Public Policy in India – serie

Agriculture plays an essential role in the growth of developing economies, as agricultural production is key to food security and is closely intertwined with the livelihoods of many. This book explores the lives of smallholder agricultural farmers in India and the dire challenges that agricultural households face.Focussing on the Lakhpati Farmers initiative, the book examines interventions made by the programme to economically empower farmers and accelerate income growth in the agriculture sector. The programme, initiated by the Collectives for Integrated Livelihood Initiatives (CInI) in the tribal belts of central Indian states, helped farmers earn over INR 100,000 (or one lakh – hence Lakhpati) per annum. The programme engaged with households in 12 districts across 4 states – Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Gujarat – to bring about change through economic empowerment and improve the quality of life of tribal communities. This book documents these initiatives and strategies to meet the aspirations of small and marginal farmers by understanding the ingredients, processes, and challenges involved. The book analyses the programme, examines case studies, and offers ways forward.Part of the Innovations, Practice and the Future of Public Policy in India series, this volume will interest students and researchers of agriculture and rural development, business management, governance, public policy, development studies, and sociology.This book is freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF at http://www.taylorfrancis.com under a Creative Commons (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.

Agriculture plays an essential role in the growth of developing economies, as agricultural production is key to food security and is closely intertwined with the livelihoods of many. This book explores the lives of smallholder agricultural farmers in India and the dire challenges that agricultural households face.Focussing on the Lakhpati Farmers initiative, the book examines interventions made by the programme to economically empower farmers and accelerate income growth in the agriculture sector. The programme, initiated by the Collectives for Integrated Livelihood Initiatives (CInI) in the tribal belts of central Indian states, helped farmers earn over INR 100,000 (or one lakh – hence Lakhpati) per annum. The programme engaged with households in 12 districts across 4 states – Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Gujarat – to bring about change through economic empowerment and improve the quality of life of tribal communities. This book documents these initiatives and strategies to meet the aspirations of small and marginal farmers by understanding the ingredients, processes, and challenges involved. The book analyses the programme, examines case studies, and offers ways forward.Part of the Innovations, Practice and the Future of Public Policy in India series, this volume will interest students and researchers of agriculture and rural development, business management, governance, public policy, development studies, and sociology.This book is freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF at http://www.taylorfrancis.com under a Creative Commons (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.

Technology, Policy, and Inclusion looks at the intersections between public policy and technology in India. It explores the barriers in instituting effective governance and development and examines how these can be mitigated through technological interventions in developing countries.Increased digitisation of the economy has added to the development challenges in India and issues such as exclusion and social inequality. This volume stresses the need for governments to leverage technology to bring more vulnerable and marginalised groups into the fold of financial and social inclusion. It also focuses on the importance of regulation for a responsible integration of technologies and minimising risks. The book includes examples and case studies from different areas including management of the COVID-19 pandemic through digital means, real estate digital infrastructure, digital census, e-markets for farmers, and government interventions that use technology to deliver financial services in remote areas of the country. It also outlines various solutions for fostering equity and socio-economic development.Part of the Innovations, Practice and the Future of Public Policy in India series, this volume will be of interest to students and researchers of public policy, political science, development studies, and sociology as well as policy professionals and technocrats.This book is freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF at http://www.taylorfrancis.com under a Creative Commons (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.

The Last Mile explores the gaps and dichotomy between drafted policies and their implementation, and the last mile challenges which often make public services inaccessible to the poorest and most vulnerable sections of society. It provides an in-depth overview of the dynamics between communities, research and consultation and the implementation of policies for development.Rich in empirical data and case studies from different government programmes and reports, this book examines the implementation of government service programmes for poverty reduction, women’s empowerment, and income generation for the poor, among others, from a people’s perspective. It highlights the need for policies and institutions to align their methods to community needs. Offering guidelines for redesigning as well as solutions to counter challenges related to lack of trust and effective communication, human resource management, capacity development, redressal mechanisms, and facilitating the last mile connection, the author delineates effective ways for integrating new technologies in policy implementation. The book also addresses legacy issues in institutions and re-orienting policy for better governance, transparency, and building trust.Part of the Innovations, Practice and the Future of Public Policy in India series, this book, by a senior practitioner, will be an essential resource for students and researchers of development studies, sociology, public policy and governance, economics, and South Asian studies.This book is freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF at http://www.taylorfrancis.com under a Creative Commons (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.

