SPRF India

The delay of the 2021 Census has profound implications on India’s data landscape, leaving policymakers, researchers, and social welfare organisations reliant on outdated information from 2011. Without the updated demographic data, programs that aim to address crucial issues such as poverty alleviation, public health, education, and social equity are significantly impaired. The accuracy of resource allocation is compromised, affecting states, regions, and communities differently, particularly those in rapidly changing demographic and economic conditions. The postponement has also delayed the possibility of conducting a much-debated caste census, further complicating social and political dynamics in India. At SPRF, we have been extensively monitoring the implications of the delay in the census since 2023. Some of our work includes: “New India’s Policies from Old India’s Data: The 16th Census Delay and its Impact,” an Issue Brief by Yashoroop Dey, highlights the disruption in the decennial pattern, forcing critical policy decisions and social welfare programs to rely on outdated 2011 data, impacting the accuracy and effectiveness of national planning. https://lnkd.in/d5sapiuD “Contours of Caste Census: The Kerala Quandary,” a Commentary by Neha Maria Benny, sheds light on the debate over a national caste census, sparked by Bihar’s survey, which has created complex political challenges for Congress in Kerala as it balances NSS and SNDP interests with broader electoral stakes. https://lnkd.in/gnREeZaU #IndiaCensus #DataGaps #PolicyImpact #SPRFResearch #Census2021 #IndiaGovernance #PublicPolicy #SocialEquity #sprf #india #SPRFIndia #thinktank #policy #research #sprfresearch

The increase in the Gender Budget from ₹2.38 lakh crores in 2023-24 to ₹3.27 lakh crores in 2024-25, representing a 37% rise, is a notable figure, but it does not fully capture the impact on women-centric initiatives. A significant portion of this budget includes allocations for schemes that benefit both men and women. For example, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, which accounts for over 71% of the Part-A schemes, includes joint property ownership where women may not be the primary beneficiaries. Additionally, general allocations like building female toilets and providing free LPG connections benefit entire households, rather than solely targeting women. Moreover, actual funding for targeted women’s empowerment programs, such as working women’s hostels and childcare centres, has decreased. The Ministry of Women and Child Development’s allocation for Mission Shakti, aimed at enhancing women’s safety and empowerment, has been reduced by ₹61 crores compared to the previous year. This reduction indicates that, despite the large figures, the financial support for schemes directly benefiting women has not increased as expected. Such concerns make it crucial to reassess how the Gender Budget allocations are utilised to ensure more targeted support for women. To learn more, read Rihan Shareef and Soumya Singhal’s Curated Voices, “Decoding the Gender Budget and its True Gains for 'Naari Shakti.’” Read Here: https://lnkd.in/gbNQ-3RM #GenderBudget #WomenEmpowerment #BudgetAnalysis #NaariShakti #PublicPolicy #WomenCentricSchemes #BudgetImpact #sprf #india #SPRFIndia #thinktank #policy #research #sprfresearch

SPRF is hiring! We are looking for a creative Graphic Design Associate to craft visually compelling content that communicates SPRF’s mission and research. Job Title: Graphic Design Associate Location: Remote Job Type: Full-Time How to Apply: Interested candidates should send their resume, a cover letter, and an updated portfolio to recruitment@sprf.in with the subject line “Graphic Design Associate - [Your Name].” Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. #Hiring #Opportunities #ApplyNow

India's push to explore its vast critical mineral wealth is a pivotal step toward securing economic growth and national security. The involvement of private and foreign players brings opportunities for technological advancement, but it also raises concerns about overexploitation, environmental degradation, and resource sovereignty. To fully realize the potential of this sector, India must implement a transparent regulatory framework that ensures responsible mining practices. Balancing economic ambitions with strict environmental safeguards and community protection will be key to harnessing these valuable resources sustainably and strategically. To learn more about mineral exploration and its impact, read Anusha Arif’s Commentary, "New Mineral Exploration Licensing: Impacts and Challenges of Private Sector." Read Here: https://lnkd.in/gRCa8UEC #MineralExploration #CriticalMinerals #IndiaEconomicGrowth #EnvironmentalProtection #PrivateSector #sprf #india #SPRFIndia #thinktank #policy #research #sprfresearch

