Prior to 2015, India's disability policy was governed by the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 which was a welfare-oriented statute that referenced non-discrimination in access to transport and public spaces but created no enforceable accessibility standards or implementation timeline.
India is often described as a young nation, yet it is simultaneously becoming one of the world's fastest-ageing nations. The country's elderly population, those aged 60 and above, numbered 149 million as of 1 July, 2022 and is projected to double, reaching nearly 347 million by 2050, accounting for close to 20.8 percent of the total population (United Nations Population Fund).
Health insurance has emerged as a critical policy instrument for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in India. Before the introduction of Swasthya Sathi, West Bengal faced significant challenges related to catastrophic health expenditure (CHE), low insurance penetration and unequal healthcare access.
Against the backdrop of a falling Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 1.5, significantly below the replacement-level fertility rate of 2.1 required to maintain a stable population, the Andhra Pradesh Government has proposed a Population Management Policy aimed at encouraging higher fertility rates through financial incentives and family-support measures.
West Bengal has a long tradition of state-sponsored welfare programmes aimed at alleviating poverty and reducing socio-economic inequality. In 2021, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee introduced the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme, a monthly cash transfer programme targeting women from economically weaker households. The scheme quickly became a flagship welfare initiative, enrolling approximately 2.21 crore (22.1 million) women across West Bengal before being replaced by the Annapurna Bhandar scheme in mid-2026. (West Bengal Government)
India carries one of the largest mental health burdens in the world, yet its mental healthcare infrastructure has historically been among the most inadequate. Nearly 11 out of every 100 Indians live with mental health disorders, while 15% of adults may require mental health intervention at some point in their lives.
Nayanshi Jain Context June 27 serves as a powerful reminder that adversity can take many forms. In the United States, the date is marked by two significant observances- National PTSD Awareness Day and Helen Keller Day. One draws attention to…