Introduction
“The ultimate purpose of governance is to make life easier for the governed.”
Thomas Jefferson
This sentiment lies at the heart of ease of living. The concept of ease of living has emerged as a vital yardstick to judge whether growth translates into better lives. It goes beyond GDP numbers, probing how easily a student reaches school, how safely a woman returns home at night, how affordably a family accesses water, healthcare and housing.
As Mahatma Gandhi observed, “The best test of good government is its ability to provide to the humblest the same opportunities as to the highest”.
In Public Administration, this principle finds modern expression in the concept of Ease of living a multidimensional measure of how effectively governance translates into safer streets, cleaner air, affordable housing and equitable opportunities. Public Administration, whether in Weber’s bureaucratic frame or in the participatory governance of today, ultimately seeks to enhance the lived experience of citizens. The concept of Ease of Living captures this essence it shifts the administrative lens from output to outcome, from the number of services delivered to the quality of life ensured.
Meaning
Ease of Living means the degree of comfort, convenience and dignity with which people can conduct their day-to-day lives. It reflects how smoothly citizens can access basic services, exercise their rights and pursue personal and professional goals without facing unnecessary hurdles. The idea is not limited to material prosperity it covers social well-being, safety, inclusivity and environmental sustainability.For example, a farmer being able to sell his produce directly in the market through a transparent digital platform without the interference of exploitative middlemen is a sign of improved ease of living. A student in a remote village who can attend online classes because of reliable internet connectivity experiences ease of living. An elderly person getting timely healthcare, a commuter reaching work quickly due to efficient public transport, or a citizen receiving government benefits directly in their bank account without corruption these all are practical manifestations of ease of living.
Ease of Living Index
The Ease of Living Index is an assessment tool developed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA) in India to evaluate the quality of life in urban areas.
The index is structured around three main pillars:
1. Quality of Life: This includes aspects like education, health, housing, sanitation and safety.
2. Economic Ability: This assesses the city’s economic opportunities and its ability to support its residents.
3. Sustainability: This evaluates the city’s environmental performance and its capacity for long-term growth.
• Citizen Perception:It is a crucial component, gathering feedback from residents on the services provided by the city administration.
The analysis conducted categorizes the cities into two parts:
A. Cities with a population of over 1 million;
B. Cities having a population of less than 1 million.
Top 10 Cities as per Ease of Living Index Report, 2025
In more than 1 million populated cities category, we have-
1. Bangalore (Karnataka);
2. Pune (Maharashtra);
3. Ahmedabad (Gujarat);
4. Chennai (Tamil Nadu);
5. Surat (Gujarat);
6. Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra);
7. Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu);
8. Vadodara (Gujarat);
9. Indore (Madhya Pradesh); and
10. Greater Mumbai (Maharashtra).
In less than 1 million populated cities category, we have-
1. Shimla (Himachal Pradesh);
2. Bhubaneswar (Odisha);
3. Silvassa (Dadra and Nagar Haveli);
4. Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh);
5. Salem (Tamil Nadu);
6. Vellore (Tamil Nadu);
7. Gandhinagar (Gujarat);
8. Gurugram (Haryana);
9. Davanagere (Karnataka); and
10. Tiruchirapalli (Tamil Nadu).
Ease of Living and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SDGs: They are a set of 17 global goals with 169 targets and 304 indicators adopted by the United Nations General Assembly as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They are intended to address a variety of global issues such as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice, aimed to make the world more inclusive, equitable and sustainable.
Ease of Living Pillar Relevant SDGs
Quality of Life – Housing, health, education, safety, mobility SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health), SDG 4 (Quality Education),
SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities)
Economic Ability – Income, employment, cost of living SDG 8 (Decent work), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation), SDG 10 (Reduced
Inequalities)
Sustainability – Environment, energy, resilience SDG 6 (Clean Water), SDG 7 (Clean
Energy), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), SDG 13 (Climate Action)
Ease of Living: Major Indicators
Governance and Public Services
Governance is the backbone of ease of living. Citizens’ experiences depend on how responsive, transparent and efficient the government is.
Key governance aspects are:
• Citizen-Centric Administration: It places people at the core of governance, ensuring that policies and services are designed around their needs. Government initiatives like Digital India, UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance), Digi Locker and Direct Benefit Transfer have simplified access and reduced leakages. Transparency and accountability are promoted through Right to Information and social audits. Citizen participation is encouraged through MyGov platform, Gram Sabhas and Swachh Survekshan feedback.
• Decentralization: The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments institutionalized Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies, which directly handle water supply, sanitation, health, housing and livelihoods key determinants of Ease of Living. Through Gram Sabhas, e-Gram Swaraj and SWAMITVA scheme, citizens participate in decision-making and benefit from digitized records. Flagship programmes such as Swachh Bharat Mission, MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act), Smart Cities Mission and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)are implemented largely through local governments.
• Digital Governance: It has simplified access to services, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and empowering citizens. The Digital India Mission (2015), along with JAM Trinity (linking the Jan Dhan Accounts, Aadhar Cards and Mobile numbers of citizens) and Direct Benefit Transfer has revolutionized welfare delivery by minimizing leakages. Platforms like UMANG, Digi Locker and GeM (Government e-Marketplace) enhance convenience and transparency, while UPI and BHIM promote financial inclusion.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure ensures accessibility, safety, convenience and dignity in citizens’ everyday lives. It includes physical, social, digital and energy infrastructure.