India's civil service recruitment process has come under intense scrutiny following the Puja Khedkar controversy, where falsified documents exposed significant flaws in the system. This incident reveals deeper, systemic issues that threaten the credibility and fairness of the UPSC examinations, which are crucial for selecting the nation’s top bureaucrats. Comprehensive reforms are urgently needed to restore public confidence and ensure that only the most capable and ethical individuals serve in these vital roles. To learn more about systemic issues and how reassessment and comprehensive reforms can restore faith in the UPSC recruitment process, read Varada Marathe’s Commentary, "Reforming India's Bureaucratic Backbone: Need for UPSC Recruitment Overhaul." Read Here: https://lnkd.in/g73r3RhW #UPSCReform #CivilServiceIntegrity #Governance #PublicServiceReform #sprf #india #SPRFIndia #thinktank #policy #research #sprfresearch

A month after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for FY 2024-25, this recap highlights the budget’s ambitious strategies for promoting economic growth, incentivizing job creation, and supporting youth internships. As the fiscal year progresses, the success of the budget will be measured not just by economic indicators but also by its ability to foster inclusive growth and innovation. Continued vigilance and adaptive management will be crucial in realizing the budget’s ambitious vision for a prosperous and dynamic India. #UnionBudget #EconomicGrowth #JobCreation #InfastructureDevelopment #BudgetHighlights #Policies #sprf #india #SPRFIndia #thinktank #policy #research #sprfresearch

SPRF is Hiring! We're looking for a Communications and Design Associate to drive our communications strategy, create engaging multimedia content, and build strategic partnerships. Job Title: Communications and Design Associate Location: Remote (India) Job Type: Full-Time How to Apply: Interested candidates should send their resume, cover letter, and a portfolio or writing sample to recruitment@sprf.in using the subject line “Communications and Design Associate Application - [Your Name].” Application Deadline: We are accepting applications on a rolling basis. Priority consideration will be given to applicants focusing on social, political, or gender issues, and those from minority or underprivileged/underrepresented communities. #Hiring #JobOpportunity #ApplyNow

India accounts for 8% of the global fatalities due to landslides. The state of Uttarakhand, in particular, is considered to be highly disaster-prone, with high occurrences of flash-floods, forest fires, and an increasing risk of landslides. The government has made its own efforts to minimise the impact of landslides, by making plans to identify the areas where landslide occurrences are common or occur repeatedly. However, some common issues of unchecked construction have made the challenges more severe. By employing new data driven susceptibility mapping technology, the government can further investigate the areas with higher susceptibility. Through identification of such areas, action plans for target risk reduction strategies, early warning systems and strengthening land-use regulations can be prioritised. However, even with adequate mapping technology, some risks remain. Landslides can also be caused by human-induced changes of unchecked construction of roads, buildings, and dams, or other infrastructural projects. In the midst of the government’s push to ease pilgrimage passage through this delicate terrain, these risks remain unattended. To know more about these challenges and issues, head over to our website to read Anusha Arif’s Commentary, Unravelling the Threat: Rising Climate Risks and Landslides in India. Read Here: https://lnkd.in/gXiYcRZ6 #Landslides #DisasterManagement #ClimateRisks #Sustainability #SusceptibilityMapping #EnvironmentalProtection #InfrastructureSafety #EarlyWarningSystems #RiskReduction #ClimateChange #LandUseRegulations #ForestFires #FlashFloods #sprf #india #SPRFIndia #thinktank #policy #research #sprfresearch

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has reaffirmed the right of Muslim women to receive maintenance under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). This ruling ensures that Muslim women have equal access to legal provisions designed to protect their financial security. The Court clarified that the 1986 law, specifically aimed at Muslim women, provides alternative facilities for maintenance. Muslim women now have the choice to seek maintenance under either the 1986 law or by filing an application in the family court under Section 125 of the CrPC. Here's what makes this decision noteworthy: 1. Affirming Existing Rights: The Court's ruling emphasises that Muslim women are entitled to the same legal provisions as other women under Section 125 of the CrPC, ensuring their right to maintenance. This clarifies any ambiguity that may have existed regarding their access to these provisions. 2. Choice and Empowerment: By acknowledging the existence of the 1986 law, the Court grants Muslim women the freedom to choose the avenue that best suits their circumstances. This empowerment allows them to access the legal framework that best addresses their individual needs. 3. Combating Discrimination: This decision serves as a powerful tool to combat discrimination against Muslim women and ensure their equal standing within the legal system. It signifies a shift towards a more just and inclusive society where women's rights are upheld regardless of their religion. The Supreme Court's ruling is not just a legal victory but a significant step forward in the fight for women's rights and empowerment. It sets a precedent for future legal battles, reinforcing the commitment to a society where all women are treated with equality and dignity. Read here: https://lnkd.in/gDiKFqRE #WomensRights #MuslimWomen #SupremeCourt #EqualRights #InclusiveSociety #sprf #india #SPRFIndia #thinktank #policy #research #sprfresearch