Category: OPINION

Ten years ago, we embarked on a bold journey into uncharted territory with great conviction.

While decades were spent doubting the ability of Indians to use technology, we changed this approach and trusted the ability of Indians to use technology.

While decades were spent thinking that use of technology will deepen the gap between the haves and the have-nots, we changed this mindset and used technology to eliminate the gap between the haves and the have-nots.

When the intent is right, innovation empowers the less empowered. When the approach is inclusive, technology brings change in the lives of those on the margins.

This belief laid the foundation for Digital India: a mission to democratise access, build inclusive digital infrastructure, and opportunities for all.

In 2014, internet penetration was limited, digital literacy was low, and online access to government services was scarce. Many doubted whether a country as vast and diverse as India could truly go digital.

Today, that question has been answered not just in data and dashboards, but in the lives of 140 crore Indians. From how we govern, to how we learn, transact, and build, Digital India is everywhere.

Bridging the Digital Divide

In 2014, India had around 25 crore internet connections. Today, that number has grown to over 97 crores. Over 42 lakh kilometres of Optical Fibre Cable equivalent to 11 times the distance between Earth and the Moon now connects even the most remote villages.

India’s 5G rollout is among the fastest in the world, with 4.81 lakh base stations installed in just two years. High-speed internet now reaches urban hubs and forward military posts alike including Galwan, Siachen, and Ladakh.

India Stack, which is our digital backbone, has enabled platforms like UPI, which now handles 100+ billion transactions a year. Around half of all real time digital transactions happen in India.

Through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), over ₹44 lakh crore has been transferred directly to citizens, cutting out middlemen and saving ₹3.48 lakh crore in leakages.

Schemes like SVAMITVA have issued 2.4 crore+ property cards and mapped 6.47 lakh villages, ending years of land-related uncertainty.

Democratising Opportunity for All

India’s digital economy is empowering MSMEs and small entrepreneurs like never before.

ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) is a revolutionary platform which opens a new window of opportunities by providing a seamless connection with huge market of buyers and sellers.

GeM (Government E-Marketplace) enables the common man to sell goods and services to all arms of the government. This not only empowers the common man with a huge market but also saves money for the Government.

Imagine this: You apply for a Mudra loan online. Your creditworthiness is assessed through an account aggregator framework. You get your loan and start your venture. You register on GeM, supply to schools and hospitals, and then scale up via ONDC.

ONDC recently crossed 200 million transactions, with the last 100 million in just six months. From Banarasi weavers to bamboo artisans in Nagaland, sellers are now reaching customers nationwide, without middlemen or digital monopolies.

GeM has also crossed ₹1 lakh crore GMV in 50 days, with 22 lakh sellers including 1.8 lakh+ women-led MSMEs, who have fulfilled orders worth ₹46,000 crore.

Digital Public Infrastructure: India’s Global Offering

India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) from Aadhaar, CoWIN, DigiLocker, and FASTag to PM-WANI and One Nation One Subscription is now studied and adopted globally.

CoWIN enabled the world’s largest vaccination drive, issuing 220 crore QR-verifiable certificates. DigiLocker, with 54 crore users, hosts 775 crore+ documents, securely and seamlessly.

Through our G20 Presidency, India launched the Global DPI Repository and a $25 million Social Impact Fund, helping nations across Africa and South Asia adopt inclusive digital ecosystems.

Startup Power Meets AatmaNirbhar Bharat

India now ranks among the top 3 startup ecosystems in the world, with over 1.8 lakh startups. But this is more than a startup movement, it is a tech renaissance.

India is doing extremely well when it comes to AI skill penetration and AI talent concentration among our youth.

Through the $1.2 billion India AI Mission, India has enabled access to 34,000 GPUs at globally unmatched prices at less than $1/GPU hour making India not just the most affordable internet economy, but also the most affordable compute destination.

India has championed humanity-first AI. The New Delhi Declaration on AI promotes innovation with responsibility. We are establishing AI Centres of Excellence across the country.

The Road Ahead

The next decade will be even more transformative. We are moving from digital governance to global digital leadership, from India-first to India-for-the-world.

Digital India has not remained a mere government program, it has become a people’s movement. It is central to building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and to making India a trusted innovation partner to the world.

To all innovators, entrepreneurs, and dreamers: the world is looking at India for the next digital breakthrough.

Let us build what empowers.

Let us solve what truly matters.

Let us lead with technology that unites, includes, and uplifts.

Courtesy PIB, Srinagar 

 The writer is the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India.

Poverty is not merely about income—it is about choices, dignity, and opportunity.

In the picturesque valleys and rugged mountains of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), the conversation about poverty often takes a backseat to politics, conflict, or infrastructure development. Yet, as policymakers and economists have long argued, no region can hope for peace or progress without addressing the economic deprivation that touches the lives of its most vulnerable.

Drawing inspiration from Martin Ravallion’s landmark book The Economics of Poverty, this article explores how poverty is defined, measured, and addressed—globally and in the specific context of J&K. Ravallion’s work offers not just theory but a call to action: understand poverty deeply, and design policies that genuinely reach the poor.

Poverty in Jammu and Kashmir: A Hidden Crisis

Despite significant public spending and centrally sponsored welfare schemes, Jammu and Kashmir continues to grapple with persistent poverty, especially in rural areas. According to the NITI Aayog’s Multidimensional Poverty Index Report (2021), nearly 12.6% of J&K’s population lives in multidimensional poverty, with deprivations in education, health, and living standards.

The Poonch, Rajouri, and Kupwara districts rank among the poorest in the region, where families often face the combined burdens of geographical isolation, underdeveloped infrastructure, low access to quality education, and inadequate healthcare. This is despite J&K historically performing relatively well on per capita consumption levels, largely due to public sector employment and remittances.

So, how do we explain this paradox?

The Measurement Matters

As Ravallion points out, how we measure poverty affects how we fight it. In J&K, traditional income-based measurements fail to capture the real depth of deprivation. For instance, a family earning just above the poverty line may still lack access to clean drinking water or electricity in hilly areas like Doda or Kishtwar. Likewise, seasonal unemployment among youth in tourism-driven districts like Anantnag or Baramulla rarely shows up in annual household surveys.

The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is particularly relevant here. It accounts not just for income, but also indicators like child mortality, school attendance, cooking fuel, sanitation, and housing—areas where J&K still lags behind in many remote belts.

The Growth Illusion: Who Is Being Left Behind?

Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed infrastructure growth—roads, railways, mobile connectivity, and digital schemes. Yet, economic growth has not translated into broad-based poverty alleviation. According to recent employment data, J&K has one of the highest youth unemployment rates in India, with many young graduates unable to find stable, meaningful work.