• Physical Infrastructure: It includes transport, housing, water, sanitation and urban services. Government schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (housing for all), AMRUT & Smart Cities (urban amenities), Swachh Bharat (sanitation), Jal Jeevan Mission (tap water), Saubhagya (electricity), and Ujjwala (clean cooking fuel) have transformed household living standards. Connectivity projects like Bharatmala (to improve road connectivity), Sagarmala (Port development and connectivity), Metro expansion and UDAN (making air travel more accessible and affordable) improve mobility and reduce travel time.
• Social Infrastructure: It comprises of education, healthcare, skill development and social security. Government initiatives like Samagra Shiksha and PM e- Vidya (education), Ayushman Bharat, Health & Wellness Centres and Mission Indradhanush (healthcare), Skill India Mission and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (skill development) empower citizens with knowledge, health and employability. Safety nets such as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, National Food Security Act, PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, pensions and insurance schemes provide economic security. Gender-focused programmes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and SHG initiatives foster inclusiveness.
• Digital Infrastructure: It is a key driver of ease of living. Initiatives like Aadhaar enable targeted delivery of subsidies through Direct Benefit Transfers, reducing leakages. Platforms such as Digi Locker, UMANG, MyGov and e-Sign bring government services to citizens’ fingertips. The JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan Aadhaar Mobile), UPI and Rupay have deepened financial inclusion. BharatNet and 5G rollout are bridging rural-urban divides, while e-Sanjeevani (telemedicine), PM e-Vidya and DIKSHA (enhancing school education through digital means) expand healthcare and education access.
• Energy Infrastructure: It includes electricity, cooking fuel and renewable energy systems. Schemes like Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA) achieved near universal household electrification, while Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana strengthened rural power supply. PM Ujjwala Yojana provided LPG connections. UJALA LED scheme promoted energy efficiency, lowering household costs. Rapid growth in solar, wind and hydropower align with India’s clean energy goals, while EV charging infrastructure and metro projects support green mobility.
Safety And Security
Safety and security include protection of life, property, rights and dignity of citizens, ensuring a climate where people can live without fear and with confidence in institutions.
Key aspects include:
• Law and Order: It forms the bedrock of ease of living by ensuring safety, justice and a climate of trust. Government initiatives such as the Criminal Tracking Network System, e-Courts Project, Fast track and special courts enhance transparency and quick response.
• Women’s Safety: Women’s safety is a core pillar of ease of living as dignity, mobility and freedom from fear are essential for inclusive development. The government has adopted several measures such as the Criminal Law Amendments (2013 & 2018) that strengthened provisions against sexual crimes; the Nirbhaya Fund supports CCTV, streetlighting and emergency response; Safe City Projects employ smart surveillance and women patrols; 112 emergency response support system and 181 helpline provide immediate assistance; and One Stop Centres offer integrated support to victims.
• Cybersecurity: In the digital age, ease of living is inseparable from cybersecurity. Cybersecurity protects citizens from financial frauds, identity theft, data breaches and cyberstalking, while ensuring reliable access to government services. Government initiatives include the National Cyber Security Policy, Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) for incident response, Cyber Surakshit Bharat for awareness, National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre to protect critical infrastructure, Cyber Swachh Kendra for malware removal and schemes like Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children to safeguard women and children online.
• Disaster Safety: Ease of living is closely linked to safety from natural and man-made disasters, as disaster disrupt lives, livelihoods and essential services. The Disaster Management Act (2005) created National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) decentralizing mechanisms for preparedness and response. Initiatives like the National Disaster Management Plan, National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project, and early warning systems by Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and ISRO enhance resilience.
Housing and Urban Planning
Housing and urban planning are crucial determinants of ease of living. Adequate shelter provides dignity and security, while well-planned urban spaces ensure access to essential services, mobility and sustainable growth.
The government has undertaken various initiatives in this regard, such as:
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban): A flagship mission of the Government of India being implemented by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, it was launched in 2015. The mission addresses urban housing shortage among the EWS/LIG/MIG categories including the slum dwellers by ensuring a pucca house to all eligible urban households by the year 2022 which has been extended till 31st Dec, 2025.
• Smart Cities Mission: It was launched in 2015 to improve the quality of life in 100 cities focusing on providing efficient services, modern infrastructure and sustainable solutions while addressing key urban needs like housing, transport, education and healthcare by creating compact areas that serve as replicable models for other cities.
• Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT): It was launched in 2015 in 500 selected cities across the country, covering across 60% of the urban population. The mission targets enhancing basic infrastructure and implementing urban reforms for selected cities, encompassing water supply, sewerage, drainage, green spaces, non-motorized transport and capacity building. Amrut 2.0 was launched in 2021, subsuming Amrut 1.0 till 2025-26.
• Metro Rail and Mass Rapid Transport Projects: With rapid urbanization, Indian cities face congestion, pollution and loss of productivity. These projects provide sustainable, safe and efficient solutions directly enhancing the quality of life. For instance, the Delhi Metro, carrying over 5 million passengers daily, has emerged as a global model of affordability, punctuality and safety.
Healthcare Accessibility and Education
Ease of living is not only about infrastructure and governance but also about access to basic human development needs. Both of these are central to improving quality of life, human dignity and opportunities for socio-economic mobility.