The Last Mile explores the gaps and dichotomy between drafted policies and their implementation, and the last mile challenges which often make public services inaccessible to the poorest and most vulnerable sections of society. It provides an in-depth overview of the dynamics between communities, research and consultation and the implementation of policies for development.Rich in empirical data and case studies from different government programmes and reports, this book examines the implementation of government service programmes for poverty reduction, women’s empowerment, and income generation for the poor, among others, from a people’s perspective. It highlights the need for policies and institutions to align their methods to community needs. Offering guidelines for redesigning as well as solutions to counter challenges related to lack of trust and effective communication, human resource management, capacity development, redressal mechanisms, and facilitating the last mile connection, the author delineates effective ways for integrating new technologies in policy implementation. The book also addresses legacy issues in institutions and re-orienting policy for better governance, transparency, and building trust.Part of the Innovations, Practice and the Future of Public Policy in India series, this book, by a senior practitioner, will be an essential resource for students and researchers of development studies, sociology, public policy and governance, economics, and South Asian studies.This book is freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF at http://www.taylorfrancis.com under a Creative Commons (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.

Technology, Policy, and Inclusion looks at the intersections between public policy and technology in India. It explores the barriers in instituting effective governance and development and examines how these can be mitigated through technological interventions in developing countries.Increased digitisation of the economy has added to the development challenges in India and issues such as exclusion and social inequality. This volume stresses the need for governments to leverage technology to bring more vulnerable and marginalised groups into the fold of financial and social inclusion. It also focuses on the importance of regulation for a responsible integration of technologies and minimising risks. The book includes examples and case studies from different areas including management of the COVID-19 pandemic through digital means, real estate digital infrastructure, digital census, e-markets for farmers, and government interventions that use technology to deliver financial services in remote areas of the country. It also outlines various solutions for fostering equity and socio-economic development.Part of the Innovations, Practice and the Future of Public Policy in India series, this volume will be of interest to students and researchers of public policy, political science, development studies, and sociology as well as policy professionals and technocrats.This book is freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF at http://www.taylorfrancis.com under a Creative Commons (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.

This book explores climate action and justice in India, a country which has been facing extreme climate events and complex sociopolitical challenges arising from climate change. It offers diverse perspectives and insights into India's evolving climate landscape, policies, grassroots initiatives, and response to climate vulnerability and inequality. The book scrutinises policy efficacy, addresses community vulnerabilities and perspectives, and showcases innovative sustainable development strategies. It draws upon climate adaptation literature to underscore the significance of global cooperation in tackling climate change challenges. With a focus on inclusivity and global collaboration, the book will serve as a great resource for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders in navigating the complexities of climate action and justice in India. Part of the Innovations, Practice and the Future of Public Policy in India series, this open access volume will be of interest to public and climate policy professionals, social science professionals, and students working on climate change, climate action and justice, public policy, social sciences, environmental science, geography, and South Asia studies.This book is freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF at http://www.taylorfrancis.com under a Creative Commons (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.

This book explores climate action and justice in India, a country which has been facing extreme climate events and complex sociopolitical challenges arising from climate change. It offers diverse perspectives and insights into India's evolving climate landscape, policies, grassroots initiatives, and response to climate vulnerability and inequality. The book scrutinises policy efficacy, addresses community vulnerabilities and perspectives, and showcases innovative sustainable development strategies. It draws upon climate adaptation literature to underscore the significance of global cooperation in tackling climate change challenges. With a focus on inclusivity and global collaboration, the book will serve as a great resource for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders in navigating the complexities of climate action and justice in India. Part of the Innovations, Practice and the Future of Public Policy in India series, this open access volume will be of interest to public and climate policy professionals, social science professionals, and students working on climate change, climate action and justice, public policy, social sciences, environmental science, geography, and South Asia studies.This book is freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF at http://www.taylorfrancis.com under a Creative Commons (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.

