Pathways to a Successful Public Health Cadre in the North East

This policy brief summarises key findings from a study on the establishment of a dedicated Public Health (PH) cadre in the North Eastern (NE) states of India, specifically Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Nagaland. The brief underscores the urgent need for a structured PH workforce to improve health outcomes and governance in these regions, which face […]
Covid-19 and its effects on Nutritional Distribution in Karnataka – 2022

This study seeks to understand the potentials and limits of the comprehensive supplemental nutrition interventions such as Mid-Day Meals and Take-Home Rations in Karnataka, particularly within the context of COVID-19 (March 2020 to December 2021), provided mostly via Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) and schools. It also aims to recommend methods to establish ways to mitigate the […]
Public Health Education in India – A Study of Master of Public Health Programmes in the Country
The field of Public Health Education (PHE) in India is mired with many unanswered questions, foremost of which is whether the current curricular framework, either prescribed by the government or currently practiced by institutions, is satisfactory and works towards people-centric health care. It is paramount to assess the delivery of PHE across institutions in India […]
Does the North East Need a Public Health Cadre? A Study of Four North Eastern States
This report examines the necessity and challenges of establishing a dedicated Public Health (PH) cadre in the North Eastern (NE) states of India, focusing on Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Nagaland. The study utilised a variety of research methods, including expert consultations, literature reviews, personal interviews with stakeholders, and data analyses, to assess the prerequisites for […]
Scenario Assessment and Short-term Response Planning for Nutrition-related Service Delivery in the Context of Covid-19 Pandemic

India is home to the bulk of the world’s undernourished children, with 50% of Indian children suffering from some form of undernutrition, mainly wasting or stunting. Karnataka has been cited to be one of the states, which have experienced high economic growth but continue to perform poorly on the child nutrition front (NITI Aayog (2016); Banerjee and Klasen (2018))
The Covid-19 pandemic and its associated disruptions to schools and anganwadi centres has resulted in the loss of a guaranteed means of food for children, for many of whom this would be the first full meal of the day. Due to lockdowns, employment and income losses, food supply chain disruptions and diversion of resources to meet immediate public health challenges, nutrition gaps are likely to be further exacerbated unless there is a well-planned strategy to prevent such discontinuity.
There is a need to understand the myriad of ways in which COVID-19 or any such public health disaster can impact the supplementary nutrition interventions to reduce its potential impacts in the future. In this study we propose to understand the multiple potential impacts of COVID-19 on nutrition and nutrition service delivery, and on maternal and child nutrition status in Karnataka as part of this initiative. The project has been undertaken with the objective of preparing for and mitigating negative impacts of Covid-19 on maternal and child nutrition.
Macro-economic Impact of Covid-19 on Chhattisgarh’s Economy & Development of Responsive Financing Models
The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the economy of Chhattisgarh, particularly in sectors like construction, travel and tourism, manufacturing, and trade. This policy brief analyses the expected revenue losses for the Government of Chhattisgarh and the reduction in gross state domestic product (GSDP) for the fiscal year, highlighting the strain on fiscal health and its implications […]
Macro-economic Impact of Covid-19 on the Economy of Chhattisgarh: Report II on Economic Growth and Fiscal Health
The Covid-19 pandemic profoundly impacted the global economy, with India experiencing one of the most significant contractions in its economic history. According to the National Statistical Office (NSO), India’s gross domestic product (GDP) for 2020-21 contracted by 7.3%, marking a substantial decline from the previous fiscal year. This downturn was particularly pronounced in the services […]
Macro-economic Impact of Covid-19 on the Economy of Chhattisgarh: Report I
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected the global economy, with India experiencing a significant contraction in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during the fiscal year 2020-21. This report analyses the macroeconomic impact of the pandemic on Chhattisgarh’s economy, highlighting a GDP contraction of 22.8% and 7.5% in the first two quarters, respectively. Key sectors such […]
Do the North East States Require a Dedicated Public Health Cadre?