Why does this matter for poverty? Because as Ravallion argues, growth alone isn’t enough—its distribution and inclusiveness are key. In J&K, growth has disproportionately benefitted urban areas like Srinagar and Jammu, while rural and tribal communities remain on the margins.

Moreover, conflict and instability have exacerbated vulnerabilities. Disruptions to education, loss of livelihood during lockdowns (both due to political events and COVID-19), and psychological stress have deepened the poverty trap for thousands.

Welfare Programs: Are They Working?

Schemes like PMAY (housing), Ujjwala Yojana (LPG), MGNREGA (rural employment), and Midday Meals (education and nutrition) operate in J&K, but implementation often suffers from delays, limited awareness, and access barriers—especially for women, the disabled, and tribal communities.

A field study by the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) in South Kashmir highlighted that women in remote villages still rely on firewood, despite being listed under LPG schemes. Similarly, MGNREGA records show allocated work, but wages are delayed or incomplete, forcing rural laborers to seek risky seasonal migration to Punjab or Himachal.

Ravallion reminds us: targeting the poor requires more than slogans—it requires systems that listen, adapt, and deliver. J&K, with its difficult terrain and fragile governance, needs localized solutions, community participation, and robust monitoring systems.

Policy Recommendations for J&K

Based on global evidence and regional experience, five priorities emerge for tackling poverty in Jammu and Kashmir:

1. Invest in Human Capital: Education and health spending must reach the last mile. Mobile health clinics, school infrastructure, and teacher accountability in remote districts need urgent attention.
2. Strengthen Data Systems: Regular, district-level MPI tracking can help identify “pockets of poverty” and design focused interventions.
3. Support Women’s Economic Inclusion: Expand SHG (Self-Help Group) networks, digital literacy, and skill-based training for women, especially in Muslim-majority and tribal areas.
4. Promote Local Enterprise: Handicrafts, horticulture, and eco-tourism have enormous poverty-reduction potential. These sectors need access to credit, markets, and digital tools.
5. Ensure Transparent Delivery: Leverage technology (DBT, Aadhaar-linked services), but ensure it doesn’t exclude those with low literacy or connectivity issues.

A Valley of Hope—If We Listen Closely

Poverty in J&K is not always visible amidst its scenic landscapes, political headlines, or infrastructure announcements. But it is there—in the skipped meals, the dropped-out children, the elderly without pensions, the anxious unemployed youth.

The real challenge, as Martin Ravallion would argue, is not just reducing poverty numbers on paper—but ensuring that every individual has the chance to lead a life of dignity and opportunity.

For Jammu and Kashmir, that means embracing an economics that listens more closely, reaches more deeply, and acts more decisively.

The writer is an economics educator and development writer based in Kashmir. He writes on policy, education, and equity for regional and national platforms. abbas42@rediffmail.com

Jammu & Kashmir has done it again. Launched another scheme. A shiny, ambitious, slogan-loaded mission. This time it’s called “Mission YUVA.” Very much like smart cycles. 

The name sounds cool. The promises are cooler. Rs 1830 crore allocated. 1.37 lakh new enterprises. 4.25 lakh jobs. All in five years. Oh gosh, if dreams had wings, National Conference would be the international dealer to sell them.

Cue the applause. Roll out the banners. Get the cameras. We’ve launched “hope” again.

But before we get too carried away with this glittering package, can we please ask a basic, boring, terribly inconvenient question?

Who exactly is this mission for? Let’s pause here. Has anyone done a proper, ground-level, door-to-door survey of unemployed youth in Kashmir? Their educational backgrounds? Their skillsets? Their dreams, fears, and immediate needs?

No. We skipped that.

Instead, we jumped straight to launching a mega-mission. With four “pillars” – Culture, Capital, Capacity, Connectivity. Fancy. Alliterative. Impresses the press. Confuses the unemployed.

Culture? We’re told we’ll now change “mindsets” and “attitudes” of young people toward self-employment. As if the average Kashmiri youth sitting jobless for years just needs a pep talk to suddenly become a startup founder.

Capital? Yes, financial help is on the menu. Subsidies. Credit. A Rs 250 crore venture capital fund. But let’s not pretend that access to capital has never been equitable here. Ask any local entrepreneur who tried navigating a bank manager’s table stacked with files, delays, and apathy.

Capacity? Training programs, boot camps, workshops – sure. But who decided what the youth need training in? Was there a baseline study done? A district-wise sectoral mapping?

Nope. Don’t be silly!

Connectivity? Apparently, this means linking youth with market opportunities. But which markets? Where’s the demand-supply analysis? What sectors are growing? Which districts can offer what kind of growth? Silence.

You see, the tragedy is not the mission itself. The tragedy is the order of things. You don’t build the house first and then look for land.

First, you identify the unemployed youth.
Then, you talk to them.
Then, you map their existing skills.
Then, you align that with sectors that can absorb them – tourism, agri-tech, crafts, digital, renewable energy, cold chains, health tech.

Only then you launch your mission. With focus. With precision. With targets that aren’t random.

But no. We’re reverse-engineering unemployment. Create a mission. Then try to somehow fit people into it.

Worse still, no one talks about the reasons youth prefer government jobs. Stability, social respect, predictable income, less harassment. Till you address why they run after Sarkari Naukri, no scheme can “change mindsets.”

Also, Kashmir isn’t Delhi or Bengaluru. You can’t parachute one-size-fits-all policy here. You need hyperlocal insight. An unemployed BSc graduate in Budgam doesn’t need an “ideation boot camp.” He needs a roadmap to stability. He needs a job. And you are giving him a mission which he is totally clueless about.

Let’s also remember how past missions fared. Skill India? Hardly translated into jobs. Start-Up India? Most Kashmiri youth couldn’t even cross the application stage. PMEGP? Choked in red tape.

So why will Mission YUVA be different? 

Because this time we’ve used more colorful infographics? Or created a dashboard that will show “progress” in graphs while the ground reality remains static?

And how about accountability? When these 4.25 lakh jobs don’t materialize by 2029, will anyone resign? Will there be a white paper on failures? Or just another mission with a new acronym and the same old problems?

Let’s be honest. What youth in Kashmir need is not more launches. They need listening. Mapping. Matching. Mentoring. Sustained handholding.

Not a 5-minute video with background music and drone shots of development.

Mission YUVA may be well-intentioned. But intention without intelligence is noise. Without real groundwork, this mission will be just another tick in the government’s PR report.

In a place where unemployment is emotionally, economically, and politically explosive, it’s criminal to treat it with templates.

Before you offer solutions, try understanding the problem.
Before you design pillars, study the ground.
Before you promise jobs, ask the youth what they even want to do.

Otherwise, in five years, Mission YUVA will be a footnote in a government report. A well-branded, poorly thought-out detour.

And the youth will still be where they were.
Waiting. Watching. Wondering if anyone really cares.

