IISPPR

Category: Public Policies

Public Policies
Belal Ahmad

Book review – “Caste Matters in Public Policy”, by Belal Ahmad

The book review by Belal Ahmad critically examines Caste Matters in Public Policy, edited by Rahul Choragudi, Sony Pellissery, and N. Jayaram. This book explores how caste influences public policy in India, emphasizing its resilience and transformation over time. Originating from a seminar on caste and contemporary public policy, the book includes contributions from 13 authors across 10 chapters, divided into three thematic parts.

Key topics discussed include the historical evolution of caste-based policies, challenges of caste enumeration, affirmative action, and the dynamics of caste in different Indian states and religious communities. The book also highlights caste hierarchies within non-Hindu religions and examines caste’s persistence in shaping Indian society and governance. The epilogue provides a framework for integrating caste analysis into public policy to address socio-cultural realities.
Ahmad provides a detailed overview, noting the book’s depth in addressing caste as a pervasive societal force but also pointing out areas needing further exploration

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Public Policies
MUSKAN JAISWAL

DECODING SDG LOCALIZATION IN SELECTED STATES

DECODING SDG LOCALIZATION IN SELECTED STATES Shravani Thota, Muskan Jaiswal, Rishabh Dev Bhardwaj, Avika Kamboj, Rajlakshmi Anand Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Localization; Global Indicator Framework (GIF); National Indicator Framework (NIF); NITI Aayog; MoSPI; Scheme; Policy; Delhi; Telangana; Uttar Pradesh; West Bengal. On 25th September (2015), the UNGA adopted the document titled “Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, comprising 17 SDGs and 169 targets. This stands as the de-facto international obligatory cornerstone for the sustainable ‘one earth, one future’ solution, where countries are expected to reorient their domestic spending priorities. At the global level, the United Nations Statistical Commission (UNSC) established the Inter-agency and Expert Group (IAEG) to devise and monitor the Global Indicator Framework (GIF). Accordingly, in sync with GIF, the Indian Ministry of Statistics and Policy Implementation (MoSPI) has developed the National Indicator Framework (NIF), to monitor the progress of the SDGs realization at the national level. Following the row, the States/UTs are processing with their tailored sub-national monitoring operation, i.e. the State Indicator Framework (SIF) and District Indicator Framework (DIF). As per the Indian model of SDG localization promoted by NITI Aayog, the progress of States and Union Territories (UTs) as of 2024 is outlined in the tabular data (Fig. NITI Aayog, 2024). Here, the selection criterion for inclusion of Indicators in NIF includes – ‘relevance to SDG targets, ‘national priorities’, ‘data availability’, and ‘policy significance’. For each indicator, the NIF specifies data sources and periodicity. These data sources include official government statistics from various surveys, administrative data, and censuses. Responsibility for data collection and reporting rests with the concerned line Ministries and Departments. NIF is evolving in nature like the GIF. Consequently, the GOI has established a High-level Steering Committee (HLSC) on SDGs under the Chairmanship of the Chief Statistician of India (CSI) and Secretary, MoSPI to review and refine the NIF periodically. This Committee comprises members from NITI Aayog, MHA, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, MoEFCC, Ministry of Finance, and the MoSPI.  Area Parameter No. of States Completed (Out of 28) No. of UTs Completed (Out of 8) Vision/Roadmap SDG vision document 23 4 Coordination Mapping of SDG targets with schemes and departments 25 3   Mechanism for coordination with line departments at the State level 26 6   Formation of Working Groups/Committees/Task Forces 24 5 Monitoring and Reporting SDG cell/centre/team at the State level 25 1   State Indicator Framework 16 1   District Indicator Framework 6 1   Block Indicator Framework 6 1   Dashboard developed 16 1 Budgeting SDGs linked to budget allocation 11 1 Capacity Building Capacity building/training of officials 24 1   Involvement of CSOs/CSR in awareness generation and capacity building 15 2 In the recently released NITI Aayog SDG India Index 2023-24, the overall SDG score for the country stands at 71, a significant improvement from 66 in 2020-21 and 57 in 2018 (Baseline Report), here all the state’s scores have improved. Following are the selected states’ composite scores – i.) Delhi- 70; ii.) Telangana: 74; iii.) Uttar Pradesh: 67; iv.) West Bengal: 70. Delhi (A.) Profile: Officially known