The study aimed to assess whether creating a dedicated public health cadre in the North Eastern states would improve their health indicators while addressing specific regional challenges.
Report: Full Public Expenditure on Children
This report provides a comprehensive analysis of public expenditure on children across six Indian states: Assam, Jharkhand, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Rajasthan. The study distinguishes between Child Specific Expenditure (CSE) and Child Inclusive Expenditure (CIE) to derive the Full Public Expenditure on Children (FPEC). Utilising both budgetary data and departmental inputs, the report captures expenditures […]
A Review of Master’s in Public Health Education in India

This study sought to critically appraise the proposed MPH model curriculum alongside existing institutional practices. It also aimed to assess the resources available to students, including teaching materials and academic research opportunities, as well as government support for universities and job prospects for graduates.
Analysis of Macro-economic Impact of COVID-19 and Development of Responsive Financing Model for Chhattisgarh

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the global economy, including India. Chhattisgarh managed to enhance GST collections and maintain low unemployment. However, it faced revenue threats and increased expenditures for pandemic management. This study aimed to analyse revenue losses, and sector impacts, and explore innovative funding strategies for vulnerable populations.
Policy Brief | Estimating District Level Costs for Nutrition-Specific Interventions in Karnataka
This policy brief examines district-level expenditures on nutrition-specific interventions in Karnataka, analyzing their alignment with health outcomes and equity across regions. Karnataka, despite being economically progressive, exhibits significant disparities in nutrition indicators. While schemes like Mathrupoorna, Ksheera Bhagya, and mid-day meals dominate expenditure, accounting for 72% of the ₹5,596.16 crore spent on nutrition-specific interventions in […]
Estimating District Level Costs for Nutrition-Specific Interventions in Karnataka
The burden of malnutrition is ‘unacceptably high and progress unacceptably slow’ according to the recent global nutrition report. The report notes that of all the children under 5 years of age across the world, 150.8 million are stunted, 50.5 million are wasted, and 38.3 million are overweight. It also points out the criticality of malnutrition, […]
Public Expenditure Review of the Health Sector in Rajasthan
Rajasthan, the largest state in India, faces significant challenges in healthcare despite recent improvements in key indicators. With 33 districts and a population comprising 5.6% of the nation, the state exhibits alarming social indicators with only 25% of women completing at least ten years of education, and a high prevalence of child marriage among women […]
Child-centred investments to achieve targets of Vision 2025 by Department of WD and CW, Government of Telangana
This policy brief examines child-centred investments in Telangana by the Department of Women Development and Child Welfare (WD&CW) in alignment with Vision 2024 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Telangana, as one of India’s youngest states, has prioritized initiatives to improve child nutrition and protection outcomes. The analysis focuses on expenditure trends from 2014–2020 and […]
Report: Child-Centred Investments to Achieve Targets of Vision 2025 by WCD, Government of Telangana
The report Child-Centred Investments to Achieve Targets of Vision 2025 evaluates the Department of Women Development and Child Welfare’s (WD&CW) initiatives in Telangana to meet Vision 2025 goals and align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 and 5. It analyses child nutrition, health, and protection indicators alongside the effectiveness of flagship schemes like Arogya Laxmi, […]
Public Expenditure on Children in India: Trends and Patterns
The report “Public Expenditure on Children in India: Trends and Patterns” examines the public spending on children by the union and sixteen state governments in India over seven years (2012-2019). It highlights the importance of investments in children’s health, nutrition, education, and protection, emphasising the direct impact of such expenditures on child development and overall […]
Public Expenditure on Health in Rajasthan
The report reviews public health expenditure patterns in Rajasthan from 2012 to 2018, focusing on the alignment of spending with the state’s healthcare needs. Rajasthan, home to approximately 5.6% of India’s population, faces significant health challenges, including high maternal and child mortality rates and a dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. The study gathers […]
Policy Brief: Public Expenditure Review of the Health Sector in Maharashtra
Maharashtra, India’s second most populous state, faces significant health challenges despite its economic prominence. This Public Expenditure Review (PER) analyses trends in the state’s health expenditure from 2012-13 to 2017-18 and evaluates its alignment with the population’s health needs. The study focuses on critical issues, including maternal and child health (MCH), tribal and urban health […]
Report: Public Expenditure Health in Maharashtra
Maharashtra, India’s second most populous state, faces significant health challenges despite its economic prominence. This Public Expenditure Review (PER) analyses trends in the state’s health expenditure from 2012-13 to 2017-18 and evaluates its alignment with the population’s health needs. The study focuses on critical issues, including maternal and child health (MCH), tribal and urban health […]
Mathrupoorna, Ksheera Bhagya and Srusti Schemes in Karnataka: A review of awareness and delivery
This report examines the Mathrupoorna, Ksheera Bhagya, and Srusti schemes in Karnataka, which aim to improve maternal and child health through nutritional interventions. The study assesses the level of awareness, utilisation, and perceived benefits of these schemes, along with the challenges faced during their implementation. Data was gathered through household surveys, focus group discussions, and […]
Mathrupoorna, Ksheera Bhagya and Srusti Schemes in Karnataka: A review of Awareness, Utilization and Delivery
This policy brief examines the Mathru Poorna, Ksheera Bhagya, and Srusti schemes implemented in Karnataka to address child and maternal malnutrition. Despite Karnataka’s economic growth and early adoption of initiatives like the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), the state lags behind southern counterparts in maternal and child health metrics. These schemes aim to provide nutritional […]
Public Expenditure on Health in Maharashtra – A critical analysis of size, sources, priorities, flow, processes and management