Till then, welcome to the next edition of Mission Acrobatics.

And, then, here is the stark reality that no one gives a hoot about. 

Over 3.70 lakh youth have registered as unemployed on the J&K Employment Portal as of January 2025 – graduates, postgraduates, diploma holders, even 10+2 pass-outs. 

Yet instead of starting with this real pool of jobless talent, the authorities chose to launch “Mission YUVA”: fancy dashboards and glossy brochures galore.

How about we rename it “Mission Clueless”? Because clearly, the government has no clue what these 3.7 lakh registered youth actually want – or can do. Instead of surveying their skills, interests, or local market demand, they rushed to promise 4.25 lakh jobs and 1.37 lakh enterprises.

That math only works if you assume every registered youth already has startup-ready skills. Spoiler: they don’t.

Imagine if, instead of parachuting in acronyms, they had first asked: “Hey, what can you do? What do you want to learn? What does Budgam or Anantnag actually need?” A little mapping exercise might have saved us from another round of PR fireworks.

So, here’s a thought: begin by surveying the existing 3.7 lakh unemployed. Match their abilities with real sectors – tourism, crafts, digital services. THEN launch a mission that’s tailored, not theatre.

 

An author, a communications strategist, Dr Sanjay Parva was a debut contestant from 28-Beerwah 2024 Assembly Constituency

bindasparva@gmail.com

The Statistics Day is observed annually on 29^th June, commemorating the birth anniversary of late Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, since 2007. This day celebrated valuable contribution by late Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, in the field of Economic planning, Statistics and Policy making.  The main objective of celebrating Statistics Day is to create public awareness, especially among the younger generation, about the role and importance of statistics in socio-economic planning and policy formulation, data-driven development and data-driven decision making for the country. The data driven decision making is important and most essential skills for better understanding of statistical information emanating from official statistics and for facilitating evidence-based decision making

Every year on Statistics Day, one particular theme of current national importance is chosen for intensive and focussed attention. This year, the celebration of 19^h Statistics Day has decided to celebrate statistics day with the theme “75 years of National Sample Survey”.   The event of celebrating holds special significance as it marks 75^th year of National Sample Survey.  This year also National Sample Survey is celebrating its 75^th years with the theme “NSS- A Glorious Past to a Promising Future for a Viksit Bharat”.  With the spirit and enthusiasm of knowing work assigned of the National Sample Survey (NSS) in the service of the nation since 1950 and celebrating 75^th anniversary of organised different kinds of events by Field Operations Division of National Statistics office at local level for better publicity and awareness of the citizen particularly among young generations for the survey matters such as collection of data from households by the scientific statistical sampling methods.

The National Statistics Office erstwhile National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO)has been in the service of the nation since 1950. It has been developing a strong database on various socio-economic parameters through its countrywide sample surveys, which help both the central as well as state governments in development sound planning and data driven decision policy formulations.  The main objective of data collection by National Statistics Office (NSO) have a major role in data driven development process of the nation with the help of planning formulation and implementation policies of various schemes and programmes to upgrade their standard and betterment of their implementation.

In growing the values of data  on  using different technology to upgrade the collection of data through Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) mode to over the pen and paper mode of data collection  and also increasing the response of the data collection. CAPI  can refer to several things, but most commonly it stands for Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing, a method of conducting surveys where interviewers use electronic devices like tablets or laptops or other electronic device to record responses.

The pen and paper mode to CAPI mode have made many changes such as paperless work, time saving management, easy way to collect data from selected sample villages and blocks, better response from informant, reduce sampling and non-sampling errors than before and final brought out results within four months after the compilation of the survey. The rapid implementation of technologies in National Sample Survey have reap value of data present scenario for data driven decision making. Data is very important and its requirement is not only national level but also at international level for data driven development and decision. Thus, National Sample Survey (NSS) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India play an important role in producing authentic, accurate and meaningful data from individuals, households and enterprises in real time  through CAPI mode by scientifically statistical sampling processes.  With this importance of National Sample Survey, the theme of this year is chosen as 75 years of National Sample Survey and spirit of event intends to promote awareness about official statistics produce by National Sample Survey and enlighten the citizens particularly young minds about various facets of Indian official statistical system with name and fame in the world.

National Sample Survey also known as National Statistics Office (NSO) is an organisation of Government of India with the main function to collect data from individual, households and enterprises as and when required by government for planning and policy formulation.  NSO is conducting both household surveys and enterprise survey as per requirement of different users and stakeholders. At present the following household surveys conducted by National Sample Survey through Field Operations Division with purpose. The following surveys  at present ongoing namely

• Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for employment and unemployment situation.
• Annual Survey on Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) for various informal economical activities vital insights into employment, economic contribution and societal impact.
• Household Construction surveys for requirement of National accounts of construction activity undertaken by unincorporated establishments and construction by household own use.
• National Household Travel Survey for valuable inputs for international comparism in standard of tourism good and services
• Domestic Tourism expenditure survey for preparation of tourism satellite accounts
• Household Survey on social consumption health for generate basic quantitative information on health sector.
• Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) for pattern consumption of food and non-food items.
• Annual Surveys of Services Sector (ASSS) for situation of service sector.
• Various price CPI(R), CPI (AL/RL), CPI(U), etc. for various calculation of index in banking, inflation, etc and WPI and PPI for measure of movement of basic price in the economy.

Official statistics have had an enviable track record over the last few decades in using data driven decision making in this age of information and technology.  Today is the focus on attention of reliable and high-quality data which is almost possible through information and technology.  Thus, data produced by National Statistics Offices (NSOs) and other sources of official agencies have a critical importance and demand and increasingly requirement of data for decision making not only to economy but also for development and wellbeing of the society.

Official statistics, collected and disseminated by governments and authorized organizations, serve a multitude of purposes across various sectors. They are crucial for informing public policy, enabling evidence-based decision making and fostering public understanding of societal trends and conditions. These statistics provide a foundation for monitoring progress, evaluating the effectiveness of programs and conducting research in diverse fields and become as special only when a skill set critical for interpreting and evaluating data effectively with objectives of Statistical literacy.

The primary objectives of statistical literacy are to equip individuals with the ability to understand, interpret, and critically evaluate statistical information encountered in everyday life, make informed decisions and participate effectively in a data-driven society. It encompasses understanding statistical concepts, interpreting data representations and recognizing the limitations and potential misuses of statistics.

