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Energy Statistics India 2026

Introduction

The National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the 33rd edition of the Energy Statistics India Report 2026. The report provides comprehensive official data on India’s energy sector, covering

reserves, production, consumption, installed capacity, trade, and energy efficiency indicators.

The report is signiﬁcant because it highlights India’s rapid growth in renewable energy while also underlining the continuing dependence on fossil fuels, especially coal. It serves as an important tool for evidence-based policymaking in the energy sector.

Key Highlights of Energy Statistics India 2026

Growth in Energy Supply

India’s Total Primary Energy Supply (TPES) increased by 2.95% during FY 2024–25, reaching

9,32,816 Kilo Tonnes of Oil Equivalent (ktoe). The increase reﬂects:

Expanding industrial activity
Rising urbanisation
Growing electricity demand
Economic recovery and infrastructure growth

India’s rising energy requirement highlights the need for secure, affordable, and sustainable energy sources.

Renewable Energy Expansion

Massive Renewable Energy Potential

India’s renewable energy (RE) potential is estimated at nearly 47 lakh MW. The composition includes:

Solar Energy: ~71%
Wind Energy
Small Hydro Power

This demonstrates India’s strong geographical advantage in solar energy generation.

Regional Concentration of Renewable Potential

More than 70% of renewable energy potential is concentrated in six states:

Rajasthan
Maharashtra
Gujarat
Andhra Pradesh
Karnataka
Madhya Pradesh

These states are becoming major hubs for India’s clean energy transition.

Rise in Installed Renewable Capacity

Installed renewable energy capacity increased signiﬁcantly from:

90,134 MW (2016) to

2,29,346 MW (2025)

This represents a strong Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.93%.

The growth reﬂects government initiatives such as:

National Solar Mission
PM-KUSUM Scheme
Green Energy Corridor
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes

Growth in Renewable Electricity Generation

Renewable electricity generation increased from:

1,89,314 GWh (2015–16) to

4,16,823 GWh (2024–25)

This indicates a 9.17% CAGR over the period.

The increase shows India’s gradual transition toward cleaner electricity generation.

Energy Consumption Trends

Rising Per Capita Energy Consumption

Per capita energy consumption increased to 18,096 megajoules per person. This reﬂects:

Higher standards of living
Industrialisation
Electriﬁcation of rural areas
Expansion of transport and infrastructure

Although rising energy consumption indicates economic development, it also raises concerns regarding sustainability and energy security.

Improvement in Power Efficiency

Transmission and Distribution (T&D) losses declined from 22% to 17%. This improvement indicates:

Better grid management
Modernisation of transmission infrastructure
Increased efficiency in electricity delivery
Reduction in power theft and leakages

Efficient electricity distribution is essential for reducing energy wastage and improving ﬁnancial health of DISCOMs.

Continued Dependence on Coal

Coal Remains Dominant

Despite rapid renewable expansion, coal continues to remain India’s primary energy source. Coal supply increased to 5,52,315 Ktoe, highlighting continued dependence on fossil fuels. Coal remains crucial because:

It supports base-load power generation
India possesses abundant domestic coal reserves
Renewable energy intermittency requires backup support

However, high coal dependence creates environmental and climate-related concerns.

Increasing Energy Demand and Financial Support

Growth in Final Energy Consumption

Total Final Consumption (TFC) increased by more than 30%, driven by:

Industrial growth
Urbanisation
Rising manufacturing activity
Expansion in transport and services sectors

This demonstrates India’s emergence as one of the fastest-growing energy markets globally.

Rising Credit Flow to Energy Sector

Credit ﬂow to the energy sector increased more than six times from:

₹1,688 crore (2021) to

₹10,325 crore (2025)

The increase reﬂects growing investments in:

Renewable energy projects
Transmission infrastructure
Green hydrogen
Battery storage technologies

Signiﬁcance of the Report

The Energy Statistics India 2026 report is important because it:

Helps policymakers formulate evidence-based energy policies
Tracks India’s progress toward climate and renewable targets
Assists in energy planning and infrastructure development
Supports India’s commitment under the Paris Agreement
Provides insights into energy security and sustainability challenges

The report also reﬂects India’s dual challenge of balancing rapid economic growth with environmental sustainability.