• Healthcare Accessibility: Healthcare is a fundamental pillar of ease of living. In India, with rapid urbanization, rising lifestyle diseases and demographic pressures, healthcare accessibility directly influences people’s quality of life. The government has launched several initiatives in this regard. Ayushman Bharat – PM Jan Arogya Yojana provides free insurance coverage to 50 crore people, while Health and Wellness Centres strengthen preventive and primary care. National Health Mission improves maternal and child health, and Mission Indradhanush enhances immunization coverage. Jan Aushadhi Kendras ensure affordable generic medicines, and the National Digital Health Mission is expanding telemedicine and e-health services.
• Education: Education not only enhances employability and income opportunities but also fosters awareness of rights, health and civic duties, thereby improving overall quality of life. The government has taken significant steps such as the Right to Education Act (2009) guarantees free and compulsory education for children aged 6- 14 years. Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan integrates school education from pre-primary to senior secondary. The Mid-Day Meal (PM POSHAN) scheme addresses classroom hunger. The National Education Policy (2020) introduces competency-based learning, vocational training and flexibility to prepare students for 21st century challenges. Digital initiatives like DIKSHA, SWAYAM and PM e-Vidya seek to bridge access gaps.
Environment
Environmental quality directly affects health, productivity and overall well-being. It enhances ease of living by ensuring clean air, safe drinking water, green spaces and resilience against disasters.
The environment shapes everyday life in multiple ways:
• Air Quality: It is a critical determinant of ease of living as it directly impacts human health, productivity and overall well-being. In India, rapid urbanization, industrialization and vehicular growth have made air pollution one of the gravest challenges to quality of life. The government has taken several measures to address the issue. The National Clean Air Programme aims to reduce particulate matter by 40% by 2026. The Graded Response Action Plan is implanted in Delhi NCR to curb seasonal pollution. Expansion of renewable energy, promotion of electrical vehicles, BS-VI emission standards, and afforestation drives under the National Green Mission also contribute to air quality improvement.
• Water Quality and Availability: Water is central to human survival, health and dignity, making its quality and availability a key determinant of ease of living. The government has launched several initiatives in this regard such as the Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide piped water to all rural households; Namami Gange Programme focuses on river rejuvenation; and Atal Bhujal Yojana promotes community-based groundwater management. Further, wastewater treatment, rainwater harvesting and awareness campaigns are being promoted.
• Waste Management: With rapid urbanization and changing consumption patterns, India generates nearly 62 million tonnes of solid waste annually, of which only 30% is treated. The rest often ends up in open dumps leading to air, water and soil pollution, health hazards and reduced quality of life. Recognizing these, the government has undertaken several initiatives such as the Swachh Bharat Mission has improved sanitation coverage. Swachh Survekshan rankings encourage healthy competition among cities for better waste management practices. The Plastic Waste Management Rules aim to curb single-use plastics, while the Solid Waste Management Rules (2016) emphasize segregation, composting and recycling.
• Climate Resilience: As one of the climate-vulnerable countries, India faces rising temperatures, erratic monsoons, floods, droughts and cyclones which directly affect health, livelihoods and infrastructure. To address this, several measures have been undertaken such as the National Action Plan on Climate Change and State Action Plans to focus on renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and water management. Missions like the National Electric Mobility Mission, National Adaptation Fund on Climate Change and National Disaster Management Plan aim to build resilience. Internationally, India’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070 and leadership in the International Solar Alliance demonstrate proactive engagement.
Economic Opportunities
Economic opportunities enhance ease of living by ensuring financial security, reducing poverty and enabling access to better healthcare, housing and education.
Following are some of the government initiatives for enhancing economic opportunities:
• Rural Livelihoods: Agriculture focused schemes like PM-KISAN, PM Fasal Bima Yojana and Soil Health Cards support farmers. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) provides wage employment and boosts rural infrastructure. Simultaneously, the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) empowers women through self-help groups and promotes microenterprises.
• Entrepreneurship: By creating jobs, fostering innovation and delivering affordable goods and services, entrepreneurs directly improve quality of life for citizens. The government has recognized this potential and launched several initiatives. Start-up India and Stand-up India provide funding support, tax benefits and incubation. PM Mudra Yojana enables micro and small entrepreneurs to access credit without collateral. While initiatives like Atal Innovation Mission promotes innovation among students and start-ups.
• Skill Development: In a country where nearly 65% of the population is below 35 years of age, the ability to acquire relevant skills directly impacts employability, income security and overall quality of life. The Government of India has launched multiple initiatives to strengthen this ecosystem. The Skill India Mission (2015) aims to train millions through programs like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, focusing on industry-relevant skills. The Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushal Yojana addresses rural youth, while National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme fosters on-the-job training.
Social Equality
While infrastructure, governance and economic growth are important, the true measure of ease of living lies in whether all sections of society enjoy equal rights, opportunities and access to services. Without social equality, ease of living becomes a privilege for a few rather than a reality for all.
The Indian state has made significant efforts to promote social equality through constitutional provisions like:
• Article 14: Equality before law and equal protection of laws.
• Article 15 & 17: Prohibition of discrimination and abolition of untouchability
• Article 16: Equality of opportunity in public employment
• Directive Principles of State Policy: Promote social and economic democracy
• Reservation Policies: Ensuring representation of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBCs and economically weaker sections
• Laws like Right to Education, MGNREGA, Protection of Civil Rights Act further ensure equality in practice.