In present scenario Statistical literacy play an important role in connection with targets and achievements of various indicators of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The data requirements for the status of the targets and their achievements of SDGs by and before 2030.   As we know that there are SDGs namely (1) End poverty (2) Zero hunger. (3)  Good health and wellbeing (4) Quality education (5) Gender equality (6) Clean water and sanitation (7) Affordable and clean energy (8) Decent work and economic growth (9) Industry, innovation and infrastructure (10) Reduced inequalities (11) Sustainable cities and communities (12) Responsible consumption and production (13) Climate change (14) Life below water (15) Life on land (16) Peace, Justice and Strong institutions and (17) Partnerships for the goals.  Here is the value and power of statistical literacy and importance of statistics.    Similarly  data for Viksit Bharat, 2047 where the statistical literacy has important role in terms of status and  to understand mission and vision for making  better polices for  achieving Viksit Bharat.  Here the statistics may be  the only source to measure the progress, status and way to forward how to achieve Viksit Bharat by or before 2047 on using alternative data sources and frontier technologies.  .

Thus, data produced by National Sample Survey (NSOs) and other sources of official agencies have a critical importance and demand and increasingly requirement for decision making not only to economies but also for development and wellbeing of the society. In the beginning of the month June, 2025, the national workshop on using alternative data sources and Frontier technologies for policymaking conducted by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, NITI Aayog and World bank at New Delhi during 5-6^th June, 2025 with the thrust using data driven decision making tools instead traditional way of thinking of planning.

At the end it is to say here that National Sample Survey under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme implementation is on the way of the statistical reforms of the statistical system of the country particularly easy way data collection that was learned from the glorious past promising  future of Viksit Bharat.

The writer is Deputy Director General (DDG),

 National Statistics Office (Field Operations Division)

Regional office, Raipur Chhattisgarh

 

Courtesy PIB, Srinagar

Drug abuse and other social evils are some of the most pressing challenges facing society today. These issues not only affect individuals but also affect the social fabric, causing widespread consequences such as poverty, violence, and the degradation of moral values. It is in our collective interest to tackle these problems, understand their causes, and take steps toward a healthier, safer, and more just society.

The Menace of Drug Abuse.

Drug abuse is the excessive and harmful use of substances such as alcohol, narcotics, and prescription medications. It usually begins with experimentation, peer pressure, or as a means of coping with stress but quickly spirals into addiction. The effects of drug abuse are devastating.

1. Health Effects: Long-term drug abuse causes serious health issues, including liver damage, cardiovascular diseases, mental health disorders, and, in extreme cases, death.
2. Economic Consequences: Addiction leads to depletion of family resources, decreased productivity, and financial costs for healthcare systems.
3. Social Problems: Drug addiction usually results in broken families, increased rates of domestic violence, and a high crime rate due to desperate efforts of individuals to find ways of funding their addiction.

Other Social Evils.

Besides drug abuse, societies are confronted with many other social evils, such as corruption, gender discrimination, child labour, and domestic violence. These issues are interrelated and often exacerbate each other. For example:

Corruption creates a lack of trust in institutions and fosters inequality.

Gender discrimination denies women opportunities and creates cycles of poverty and abuse.

Child labour takes away the rights of children to education and safe childhoods, holding them captive in a cycle of exploitation.

Domestic violence extends beyond the immediate victims into the mental lives of children and families.

Causes of Social Evils.

To design solutions, understanding the root causes is the key. Some of these are as follows:

1. Poverty: Economic pressure compels the desperate individual into all sorts of dangers, such as drugs and exploitation, as well as criminal activities.
2. Lack of Education: It is ignorance, superstition, and a lack of knowledge in recognizing or resisting dangerous behaviours.
3. Peer Pressure and Influence of Media: Young minds are vulnerable to peer pressure as well as media influence. Movies, music, and social networking sites tend to glorify unhealthy behaviours.
4. Weak Law Enforcement: A defective legal framework and corrupt law enforcing agencies give rise to uncontrolled social evils.

Our Duty

As members of society, it is our responsibility to collectively battle these challenges. Though government organizations play a key role, efforts from the grassroots level of individuals and communities are of utmost importance as well.

1. Awareness and Education:

The onus of enlightening the youth of all adverse influences that drugs and other social evils have should rest with the parents and teachers.

Communities should conduct sensitization campaigns, workshops, and seminars to educate people and foster proper behaviours.

2. Support and Reformation:

Families and friends must have emotional support for those undergoing drugs or other problems.

The governments and NGOs should develop the rehabilitation centres and counseling services for building up the lives of the addicts or victims.

3. Call for Tougher Laws.

Society should call for stiff laws and policies to control narcotics trafficking, corruption, and others.

Law enforcement agencies should be held accountable to ensure justice is served fairly and efficiently.

4. Community Engagement:

Communities should work together to provide safe environments, recreational activities, and skill development programs for youth to keep them away from harmful influences.

Local leaders and influencers should take active roles in promoting moral and ethical values.

5. Promoting Ethical Values:

Religious and cultural institutions can play a good role in inculcating values like honesty, respect, and compassion.

The media should give priority to news and other programs that depict the need for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and expose dangers of social evils.

There is power in collective action. Drug abuse and other social evils must be addressed together. Institutions and governments must join hands as well. From education and employment opportunities to supportive communities, collective action can significantly reduce the prevalence of these problems. Drug abuse and other social evils are complex issues with far-reaching consequences. However, they are not insurmountable. By taking personal responsibility, fostering awareness, and working collaboratively, we can create a society free from these menaces. Each small step whether education to the child, helping the needy soul, or advocacy for justice contributes to a brighter future. It is our collective responsibility because a well-equipped tomorrow depends on what we choose today.

Drug Abuse, Social Evils, and Rehabilitation.

Drug abuse and other social evils like corruption, domestic violence, and child labour are major problems facing society. They not only affect personal well-being but also disrupt families and weaken the social fabric. A holistic approach with special emphasis on rehabilitation is required to address these issues.

Drug Abuse and Social Evils: 

The Impact.

Drug abuse destroys lives in aspects like addiction, health, and financially. Often it ends in criminal activities and enhances other issues within society like unemployment and homeless people. Similarly, domestic violence, corruption, etc, breed inequalities, perpetuate injustices, and ensure an insecure space. In other words, all these are some type of challenges to social values that hinder progress.

Role of Rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation is the only way to deal with the after effects of drug abuse and social evils. Effective rehabilitation programs focus on:

1. Medical and Psychological Support:

Individuals recovering from drug addiction often require medical detoxification, therapy, and counseling. This helps them manage withdrawal symptoms and address underlying psychological triggers.

2. Skill Development:

Rehabilitation centres should provide vocational training and education, enabling individuals to reintegrate into society as productive members.

3. Community Reintegration:

Reintegration creates supportive networks and reduces stigma. It encourages belonging, which can help sustain the recovery process.

