Category Policy Update

PM-AJAY Digitalisation- can technology make welfare delivery more inclusive?

Policy Update, Center for ICT for Development, Entrepreneurship, ICT and Innovation, Science and Technology

The Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) was introduced in 2021–22 by merging three Centrally Sponsored Schemes: the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY), Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP), and Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana (BJRCY). The merger was intended to improve convergence and the utilisation of resources for the socio-economic development of Scheduled Caste communities.

IMPRI Desk
August 31, 2026

BIS Gold Hallmarking (2021): Certifying Purity and Building Consumer Trust in India

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

Gold hallmarking in India began as a voluntary certification scheme run by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in April 2000, allowing jewellers to have their gold articles tested and marked for purity by BIS-recognised centres since it was started by BIS in April 2000 to provide third-party assurance to consumers on the purity of gold jewellery.

IMPRI Desk
August 31, 2026

Measuring India’s Critical Mineral Supply Chain Progress 2024-2026

Policy Update, Center for Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development, Economy and Infrastructure, Environment, Energy, Climate Change and Sustainable Development

Critical minerals have emerged as a strategy priority for the World as we expand our energy transition, advanced manufacturing and defence capabilities. Minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite and rare earth elements (REEs) are essential inputs for electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy technologies, permanent magnets, electronics and semiconductors. Their importance, however, extends beyond their economic value. The concentration of mining, refining and processing capacity in a limited number of countries leaves downstream industries vulnerable to geopolitical disruptions, export restrictions and supply shocks.

IMPRI Desk
August 31, 2026

Connecting the Dots: Reading the Mission Vatsalya Integration of TrackChild and Khoya-Paya

Policy Update, Governance and Law, Public Policies, Programs and Schemes

Policy UpdateApala Background Mission Vatsalya was built around a single promise. The scheme commits the Government to strengthen the juvenile justice care and protection system with the motto “leave no child behind” (Ministry of Women and Child Development, 2022). For…

IMPRI Desk
August 31, 2026

BRICS Youth Summit 2026, Gandhinagar: Yuva Shakti for Resilient Cooperation

Policy Update, International Relations and Strategic Studies

Policy UpdateKavin Adithya C.B. Background India stepped into the BRICS presidency in January 2026, focusing on resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability. This theme reflects India’s belief in people-centered approach, often summarized by the phrase “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” which means “the world…

IMPRI Desk
August 31, 2026

BRICS Rio de Janeiro Declaration (2025): Strengthening Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Global Governance

Policy Update, Center for International Relations and Strategic Studies, International Relations and Strategic Studies

Policy UpdateKavin Adithya C.B. Background The XVII BRICS Summit convened in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6-7, 2025, resulting in the Rio de Janeiro Declaration. The summit’s theme, “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”…

IMPRI Desk
August 31, 2026

Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (2025): Assessing Convergence-Based Agricultural Reforms

Policy Update, Agriculture, Food, Nutrition Security and Rural Development, Center for Human Dignity and Development

India has developed a large number of agricultural and farmer-welfare schemes covering income support, crop insurance, irrigation, credit, infrastructure, and allied activities. However, their implementation often involves different ministries, departments, and delivery mechanisms, creating coordination challenges at the district level. One such challenge is the absence of a single district-level mechanism to coordinate multiple agricultural schemes and services.

IMPRI Desk
August 30, 2026