A Quantitative Assessment of India’s DBT System (A Policy Analysis) Executive Summary India’s Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, implemented in 2013, has redefined welfare delivery by enhancing transparency, curbing leakages, and ensuring precise fund distribution. This policy document evaluates a decade of data (2009–2024) to assess DBT’s impact on budgetary efficiency, subsidy rationalization, and social outcomes. The analysis reveals transformative results, including cumulative savings of ₹3.48 lakh crore through leakage

As India celebrates 10 years of the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), its role in transforming the financial ecosystem—particularly the banking sector, from one marked by opacity, inefficiency, and delays to a model of transparency and inclusivity—has been profound. Before 2014, countless small enterprises languished outside the formal credit system. PMMY changed that narrative by unlocking collateral-free loans, empowering millions of entrepreneurs, and turning micro dreams into macro impact.  By

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has long championed technology as the backbone of India’s economic rise. At the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit 2025, he reaffirmed India’s commitment to responsible and inclusive AI, stating, “Our vision is to use AI for the benefit of all citizens, ensuring that its advancements lead to equitable growth and social empowerment.”   Beyond AI, PM Modi has underscored India’s global leadership in space, renewable energy, and

“एकं विषरसं हन्ति शस्त्रेणैकश्च वध्यते | सराष्ट्रं सप्रजं हन्ति राजानं मन्त्रविप्लवः” (Udyog Parv, Mahabharat, 33-45) The above Shloka from the Udyog Parv of Mahabharata clearly depicts that by altering the psyche of the society one can easily disrupt the functioning of the civil society . Our ancient thought givers has clearly conceptualised that if one has to preserve its own society then there is a need to preserve the real

Hindu history is not just a history of time and events; it is a documentation of heroes and the battles they have fought. Whether it is the Rig Veda, which documents the Battle of the Ten Kings (दाशराज्ञ युद्ध), the Ramayana, which documents the battle between Prabhu Rama and Ravana, or the Mahabharata, which documents the mega war between Pandava and Kaurava brothers: all contain battle strategies and the stories

India has long been a land where silence is sacred. Here, meditation is not just a practice; it is a way of life, passed down through generations and deeply embedded in the country’s cultural fabric. In recent years, as the world struggles with rising stress and distractions, India has positioned itself as the global center for spiritual rejuvenation. From Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meditative retreats to the international embrace of

Reflecting upon the conversation between Lex Fridman and Prime Minister Narendra Modi It was April 13, 2023, when I met Lex Fridman for the first time. He came to MIT Media Lab for the Imagination in Action conference to conduct a live fireside chat with Stephen Wolfram, founder of the famous Wolfram Alpha. I was lucky to get the nearest seat to Lex. For those unfamiliar, Lex Fridman is one

The Third Industrial Revolution (TIR), also known as the Digital Revolution, began in the mid-20th century and was characterized by the rise of computers, telecommunications, and automation technologies. While many global economies capitalized on this transformation, India’s progress remained inconsistent and incomplete. Despite emerging as a significant player in IT services, India failed to fully industrialize and leverage technological advancements to transform its manufacturing, infrastructure, and R&D sectors. India’s sluggish

‘Advantage Assam 2.0’ marked a transformative chapter in the journey of Assam. For over two days in February 2025, Guwahati witnessed the confluence of distinguished ministers of state, key global investors, policymakers, and industry leaders. An initiative of the government of Assam, this second edition of the investors’ summit aimed to underscore the role of Northeast India, particularly Assam, in shaping the country’s economic progress and establishing itself as an

Kashmir has long been a land of secularism and pluralistic traditions, producing remarkable women who have played pivotal roles in shaping its history. From Kota Rani, the last Hindu queen of Kashmir known for her administrative acumen, to Habba Khatoon, whose poetry continues to resonate with generations, the region has celebrated female intellect and leadership. Spiritual figures like Lalleswari (Lal Ded) and Rupa Bhawani have left an unforgettable impact on

The three Industrial Revolutions brought distinct learning and social changes to India, but their impact was shaped by colonial exploitation and, later, post-independence progress. The First and Second Industrial Revolutions occurred under British rule, leading to the decline of traditional artisanship and indigenous industries. The First IR turned India into a raw material supplier while dismantling its thriving textile and handicraft sectors, pushing a large population into agrarian distress. The