4. Awareness campaigns

Rehabilitation must go with public awareness to prevent relapse and education of others about the dangers of drugs and social evils. Rehabilitation is not just a cure for addiction but a return of dignity and purpose in the lives of affected people. A combination of governmental, community, and family efforts can effectively break the vicious cycle of drug abuse and social evils in society. Thus, giving rehabilitation importance opens up pathways for sustainable recovery and long term progress in society.

mukhtar.qur@gmail.com

 

June in Kashmir once carried the earthy scent of freshly tilled paddy fields, the rhythmic splashing of women’s feet in flooded plots, and the chorus of song and laughter as women like Hajra sowed rice with a skill passed down through generations. Hajra, now in her late 50s, stands by the edge of her ancestral field in a village in South Kashmir, watching a group of Bihari men planting saplings with machine-like speed and coordination. Her hands—once her pride, toughened by decades of work—now stay folded behind her back.

She used to lead the transplanting season. Her feet could sense whether the soil was ready, her hands knew exactly how deep to press the saplings. “We used to start at sunrise and work till late afternoon,” she says, her voice steady but distant. “It was exhausting, yes. But it was ours. We laughed, we argued, we lived in those fields.”

Hajra was not unique. She was representative. For decades, Kashmiri rural women formed the backbone of agriculture. Sowing, transplanting, weeding, harvesting—every stage of paddy cultivation depended on them. These women were not paid in wages, but they held power in tradition. Their work defined the rhythms of rural life and the identity of Kashmiri agriculture.

In the 1990s, the land began to change. Political unrest altered rural rhythms. Young men increasingly sought employment outside the village—in cities, in government sector, and in private sector roles. Simultaneously, the socio-political atmosphere of the Valley pushed families into survival mode, making long-term cultivation less appealing.

But someone still had to do the back-breaking work. And increasingly, that someone came from outside.

Bihari laborers, with their reputation for discipline and speed, began arriving in greater numbers. Initially, they were employed for occasional harvests or large-scale work. But by the early 2000s, many families hired them for everything—from sowing to harvesting. It was efficient. It was affordable. And for many, it felt inevitable.

 “I couldn’t manage alone,” says Bashir Ahmad, a landowner in Kulgam. “My daughters are studying, my wife has health issues, and I’m too old. The Biharis come early, they don’t take tea breaks, and they finish in half the time. What choice do we have?”

What got lost in this efficiency was not just labor—it was legacy.

In today’s Kashmir, especially in villages from Pulwama to Bandipora, it’s common to see groups of male migrant workers dominating the fields. Women are largely absent. A few may supervise, a rare few may participate—but the image of rows of women transplanting paddy in rhythm is becoming rare.

According to data from the Directorate of Agriculture, the participation of women in field-level operations in Kashmir’s agriculture has dropped by over 40% in the past two decades. What was once unpaid, familial, and continuous labor is now being substituted by market-driven, external, and male-dominated alternatives.

Several factors have contributed to this shift:

Education of Girls: With more rural families investing in their daughters’ education, fewer girls are available for day-long manual labor in the fields. While this is a welcome development, it inadvertently severs the generational link of knowledge transmission in agriculture.

Health Issues: Continuous exposure to waterlogged fields, poor posture, and lack of medical support have taken a toll on the older generation of women. With no safety nets, many withdrew once health issues became chronic.

Social Shifts: Changing ideas of dignity and women’s roles have made agricultural labor seem outdated or inappropriate for young women. In some villages, there is even subtle shame attached to women working in the fields, particularly for educated families.

Mechanization and Labor Outsourcing: The availability of migrant laborers and tools like paddy transplanters, though not widespread, has begun reducing dependence on local human labor—especially female labor.

This transition has not come without cost.

Agriculturally, there is concern about the quality of work. “The women knew the land better,” says Ghulam Nabi, a retired employee i from Anantnag. “They could tell which patch needed more water, which area had fungal issues. The Bihari workers do the job quickly, but not always with care.”

There is also a cultural cost. The folk songs sung during transplantation, the communal cooking during breaks, the tradition of elders blessing the harvest—all are fading. “Our fields were our festivals,” Hajra says. “Now they are just work sites.”

And there is an emotional displacement. Many older women feel sidelined in spaces they once ruled. “I never thought I would see the day when I am asked to stand aside in my own land,” says Fatima, a 63-year-old woman from Doru “They say I’m too slow. Maybe I am. But at least I knew what I was doing.”

All is not lost. In some villages, efforts are underway to bring women back into agricultural conversations—not necessarily with the same roles, but with evolved ones.

In Kulgam a women’s self-help group has started cultivating organic vegetables on small plots, combining traditional knowledge with new markets. In Anantnag, a few young women trained in agricultural extension services are helping older women adapt to changing methods, including vertical farming and high-density cropping.

The government, too, has launched schemes aimed at promoting women-led agriculture. But many of these schemes are either poorly implemented or fail to address the cultural dimensions of displacement. Training a woman to rear livestock or manage vermicompost pits does not address the symbolic vacuum created by her absence from the rice field.

What is needed is not just economic incentive but cultural recognition—honoring the role rural women have played, and can continue to play, in shaping Kashmir’s agricultural future.

The paddy fields of Kashmir remember the feet that danced in their waters. They remember the hands that planted hope, season after season. And while migrant laborers may ensure productivity, they cannot replace the relationship that women like Hajra had with the soil.

As Kashmir modernizes and its society transforms, it must decide what it wants its agricultural future to look like. Will it be fast and outsourced? Or will it be rooted in its people and traditions?

The answer may lie in reimagining roles, not romanticizing the past. But reimagining begins with recognition. And perhaps, the next time a seed is sown, someone will remember that it was once done with care, with song, and with the hands of Hajra.

In the modern era of digital society, e-governance, powered by chatbots, portals, online grievance redressal and management information systems, has brought the government closer to the citizens. By leveraging technology, the government is redefining and re-engineering the delivery of services in many areas, including employment growth and workers’ social security. Processes are becoming more efficient, transparent and, above all, citizen-centric. Scheme portals now act as “all-in-one” platforms, facilitating the seamless knowledge flow and benefit mapping across programmes while reducing fraud, manual processes, and administrative burdens. Aadhaar seeding and interlinkage with various schemes prevent beneficiary duplication and ensure the benefits reach the intended recipients on time. The interlinked portals further empower workers to access and track benefits, explore employment opportunities, and pursue skill training, while also enabling employers to tap into a national talent pool, enabling hiring based on skills and experience. Additionally, these portals contribute to building comprehensive national databases of unorganised workers, job seekers, employers, and employment opportunities, allowing policymakers to make informed, data-backed decisions. In times of crisis, such as during a pandemic, these databases would prove extremely valuable, allowing for the rapid identification of those in need and ensuring timely support. This digital transformation is streamlining governance, empowering citizens, and enhancing the reach and impact of the welfare efforts. A few examples of these initiatives are discussed here.