This study analysed Maharashtra’s health expenditure, focusing on Maternal and Child Health, fund-flow mechanisms, planning challenges, and Gram Panchayats’ role in health prioritisation.
Public Finance for Children (PF4C) across 16 Indian States

The National Policy for Children, adopted in 2013, underscored the state’s commitment to securing children’s rights while addressing their needs throughout different life stages. As a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), India recognised the importance of understanding the state commitments from […]
Public Expenditure on Health in Rajasthan – A critical analysis of size, sources, priorities, flow, processes and management

Although public expenditure on health in India is low compared to many countries, it is substantial in scale. This analysis focused on health expenditure in Rajasthan, particularly the allocation priorities for Maternal and Child Health (MCH). The study explored the following key areas: Funding Mechanisms: Understanding how funds flowed within the state and identifying the […]
Costing of all child-centered investments to achieve relevant targets of vision 2025 by WCD Department, Government of Telangana

The project undertook a costing analysis and carried out a resource allocation trend analysis from 2014-15, followed by an estimation of the ideal financial allocation/costing to achieve the planned vision by 2025.
Public Finance for Nutrition to Reach the Targets of Vision 2025 in Karnataka

The project analysed detailed expenditures across schemes and districts of the state correlated with the child development indicators (NFHS 4, DHDR 2014, and other relevant data) to understand how nutrition expenditures are targeted.
Outcome Assessment of Mathrupoorna, Srusti Scheme (Egg supply Scheme) and Ksheera Bhagya Schemes in Karnataka

This project analysed these three schemes, i.e. Ksheera Bhagya, Srusti Scheme (Egg Supply Scheme) and Mathrupoorna, for their assessable impacts on the field.
Report 3: Research Studies on ECCE – Selected Non-ICDS ECCE Models: An Analysis of Features, Costs and Revenue
This section presents an analysis of various models of ECCE across the three states of Delhi, Odisha and Telangana, together with an analysis of their costs and revenues. The report is split into two sections: cost estimations and resource mobilisation. The first section presents a conceptual and analytical framework for a comprehensive analysis of the […]
Report 4: Research Studies on ECCE – Recommendations and Policy Directions for ECCE in India: Lessons Drawn From the Three Research Reports on ECCE
This report summarises the findings of the three research studies on ECCE undertaken: Status of ECCE: Provisions and Gaps in India, with special focus on three states (Delhi, Odisha and Telangana) Analysis of ICDS: Provisions and Budgets Analysis of the Costs and Resources of select non-ICDS ECCE models. Drawing on these studies, it provides […]
Report 2: Research Studies on ECCE – Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS): An Analysis of the National Budgets With Special Reference to Three States (Delhi, Odisha and Telangana)
This report presents an analysis of ICDS national and state budgets (for Delhi, Odisha and Telangana) for four years from 2014-15 to 2017-18. It analyses these budgets in relation to changes in financial planning in India, following the introduction of the Fourteenth Finance Commission, as well as in relation to the specific populations and additional/differential […]
Research Studies on ECCE: Guide to Use the Reports
It is globally acknowledged that the first six years of a child’s life are the most critical years for life-long development as during these early years, children develop their cognitive, physical, social and emotional skills that lay the foundation for life-long learning and holistic growth. Save the Children, with its implementation experience across India, believes […]
An Ethnographic Study of the Mathru Poorna Yojana (One Full Meal) Pilot Project for Pregnant and Lactating Mothers in Two Blocks of Two Districts in Karnataka
Research on maternal health in the last several decades has shown India’s maternal health indicators to be among the poorest across the world. Over 70 per cent of women in India have been found to be anaemic over the last decades. Despite these poor indicators on maternal health, India’s progress in improving the status of […]
Report 1: Research Studies on Early Childhood Care and Education – Status Report on Implementation and Gaps of ECCE in India (With Special Focus on Delhi, Odisha and Telangana)
This section provides a context for the entire set of Research Studies on ECCE, commissioned by Save the Children, India. It presents a review of existing national and international literature on the significance of ECCE, the research evidence supporting its impacts, and various types of ECCE models and programmes from across the globe. Research in […]
Public Expenditure on Child Nutrition in Karnataka
Nutritional initiatives have immense potential to transform national economies and significantly improve individual lives. These initiatives require meticulous planning, effective implementation, adequate human resources, and a continuous supply of provisions, among other factors. While these programs are not always inexpensive, it is essential for state-run institutions to ensure they remain adequately funded, operate efficiently, and […]
Research Studies on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)