Infrastructure development is a key driver of economic growth, social mobility, and quality of life. Investments in transportation, housing, and public services enhance accessibility, reduce inequalities, and create economic opportunities in both urban and rural areas. Looking from a gender-sensitive lens, infrastructure development has both generic and specific implications, particularly for women, because of existing mobility constraints, safety concerns, and socio-cultural barriers.  In rural India, housing conditions, poor road connectivity,

Governance in the 21st century is undergoing a transformation driven by the rapid evolution of technology. Among the most influential forces shaping policy frameworks is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data analytics. India, as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and a thriving democracy, is leveraging these technologies to enhance decision-making, optimize resource allocation, and foster inclusive development.  As we stride toward Vision 2047 of transforming India

The growth narrative is typically a hopeful and optimistic macro narrative. It keeps the public-at-large focused. However, the story at the micro level is often more nuanced. At the individual level, layers of influences and pressures distract the energy and resources from the macro-level directional orientation. Such a mismatch often distorts the process of growth. It is paramount that we are aware of the drivers in charge of our thoughts,

On a frosty afternoon, I visited the bustling Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia.  Amidst a sea of enticing food stalls, the longest queue snaked its way to Bassetts Ice Cream—not for the avant-garde choice of flavors but for its legacy. Founded in 1861, America’s oldest ice cream brand has been serving scoops from the same 125-year-old marble countertop since 1892, when the market became operational. Despite the winter chill, I

“It is important to accept our similarities and differences—man, woman or third gender, we are all searching for a glimpse of divinity in everyday life… The soul is neither male nor female.” As we grapple to understand our gender roles since childhood, often confused with the patriarchal induction imparted by elders during our growing-up years, these words by Narthaki Nataraj put a lot of age-old discomfort to rest. She clearly

Under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has experienced a shift from a colonial mindset to global recognition of its rich culture and heritage. Once stereotyped as the ‘land of snake charmers,’ PM Modi shared a personal anecdote from his visit to Taiwan, where someone hesitated to ask if India was indeed a land of black magic and snake charmers, to which he responded, “Our forefathers may have played with snakes,

For many years, Muslim women in India have had to contend with structural injustices while juggling the demands of modernity with their identity in a mixed culture. Despite their richness, which includes linguistic, geographical, and cultural variances, their experiences are frequently reduced to clichéd accounts of marginalization. They continue to face significant disparities in healthcare, political representation, economic engagement, and education, which limit their ability to contribute to India’s development.

India has long excelled in captivating the world through its rich cultural heritage, employing soft power to foster global connections. From the soothing melodies of the sitar to the intricate movements of Kathak dance,  from the aromatic allure of saffron-infused biryani to the vibrant narratives of  Hindi cinema, India’s cultural exports invite global audiences to experience its diverse traditions. India influences through culture, captivates through tradition, and leaves an imprint

As we step into the new year and adjust to our regular routines, a common topic of conversation among our peers is the return-to-office trend. In line with the 2024 shift, many employers are pushing for employees to return to physical workplaces after several years of remote work. A significant number of tech giants, such as Amazon, Wipro, and TCS, have mandated office attendance. Amazon has completely removed its work-from-home

The Union Budget delivered on multiple fronts, shutting down all rhetoric of an uneventful, business-as-usual budget. The most remarkable reform was proposed in the Finance Bill, with significant revisions to the income tax rates. The government has provided massive tax relief across income classes, especially to encourage India’s aspiring neo-middle class. While this might be identified as populist policymaking, it will have positive impacts on development. First, higher consumption will

The latest United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) World Drug Report 2024 highlights a concerning rise in global drug use and the emergence of potent new synthetic opioids, exacerbating the world drug problem and its associated health, social, and environmental impacts. Despite an estimated 64 million people worldwide suffering from drug use disorders, only one in 11 receives treatment. Women, in particular, face significant barriers, with only one

  In the remote village of Umla, nestled at an altitude of 13,900 feet in Ladakh, life used to be a daily battle against nature. For Tsewang Dolma[i] and her family, fetching water meant trekking through snow and braving sub-zero temperatures. This arduous task consumed hours of the day, leaving little time for education, livelihood, or community activities. Today, thanks to the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), every household in Umla