This book engages with the critical issue of nutrition and its relationship with the full spectrum of human development challenges in India. It examines concerns around both undernutrition and overnutrition through a range of case studies, documenting key interventions and strategies implemented by governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders.The book broadly discusses macroeconomic and social issues affecting India’s progress in addressing nutrition challenges, linking them to mesoand micro-level factors—from food and health systems to grassroots realities. It explores not only policy imperatives but, more importantly, the processes and mechanisms necessary to achieve them. Special attention is given to the role of women and women’s collectives, the importance of comprehensive, decentralized, and community-based approaches to improving nutrition among the most vulnerable, and the critical life phases that require targeted interventions. The volume also presents large-scale, state-led, and statewide models and strategies, offering valuable insights for policymakers, governments, and institutions grappling with similar issues.Part of the Innovations, Practice and the Future of Public Policy in India series, this open access volume will interest policy professionals, administrators, academics, and researchers working in public health, nutrition and dietetics, allied health, health and social care, health and development, public policy, social policy, and South Asian studies.

What does ‘quality education’ truly mean, and how can we ensure it is accessible to all children, regardless of their background? This book delves into these pressing questions, offering a comprehensive exploration of the challenges and opportunities within India’s education system.Why do millions of children in India attend school yet still struggle to acquire basic literacy and numeracy skills? This book examines the varied reasons behind poor learning outcomes, illustrating why high enrolment rates have not translated into meaningful educational progress. It underscores the urgent need to shift the focus from merely getting children into schools to ensuring they learn and thrive. Through real-world case studies, insightful policy analysis, and a focus on innovative state and national initiatives, the book unpacks what works in education – and what does not. From the role of teachers and school leadership to the importance of inclusive policies and community engagement, it offers a holistic view of the factors influencing student achievement.As a part of the Innovations, Practice and the Future of Public Policy in India series, this open access volume will interest policy professionals, academics, and researchers in education, pedagogy, curriculum design, education economics, and development studies.This book is freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF at http://www.taylorfrancis.com under a Creative Commons (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.

What does ‘quality education’ truly mean, and how can we ensure it is accessible to all children, regardless of their background? This book delves into these pressing questions, offering a comprehensive exploration of the challenges and opportunities within India’s education system.Why do millions of children in India attend school yet still struggle to acquire basic literacy and numeracy skills? This book examines the varied reasons behind poor learning outcomes, illustrating why high enrolment rates have not translated into meaningful educational progress. It underscores the urgent need to shift the focus from merely getting children into schools to ensuring they learn and thrive. Through real-world case studies, insightful policy analysis, and a focus on innovative state and national initiatives, the book unpacks what works in education – and what does not. From the role of teachers and school leadership to the importance of inclusive policies and community engagement, it offers a holistic view of the factors influencing student achievement.As a part of the Innovations, Practice and the Future of Public Policy in India series, this open access volume will interest policy professionals, academics, and researchers in education, pedagogy, curriculum design, education economics, and development studies.This book is freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF at http://www.taylorfrancis.com under a Creative Commons (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.

This book offers a comprehensive analysis of India’s healthcare challenges and the pathways to achieving universal health coverage. It critically examines the current healthcare landscape, highlighting persistent issues such as undernutrition, demographic transitions, and pandemic vulnerabilities.The book emphasises the importance of strengthening public healthcare systems, investing in human resources, and adopting a community-centred approach to health policy. It discusses the need for decentralised community action, substantial public investment in healthcare infrastructure, addressing urban health challenges, and developing a more inclusive and accessible healthcare model. Drawing on microstudies from across different states, the volume offers evidence-based recommendations for policymakers to transform India’s healthcare ecosystem and make quality healthcare a reality for all. Its multidisciplinary approach – spanning healthcare policy, economics, and social development – ensures relevance across diverse professional domains while maintaining a clear focus on healthcare improvement in India. This broad yet focused perspective makes it a valuable resource for both specialists in the field and those seeking to understand the complexities of India’s healthcare challenges and solutions.Part of the Innovations, Practice and the Future of Public Policy in India series, this open access volume will interest policy professionals, administrators, academics, and researchers in public health, healthcare economics, and development studies.This book is freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF at http://www.taylorfrancis.com under a Creative Commons (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.

