Category Social Sector

Union Budget 2026–27: A Rural Push with Constrained Structural Impact

Insights, Center for Habitat, Urban and Regional Studies, Center for the Study for Finance and Economics, Economy and Infrastructure, Livelihoods, Employment and Well-being, Public Finances and Macroeconomics, Social Sector

The IMPRI Center for Habitat, Urban and Regional Studies (CHURS), IMPRI Impact and Policy Research Institute, New Delhi, hosted an interactive panel discussion on “Rural Realities and Union Budget 2025-2026” on February 4, 2025 (Wednesday) at 11:30 a.m. IST under IMPRI’s 6th Annual Series of Thematic Deliberations and Analysis of Interim Union Budget 2025-26, as part of IMPRI, bringing together leading economists and policy researchers to assess how the latest Budget addresses rural livelihoods, agriculture, gender equity and employment generation.

IMPRI Desk
February 5, 2026

Fostering Inclusivity in Technical Education: Saksham Scholarship Scheme (2014)

Policy Update, Center for Human Dignity and Development, Center for ICT for Development, Center for Work and Welfare, Economy and Infrastructure, Entrepreneurship, ICT and Innovation, Gender Impact Studies Center, Gender, Pluralism and Social Inclusion, Insights, Livelihoods, Employment and Well-being, Public Policies, Programs and Schemes, Science and Technology, Social Sector, Special Initiatives

The Saksham Scholarship Scheme is a significant initiative by the Government of India, aimed at providing financial support and encouragement to specially-abled students to pursue technical education. The scheme was officially launched in the academic year 2014-15. It was introduced under the then Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), which has since been renamed the Ministry of Education. The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), the statutory body for technical education in the country, was tasked with implementing and managing the scheme.

IMPRI Desk
January 17, 2026

Broadcast Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023

Insights, Center for ICT for Development, Entrepreneurship, ICT and Innovation, Governance and Law, Social Sector

In light of technological developments ushered in the past decade, the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India has proposed a draft Broadcast Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023.

IMPRI Desk
January 17, 2026

Beyond Slogans: Unions in the Age of Labour Codes

Insights, Center for Human Dignity and Development, Center for Work and Welfare, Gender, Pluralism and Social Inclusion, Governance and Law, Livelihoods, Employment and Well-being, Social Sector

TK Arun Work within parameters of globalised growth, instead of ranting and raving against it. The four labour codes long in the making have finally been notified. The good thing is that a legal framework now exists for a company…

TK Arun and IMPRI Desk
January 15, 2026

From Vulnerability to Resilience: How Communities in the Northern Himalayas Are Adapting to Climate Change through Local Practices

Insights, Center for Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development, Center for Habitat, Urban and Regional Studies, Center for Human Dignity and Development, Environment, Energy, Climate Change and Sustainable Development, Livelihoods, Employment and Well-being, Policy Update, Social Sector

The Himalayas is frequently described as “fragile,” but vulnerability here is not just ecological, but also deeply social and economic. Erratic and declining rainfall now arrives outside traditional crop cycles. Longer dry spells and early frosts affect soil fertility. Melting glaciers and drying springs reduce water availability. Deforestation increases landslides and soil erosion. At the same time, rising temperatures increase energy demand while weakening already fragile supply chains.

IMPRI Desk
January 15, 2026

Reframing Political Change in Bihar: The role of Women

Insights, Center for Human Dignity and Development, Gender, Pluralism and Social Inclusion, Governance and Law, Livelihoods, Employment and Well-being, Social Sector

Women’s active participation in Bihar’s electoral process is a crucial indicator of a deepening democracy. This engagement disrupts traditional gender hierarchies by promoting a fairer distribution of political power and symbolising the expansion of substantive citizenship for women.

IMPRI Desk
January 8, 2026

Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme (ESDP)

Insights, Center for Human Dignity and Development, Center for Work and Welfare, Entrepreneurship, ICT and Innovation, Policy Briefs, Public Policies, Programs and Schemes, Social Sector

India’s push for self-employment and micro-enterprise development has taken several forms over the decades, but the Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme (ESDP) is among the more enduring efforts in this space.

IMPRI Desk
January 5, 2026