The National Career Service (NCS) portal is a notable example of this transformation. Ministry of Labour and Employment’s NCS portal, launched in 2015, has played a crucial role in providing employment-related services to job seekers. With over 5.5 crore job seekers registered on the portal, it serves as a “one-stop platform” that connects job seekers with employment opportunities across the country, providing career counselling, job matching, information on internships, apprenticeships, skill courses, etc.  Earlier, a freshly graduated student from a state university could not have imagined accessing job opportunities nationwide through a mobile phone. Today, with the NCS, one can easily search for jobs nationwide by location, through integration with PM GatiShakti, receive career and job counselling, and even acquire the necessary skills through the Skill India Digital (SID) portal—all on a phone or by attending local job fairs.   

 

Approximately 57,000 job fairs have been organised under the NCS project to date. Further, the NCS portal has been integrated with the SIDH, Udyam, e-Shram, EPFO, ESIC, PM GatiShakti DigiLocker, and others, facilitating greater stakeholder access and efficiency. The portal is also connected with about 30 state and private job portals, broadening access to job opportunities. Similarly, the Shram Suvidha and Samadhan portals enhance compliance and ease of doing business for industry and trade, ensuring faster resolution of disputes and settlement of claims and workers’ grievances. The ESIC Dhanwantari Module enables hospitals and dispensaries to have better availability of patient records, previous case history, etc., thus ensuring better patient care. These initiatives are a powerful testament to the government’s resolve not to leave anyone behind by leveraging technology to make service provision under various initiatives more accessible, efficient, and transparent for all.  

Another aspect of employment is the provision of social security. India is home to a large informal, unorganised sector that offers employment. One of the characteristics of this employment avenue is a lack of written contracts and social security coverage provided by the employer. For these workers, a single incident such as illness, injury, accident, job loss or any other emergency can rapidly shift from security to adversity. Social security by the government is the promise of protection during distress that prevents temporary crises from becoming lifelong hardships. While the government’s continuous efforts have led to significant progress, extending social security benefits to all remains a key priority area. Until recently, millions of unorganised workers had limited access to and awareness of the benefits of social security schemes available to them. The e-Shram portal addresses this challenge. Unorganised workers now have a unique identification and understanding of the government’s social security schemes. The portal, launched in 2021, has registered over 30.7 crore unorganised workers. The portal acts as a “one-stop solution” for workers by integrating around 13 social security schemes in one place, enabling targeted delivery of benefits, improved access, and scheme saturation. The Union Budget 2025-26 significantly extended social security to gig workers by facilitating e-Shram registration, providing unique identity cards, and expanding coverage under PM Jan Arogya Yojana. By sharing workers’ details with the states/UTs, the portal enables better planning and implementation of worker welfare programmes at the state level. Furthermore, the portal has been integrated with the NCS, SIDH, PM-SYM, myScheme, DISHA, etc. This interlinkage allows workers to register once on e-Shram and seamlessly access multiple scheme portals of central and state governments, and benefits, such as awareness of scheme entitlements, track benefits availed across schemes, explore job opportunities, pursue skills training, pensions, and insurance, all in one place. A multilingual facility featuring 22 languages has recently been added to e-Shram by leveraging MEITY’s Bhashini project to enhance accessibility further. State Microsites and Mobile apps have been launched for further operational ease.  

These efforts have achieved success, garnered appreciation at home, and have also received recognition globally. According to the latest update in the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) database, India’s social security coverage surged from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025. India ranks second in terms of beneficiary count, which went up to 94.13 crores. This is a result of the ongoing exercise of development of the World Social Protection Report (2026 edition) of ILO. The growth reported is a result of the Government’s efforts to include State Social Security Schemes along with the 32 Central sector schemes to compute social security coverage in the country. India became the first country to have reported this development in social security coverage under the ongoing exercise of data pooling for the WSPR 2026 edition.

Parallelly, EPFO, with over 34.6 crore members, has implemented several digital reforms to transform into EPFO 2.0. These reforms improve the accessibility to its members and the ease of doing business for employers. Key initiatives, including introducing the Universal Account Number, creating a centralised database, the e-passbook, the UMANG app, the e-collection of contributions, and the provision of digital life certificates, have enhanced members’ access to benefits. The introduction of the Centralised Pension Payment System under EPFO is set to benefit 77 lakh pensioners with access to pensions from anywhere in the country. Additionally, the increase in the limit of auto-claim settlement to ₹ 1 lakh is expected to impact around 7.5 crore members with faster claim settlements positively. EPFO has also simplified the fund transfer process, benefiting over 1.25 crore members and facilitating the yearly transfer of around ₹ 90,000 crores. Through these reforms, the modernisation and digitisation of EPFO are set to increase efficiency and reduce reliance on manual processes, making it easier for both members and employers to navigate the system. 

Government policy interventions must be backed by active participation from the industry. A prime example of the industry’s vital role is the e-Shram initiative, where the successful implementation of social security for gig & platform workers relies heavily on the involvement of platform aggregators. Employers must recognise that creating a safe, secure, and satisfactory workplace, as well as providing social security for workers, is essential for long-term productivity. Additionally, while addressing the social security needs of workers, it is crucial to offer targeted and ongoing support to disadvantaged and vulnerable groups. This support promotes economic and social mobility and helps eliminate barriers that prevent participation in the workforce and the economy.

Courtesy PIB, Srinagar

The writer is Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India.

Historical Importance, Urban Challenges, and Future Development Projects

By: Hoor ul Ain Bakshi

Old Town Baramulla, located on the northern bank of the Jhelum River in Jammu and Kashmir, is a vibrant mosaic of history, culture, and resilience. Known as Shehr-e-Khaas, it has long been recognised as the “Gateway to the Kashmir Valley,” a title earned because of its strategic position along the ancient trade route linking the valley to Muzaffarabad and Rawalpindi. However, alongside its rich historical legacy, the town faces significant urban challenges, while ongoing and planned development projects offer hope for a revitalised future.

Founded by Raja Bhimsina in 2306 BCE, Baramulla derives its name from the Sanskrit term Varāhamūla, meaning “boar’s molar,” rooted in Hindu mythology where Lord Vishnu, as a boar, struck the mountain to drain the ancient Satisaras lake. The town’s historical importance is emphasised by its role as a bustling trade centre along the Jhelum Valley Cart Road, akin to a Kashmiri Silk Road, fostering cultural exchanges between Central and West Asia. Notable visitors, including the Chinese traveller Xuanzang and British historian Moorcroft, recorded its prominence.

Mughal emperors, especially Akbar in 1586 CE and Jahangir in 1620 CE, were captivated by Baramulla, with Akbar’s visit described in Tarikh-e-Hassan as transforming the town into a “bride adorned.” The 15th-century Muslim saint Syed Janbaz Wali established Baramulla as a spiritual centre; his shrine attracts pilgrims from across the valley. The town’s religious diversity, embracing Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Sikhs, exemplified by the 1620 visit of the Sikh Guru, creates a rich tapestry of cultural syncretism, making it a microcosm of Kashmir’s heritage. However, the 1947 tribal invasion devastated Baramulla, leaving it in ruins and creating a scar that continues to shape its modern narrative.