This book offers a comprehensive analysis of India’s healthcare challenges and the pathways to achieving universal health coverage. It critically examines the current healthcare landscape, highlighting persistent issues such as undernutrition, demographic transitions, and pandemic vulnerabilities.The book emphasises the importance of strengthening public healthcare systems, investing in human resources, and adopting a community-centred approach to health policy. It discusses the need for decentralised community action, substantial public investment in healthcare infrastructure, addressing urban health challenges, and developing a more inclusive and accessible healthcare model. Drawing on microstudies from across different states, the volume offers evidence-based recommendations for policymakers to transform India’s healthcare ecosystem and make quality healthcare a reality for all. Its multidisciplinary approach – spanning healthcare policy, economics, and social development – ensures relevance across diverse professional domains while maintaining a clear focus on healthcare improvement in India. This broad yet focused perspective makes it a valuable resource for both specialists in the field and those seeking to understand the complexities of India’s healthcare challenges and solutions.Part of the Innovations, Practice and the Future of Public Policy in India series, this open access volume will interest policy professionals, administrators, academics, and researchers in public health, healthcare economics, and development studies.This book is freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF at http://www.taylorfrancis.com under a Creative Commons (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.

This book engages with the critical issue of nutrition and its relationship with the full spectrum of human development challenges in India. It examines concerns around both undernutrition and overnutrition through a range of case studies, documenting key interventions and strategies implemented by governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders.The book broadly discusses macroeconomic and social issues affecting India’s progress in addressing nutrition challenges, linking them to mesoand micro-level factors—from food and health systems to grassroots realities. It explores not only policy imperatives but, more importantly, the processes and mechanisms necessary to achieve them. Special attention is given to the role of women and women’s collectives, the importance of comprehensive, decentralized, and community-based approaches to improving nutrition among the most vulnerable, and the critical life phases that require targeted interventions. The volume also presents large-scale, state-led, and statewide models and strategies, offering valuable insights for policymakers, governments, and institutions grappling with similar issues.Part of the Innovations, Practice and the Future of Public Policy in India series, this open access volume will interest policy professionals, administrators, academics, and researchers working in public health, nutrition and dietetics, allied health, health and social care, health and development, public policy, social policy, and South Asian studies.

This book unpacks the complexities of social development in India, focusing on the institutional bottlenecks that hinder effective policy implementation.While governments and organizations design ambitious policies for economic growth, human capital development, education, agriculture, and social welfare, their impact is often diluted due to governance inefficiencies, bureaucratic inertia, and weak last-mile service delivery. Through a blend of empirical and evidence-based research, policy analysis, and real-world case studies, the book provides a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms that drive – or obstruct – sustainable development in India. It explores pressing socio-economic issues, such as demographic shifts, sustainable futures, workforce dynamics, digital governance, e-markets, bureaucracy, and gender-based violence. The book serves as a vital resource for those seeking to understand governance challenges and the institutional reforms necessary for meaningful change. By highlighting both the problems and potential solutions, it fosters a dialogue on creating resilient and inclusive institutions that can effectively deliver on their promise of social progress.Part of the Innovations, Practice and the Future of Public Policy in India series, this volume will be of interest to policymakers, policy practitioners, researchers, development practitioners, and engaged citizens, particularly as we move towards a tech-savvy public sector. It will be an essential resource for students and researchers of development studies, sociology, public policy and governance, economics, and South Asian studies.The Open Access version of this book, available at http://www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons [Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND)] 4.0 license.

