Category Economy and Infrastructure

Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Amendment Rules, 2026: Enhancing Transparency and Accountability.

Policy Update, Center for Work and Welfare, Economy and Infrastructure

The Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) (Amendment) Rules, 2026 strengthen the existing Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020 by introducing more specific requirements for transparency and accountability in online marketplaces. Key changes include clearer disclosures of sponsored listings and product rankings, improved pricing transparency, stricter grievance redressal timelines, enhanced seller and product information, and measures to address dark patterns and misleading practices. The amendments also introduce additional requirements concerning consumer consent, imported goods and participation in the National Consumer Helpline convergence process. These provisions aim to strengthen consumer protection and promote fairer online transactions. The amended rules will come into force on 1 January 2027.

IMPRI Desk
October 28, 2026

Analyzing K-FON, 2023: Digital Access as a Public Good in Kerala

Policy Update, Center for ICT for Development, Center for the Study for Finance and Economics, Economy and Infrastructure

Kerala's Kerala Fibre Optic Network (K-FON) emerged from a deliberate policy decision to treat internet access as a basic right rather than a market privilege. The state government declared internet access a basic citizen right in 2017, and the project was formally approved by the state cabinet in October 2019 with the explicit goal of bridging the digital divide.

IMPRI Desk
October 28, 2026

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Output-Outcome Monitoring Framework (2019): Assessing the Effectiveness of Public Spending in India

Policy Update, Center for Habitat, Urban and Regional Studies, Center for Human Dignity and Development, Economy and Infrastructure, Public Policies, Programs and Schemes

Public expenditure is one of the main ways through which the government aims to improve public welfare, expand access to services and support economic development. However, the amount allocated to a scheme does not necessarily translate into the achievement of its intended objectives.

IMPRI Desk
October 27, 2026

Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS), 2015: Promoting Indian Exports and Enhancing Global Competitiveness

Policy Update, Center for International Relations and Strategic Studies, Center for the Study for Finance and Economics, Centres, Economy and Infrastructure, Insights, International Relations and Strategic Studies

Merchandise exports play an important role in economic growth by generating employment, earning foreign exchange, encouraging industrial development and integrating domestic producers into global value chains. However, Indian exporters have historically faced challenges such as high logistics costs, inadequate infrastructure, procedural complexities and competition from international producers. These constraints can reduce the price competitiveness of Indian goods in international markets, particularly for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs)

IMPRI Desk
October 24, 2026

Capitalizing Community Action: A Policy Review of Kerala’s Kudumbashree Micro-Enterprise Loan Framework (1998)

Policy Update, Center for the Study for Finance and Economics, Centres, Economy and Infrastructure, Insights, Thematic Areas

The State Poverty Eradication Mission (SPEM) of the Government of Kerala institutionalized the Kudumbashree Mission on 17 May 1998 as a localized response to the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts, synchronized with the state's pioneering People's Plan Campaign (Government of Kerala, 1998). While Kudumbashree initially functioned as a neighbourhood-based network centred on basic thrift and consumption credit, the operational landscape underwent a significant structural transformation between 2005 and 2010 (Kudumbashree, 2026).

IMPRI Desk
October 22, 2026

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GST Reverse Charge Mechanism (2017): Rationale, Implementation and Challenges

Policy Update, Economy and Infrastructure, Insights, Public Finances and Macroeconomics

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) was introduced in India on 1 July 2017 to create a more unified indirect tax system and reduce the cascading effect of taxes. Under the normal GST system, the supplier of goods or services collects tax from the recipient and deposits it with the government. However, in certain specified transactions, the responsibility for paying GST is shifted from the supplier to the recipient. This arrangement is known as the Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) (Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs [CBIC], 2017).

IMPRI Desk
October 20, 2026

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Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority (ITLA), 2026: Advancing Multimodal Connectivity

Policy Update, Center for Human Dignity and Development, Center for ICT for Development, Economy and Infrastructure

India’s expanding economy has increased the need for efficient transportation networks and a well-coordinated logistics system. Roads, railways, ports, shipping, aviation and inland waterways play an important role in the movement of goods and passengers. However, when these transport systems are planned separately, gaps in connectivity, coordination and infrastructure utilisation can arise.

IMPRI Desk
October 20, 2026