Major Achievements with Regard to ease of Living as per Government Reports
Serving the Poor and Honouring the Marginalized at the Heart of Governance
81 crore people have been receiving free food grains under the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, while over 12 crore toilets have been built under Swachh Bharat.
15 crore households now have tap water connections, and more than 4 crore homes have been completed under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
Over 52 crore loans have been given under the Mudra Yojana, 68 lakh street vendors were supported through PM SVANidhi, and 20 crore women received cash transfers during the Covid lockdown.
Notably, 60 percent of current ministers are from SC, ST or OBC communities, and 112 aspirational districts have shown development progress above the state average.
Ensuring farmer welfare: Investing in the backbone of India’s economy
The agriculture budget in 2025-26 rose to five times its 2013-14 levels.
Nearly 25 crore soil health cards have been distributed to promote scientific farming practices.
Under the PM Kisan scheme, Rs. 3.7 lakh crore has been disbursed directly to farmers, while over 1.75 lakh crore has been settled under PM Fasal Bima Yojana.
Procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP) has seen a 7,350 percent rise for pulses and 1,500 percent for oilseeds.
Infrastructure support has also increased – Rs 1 lakh crore has been disbursed through the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, and 1,473 mandis have been linked through eNAM to streamline produce marketing.
New Momentum for Nari Shakti
For the first time, India has recorded a sex ratio of 1,020 women per 1,000 men (National Family Health Survey- 5)
Under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), Rs. 18,593 crores have been distributed to 3.98 crore pregnant and lactating women.
The Ujjwala Yojana has enabled over 10.33 crore households to shift to smoke-free kitchens, improving women’s health.
Paid maternity leave was extended from 12 to 26 weeks.
Over 35 crore Mudra loans amounting to Rs 14.72 lakh crore have been given to women, accounting for 68 percent of the total disbursement.
Additionally, 10 crore women have been brought into more than 90 lakh Self Help Groups, while the government has pledged to support 3 crore women in becoming “Lakhpati Didis”.
Building A Future-Ready Generation
The National Education Policy (NEP), introduced after more than 30 years has laid the foundation for a more flexible, modern learning environment.
Over 1.6 crore individuals have been trained under the PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana.
In the startup ecosystem, more than 1.6 lakh startups have been officially recognized, generating 17.6 lakh+ jobs.
In the realm of education infrastructure, 14,500 schools are being modernized under the PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme; 7 new IITs and 8 new IIMs have been added, bringing their total to 23 and 21 respectively.
The number of AIIMS has tripled, and 2,045 medical colleges (including allopathy, dental and AYUSH) are now operational.
The government has also focused on sports through the TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme), supporting 94 athletes in the core group and contributing to India’s rising medal tally in global events.
Rapid Growth in Infrastructure
• Road transport and highway budgets saw a massive 570% surge between 2014 and 2023-24, while the rural road network now covers 3.96 lakh km with 99% connectivity.
• The speed of highway construction has climbed to an impressive 34 km/day.
• Railways too witnessed a nine-fold budget hike, facilitating the launch of 400 Vande Bharat trains.
• Urban mobility progressed with metro rail networks growing from 248 km in 2014 to 1,013 km in 2015.
• Additionally, 86 airports have been operationalized and over 3,600 km of high speed corridors have been built in the last five years, underscoring the government’s focus on building infrastructure at an unprecedented scale and pace.
Nation First
The success of Operation Sindoor and Operation Kaveri reflected a resolute and sovereign nation prioritizing the safety of its citizens worldwide.
Defence exports surged to Rs 23,622 crore in 2024-25, alongside a 34-fold rise since 2014.
Strategic decisions like the removal of Article 370 and 35A and the conversion of the Ordnance Factory Board into seven PSUs, six of which are profitable, demonstrate a robust defence posture.
India Becoming the Economic Powerhouse
India has emerged as a global economic powerhouse, with FDI jumping to $42 billion, crossing $1 trillion cumulatively.
India leads in real-time digital transactions (49 percent globally) and is projected to be the fastest growing major economy.
The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme generated Rs 14 lakh crore in output and 11.5 lakh jobs.
With Non-Performing Assets (NPAS) down to 2.6 percent and MSMEs receiving over Rs 3.68 lakh crore, India’s robust, tech-driven and inclusive growth is reshaping the global economic landscape.
India has significantly improved its ease of doing business, rising 79 ranks between 2014 and 2019.
Over 1.8 lakh new companies were registered in 2023-24, supported by tax reforms, labor code simplifications and the repeal of archaic laws.
Digital Revolution
With 116 crore mobile subscribers and 6.93 lakh km of optical fibre laid under BharatNet, the country’s connectivity push is unprecedented.
Over 2.14 lakh gram panchayats are now connected via fibre, and 5.76 lakh Common Service Centres are operational under Digital India.
Affordable internet has become a reality, with data prices dropping from Rs 308 per GB to just Rs 9.34.
Meanwhile, the UPI ecosystem hit Rs 24 lakh crore in transactions in April 2025 alone, accounting for 49 percent of global real-time digital payments.
Issues/Challenges With Regard to Ease of Living in India
In India, despite notable progress through various initiatives several challenges persist such as:
• As India strides towards modernization and globalization, it is leaving behind millions of people living in slums for whom the promise of development has no meaning. The last comprehensive slum census in India was conducted in 2011. It showed 65 million people lived in slums across urban areas which is often characterized by overcrowding, poor housing structures, lack of sanitation, clean drinking water and proper waste management.
