Policy Update Deepankshi Agnihotry Introduction India is rapidly urbanizing. From 2011 till 2025, the urban population has been growing significantly: from about 377 million people (31.16%) counted in 2011, it is predicted there will be about 542.7 billion people, or…
National Safe Motherhood Day must, therefore, be more than a symbolic gesture. It must act as a catalyst for deeper reforms, pushing for improved last-mile delivery of services, cultural sensitization, and robust monitoring of maternal health schemes.
The Google Tax was slated to die, but Donald Trump has removed the rationale for its dignified death. Now, removal of the digital tax is achieved by US bullying, by means of the tariff threat.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs isn’t just a bureaucracy, it’s a lifeline for India’s 300 million minorities, stitching them into the nation’s growth story. From scholarships lifting dropout kids to PMJVK building schools, it’s made strides—literacy’s up, jobs are sprouting. Yet, state delays, thin funds, and political noise hobble its pace.
There’s a huge potential for the expansion of the MGNREGA scheme, especially in regions that have been underserved. The involvement of panchayats and community groups is instrumental in the execution of the scheme’s projects on the ground by identifying local needs and grievances. It’s crucial to ensure that the benefits reach those who need them the most. Although MGNREGA is unlikely to succeed without sustained political commitment and public pressure, its enactment has been a remarkable achievement.
The ASEAN-India Science and Technology Cooperation is a very important framework which fosters innovation and research collaboration in the region. A strategic and well-implemented approach is essential to maximise the impact of the cooperation. By strengthening the funding mechanism in which the contributions from ASEAN member states will be increased so that the cooperation equally impacts all the concerned states. The contribution will depend on their GDP and their technological capacity. This will provide better financial support for large-scale projects, thus leading to technological advancements and regional integration.
Maharashtra’s Gender Budget Statement (GBS) 2024-25 represents a positive step toward gender-inclusive financial planning. With continued investment in gender budgeting, inclusive policies, and long-term strategic planning, Maharashtra can set a benchmark for gender-responsive governance in India.