Today, Old Town Baramulla faces considerable urban challenges, chiefly due to its congested infrastructure and neglect of its historic heritage. The narrow, jam-packed lanes, housing multiple families in cramped conditions, pose severe risks during natural disasters like earthquakes or fires, as demonstrated by a 2025 fire that destroyed 17 homes, leaving 29 families homeless.

The 2005 earthquake exposed these vulnerabilities, prompting the “Greater Baramulla” decongestion programme, which aimed to relocate residents and widen roads but has been stalled for nearly twenty years due to bureaucratic delays and changes in land acquisition laws. Residents raise concerns over the lack of basic amenities, including proper drainage, healthcare, and educational facilities.

Youth unemployment and diminishing private-sector opportunities foster feelings of alienation, while past associations with militancy and drug abuse have added to the area’s stigma. The absence of a permanent fire station worsens safety issues, as fire tenders struggle to navigate the maze-like streets.

Despite these difficulties, Baramulla’s future offers hope through targeted development initiatives. Infrastructure improvements since 1947 include expanded road networks and five bridges connecting the old town to the new, with five more planned, including one linking Khanpora and Drangbal. Railway connectivity to Srinagar, Anantnag, and Qazigund, with future extensions to Banihal and Jammu, enhances regional integration. Educational projects, such as GAASH Academy, provide free education to underprivileged children, fostering hope and countering the town’s troubled past.

The government’s focus on tourism, emphasising Baramulla’s proximity to Gulmarg and Wular Lake, aims to boost economic growth sustainably. The stalled decongestion project, estimated to cost Rs 25 crore, is under review for revival, promising wider roads, modern amenities, and disaster-resistant infrastructure. Plans for a permanent fire station and support for families affected by fires reflect a commitment to safety and recovery.

Thus, it can be concluded that the Old Town Baramulla’s legacy merges historical grandeur, cultural diversity, and enduring resilience. While urban challenges like congestion and neglect persist, ongoing and proposed development projects provide a pathway to renewal. By balancing its historic charm with modern infrastructure, Baramulla can reassert itself as a vibrant gateway to Kashmir, ensuring a future where its past inspires progress and prosperity.

(judgesaeb@gmail.com)

 

In cities across India, a common scene has become a symbol of silent conflict — municipal teams clearing roadside areas, while handcart owners watch their goods being taken away, damaged, or destroyed. These anti-encroachment drives, meant to maintain public order, often end up causing emotional and economic devastation for thousands who earn their living through street trading.

It is a complex issue. On one hand, city authorities are doing their job — trying to ensure roads remain decongested and public spaces are safe. On the other hand, handcart owners, many of whom are poor and marginalized, have no designated space or licenses, and rely on their carts to survive.

This is not just a question of law — it is a question of humanity, of inclusion, and of how we treat our weakest citizens.

• What Actually Happens During These Drives

Municipal drives are often conducted as part of routine efforts to maintain cleanliness and order in public spaces. Officers, along with sanitation staff or local police, reach areas where roadside carts operate. However, due to the sudden nature of these drives, many cart-pullers — some just beginning their day — may find themselves unprepared, highlighting the need for better coordination and communication on both sides.

Some plead, some beg, others simply watch helplessly. “Please don’t take this — this is for my children,” they cry. But often, the response is swift and harsh. Carts are pushed aside, baskets of fruits dumped, stalls loaded into trucks. There are no formal receipts, no fines issued, and no clear explanation given. This sudden force turns daily work into devastation in minutes.

This method, while effective in clearing spaces, leaves behind broken livelihoods — and more importantly, damaged trust between citizens and the institutions meant to serve them.

• Hardships of the Handcart Owners

Most handcart owners are informal workers with no stable income, fixed space, or official identity. They push heavy carts over long distances, carry perishable goods, and sit under harsh weather conditions for 10–14 hours a day. Their investment is small — a few thousand rupees — but it’s often all they have.

A fruit seller in Jammu said, “I don’t block the road. I just stand in a corner to earn my daily bread. But one morning, they threw my bananas into the drain. I cried not because I lost money — I cried because I felt invisible.”

Their stories are not uncommon — and neither are their struggles. Most of them have no access to formal vending zones, licensing systems, or legal awareness.

• The Role of Municipal Corporations: Duty With Dignity

Municipal corporations are not villains in this story. They have a duty to maintain cleanliness, safety, and urban order. Encroachment on footpaths, traffic bottlenecks, and sanitation issues are real concerns. No city can function if every space is taken over informally.

But while their duty is justified, the method often isn’t. Throwing away someone’s livelihood is not regulation — it feels like punishment. Instead of abrupt removal or destruction, authorities can choose measured steps:

1. Issue warnings
2. Impose fines
3. Seize goods temporarily
4. Identify repeat offenders separately
5. Provide vending alternatives where possible

This way, order is maintained — without cruelty.

Even some officials agree that a more balanced approach is needed. “We understand their pain,” said a senior Jammu Municipal official. “But the city has to function. We are ready to cooperate if handcart owners come forward for registration and follow rules.”

Urban planners too have voiced the need for more compassion. Prof. Neeraj Sharma, an expert on inclusive cities, says, “Street-level earners are part of urban India. Ignoring them or crushing them is not development — it’s displacement. We need co-existence strategies, not confrontation.”

• Real Examples From Across India

Jammu (January 2025)

Over 100 street vendors and shopkeepers staged a protest outside the residence of former CM Farooq Abdullah after the Jammu Municipal Corporation conducted a major anti-encroachment drive. The vendors alleged their goods were confiscated without warning and demanded an immediate halt to the operation.

Srinagar (January 28, 2022)

During a Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) drive at Jahangir Chowk and Hari Singh High Street, several street vendors had their carts forcefully seized or vandalized. Multiple videos went viral showing vendors screaming:

• “Look how they are snatching our livelihood, where will we go? I’ve a family to feed.”
• “I’m a father of four girls… please don’t do this, where will I go?”

Nagpur, Maharashtra (May 2025)

The Sitabuldi hawking zone, used by around 1,000 vendors, was cleared in an anti-encroachment drive. Licensed hawkers were relocated to areas with poor footfall, with allegations that many returned after paying bribes Ranchi, Jharkhand (June 2025)

Over 100 vendors were evicted from major public roads. Though officials claimed prior warning, traders—including Ram Avadhesh and Rekha Mandal—argued they were given no viable alternatives .

