Category Insights

Insights, a blog published by IMPRI.

WhatsApp Image 2026 09 12 at 11.34.52 PM

Banking BHASHINI: Assessing Algorithmic Inclusion in Rural Credit Underwriting Markets

Center for the Study for Finance and Economics, Agriculture, Food, Nutrition Security and Rural Development, Policy Update, Public Finances and Macroeconomics

India's financial inclusion landscape is undergoing a structural paradigm shift, transitioning from expanding basic brick-and-mortar banking access to deploying an intelligent, real-time digital public ecosystem. Traditionally, financial inclusion has been defined as the process of ensuring access to financial services, with timely, adequate, and affordable credit, primarily for vulnerable populations and low-income groups. However, actualizing this definition in rural credit markets has historically been hindered by two structural barriers: a lack of verifiable credit histories among thin-file borrowers and the linguistic exclusion of regional-language-speaking communities.

IMPRI Desk
September 12, 2026

WhatsApp Image 2026 09 12 at 11.22.28 PM

Mapping the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI): Policies, Schemes and Initiatives

Policy Update, Center for the Study for Finance and Economics, Public Finances and Macroeconomics, Public Policies, Programs and Schemes

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) came into being as an independent Ministry on 15 October 1999, formed by merging the erstwhile Department of Statistics with the Department of Programme Implementation. Its statistical lineage traces back to foundational institutions conceptualized by P.C. Mahalanobis is regarded as the architect of India's statistical system who established the National Sample Survey (NSS) in 1950, followed by the creation of the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) in 1951.

IMPRI Desk
September 12, 2026

Coconut Promotion Scheme 2026: Strengthening India’s Coconut Sector through Productivity

Center for Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development, Agriculture, Food, Nutrition Security and Rural Development, Policy Update

Coconut occupies a distinctive position in India’s agricultural economy. Often associated with coastal livelihoods, the crop supports farmers, processors, traders and a wide range of downstream industries. Its economic significance extends beyond the sale of fresh coconuts to products such as coconut oil, coconut water, milk, virgin coconut oil, desiccated coconut, activated carbon and coir-based products.

IMPRI Desk
September 12, 2026

Kerala’s Old-Age Pension Landscape: The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (1995)

Policy Update, Center for Human Dignity and Development, Center for Work and Welfare, Centres, Insights, Livelihoods, Employment and Well-being, Public Policies, Programs and Schemes

Angela Rajeev Background The ‘Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)’ is the largest facet of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) and has been run by the Ministry of Rural Development since 1995 (Ministry of Rural Development, 2025).…

IMPRI Desk
September 12, 2026

Direct Tax Vivad se Vishwas Scheme (2024): Clearing India’s Income Tax Litigation Backlog

Policy Update, Center for the Study for Finance and Economics, Public Finances and Macroeconomics

The Direct Tax Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme, 2024 was introduced by the Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget 2024-25 held on 23 July 2024. The Scheme was later put into law through Chapter IV which contains Sections 88 to 99 of the Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024. The rules and forms for this scheme were issued by the Central Board of Direct Taxes on 20 September 2024, and it came into force on 1 October 2024. As per Circular No. 19 of 2024 of CBDT, the objective of this Scheme is to bring down the pendency of cases relating to income tax, faster realization of revenue for the government and providing relief to taxpayers from protracted legal process (Central Board of Direct Taxes, 2024).

IMPRI Desk
September 12, 2026

Learning Crisis in Indian Education

Insights, Center for Work and Welfare, Public Policies, Programs and Schemes

India's education system presents a paradox. On paper, the country has achieved near-universal access to schooling, with government data showing a Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of almost 100% at the primary level (UDISE+, 2022). Nearly every child of primary school age is enrolled in a classroom somewhere.

IMPRI Desk
September 12, 2026

Karkhandar Scheme 2021: Reviving Traditional Crafts and Artisan Skills in J&K

Policy Update, Livelihoods, Employment and Well-being, Public Policies, Programs and Schemes

Jammu and Kashmir's handicraft sector combines household-based production, specialised craft skills and a large network of small artisans. The sector includes carpets, Pashmina, Kani and Sozni shawls, papier-mâché, walnut wood carving, Khatamband, embroidery and several regional crafts. According to the J&K Economic Survey 2025-26, the Handicrafts and Handloom sector provides livelihoods to approximately 4.45 lakh artisans. The same survey reports 6,969 registered cooperative societies supporting these artisans and 634 training centres offering one-year and two-year programmes. Around 6,000-7,000 trainees complete these wider training programmes each year.

IMPRI Desk
September 12, 2026