This book unpacks the complexities of social development in India, focusing on the institutional bottlenecks that hinder effective policy implementation.While governments and organizations design ambitious policies for economic growth, human capital development, education, agriculture, and social welfare, their impact is often diluted due to governance inefficiencies, bureaucratic inertia, and weak last-mile service delivery. Through a blend of empirical and evidence-based research, policy analysis, and real-world case studies, the book provides a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms that drive – or obstruct – sustainable development in India. It explores pressing socio-economic issues, such as demographic shifts, sustainable futures, workforce dynamics, digital governance, e-markets, bureaucracy, and gender-based violence. The book serves as a vital resource for those seeking to understand governance challenges and the institutional reforms necessary for meaningful change. By highlighting both the problems and potential solutions, it fosters a dialogue on creating resilient and inclusive institutions that can effectively deliver on their promise of social progress.Part of the Innovations, Practice and the Future of Public Policy in India series, this volume will be of interest to policymakers, policy practitioners, researchers, development practitioners, and engaged citizens, particularly as we move towards a tech-savvy public sector. It will be an essential resource for students and researchers of development studies, sociology, public policy and governance, economics, and South Asian studies.The Open Access version of this book, available at http://www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons [Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND)] 4.0 license.

India's rural transformation journey has been remarkable – characterised by innovation, community resilience, strategic interventions, and continuous learning from both successes and challenges. Delving into India's rural livelihood, this volume presents learnings from livelihood interventions across the country. Through the authors’ on-field experiences and case studies, the book documents the evolution of flagship programmes like the National Rural Livelihood Mission, showcasing how decentralised approaches and collective action have fostered sustainable changes within India’s most vulnerable populations. Whether it is about graduating tribal communities from extreme poverty to creating women-led enterprises, or introducing watershed management and climate-resilient farming, this book captures diverse strategies that have proven effective in different contexts. Each chapter reveals implementation challenges, success factors, and scalable solutions, demonstrating how government programmes, partnerships, and community ownership create widespread impact far beyond individual beneficiaries. It highlights the critical role of women's collectives, place-based approaches, and the potential of ecological livelihoods in building sustainable rural economies, offering a roadmap for replicating successful interventions adaptable to local contexts and emerging challenges.Part of the “Innovations, Practice and the Future of Public Policy in India” series, this open-access volume is an evidence-based compilation which will be an essential resource for policymakers, development practitioners, researchers, and students seeking to understand effective rural development strategies and working on global development, development policy, rural development, public policy, and social policy.

India's rural transformation journey has been remarkable – characterised by innovation, community resilience, strategic interventions, and continuous learning from both successes and challenges. Delving into India's rural livelihood, this volume presents learnings from livelihood interventions across the country. Through the authors’ on-field experiences and case studies, the book documents the evolution of flagship programmes like the National Rural Livelihood Mission, showcasing how decentralised approaches and collective action have fostered sustainable changes within India’s most vulnerable populations. Whether it is about graduating tribal communities from extreme poverty to creating women-led enterprises, or introducing watershed management and climate-resilient farming, this book captures diverse strategies that have proven effective in different contexts. Each chapter reveals implementation challenges, success factors, and scalable solutions, demonstrating how government programmes, partnerships, and community ownership create widespread impact far beyond individual beneficiaries. It highlights the critical role of women's collectives, place-based approaches, and the potential of ecological livelihoods in building sustainable rural economies, offering a roadmap for replicating successful interventions adaptable to local contexts and emerging challenges.Part of the “Innovations, Practice and the Future of Public Policy in India” series, this open-access volume is an evidence-based compilation which will be an essential resource for policymakers, development practitioners, researchers, and students seeking to understand effective rural development strategies and working on global development, development policy, rural development, public policy, and social policy.

Meghalaya Mirrors offers an insightful exploration of innovative, community-led initiatives that are shaping environmental conservation, biodiversity preservation, and socio-economic development in Meghalaya, India.Between the state’s rich natural heritage and pressing environmental challenges such as deforestation, mining, and climate change, this volume emphasizes the vital role of communities in protecting their resources and promoting sustainable development. Through case studies, grassroots perspectives, and examples of indigenous knowledge systems, the book showcases the resilience and creativity of local communities.Part of the Innovations, Practice and the Future of Public Policy in India series, this open access volume will be an essential resource for policymakers, researchers, development practitioners, and stakeholders committed to understanding and advancing community-driven environmental action in ecologically sensitive regions. It will also be of interest to researchers working on climate change, climate action, social sciences, environmental science, geography and South Asia studies.