as the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, is India’s capital and one of its most populous urban centers. According to the 2011 Census, Delhi had a population of 16,787,941. The NCT covers an area of 1,483 square kilometers and comprises 11 districts, 3 municipal corporations, and 272 municipal wards. Additionally, it has 1,799 urbanized villages and several gram panchayats under its administrative framework (Government of NCT of Delhi, n.d.). (B.) Institutional framework for SDGs Monitoring/Coordination: The Planning Department has been designated as the nodal authority for SDGs, with its Director serving as the Nodal Officer. The Delhi Vision 2030 document has been developed to align the city’s developmental strategies with the SDGs. More than 1,500 unique and SMART indicators have been mapped to various schemes and programs, ensuring a structured approach toward sustainable development. The framework includes 15 goals and 264 indicators to monitor and track progress (Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, 2022). Delhi has also established a digital infrastructure for real-time SDG tracking and monitoring. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), in collaboration with the United Nations Regional Coordinator Office, has launched an SDG Dashboard to facilitate real-time data visualization and progress reporting. Various IT applications have been developed to enhance outcome-based budgeting linked to SDG objectives. The Planning Department ensures the effective integration of SDGs across government departments, aligning the region’s policies with the National Indicator Framework (Government of NCT of Delhi, n.d.). (C.) SDG-wise Existing Schemes – SDG 1: The Mukhyamantri Covid-19 Pariwar Arthik Sahayata Yojana. SDG 2: Zero HungerThe Mid-Day Meal Scheme ensures nutrition for school children, while initiatives under the Department of Women and Child Development support nutrition for children under six and pregnant/lactating mothers. SDG 3: Aam Aadmi Mohalla Clinics provide accessible primary healthcare services, improving overall health outcomes. SDG 4: The Chunauti Initiative focuses on improving learning outcomes in government schools, ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education. SDG 5: The Ladli Scheme offers financial assistance to girl children from economically weaker sections, promoting their education and empowerment. SDG 6: Projects under the Delhi Jal Board aim to provide clean drinking water and improve sanitation infrastructure. SDG 7: The Delhi Solar Policy encourages the adoption of solar energy, promoting sustainable energy solutions. SDG 8: The Rozgar Bazaar Portal connects job seekers with employers, fostering economic growth and employment generation. SDG 9: The Delhi Startup Policy supports innovation and entrepreneurship, providing a conducive startup ecosystem. SDG 11: The Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana focuses on providing affordable housing to economically weaker sections, ensuring sustainable urban development. SDG 13: The Odd-Even Traffic Scheme aims to reduce vehicular pollution, contributing to climate action efforts. SDG 16: The Delhi Commission for Women works toward preventing harassment and violence against women through dedicated law enforcement initiatives. These initiatives reflect Delhi’s commitment to localizing SDGs and achieving sustainable development across various sectors. Telangana (A.) Profile: Telangana has 33 districts and a population of

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Public Policies
Piyush Chaudhary

Evaluating the impact of Mid Day Meal Scheme among Tribal Children

For many tribal children in India, school isn’t just a place to learn it’s a place to eat. The Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS), also known as PM-POSHAN, is more than just a government program; it’s a lifeline. Designed to combat malnutrition and improve school attendance, this initiative ensures that millions of children receive at least one nutritious meal a day. But is it truly reaching those who need it most? In tribal communities, where food insecurity and educational barriers are highest, the impact of MDMS is mixed. While some states like Odisha and Chhattisgarh have introduced millet-based meals and community-run kitchens, others struggle with irregular food supply, poor infrastructure, and lack of dietary diversity. Despite its challenges, MDMS has transformed lives helping children stay in school, improve their health, and break social barriers. With better monitoring, localized meal plans, and community involvement, this scheme has the potential to be much more than a meal program it can be a stepping stone to a brighter future for India’s most vulnerable children.

