and education. Effective urban planning plays a crucial role in improving…
Introduction Public service is the cornerstone of governance, and its success is measured by the well-being of the most vulnerable members of society. Tolerance and compassion are two fundamental values that drive public servants to act with empathy, fairness, and justice toward weaker sections. These values ensure that disadvantaged communities receive equitable opportunities and support,…
Introduction India, one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, faces significant challenges in addressing poverty and inequality despite its impressive economic growth in recent decades. Over 270 million people in India still live in poverty, and income inequality remains a major issue. While government policies, social welfare programs, and economic reforms have contributed to…
Introduction Uttar Pradesh (UP), the most populous state in India, faces diverse challenges such as poverty, unemployment, inadequate healthcare, and educational disparities. Over the years, the Uttar Pradesh government has launched several welfare schemes aimed at addressing these issues and improving the quality of life for its citizens. These schemes have been designed to empower…