Category Gender, Pluralism and Social Inclusion

Grameen Credit Score: A step towards digitizing the rural people

In the Union budget of FY 25-26, a new initiative has been taken up by the Government of India (GoI) towards strengthening the rural people and Self-Help Groups (SHG) which comprise of poor rural women who come together to resolve their problems and improve their living standards. The SHGs are generally self-governed and peer controlled. SHGs are often described as “informal groups”. With the introduction of Grameen Credit Score, these small enterprises can be formally recognised, as a result of which they will be subject to different benefits.

Women Panchayats and Digital Inclusion: Transforming Local Governance

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 was a landmark reform that institutionalized gender representation by reserving one-third (33%) of seats for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). This affirmative action policy significantly increased women’s political participation, enabling them to take on leadership roles as sarpanches (village heads) and panchayat members, thereby shaping governance at the grassroots level (Buch, 2010).

Beyond Flowers and Festivities: A Historical and Institutional Analysis of International Women’s Day

Originating in the early 20th-century labor movements, IWD has evolved into a globally recognized event, championed by the United Nations and grassroots organizations. It highlights both the progress achieved in women's rights and the enduring disparities that necessitate continued advocacy.

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