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Public Policies
Nandini Singh

Designing Gender-Inclusive Public Spaces: Lessons from Indian Cities

Designing Gender-Inclusive Public Spaces: Lessons from Indian Cities Anmol Yadav, Divyasri SN & Nandini Singh   1. Objective of the study By Anmol Yadav The goal of the study is to investigate the design features and strategy that help Indian cities construct public areas that are gender inclusive. Public spaces are essential to urban life providing locations for social exchange, recreation, and community building. Yet, often these areas fall flat to meet needs of genders, resulting in accessibility and safety disparities. Goal of this research is to investigate these disparities and offer practical solutions that encourage inclusivity fostering secure surroundings for all, irrespective of gender.   Need of the hour is to have well-designed public places in areas that are rapidly-urbanizing, such as India. Public areas are crucial for promotion of community cohesion being centers of social and economic activity. However, still major Indian cities suffer from outdated infrastructure, poor public facilities, and hazardous surroundings, making it difficult for people of different genders to benefit from these places to their full potential.   Public areas are crucial to urban life giving people a place to congregate, socialize, and participate in activities that foster social inclusion and well-being, while accelerating people’s social, emotional, and physical well-being by providing chances for leisure, community development, and cross-cultural interaction. Additionally, they act as key touchpoints for civic involvement and participation promoting sustainable ecosystems.   Despite their importance, women and transgender people, find public areas in Indian cities to be precarious and inhospitable. Issues like violence, harassment, poor illumination, restricted access to sanitary and secure facilities, and poorly designed pedestrian walkways act as barriers to equal access leading to unequal experiences in public places, where many people areunable to fully participate.     2. Understanding Gender-Inclusive Public Spaces By Anmol Yadav Understanding that different people have varying requirements, preferences, and experiences depending on their gender, gender-inclusive public spaces are created. The goal of these areas is to ensure that regardless of gender, everyone feels appreciated, safe, and at ease. Gender inclusion can only said to be incorporated when basic necessities like lighting, access, sanitation, mobility serve all genders equally.   To achieve the same initiatives like The Safe cities by UN Women and the guidelines established by groups such as Gehl Architects prioritize inclusive development and fair access to urban areas emphasizing significance of including safety into city design while acknowledging varied gender experiences in public spaces.   Social concerns like physical and verbal harassment faced by women, poor mobility, lack of CCTV’s, poor pedestrian infrastructure exacerbate gender inequality in infrastructure created in accordance with archaic gender roles. Cities need to build spaces that are not just inviting but also inclusive for everyone by tackling these issues with careful urban design.  References: https://atrium.lib.uoguelph.ca/server/api/core/bitstreams/dba30bc0-f755-4ad5-b763-5f7a572f2b09/content https://prism.ucalgary.ca/server/api/core/bitstreams/2fc1f1d5-e7f4-435b-bf41-145fea93ecb6/content https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Dr-Bansal-5/publication/366717443_Assessing_Gender_Inclusive_User_Preferences_A_case_of_Urban_Public_Spaces_in_Chandigarh/links/63c2ab34d7e5841e0bc9ff72/Assessing-Gender-Inclusive-User-Preferences-A-case-of-Urban-Public-Spaces-in-Chandigarh.pdf https://escholarship.org/content/qt4ht60519/qt4ht60519.pdf?t=relm8f&v=lg   3. Evaluating Urban Design Components By Divyasri SN (3.1, 3.2) & Nandini Singh (3.3, 3.4) The quality of living in urban areas is greatly influenced by urban design. Street lighting and public restrooms are two essential components that affect accessibility, inclusivity, and safety in metropolitan areas. Urban environments can become safer and more fair by addressing these issues with creative solutions. 