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Publications Category: Policy Briefs

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 […]

Holistic Skills for Early Childhood Education in India

With the acceptance of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and subsequent developments such as National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (Nipun Bharat) by the Government of India, the country has redefined the early years for education as covering children between 3–5-year-olds to 3-8year-olds, which is close to a widely acceptable definition […]

Policy Brief: Public Expenditure on School Education and Quality of Educational Provisions in Assam Tea Garden Region Schools

The tea gardens of Assam are a vital component of the state’s geography and economy, employing approximately 1 million workers across 856 gardens and contributing significantly to the political landscape by electing 25-30 representatives to the 126-seat state assembly. The workforce, predominantly classified as tea tribes, constitutes about 20% of Assam’s total population. Despite their […]

Gendered impact of COVID-19 on education of school-aged children in Uttar Pradesh

The policy brief explores the impact of the pandemic on households in Uttar Pradesh (UP), with a focus on the economic distress and support measures provided. The brief is based on a survey of 944 households in rural and peri-urban areas across 11 districts. Key findings include:  Vulnerability: Uttar Pradesh was found to be particularly […]

Gendered impact of COVID-19 on education of school-aged children in India

The policy brief highlights that while a large proportion of households across India received some form of government support during the pandemic, there were significant variations in the type and reach of support across different states. Food distribution was the most common form of assistance, but its effectiveness varied. Anganwadi centres were more effective in […]

Gendered impact of COVID-19 on education of school-aged children in Bihar

The policy brief examines the impact of the pandemic on households in Bihar, with a focus on economic distress and support measures. It is based on a survey of 590 households across six districts in Bihar. Key findings include: 1. Food and Ration Access: A significant majority of families (92%) reported receiving uncooked food or […]

Gendered impact of COVID-19 on education of school-aged children in Assam

The policy brief discusses the impact of the pandemic on households in Assam, focusing on economic distress and responses to mitigate it. The brief is based on a survey of 484 households in rural and peri-urban areas across five districts. Key findings from the brief include: 1. Vulnerability: The state of Assam was found to […]

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 […]

Public Expenditure on Children in India: An analysis of union and state government budgets

This policy brief explores public expenditure on children in India, emphasising the critical need for targeted government investment to support children’s well-being and development. The analysis highlights that public spending on children encompasses various sectors, including education, health, nutrition, and child protection, and is guided by both national and international commitments such as the Convention […]

Policy Brief: Estimating Multiplier Effect of Social Sector Expenditure in Karnataka

This policy note presents the results of a study undertaken in Karnataka to estimate multiplier effect of public spending on social sector in the state using two methodologies: Input-Output Table (IOTT) and Social Accounting Matrix (SAM). We use the lens of ‘multiplier’ here to argue that public spending in social sectors is critical for human […]

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 […]

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 […]

Public Expenditure Review of Secondary Education Sector In Tamil Nadu

This policy brief reviewed the status of secondary education in Tamil Nadu (TN) and analysed public expenditure in this sector, highlighting challenges and opportunities for improvement. Despite TN’s performance exceeding the all-India average, it lagged behind Kerala, the top-performing state. The study found high net attendance ratios (NAR) at the upper-primary and secondary levels, yet […]

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 […]

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 […]

Policy Brief | An Analysis of the Bhagyalakshmi Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme in Karnataka

This policy brief provides a comprehensive analysis of the Bhagyalakshmi Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme (CCT) in Karnataka, introduced in 2006-07 to address gender disparities, including the adverse child sex ratio, high prevalence of child marriage, and limited access to education for girls. The scheme targets Below Poverty Line (BPL) households, incentivizing the education and delayed […]

Costing Framework and Principles for Responsive ECCE Models

It is important to have an estimate for the cost of services by any provider, irrespective of whether the provider is a public or a private entity. An accurate estimate of costs for providing any particular service can help in more efficient planning, judicious use of resources and better decision – making regarding subsidies and […]

Developing ‘Responsive’ ECCE models in India

Scientific research on early childhood development has informed investments in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) across the global south. Conceptual frameworks of ‘developmentally appropriate practice’ (DAP) guide ECCE policy and practice according to established norms for children’s development. However, DAP frameworks leave the universal and normative core of developmental thinking unaddressed. Based on an […]

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 Finance for Social Sector Programmes in Odisha

This policy brief presents insights into the landscape of public finance for social sector programs in Odisha, derived from a comprehensive study conducted by Centre for Budget and Policy Studies, Bengaluru, in collaboration with UNICEF Odisha Office. The brief highlights the critical role of social sector expenditure in driving inclusive economic growth and human capital […]

XIV CFC grants and Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP)

This policy brief delves into the utilisation of XIV CFC grants and the implementation of Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP) in Odisha, shedding light on critical findings and implications. With the XIV CFC disbursing substantial funds to Gram Panchayats (GPs) nationwide for basic services enhancement, including water, sanitation, and roads, the study examines how these […]

Public Expenditure on Children in Karnataka: 2001-02 to 2017-18

This brief offers a public expenditure analysis of expenditures and allocations for children for the years 2001 to 2017 (2017-18 Budget estimates) in Karnataka. The discussion is based entirely on the analysis of budget documents of the Government of Karnataka taking into account budget allocations for the present year (2017-18), revised estimates for the previous […]

Policy Brief: Why it is important to retain an independent Mahila Samakhya Programme

The policy brief titled “Why it is important to retain an independent Mahila Samakhya Programme,” prepared by the Centre for Budget and Policy Studies in 2016, argues for the continuation of the Mahila Samakhya (MS) programme. Launched in 1989 under India’s Ministry of Human Resource Development, MS promotes women’s empowerment through education and collective action, […]

Public Expenditure on Children in Karnataka: Trends and Tales

Children represent one of the most vulnerable sections of a society. In India, a large proportion of children face marginalisation and discrimination that significantly diminish their opportunities and life chances. Investing in children of all ages can ensure that they can be brought out of the vicious cycle of poverty, discrimination and exploitation. By ensuring […]

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 […]

Residential Schools for Girls in India: Review of Policy and Practice

Several residential schooling strategies exist for girls in the publicly funded school system in India but there is no definite policy on residential schooling in general or for girls in particular. The information on the performance of these programmes remains uneven, isolated and sporadic. A good number also exist in private sector catering to both […]