Category Centres

Substance Abuse in India: A Critical Review of the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (2018–2025)

The National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, is India's main policy instrument to fight rising drug abuse and illicit drug trade. Drafted as an integrated and comprehensive strategy, NAPDDR is intended to be aligned with international targets and objectives under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely SDG 3.5, which deals with prevention and treatment of abuse of substances, and SDG 16.4, which deals with the eradication of organized crime, including drug crime.

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.

GI Cloud MeghRaj (2014): National Cloud Initiative to build India’s Digital Infrastructure

India's e-governance efforts and digital empowerment require significant technological advancement and innovation. The introduction of the GI Cloud Initiative, Meghraj, was one significant move made by the Indian government. In order to increase the administrative effectiveness of public service delivery, promote openness and transparency at all governmental levels, and speed up access to e-services

Poshan Abhiyaan 2.0: Strengthening India’s Nutrition Revolution 

Launched on March 8, 2018, the Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission) is India's flagship initiative for improving the nutritional status of children, pregnant and lactating women, adolescent girls, and other vulnerable groups. It is spearheaded by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) and is aimed at reducing stunting, undernutrition, anemia, and low birth weight through a convergent approach involving multiple ministries.

Talk to Us