Category Gender, Pluralism and Social Inclusion

National Commission for Women’s NRI Cell (2009): Addressing Grievances and Protecting Indian Women Abroad

Policy Update, Center for Human Dignity and Development, Centres, Gender, Pluralism and Social Inclusion, Insights, Thematic Areas

The National Commission for Women (NCW) NRI Cell was established to address the growing challenges faced by Indian women in marriages involving Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) or overseas Indians. In view of the seriousness of issues involving violation of women’s rights in NRI marriages, the NCW was nominated as the Coordinating Agency at the national level for dealing with issues pertaining to NRI marriages vide Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (now part of the Ministry of External Affairs) Order dated 28 April 2008. This nomination followed the recommendations of the Parliamentary Committee on Empowerment of Women (14th Lok Sabha, 2006–2007) on the subject “Plight of Indian Women Deserted by their NRI Husbands” (National Commission for Women, 2009). The NRI Cell of the Commission formally came into existence on 24 September 2009 (National Commission for Women, 2009).

IMPRI Desk
October 25, 2026

Vahli Dikri Yojana (2019): Can Financial Support Improve Outcomes for Girls in Gujarat?

Policy Update, Gender Impact Studies Center, Gender, Pluralism and Social Inclusion, Insights

Gujarat introduced the Vahli Dikri Yojana on 2 August 2019 to address concerns about the status of girls and their access to education. The state had faced challenges related to an unfavourable child sex ratio, gender discrimination and early marriage. Census 2011 recorded Gujarat’s child sex ratio at 890 girls (0-6 years of age group) per 1,000 boys, below the national figure of 919. The government introduced this scheme to encourage families to value their daughters and support their future. It provides financial assistance at different stages of a girl’s life, including school entry and adulthood. The main aim is to improve girls’ education, reduce school dropouts and discourage child marriage.

IMPRI Desk
October 22, 2026

Janani Suraksha Yojana (2005): Promoting Institutional Deliveries and Maternal Health in India

Policy Update, Center for Work and Welfare, Gender, Pluralism and Social Inclusion, Livelihoods, Employment and Well-being

Maternal health remains an important indicator of a country’s healthcare accessibility, quality of medical services, and broader socioeconomic development

IMPRI Desk
October 20, 2026

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Amma Two Wheeler Scheme, 2018: Promoting Women’s Mobility and Economic Empowerment in Tamil Nadu

Policy Update, Center for Work and Welfare, Gender Impact Studies Center, Gender, Pluralism and Social Inclusion, Public Policies, Programs and Schemes

The Amma Two Wheeler Scheme was introduced to support working women who faced difficulties travelling to their workplaces or conducting livelihood-related activities. The original scheme guidelines envisaged assistance for one lakh working women annually, covering both rural and urban areas of Tamil Nadu (Government of Tamil Nadu, 2018). The initiative recognised that women’s economic participation depends not only on the availability of employment but also on their ability to reach workplaces safely, conveniently and affordably.

IMPRI Desk
October 19, 2026

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Surrogacy Regulatory Act 2021: Redefining Reproductive Rights in India

Policy Update, Center for Human Dignity and Development, Gender, Pluralism and Social Inclusion, Insights, Livelihoods, Employment and Well-being

The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 (Act No. 47 of 2021) was enacted by the Parliament of India to regulate the practice and process of surrogacy. It received the assent of the President on 25 December 2021 (Ministry of Law and Justice, 2021). The Act constitutes the National Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Board, State Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Boards, and appropriate authorities for regulation of surrogacy and related matters (Ministry of Law and Justice, 2021).

IMPRI Desk
October 18, 2026

Udyogini Scheme, 1997: Strengthening Women’s Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Generation in Karnataka

Policy Update, Center for Habitat, Urban and Regional Studies, Center for Human Dignity and Development, Center for the Study for Finance and Economics, Entrepreneurship, ICT and Innovation, Gender, Pluralism and Social Inclusion, Insights, Livelihoods, Employment and Well-being

Women’s entrepreneurship can contribute to employment generation, household income and local economic development. However, women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds may face difficulties in obtaining institutional credit, preparing business plans, acquiring entrepreneurial skills and accessing markets. Limited access to finance can force aspiring entrepreneurs to depend on informal lenders or abandon business ideas before they become viable enterprises.

IMPRI Desk
October 14, 2026

Analyzing Kerala’s Extreme Poverty Eradication Project, 2021

Policy Update, Center for Habitat, Urban and Regional Studies, Center for Human Dignity and Development, Economy and Infrastructure, Gender, Pluralism and Social Inclusion, Insights, Livelihoods, Employment and Well-being

The Extreme Poverty Eradication Project, also known as the Athidaridrya Nirmarjana Project, was launched by the Government of Kerala in 2021 under the Local Self Government Department (LSGD). Its goal was to find people living in extreme poverty who had fallen outside existing support systems and help them exit that condition within five years (LSGD). Sources provide different launch months, ranging from May to July 2021, so the exact date still needs to be verified with the government order.

IMPRI Desk
October 14, 2026