3.1. Lighting on the Streets Current Concerns   Street illumination is still insufficient in many Indian cities, especially in the outskirts and in informal settlements. Due to increased susceptibility to crimes like theft and harassment, poor lighting increases safety hazards, particularly for women, children, and vulnerable groups. According to a study by Jagori (2010), one of the main causes of metropolitan women’s feelings of insecurity is poor street illumination. Additionally, the use of antiquated, energy-intensive lighting systems strains municipal budgets and undermines environmental sustainability objectives.   Case Studies and Solutions To overcome these obstacles, Indian cities are implementing creative solutions. Mumbai’s Marine Drive, for instance, is a well-lit public area that has improved safety and drawn community involvement. Up to 50% less energy is used in Bengaluru thanks to the installation of motion-activated smart LED lamps (Economic Times, 2022). One example of how renewable energy can promote sustainable urban development is the deployment of solar-powered streetlights in both urban and rural regions. These programs can be expanded nationally to encourage safer and more energy-efficient streets. 3.2. Public restrooms Difficulties In India, public restrooms frequently fall short of accommodating the demands of a variety of people, especially women and transgender people. Accessibility is restricted by a lack of gender-sensitive infrastructure, and this problem is made worse by cultural stigmas. More than 70% of urban women avoid using public restrooms because of safety and hygienic concerns, according to a 2020 Water Aid India research. Inadequate maintenance also leads to unsanitary environments, which raises the risk of illnesses and infections. Recommendations To overcome these challenges, cities like Chennai have introduced gender-neutral public toilets that cater to the needs of all individuals, including transgender people. These facilities not only promote inclusivity but also challenge cultural stigmas associated with public sanitation. Additionally, incorporating self-cleaning mechanisms and touch fewer systems in public toilets can improve hygiene standards. Public awareness campaigns, such as those by the Swachh Bharat Mission, are crucial for encouraging the use of these facilities. Scaling these efforts across cities can create equitable, hygienic urban spaces.   3.3. Condition of Public Transport and Mobility   Urban mobility systems are often not designed to account for gender-based differences in mobility patterns. Women are amongst the biggest users of public transport across Indian cities.  In general, cities work better for heterosexual, able-bodied, cisgender men than they do for women, girls, sexual and gender minorities, and people with disabilities. Key aspects of the built urban environment – related to access, mobility, safety and freedom from violence, health and hygiene, climate resilience, and security of tenure – create disproportionate burdens for women, girls, and sexual and gender minorities of all ages and abilities, thus exacerbating and reinforcing existing gender inequities.    Way forward to it   Infrastructure, services, and pricing are the three key levers of gender-responsive public transport design. After forming an understanding

