The Indian union requires a comprehensive new compact—political, economic, and cultural—grounded in non-domination rather than majoritarian dominance. This comes amid ongoing tensions over fresh delimitation based on the 2011 Census, fears of a North-South divide, and concerns that increasing the Hindi heartland’s share in Parliament could render non-Hindi states politically marginal.
Click to View MoreIn light of increasing global mobility and the vulnerabilities faced by Indian workers abroad, policy experts are advocating for a fundamental shift in India’s migration management. Instead of focusing solely on the point of departure, there is a growing call for a whole-of-journey approach to migration governance to protect the rights and dignity of millions of overseas Indians.
Click to View MoreThe SANKALP (Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion) scheme, launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship with assistance from the World Bank, aims to strengthen short-term skill training by improving institutional capacity, ensuring industry relevance, and promoting inclusion of marginalised groups. However, audit findings by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India and observations of the Public Accounts Committee have highlighted concerns such as underutilisation of funds, slow implementation, weak monitoring mechanisms, and lack of preparedness. The issue underscores the need for stronger governance, outcome-based implementation, better industry linkages, and integration of vocational education within the school system to improve employability and effectively harness India’s demographic potential.
Click to View MoreNITI Aayog’s Revitalizing Apprenticeship Ecosystem urges transforming apprenticeships into strategic human capital investment for Viksit Bharat @2047. It recommends merging NAPS and NATS, linking credits with the National Credit Framework, covering gig workers, and adopting tools like an Apprenticeship Engagement Index, inspired by Germany’s Dual VET model.
Click to View MoreIndia is facing a growing mental health crisis marked by a high burden of depression, anxiety, addiction, and suicides, with nearly 70–92% treatment gap and a severe shortage of professionals. The Union Budget 2026 has focused on institutional expansion, including a second campus of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, upgradation of regional institutes, and continued support for digital services like Tele MANAS. However, mental health spending remains below 2% of the health budget, and challenges such as stigma, limited community-level services, workforce shortages, and rising youth and digital-age stress persist. Addressing the crisis requires greater funding, community-based care, preventive strategies, and stronger primary healthcare integration to ensure accessible and affordable mental health services for all.
Click to View MoreEarly childhood care and development, especially during the first 3,000 days of life, is crucial for building strong human capital. While India has improved child survival through health and nutrition programmes, holistic development covering cognitive, emotional and social aspects remains underemphasised. Global evidence shows that early investment yields the highest economic and social returns. A universal, integrated and citizen-led ECCD approach is essential for achieving inclusive growth and the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Click to View MoreAs global powers turn inward, India has a rare chance to make its cities global innovation hubs. This requires urgent urban reform, better governance, clean air, efficient transport, and top-tier education and healthcare to attract and retain talent, driving India’s economic transformation.
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