Guwahati, Assam (June 2025)

Street vendors in Ganeshguri, Bhangagarh, and Jalukbari faced repeated evictions. Despite fines (up to ₹10,000) or confiscation, many returned within days—pointing to the cyclical nature of these drives .

A National Picture: Data and Reality

• Over 2.5% of India’s urban population earns a living through mobile street trading (Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs).
• The National Policy on Urban Street Vendors estimates that over 10 million families rely on informal cart-based trade.
• A study in Delhi found that 70% of roadside sellers were evicted without any notice or paperwork.

In 2013, the Supreme Court of India upheld the rights of informal traders, saying: “The right to livelihood is a facet of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.”

• Yes, Cities Need Development — But It Must Be Inclusive

There’s no question that urban areas must be organized. Public walkways must be free, traffic must move smoothly, and sanitation must be ensured. But in the process, we cannot erase people — especially those who rely on informal work for survival.

Development is not just about removing the poor — it’s about including them with dignity. Simply throwing their belongings away doesn’t eliminate the problem — it deepens inequality, and pushes them into debt, depression, and distrust.

If a cart is illegal or in the wrong place, seize it, fine it — but do not humiliate the person behind it. Create clear policies, provide designated vending spaces, and let people earn with self-respect.

Solutions That Serve All

We need a new approach that protects both public order and the right to livelihood:

• Establish vending zones with proper facilities
• Create transparent licensing systems
• Give prior written notices before action
• Train municipal staff in humane enforcement
• Provide low-cost stalls or carts on rent
• Set up grievance cells for street workers

Let handcart owners be seen as part of the economy — not a problem to be erased.

Policy Suggestions

• Fast-track implementation of Town Vending Committees (TVCs)
• Launch mobile registration and ID drives for cart-based traders
• Include informal earners in Smart Cities Mission planning
• Partner with NGOs for rehabilitation and alternate site planning

A City That Cares is a City That Grows

Urban development is necessary. But it must be done with care, consultation, and compassion. We cannot build smart cities by breaking the backs of those who serve us through the most basic forms of trade.

Let us create spaces for them — not sweep them away. Let us impose rules — not cruelty. Let us regulate — not ruin. Because in the end, no city is truly developed if its poorest are left behind on the footpaths of silence.

The writer can be contacted at shahidhakla360@gmail.com

By: Smt. Annpurna Devi

From boardrooms to battlefields, women with physical and mental toughness can really make a difference; women must work towards unlocking their real strength and Yoga is a key to it.

India, the birthplace of the ancient practice of Yoga, continues to uphold this ancient wisdom, not just as physical exercises but as a holistic philosophy for the nurturing of the human mind, body, and spirit. The Sanskrit phrase “योगः कर्मसु कौशलम्“, from the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 50), means “Yoga is skill in action.” This is a powerful teaching by Lord Krishna, which reminds us that true yoga is not limited to physical postures or meditation but is reflected in how skilfully and mindfully we perform our daily duties. 

As Union Minister of Women and Child Development, I firmly believe in Yoga’s transformative potential, particularly in empowering women and nurturing children— the very foundations of our society.

Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Yoga has gained global recognition as a channel for wellness and social transformation. The United Nations’ decision to declare June 21 as International Day of Yoga in 2014 was the world’s recognition of India’s great spiritual and civilizational heritage. 

This year, the theme of International Day of Yoga, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, highlights Yoga’s inclusive and universal appeal. Hon’ble Prime Minister also emphasised “Yoga is free from copyright, patent, royalty. It is flexible — you can practice alone, in a group, learn from a teacher, or be self-taught”. As the nation steps towards a Viksit Bharat, it is necessary to integrate Yoga into the lives of women and children across the nation. 

Women and children constitute about two-thirds of India’s population, and they are more vulnerable and exposed to health issues. So, looking after their physical and mental health becomes imperative, and Yoga can play a pivotal role in it.  Yoga offers numerous physical and mental benefits for women. From improving mental health and hormonal balance to strengthening the muscular and skeletal system, Yoga is uniquely suited to meet the physiological needs of women across age groups. 

Adopting yoga before and after pregnancy empowers women to effectively manage the health challenges they encounter during this transformative period. Prenatal Yoga, with its targeted postures and meditative techniques, alleviates pregnancy discomforts, supports pain management, and boosts energy. It prepares expectant mothers for childbirth physically and emotionally. Postnatal Yoga helps lactating mothers in their recovery, emotional well-being, enhancing breastfeeding, and strengthening the mother-child bond. 

To accentuate the practice of Yoga in women, we have a network of over 25 lakh Anganwadi workers across India who inform, educate, and assist women and children in adopting Yoga as a necessary habit in their daily lives.  

Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has constantly advocated for women-led development. He actively supports the increased participation of women in the workforce, which is instrumental to the growth of any economy. The World Bank also argued that increased female labour force participation can boost the manufacturing output by 9% and help us achieve a high-income developed nation status by 2047. All this can only be achieved when we have a physically and emotionally healthy women workforce.

In today’s rapidly changing world, children too are increasingly impacted by lifestyle disorders, screen dependence, and academic pressures. Yoga offers an evidence-based, timely, and culturally rooted response to these challenges. It enhances concentration, memory, emotional regulation, sleep quality, and stress management — key components of holistic childhood development. Through Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, the Ministry is embedding Yoga into early childhood care and development, laying the foundation for lifelong wellness habits.

The Ministry of Women and Child Development under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister is working towards a multi-pronged strategy to enhance yoga practices into the lives of women and children. The Ministry houses various flagship programmes and schemes for women and children aimed towards their well-being, health, and nutrient intake, and while delivering these benefits, our institutions such as Anganwadi Centres, One Stop Centres, Child Care Institutions etc. educate, influence, and facilitate the beneficiaries to complement their lifestyle with yoga for better health results. Special yoga modules, designed in convergence with the Ministry of AYUSH, are being introduced through these Centres, focusing on women and children. 

In the changing discourse of the global order, women are now taking on new roles and responsibilities. From IT to space and from policymaking to strategic defence, women are the new frontline warriors. We recently witnessed how two brave women officers, Col. Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, became the face of Operation Sindoor. This is a great example of the difference women are making in today’s world. Hence, women must keep working towards unlocking their potential with yoga playing a key role. 

Our government’s commitment to yoga is about fostering inclusive development. By actively incorporating yoga into our women and child welfare policies, we are asserting our cultural sovereignty while simultaneously enhancing grassroots health and well-being. Yoga must be seen not just as a practice, but as a participatory movement- a Jan Andolan, for health and wellness, and our government is committed to take this movement to every part of the nation.

In our journey towards Viksit Bharat@2047, Yoga offers a vision for a more compassionate, resilient, and empowered society. Let us unite in embracing Yoga as a social and personal commitment to build a healthier India and reach new heights.

Courtesy PIB, Srinagar

The writer is Union Minister of Women and Child Development