• Of the world’s 30 cities with the worst air pollution, 17 are in India. The capital, New Delhi, has the poorest air quality among capital cities globally, with concentrations of particulate matter (PM 2.5) nearly 10 times higher than the World Health Organization guidelines. The effects are devastating. Air pollution accounts for more than 2 million deaths a year in India, according to the State of Global Air 2024.
• In India, out-of-pocket health expenditure expenses account for about 62.6% of the total health expenditure, one of the highest in the world. As per a report, only 11% of sub-centers, 13% of primary health centers and 16% of community health centers meet Indian Public Health Standards. The Rural Health Statistics Report shows that there is a shortfall of more than 80% of the required surgeons and pediatricians in the 6,064 community health centers across the country.
• India’s education system is struggling, with the ASER report revealing that 76.6% of class 3 students are unable to read a class 2-level text. Public education spending remains at 4.6% of GDP, falling short of the 6% target set by National Education Policy (NEP), 2020. States like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra have the highest dropout rates.
• According to the World Inequality Database findings, India’s top 1% now possesses 40.1% of the nation’s wealth, exceeding the wealth held by colonial elites during British rule. In stark contrast, the bottom 50% hold a mere 6.4%. While India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, it is also one of the most unequal countries.
• India Business Corruption Survey, 2024 presents a troubling picture where 66% of business entities admit to paying bribes, with 54% were coerced for approvals. The Transparency International “Global Corruption Barometer – Asia” reported India’s highest bribery rates (39%) and use of personal connections (46%) for public services.
• Women’s safety remains a significant concern in India, with high crime rates reported against women. According to the National Crime Report Bureau (NCRB) report, crimes against women increased by 12.9% between 2018 and 2022. As per the Women Peace and Security Index 2023, India ranks 128 out of 177 countries in terms of women’s inclusion, justice and security. Further, many women face societal pressure that discourages them from reporting crimes.
• India faces a significant digital divide, with urban areas having much higher internet and computer access than rural areas. For instance, in 2024, a report noted 66% urban internet penetration versus 24% rural access. The gap is also evident across socio-economic groups, with the poorest households and communities like Scheduled Castes/Tribes having notably lower access.
Suggesstions/Way Forward
Strengthening Governance and Service Delivery: Decentralization should by promoted by empowering local governments for effective last-mile delivery. Also, a single-window system with time-bound service delivery laws will make public services more accessible. Capacity building of institutions and continuous training of officials can improve efficiency. Similarly, feedback mechanisms such as citizen report cards and social audits would enhance accountability and responsiveness.
Affordable Housing: Low-cost housing projects should be expanded with green and sustainable designs while effectively implementing rental housing policies for migrants and urban workers. Inclusive urban planning can be done by integrating affordable housing with transport, education and healthcare facilities to prevent creation of isolated slums. In addition, land acquisition should be simplified, approval delays be reduced and transparent land records must be promoted.
Environmental Sustainability: To improve environmental sustainability, stricter air quality norms must be enforced, public transport should be expanded and electric mobility should be encouraged to reduce urban pollution. Effective solid waste management with segregation at source and waste-to-energy initiatives can reduce landfills. Moreover, building climate resilience through disaster-ready infrastructure and early warning systems is essential.
Quality Healthcare and Education: Greater investment in public health spending should be done while expanding primary health infrastructure. Also, preventive healthcare through awareness on nutrition, sanitation and lifestyle diseases must be emphasized. In education, priority should be given to improving public schools, teacher training and digital learning platforms. Skill development programs aligned with industry needs can enhance employability. Special attention must be given to bridging gender, rural-urban and digital divides in education.
Economic Empowerment: To enhance employment, large-scale investment should be made in labor-intensive sectors like textiles, tourism, agro-processing and construction. Focus should be on promoting MSMEs, startups and entrepreneurship through easier credit access, tax incentives and reduced compliance burdens. Stronger industry-academia linkages, apprenticeships and on-the-job training can bridge the employability gap. Emphasis should be on digital skills, green jobs and vocational training, especially for youth and women.
Safety and Security: Women’s security must be improved through effective policing, CCTV surveillance in public spaces, fast-track courts for crimes against women and awareness campaigns. For law and order, police modernization, better training and use of predictive policing with technology are crucial. In terms of digital safety, robust cybersecurity frameworks, awareness drives and strict enforcement of data protection laws are necessary. Social security measures like pensions, health insurance and unemployment support also contribute to a sense of safety.
Citizen Participation: It is vital for ease of living as it ensures that governance is inclusive, transparent and responsive to people’s real needs. To strengthen citizen engagement, government policies must engage participatory planning through Gram Sabhas, Ward Committees and online consultation platforms. Social audits, citizen report cards and community scoreboards should be institutionalized to assess the quality of public services. Involving citizens in environmental initiatives like waste management, water conservation and urban planning can create ownership and accountability.
Conclusion
Ease of living is the soul of governance it transforms schemes into services, promises into possibilities and growth into well-being. It goes beyond economic indicators to encompass dignity, accessibility, equality and well-being in everyday life. In India, ensuring ease of living requires strengthening governance, simplifying service delivery, expanding social security, providing quality healthcare and education, promoting affordable housing, creating sustainable livelihoods and safeguarding environmental resources. Equally important are safety, inclusivity and active citizen participation, which build trust in institutions and foster a sense of belonging.