Save the Children aims to advocate ECCE as a fundamental right for children between the ages of 3 to 6 years. CBPS is commissioned to undertake a comprehensive study to review the status of ECCE policies and programmes in the country implemented by both the private and the public sector.
Nutrition Expenditure – Budget Analysis

A comprehensive report by CBPS on nutrition expenditure in Karnataka produced by analysing the budget and expenditure of Karnataka for 2014-15, as well as other sources.
Ethnographic Study of Hot Cooked Meal Pilot for Pregnant and Lactating Mothers

An ethnographic study of the new Hot Cooked Meals (HCM) pilot programme for Pregnant and Lactating women (P&L) that is to be launched by WCD. The project will be undertaken in two districts, as per the request of WCD. The study will use methods of observations, interviews and case studies at selected anganwadis for this purpose.
Study of Public Expenditure on Critical Social Sector- Public Expenditure Tracking of RNTCP

This Public Expenditure Tracking (PET) study tracks expenditures from state level to the recipient level (patients) of Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) in Bangalore Rural district of Karnataka.
Analysis of Health Budgets with a Special Focus On RCH and MCH Components of National Health Mission in Bihar, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu
The research underscores the critical importance of investing in early childhood care and education (ECCE), demonstrating that such investments yield high returns of 7-10% per annum through improved educational, health, and economic outcomes, as well as reduced crime rates. The Global Financing Facility (GFF), launched by the World Bank Group alongside the governments of Canada, […]
A Review of Expenditure and Services of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Karnataka
The ICDS is a central government programme, managed by the Department of Women and Child Development, and it provides a comprehensive package of services related to primary healthcare, nutrition, education, water and sanitation. The programme also provides a convergent platform for communities, state programmes, non-government organisations (NGOs) and international development agencies to come together in […]
Undertaking Preliminary Processes for Conducting Budget Tracking of the ICDS Programme in Karnataka

To conduct a meaningful budget tracking exercise on the ICDS programme in the state of Karnataka, it was essential to study all the processes that are involved in its smooth functioning. CBPS carried out an extensive literature review on all processes of the ICDS programme in the state including its history, policy and norms, as […]
Public Expenditure Under Revised National Tuberculosis Eradication of Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP)
Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the world’s deadliest communicable diseases and also one of the world’s single biggest cause of death due to infection among adults. As per NFHS-3, TB is a leading cause of death among people who are HIV positive. However, with the available medicines and treatment process, most deaths from TB are […]
Millenium Development Goals and Karnataka: A Status Report
The United Nations General Assembly adopted the UN Millennium Declaration in September 2000. This declaration set quantifiable targets for every nation to achieve by 2015 in sectors of poverty, education, health, gender empowerment and environmental sustainability, among others. Eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were arrived at, which consisted of a total of eighteen targets and […]
Preparation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Report for the State of Karnataka

The Karnataka State MDG Report provided insights on India’s progress towards the Millennium Development Goals, highlighting successes and areas for improvement at the state level. This detailed assessment of the indicators at the state level was intended to inform the prioritization of sustainable development goals for Karnataka in preparation for their adoption by the UN Assembly.
The Route to Universal Health Coverage: Lessons from England, Thailand, and Brazil
This policy brief compares healthcare schemes and programs across England, Thailand and Brazil, drawing lessons from them and providing policy recommendations.
Children’s Access to Congenital Heart Disease Insurance in Karnataka
This study attempts to understand the utilisation patterns among paediatric patients suffering from congenital heart disease under Yeshasvini and VAS. Data from a government-run cardiac speciality hospital has also been used to study the utilisation patterns among CHD patients.
Study of Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana Enrollment in Shimoga and Bangalore Rural
This policy brief looks at the enrollment and utilisation of the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), a health insurance scheme operated by the government. In-depth interviews of various stakeholders involved in the process of enrollment of RSBY were conducted. 2 talukas each of Shimoga and Bangalore Rural districts were visited, where CBPS had conducted an […]
Utilisation Patterns in Health Insurance Schemes for Women and Children
This policy brief analyses the utilisation patterns of Yeshasvini and Vajpayee Aarogyashri Schemes in Karnataka.
Analysis of Health Budgets with a Special Focus On RCH and MCH Components of National Health Mission in Bihar and Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu

This study presents different aspects and perspectives of health expenditure in the states of Bihar, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu, highlighting that public investments are critical and are the first step in improving healthcare system especially in rural areas or where the concentration of poor population is higher.
Bengaluru Rural District: Human Development Report 2014 (English)
The Bengaluru Rural District Human Development Report utilizes various indices, including HDI, GII, FSI, and others, to provide a comprehensive analysis of human development at the taluk level. The analysis is based on data from the Bengaluru Rural Zilla Panchayat and line departments for 2010-2011. Additional data sources, including Census, National Sample Surveys, District Level […]
Bengaluru Rural District: Human Development Report 2014 (Kannada)
The Bengaluru Rural District Human Development Report utilizes various indices, including HDI, GII, FSI, and others, to provide a comprehensive analysis of human development at the taluk level. The analysis is based on data from the Bengaluru Rural Zilla Panchayat and line departments for 2010-2011. Additional data sources, including Census, National Sample Surveys, District Level […]
Informing Social Protection Norms and Policies for Women and Children in Karnataka

This project studied the enrollment process of RSBY in its third round in two districts of Karnataka. It also looked into data from Yeshasvini and Vajpayee Aarogyashri Schemes focusing on utilisation patterns among women and children.
Benefit Incidence of Public Expenditure in Health: A Study of Karnataka
Affordable and quality healthcare is indispensable for a decent quality of life. It has been observed that healthcare is expensive and more or less inaccessible for the poorer section of society. In that case, government should take the onus of providing affordable and quality healthcare to masses. However, whether the public health services are reaching […]
Human Development Report for Bangalore Rural District

This study aimed to construct the Human Development Index of Bangalore Rural district as part of a broader initiative by the Government of Karnataka to develop Human Development Reports for all 30 districts in the state. Additionally, the study involved an in-depth examination of livelihood, health, education, governance, and equity indicators in the district, as well as four small area studies exploring specific local challenges and realities as part of the project.
Differential Financing for Untied Funds, ARS Corpus and AMG Funds in Public Health Facilities of Karnataka
Despite significant improvements over the last few decades, India faces a massive crisis in terms of its accessbility and affordability of healthcare for the general population. Alternative health financing solutions for the poor range between public health centres and unfit health insurance schemes. One attempt to increase the money spent in public healthcare lay in […]
Utilization of Untied Funds, RKS Funds and AMG Funds in Public Health Facilities in Karnataka

This study investigates the allocation and utilization of untied funds under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) for different levels of public health facilities in two districts. Results indicate towards discrepancies between allocation and utilisation of funds.
Strengthening Institutions to Improve Public Expenditure Accountability

CBPS partnered with the Global Development Network (GDN) for the project ‘Strengthening Institutions to Improve Public Expenditure Accountability’, with a focus on using tools to improve public expenditure accountability.
Reproductive and Child Health Services in Karnataka: How Much Do They Cost?

In 1997, the Karnataka government launched the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) programme, having modified it to focus on more contemporary concerns, such as improved ante natal care and sexual health education. This was provided as a continuation of its existing Maternal and Child Health (MCH) schemes. This paper conducts a budget analysis of the […]
Expenditure on Education and Health at the Local Level: A Study in Karnataka

This study focused on tracking the expenditure on health and education by local governments in Karnataka. It also analysed the views of people at the offices (elected representatives and officers) to elicit their views and issues related to utilization of funds in the Health and Education sector.
A Preliminary Study on The Health Budget in Karnataka

The study analysed the expenditures of medical and public health in health-related sectors during 1960–2000.
Productivity and Food Security: A Marginal Situation Case Study
This report discusses findings from a study conducted to assess the relative poverty status of new members of micro-finance or self-help groups (SHGs) in two panchayats of the Boipariguda block in Koraput district of Orissa, with the aim of the study to find out the relative poverty status of new members in comparison to non-members. […]
Reproductive Child Health (RCH) and Budgets in Karnataka

The study looked into the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions in health sector.
Implementing the Recommendations of Karnataka’s Task Force on Health and Family Welfare

The study provided recommendations to implement a comprehensive health management information system.