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Public Policies
asmeet kaur

Policy Implementation: Challenges and Opportunities

This article examines the barriers to effective climate change policy implementation, including political, economic, regulatory, and social challenges. It highlights the conflict between short-term political goals and long-term environmental strategies, the influence of powerful industries, and socio-economic inequalities. The article emphasizes the importance of governance reforms, stakeholder engagement, and international cooperation to enhance policy effectiveness. Successful approaches include decentralized decision-making and equity-driven frameworks to improve transparency and inclusivity.

Keywords: climate policy, policymaking, political barriers, economic constraints, regulatory challenges, equity in policymaking, governance reforms, stakeholder engagement, international cooperation, Paris agreement

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Public Policies
Piyush Chaudhary

Child Digital Safety Policy in India

This article comprehensively addresses the issue of child digital safety policy in India. It explores the problems of cyber abuse and cybercrime faced by children, identifies gaps in current Indian policies, and provides recommendations to address them effectively.

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The Military Regime and The Scare of Capital Punishment in Myanmar​

Introduction On July 25, 2022, the state of Myanmar carried out capital punishment after approximately three decades. According to the state-run newspaper ‘Global New Light of Myanmar’, four executions were carried out based on charges of terror activities. This included the execution of Phyo Zeya Thaw, a former member of Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD), and prominent democracy activist Kyaw Min Yu. They were convicted and sentenced to death under the Anti-Terrorism Law, by a military tribunal in January for offenses involving explosives, bombings, and financing terrorism. According to Amnesty International, the charges are politically motivated. Additionally, Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw were sentenced to death for the alleged murder of a woman believed to act as an informer for the military in Hlaing Tharyar in Yangon. Global Outrage and Condemnation !​ These instances of capital punishment led to worldwide outrage and condemnation. UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet condemned the execution in the strongest terms and said, “I am dismayed that despite appeals from across the world, the military conducted these executions with no regard for human rights. This cruel and regressive step is an extension of the military’s ongoing repressive campaign against its people.”Countries like France and Japan also criticized the decision of Myanmar’s Military Junta while the US national security council described the killings as “heinous”. International organizations such as Amnesty International came out strongly against the act of Myanmar’s Military-led Government. Amnesty International’s Regional Director Erwin van der Borght said, “These executions amount to arbitrary deprivation of lives and are another example of Myanmar’s atrocious human rights record.”​ He further stated, “These executions – the first in Myanmar in decades – are cruel violations of the rights to life, liberty, and security of a person, and fair trial guarantees. For the military to widen its killing will only deepen its entanglement in the crisis it has itself created.” ​ Historical Context of Myanmar’s Military Regime !​ The political history of Myanmar under the military regime is marked by widespread violence. In 1962, the democratic structure of the country was overthrown by a military coup led by General Ne Win, who remained in power for 26 years. Following the collapse of Myanmar’s economy, public uprisings demanding democracy, and the emergence of a black market economy, the military regime launched a massive crackdown in 1988 which led to the death of more than 3000 civilians and the displacement of a large number of people.​ Recent Developments and Ongoing Conflict !​ The military rule continued over the years, and so did the violence. The year 2011 witnessed a breakthrough. The military junta was dissolved after years of widespread protests, and a military-dominated parliament was set up headed by former army bureaucrat and Prime Minister Thein. In 2015, Myanmar held its first nationwide, multiparty elections. The NLD led by Aung San Suu Kyi registered a landslide victory. However, for most of its existence, Myanmar remained in a state of conflict, both military and ethnic.​ In February 2021, the civilian government in the country was brought down by a coup headed by General Min Aung Hlaing, commander-in-chief of the Tatmadaw. Since then, a state of emergency has been imposed in the country. The government has promised to conduct free and fair elections. However, the country is engulfed in a new wave of violence. According to the advocacy group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) in Burma, 14,847 people have been arrested since the coup, while 11,759 remain in detention. 76 prisoners have been sentenced to death since the coup, including two children and 1 person, who have been sentenced to death in absentia.​ The Resurgence of Capital Punishment !​ Despite the ongoing conflict, the recent instances of capital punishment sparked worldwide concern. The executions are the first to be carried out in Myanmar since the 1980s. The Myanmar military issued a Martial Law Order 3/2021, according to which the authority to try civilians is transferred to special or existing military tribunals without any right to appeal. Amnesty International has also shown concern due to the dangerous increase in the use of the death penalty in Myanmar, as a tool to stop or minimize the ongoing agitation.​ Global Perspective on Capital Punishment !​ According to the US-based Death Penalty Information Center, “More than 70% of the countries in the world have abolished capital punishment in law and practice.” According to the “UN RESOLUTION FOR A UNIVERSAL MORATORIUM ON THE USE OF THE DEATH PENALTY” the UN reaffirms that the application of the death penalty violates human dignity and “calls upon all States that still maintain it to establish a moratorium on executions”. In 2020, the resolution was strengthened and stressed better conduct of the death row prisoners, and protecting women and children. It recognized the role of Civil Society “in pursuing local and national debates and regional initiatives on the death penalty”. 123 countries voted in its favor.​ However, unlike most of the world where capital punishment is not used and the trials are conducted in a comparatively fair manner, in Myanmar, under the Military Junta, there is no legal machinery and transparency for the protection of rights and people. As a result, they face a constant threat to their lives and rights.​ Human Rights Violations !​ The situation in Myanmar is a matter of grave concern. The relatives of those who were executed were deprived of any information and were kept waiting. The mother of Zayar Thaw said she was not aware when precisely her son would be executed, and thus was unable to make proper traditional funeral plans. “When we met on Zoom last Friday, my son was healthy and smiling. He asked me to send his reading glasses, dictionary, and some money to use in prison, so I brought those things to the prison today. That’s why I didn’t think they would kill him. I didn’t believe it”, she said. Similar stories could be heard from the relatives of the executed.​ Conclusion​

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