Tribal identity, tribal society, tribal culture and customs have been an intrinsic part of the Indian struggle for independence. During the uprising when the British were brazenly trampling our Janjatiya Asmita, a fervour of self-assertion and patriotism ignited our tribal communities. This renaissance was a cornerstone of resistance which later forged into an iron wall against colonial atrocities. A warrior and ideologue in this nationalist thought and struggle was Bhagwan

On 6th December 2024, the occasion of the 69th Mahaparinirvan Diwas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, an unwavering champion of social justice and the architect of India’s Constitution. The commitment to fulfilling Dr. Ambedkar’s vision of an equal society, where citizens are treated with dignity irrespective of their caste, is not only reflected in the Constitution but also in the policies of today. Hence, one

Premchand’s ‘Godan’ – An iconic portrayal of farmers of India simmers in the literary memory of people. The journey of India’s ‘Annadatas’ from the hardships of the past depicted in this iconic work to the reality of today as a global agricultural powerhouse is a giant leap forward. When Russia-Ukraine conflict disrupted supply chains all over the world, India stepped up wheat exports proving its worth as a pacifying force

The story of women empowerment in India has found new protagonists—the Namo Drone Didis. These women are breaking barriers and embracing technology, showcasing strength and potential of women in the modern world.  A constant stream in PM Modi’s overall vision for India has been women-led development. Over the past 10 years, several steps have been taken to honour and empower women. ‘Beti’, ‘Matru’, and ‘Didi’ have served as key touchpoints

“The 70 years of the constitution have brought a mixed sense of joy, excellence and conclusion to us. This joy is for the fact that the spirit of the Constitution has been steadfast and unshakable. Even if there were such efforts ever, the countrymen have foiled those attempts together. The Constitution has not been allowed to be harmed ever. We have definitely registered the excellence due to the strength of

In 1992, amidst a wave of economic liberalization, the Trans-Himalayan region of Spiti was opened to outsiders and tourists for the first time. But even today, if one were to visit, the first impression would be that of a place stuck in time. As a young travel writer, when I visited Spiti in 2019, I remember thinking about two words – hauntingly beautiful – and then thinking about how expressions

Envisioning a nation marching towards sustainable economic growth and development is what the current government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strived to achieve since its inception. Through a network of tactfully planned and strategically designed initiatives, today we see highways and expressways running across the length and breadth of the nation. Because of its strategically aligned policy reforms, the government has been successful in bringing an unprecedented wave of

India is breaking new ground daily, consistently surpassing global benchmarks in both speed and scale, leaving its international counterparts trailing. Almost close to half of global digital transactions happen in India. India’s GDP surged by 8.15% year-on-year for FY 2023-24, solidifying its position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy.[1] Its GDP growth is forecast to be 7% for FY 2024-25. In 2024, a new record was set in terms of

As we mark 75 years since the adoption of our Constitution on 26 November, this is an opportune moment to reflect on the implementation of the vision of its framers in the present times. Among the many provisions of our Constitution, the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) hold a unique position. After much deliberation, DPSP was incorporated into Part IV of the Constitution, covering Articles 36-51. The fundamental idea

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored Kunwar Bai, a 105-year-old resident of Dhamtari village in Chhattisgarh, as the face of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) in 2016, she never imagined the profound impact she would have. A centenarian who had never seen a toilet in her life, Kunwar Bai’s village was declared Open Defecation-Free (ODF) in 2018, marking a significant change for her and her community. A Century-Long Wait for

  Shanti Devi, from Deeppura village in the Neem Ka Thana district of Rajasthan, has witnessed the many evolving faces of India throughout her lifetime. When asked about her age, she replies with a thoughtful expression, “Teen saal, 80 baras“. At 83, she also embodies the changing status of women in our country.  She was married young, just a few years after Independence. “I had to wake up early in the morning to relieve myself before

Today, the world is witnessing a crisis-like situation that has enhanced the quest for alternatives, be it in the form of energy, market, cheap labor, raw materials, or for that matter allies. As an example, the Ukraine-Russia war or the food and fuel crises have resulted in significant changes at the geopolitical level. Brazilians elected a left-wing government to power, and the United Kingdom elected its first Prime Minister of

The withdrawal of the three farm bills, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an address to the nation, has generated much debate. From guesstimating the motivations for this move at this time to crystal gazing, and from predicting collateral fallouts to even predicting a political turn of events, the analytical responses have been many. But why go that far or guesstimate at all when the PM himself laid out the