The path ahead lies in integrating technology with good governance, empowering local bodies for last-mile delivery and aligning initiatives with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By adopting a citizen-centric, transparent and sustainable development model, India can transform its demographic dividend into human capital, bridge inequalities and create a society where prosperity is shared.
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In India, the paradigm of Participatory Forest Management (PFM) is proving to be transformative as it attempts to balance the intricate relationships between sustainable resource utilisation, forest regeneration, and conservation. India, which has about 70 million hectares of forest cover, struggles to meet the socioeconomic demands of the people who depend on the forests while also protecting these ecosystems.
A long-term abutting weather situation that is particularly related to temperature and precipitation is called climatic change. Land-use changes, forest fires, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and natural disasters like volcanic eruptions are all possible contributing factors to this Climate shift (Reddy, 2015).
The Yamuna is a tributary of the holy Ganges. The main stream of the Yamuna River originates from the Yamunotri Glacier at Bandar Panch (38°59'N, 78°27'E) in the Mussoorie Ranges of the lower Himalayas, at an average altitude of about 6387 meters above sea level in the Uttarkashi district (Uttrakhand) increase.
The issue of governance has received serious attention of researchers, policy makers, administrators and the national as well as international community. The New Public Management (NPM) concept is focused on service, quality, performance management and risk management of governance processes.
The government provides services including healthcare, education, social support, and financial inclusion to the public. However, villagers and citizens in remote areas often struggle to access these services due to several constraints including inadequate infrastructure and inaccessibility.
Digital governance, in the context of the digital era, involves the use of information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to enhance and transform the delivery of public services, improve government efficiency, and engage citizens in decision-making processes.
Since the majority of India's population relies on agriculture for their living, the sector dominates the country's economy. Agriculture only makes up less than 20 per cent of the nation's GDP (Ministry of Finance, 2018), emphasizing the sector's low-income production.
E-commerce and digital technology have transformed the way people spend and save. There is an evident technological growth in the world of finance which is referred to as financial technology or fintech. Financial technology (Fintech) refers to the technological innovations that assist in enabling or improving the access to financial services digitally through the internet, smartphones or computers.
Today we are living in an era of the ‘regulatory state’. The expressions ‘regulation’, ‘regulatory governance’ and ‘regulatory institutions’ have become the buzzwords of governance and are spread across social systems as well as state organisations and government strategies.
Participatory planning involves the intensive participation of local communities in analysing their current situation, envisioning a long-term collective future and attempting to attain this vision through collective planning of development interventions that would be implemented by different state agencies area.
Intrinsically, India is a republican country that is organised as a federation with a parliamentary democracy. Similar to the United Kingdom, the President serves as the head of state in name only; in contrast, the Prime Minister is the de facto executive, or real head of the government.
With over eight thousand years of experience and intellectual growth (Cameron (1968), Edwards (Gadd, 1971), Hammond (1971), Eisenstadt (1963, 1993), Olmstead ( 1948), etc.), public administration has undergone numerous changes and transformations over its long history, but it has never been so challenged as in the last thirty years.
A paradigm represents a framework, viewpoint, or collection of concepts that serves as a lens for understanding various subjects. In disciplines like science and philosophy, paradigms encompass specific theories, methodologies, and principles defining valid contributions within a field.
The field of public administration is experiencing a dramatic and rapid change. Locally and globally, some of the most significant trends that will have the role and function of public administrators is rapidly evolving as the needs and demands of citizens, governments and organisations influence their ability to create and implement policies.
Public administration in the 21st century is undergoing significant transformation, not just in advanced countries but also in various regions of the developing world, as the calls for transformative change grow louder. These changes are propelled by globalisation, liberalisation and the diversification of service provision.
In an era where administrative agility defines the efficacy of democratic governance, this chapter, “Techniques of Administrative Improvement”, offers a comprehensive exploration of transformative tools, methods, and strategies that are reshaping public administration in India and globally.
The rapid pace and interdependence of global, political, social and economic developments have necessitated a critical need for improved efficiency and effective public institutions, administrative procedures and sound financial management to confront challenges for sustainable development in all countries.
The evolution of Indian administration reflects a historical continuum shaped by civilizational values and transformative changes. Spanning the Mauryan, Mughal, and British eras, each phase contributed distinct institutional structures and governance philosophies.
As an initial output of the joint research between the Korean Institute of Public Administration (KIPA) and the National Academy of Governance (NAOG), this article provides overviews of the Korean and Mongolian legislative environment, governance and characteristics of the anti-corruption policies.
Administrative improvement is a strategic necessity in a fast-paced world. Techniques like O&M, Work Study, management aid tools such as network analysis form the cornerstone of efficient governance. MIS, PERT, and CPM tools equip administrators with the ability to anticipate challenges, and drive organizational success in an increasingly complex environment.
Street vendors are an integral part of the urban informal economy in India, providing essential goods and service that cater to the diverse needs of city residents. They operate in various capacities, from food vendors to artisans, and play a crucial role in enhancing the vibrancy and accessibility of urban life.
This paper examines the critical role of communication in driving India's economic growth within the context of its diverse societal structure and the rapidly evolving information age. It argues that effective communication is not merely a tool for disseminating information but a fundamental force shaping development trajectories.
One often wonders ‘what the government does’ and ‘why the government does what it does’ and equally importantly ‘what it does not do and why so’. According to Thomas R. Dye “public policy is whatever government chooses to do or not to do”, implying that government's actions and inactions both come into the realm of public policy.
