Category Center for Habitat, Urban and Regional Studies

Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA), 2017

The Government of India introduced the "Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA)" in 2017. This initiative focuses on boosting digital literacy in rural regions. Around 7. 35 crore people signed up for the program, with 6. 39 crore receiving training, leading to 4. 78 crore earning certification. Comprehensive statistics categorized by States/UTs are presented at the end. 

Ministry of Panchayati Raj: Strengthening Grassroots Democracy Since 2004

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj was established in 2004 under the Allocation of Business Rules, 1961, to monitor all matters related to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and District Planning Committees. The Panchayati Raj plays a crucial role in strengthening India's democratic framework by encouraging political participation at the grassroots level. Currently, there are approximately 2.6 lakh Panchayats across the country, which have 31.5 lakh elected representatives, with almost 46% being women. The system also encourages the inclusion of marginalised communities such as Scheduled Tribes (STs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Other Backwards Classes (OBCs) through provisions for reservation mentioned in the constitutional provision. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment mentioned that Panchayats were recognised as the third tier of governance, reinforcing the country’s commitment to decentralised and participatory democracy.

IFSCA and GIFT City: Shaping India’s Place in Global Finance

This vision materialized through the creation of the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) and the establishment of the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA). Together, they represent India's commitment to offering a financial hub that is competitive, forward-looking, and aligned with global standards. But beyond competition, there is a deeper ambition: to redefine what a financial centre can be—rooted in sustainability, inclusivity, and excellence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s words capture this intent clearly when he described GIFT City as a zone designed to serve not just India, but the world.

History of Rural Electrification: Challenges, Policies, and the Shift Toward Decentralized Solutions

Gowtham As the global energy transition gains momentum, nations across the world are grapplingwith the twin challenge of ensuring energy security while adopting clean energy solutionsthat minimize environmental harm. For developing countries like India, the transition iseven more complex. Beyond…

Reimagining Conservation: Can Regulated Hunting Support India’s Wildlife Future?

Kedar Bhasme Abstract This article explores whether carefully regulated hunting could complement wildlife conservation in India. It draws on international examples—Namibia’s communityconservancies, South Africa’s private reserves, and the U.S. Pittman–Robertson fundingmodel—to show how limited, science-based hunts can raise conservation funds…

Mission Antyodaya (2017): A Data-Driven Blueprint for Rural Transformation in India

Mission Antyodaya is a government initiative started in the 2017-18 budget. Its mission is to transform rural India through an accountability and convergence framework. It aims to improve how money and resources from 26 government departments are used to help develop villages. The idea is to get better results by working together and ensuring efforts are well-managed.

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