Access to safe drinking water is not merely a fundamental human right; it is a cornerstone of public health, economic development, and social equity. In rural India, where water scarcity and inadequate infrastructure pose significant challenges, the quest for reliable water supply becomes even more critical.
This paper outlines the century-long history of Mongolia’s civil service training institution, the National Academy of Governance (NAOG), which plays a crucial role in meeting the contemporary needs of training and developing human resources within the civil service sector.
India stands at a crucial juncture in its quest for inclusive development that will bring prosperity across the spectrum. Large amounts of public funds are spent to address these issues, but their implementation and the quality of services delivered leave much to be desired.
India has committed to achieving developed nation status by the centenary of its independence, leveraging cutting-edge technologies including AI tapping into its vast human capital, and implementing policies that foster high growth while addressing enduring social and economic inequalities.
This article explores the value and statehood of Mongolia by utilising Woodrow Wilson’s categorisation of “Judging by the constitutional histories of the chief nations of the modern world, there may be three periods of growth through which government has passed in all the most highly developed of existing systems, and through which it promises to pass in all the rest.
This paper examines India's economic trajectory through the lens of its demographic dividend a substantial youth population exceeding 50% under age 25 within its 1.4 billion citizens. While this demographic advantage offers unprecedented economic potential, its promise is threatened by systemic challenges including inadequate education access, limited skill development, and employment scarcity, particularly in rural areas.
Remarkable technological and scientific progress has made the modern democratic State not a mere watch-dog or a police institution but an active participant interfering in almost every sphere of individual and corporate life in society in the changed role of a service state and a welfare state
Since the reform and opening up, China’s leadership training has experienced three stages of development: the initial stage of leadership training and development in the early period of China’s reform and opening up to the world (1978-2002), the rapid growing stage of leadership training and development in the period of fast growing economy and society (2002- 2012) and the innovative…
Accountability and control are essential for efficient, ethical administration in public and private sectors. Accountability ensures officials answer for actions and resource use, while control involves mechanisms to monitor compliance with laws and goals, promoting responsibility and preventing misconduct.
Healthcare in rural India presents unique challenges and opportunities. While global health metrics emphasize indicators like life expectancy, mortality rates, and healthcare infrastructure, they often fail to capture the socio-cultural nuances of rural communities
The “Internet plus” government service reform in China has progressed through three stages, namely one-stop service, one-window service, and companion service. This reform has become a significant example of reshaping the relationship between the local government and the public.
This paper explores the evolution of Indian welfare philosophy from Gandhi's nonviolent resistance to contemporary governance. It traces how the sacrifices of Indian revolutionaries fostered Sarvodaya and Antyodaya ideals, examining the philosophical underpinnings of these concepts in Advaita and dualistic traditions.
Like most other countries around the world, after the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bangladesh's education system has undergone a radical change from the beginning of March 2020 onwards. The study attempts to analyse teachers’, students’ and parents’ perceptions and experiences about the online education in the COVID-19 pandemic at the school level.
Health is a fundamental human right and a critical indicator of development. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development emphasizes the importance of ensuring health and well-being for all individuals. A key objective of this agenda is to guarantee favorable health outcomes, underscored by the endorsement of a new declaration during the Global Conference on Primary Health Care held in Astana,…
In this article, published reports have been used for analysing state-wise status of SDGs achievements and their correlations with attainments in areas of poverty-reduction and other developmental indicators. Also, progress made by GPs on various metrics related to SDGs has been corroborated with other relevant metrics
Loss of governance reform efficacy is an identified entrenched institutional problem in systems. Reform, anywhere, is a sticky material because holders of powers and their cronies have rarely shown altruistic intentions of relaxing their profiteering grips over resources.
On September 1, 2023, a committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind explored the possibility of something called One Nation, One Election in India and ever since this thing has come out in public, political parties all across the country have been fuming with anger.
This paper examines various initiatives taken by Government of India to promote collaborative governance in various sectors. With increasing needs and aspirations of the community for public services and the limited capacity of government to provide the same, the involvement of various stakeholders to deliver these services becomes important and necessity.
In the vast and diverse landscape of India, regional disparities in development have long posed significant challenges to achieving equitable growth and social justice. Recognizing the urgent need to address these disparities, the Government of India launched the Aspirational Districts Programme in January 2018.
A dynamic interaction between the recognition of human complexity in organizations and the pursuit of structural efficiency has shaped the evolution of administrative philosophy. The foundational works of Frederick W. Taylor, Max Weber, Mary Parker Follett, Elton Mayo, Chester Barnard, Rensis Likert, Chris Argyris, and Douglas McGregor are critically examined in this essay, which charts the shift from traditional administrative…
In India, National Training Policy was formed in 2012, replacing the old policy of 1996. This was needed two reasons, new areas of administration given in the reports of second administrative reforms commission setup in 2005 and changing environment in different spheres of governance and new challenges of administration being faced by the civil servants.
India's emergence as a global services powerhouse in the 21st century marks a profound and transformative shift. This evolution, far from a mere economic change, is a strategic leap driven by its demographic dividend, technological advancements, and the burgeoning global demand for specialized services.
Public administration, as the executive arm of the state, has tremendous responsibilities to match the needs and aspirations of the citizens of the state. The systems have evolved over the years in almost every country as the politico and socio-economic environment of the respective country have changed.
Public administration is the cornerstone of modern governance. It refers to the organization, management, and implementation of government policies and programs, carried out by public officials and institutions. As a vital mechanism of the state, public administration not only ensures the effective delivery of services to citizens but also upholds the principles of accountability, transparency, and rule of law.
Tribal Sustainable Development through Evidence-based Policy and Planning: A major issue in post-Independence India has been a misreading of demands of tribal communities. What they have been demanding pertains to choice upholding their traditions and customs and having ownership over natural resources
As the Idiom of technological advancement takes its toll. The paper highlights a few poignant and emerging factors in the International Relations theorization. It was conservatively maintained by the defense strategists and the political leadership across the Global polity that foreign policy and the Diplomacy are greatly determined by the “given” of Geography and terrain
With the deepening of democracy, increased decentralisation, increasing social and political awareness, digital penetration, shifts in demography, demand for quality services by common citizens has been accelerating at a faster pace. In such a scenario, the role of State is critical for promoting equity in access to services.
"Accelerating India's Development" holistically looks at India’s growth trajectory since gaining independence – it rounds up all where it has done well including unity, upholding the integrity of its constitution, retaining democratic values at its core. It also does not mince words to convey where all the nation has faltered such as falling short in delivery of public services including…
Income and Employment Intensive Growth Agenda for India: The paper examines income and employment status in the Indian labour force to identify policy attention and follow up. The macroeconomic policies taken during last one decade are yielding positive results leading to expansion of manufacturing and services and structural transformation in the economy.
An Analysis of India's Social Welfare Programs: In a democracy, the state's role is to promote societal welfare. According to Aristotle, the state should not only ensure its survival but also improve the quality of life for its citizens. The state has a moral responsibility to its citizens. Modern views agree that the state should provide essential services like education,…
Digital Innovations in Social Protection: Trends, Challenges, and Solutions: The integration of digital technologies into social protection systems represents a transformative shift with profound implications for the delivery of welfare services. This chapter explores the evolving landscape of digital innovations in social protection, contextualising these developments within the broader framework of universal social protection and a systemic approach to welfare.
One of the most crucial aspects of our society is law enforcement, which deals with issues of law and order nationwide. It is an essential component of the state's legal system. The British government introduced a Police Act in 1861, which is still very relevant and based on policing.
India’s Vision for 2047 aims to transform the nation into a developed country, with healthcare being pivotal for this progress. Achieving universal health coverage and modernising healthcare infrastructure are essential for fostering a healthy productive population, which in turn drives economic growth and reduces poverty.
Several challenges linger in the Indian education system, like rote learning, the non-existence of practical skills among students, and disparities in access to quality education. To deal with the criticism for excessive curriculum and unreasonable focus on rote learning, this chapter examines the strategies comprising the building blocks to reform Indian schools.
Social development is expected to promote holistic improvement of individuals, institutions and their surrounding environments. Looking at the pace of development in India, the economy of most states requires strategic prioritization to accelerate improved well-being of the people. Accessibility to health, school education and public security are critical to the edifice of social development.
India is the largest democracy in the world inhabited by about 1.36 billion people over an area of 3287 thousand square kilometers according to an estimate for 2021 based on Census 2011. The Indian economy is characterised as a middle-income emerging market economy. In the last three decades the economy has faced three major crises, i.e., balance of payment crisis…
Neoliberal policies pursued by India since 1990s have created a space for private enterprises hitherto occupied by the state entities, unshackled the existing enterprises and introduced reforms to facilitate private initiative. This chapter looks into the ecosystem of the private sector in general and the developments in three specific sectors- urban mobility, water supply and housing, to draw lessons for…
This Chapter highlights the gradual transformation from Personnel Administration to Strategic Human Resource Management over the years in Government of India. However, there is still a long way to go. In this Chapter an attempt has been made to delineate the criticality to move towards Strategic HRM in Government of India to achieve India’s developmental goals.
Robust statistical data forms the cornerstone of an informed governance system. This paper studies the statistical system and data dissemination in the Centre and State governments in India, and the measures put in action to accelerate the data dissemination process. Arguing that the availability of high-frequency statistical data is a necessary condition for good governance, the first section of the…
In the Amrit Kaal (golden period) of independent India, the ‘citizen first’ approach guides public governance by deepening the outreach of service delivery mechanism so that international standards could be achieved in India@100. The goal can only be achieved by all inclusive governance involving stronger and effective local self-governments both panchayats and municipalities.
In modern societies, with the increasing role of the state in social and economic fields, emphasis on the quality of its governance is of prime concern to all. Indian bureaucratic system of governance is founded on the principle of rule of law, as the state power is divided amongst three chief organs, each has the its own quality under a…
This paper discusses the concept of good governance and its relations with the electoral politics in Indian context. It highlights the various strategies employed by the government and related agencies for the growth and development of the country. Major reforms pertaining to the country’s infrastructure, IT, administration, economy and public services are a few areas that have been explored in…
With the Indian government’s vision to transform India into a developed nation by 2047, marking hundred years of independence, it has become of highest importance to learn from the past, tenaciously work in the present and step towards the future with complete efficiency. In its 77 years of becoming a democracy, India has soared high with continuous transformations marked by both…
The vision of Viksit Bharat can be realised through Viksit States, and that the aspiration of Viksit Bharat should reach the grassroot level i.e. to each district, block, and village. For this, each State and District should create a vision for 2047 so as to realise Viksit Bharat @ 2047.