About National Statistics Office (NSO)

The National Statistics Office (NSO) is India’s nodal statistical agency functioning under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).

Functions of NSO

Collection and compilation of official statistics
Publication of GDP, inﬂation, employment, and socio-economic data
Conducting nationwide surveys and statistical analysis
Supporting evidence-based governance and policymaking

The NSO plays a vital role in ensuring reliability and credibility of India’s statistical system.

Challenges Ahead

Despite progress, India’s energy sector faces several challenges:

Continued dependence on coal
Storage and intermittency issues in renewable energy
Need for grid modernisation
High energy import dependence
Financing requirements for green transition
Balancing development with climate commitments

Addressing these challenges will require technological innovation, policy reforms, and international cooperation.

Conclusion

The Energy Statistics India 2026 report highlights India’s rapid progress in renewable energy expansion, improving power efficiency, and increasing investment in the energy sector. At the same time, it underscores the country’s continued dependence on coal and rising energy demand due to economic growth.

As India moves toward becoming a major global economy, ensuring affordable, secure, and sustainable energy will remain central to its developmental journey. The report provides an important roadmap for achieving energy security while supporting the transition toward a greener and cleaner future.

Energy Crisis Forces India to Revisit Kerosene

Context

India has temporarily reintroduced kerosene through the Public Distribution System (PDS) for 60 days due to disruptions in LPG and LNG supplies amid global energy tensions, especially around the Strait of Hormuz. The move reﬂects concerns over energy security and rising fuel prices.

About Kerosene

Kerosene is a ﬂammable hydrocarbon fuel derived during crude oil reﬁning.

Key Features

Belongs to the middle distillate category of petroleum products.
Composed mainly of hydrocarbons in the C10–C16 range.
Burns in a controlled manner, making it suitable for household and industrial use.

Major Uses

Household cooking
Lighting
Heating
Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF variant)

However, kerosene combustion generates signiﬁcant indoor air pollution and harmful emissions, making it less environmentally friendly than LPG or electricity.

Why has India Reintroduced Kerosene?

Global Energy Disruptions

Geopolitical tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz disrupted LPG and LNG supply chains, leading to shortages and rising prices.

Emergency Energy Security Measure

The government is treating kerosene as a temporary stopgap fuel to ensure uninterrupted cooking and lighting access, especially for vulnerable households.

Rural and Low-Income Dependence

In many remote regions, alternative clean fuels remain inaccessible or unaffordable during supply disruptions.

Kerosene Use in India: Trends

Historical Importance

In 2011, nearly 43% of households used kerosene for lighting.
It played a major role in rural energy access before widespread electriﬁcation.

Declining Usage

The importance of kerosene has sharply declined due to:

Rural electriﬁcation
Expansion of LPG access
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

Currently, less than 1% households use kerosene as their primary cooking fuel.

Falling Production and Consumption

Concerns Associated with Kerosene Revival

Environmental Concerns

Causes indoor air pollution
Emits particulate matter and greenhouse gases
Adversely affects respiratory health

Fiscal Concerns

Kerosene subsidies historically imposed a major burden:

Subsidy expenditure reached ₹11,496 crore in FY16
Leakages and diversion exceeded 40%

Energy Transition Concerns

Temporary revival of kerosene may slow the transition toward cleaner fuels and renewable energy sources.

Way Forward

Strengthen strategic LPG reserves and supply diversiﬁcation.
Expand renewable cooking solutions such as solar and biogas.
Improve energy infrastructure resilience.
Ensure targeted and temporary kerosene support only during emergencies.
Accelerate universal access to affordable clean energy.

Conclusion

India’s temporary return to kerosene highlights the continuing vulnerability of energy supply chains amid global geopolitical disruptions. While kerosene may provide short-term relief, long-term energy security lies in diversiﬁed imports, resilient infrastructure, and a sustained transition toward cleaner and sustainable fuels.

11 Years of Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)

Context

The Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana has completed 11 years since its launch in April 2015. The scheme was introduced to provide collateral-free institutional credit to unfunded micro and small enterprises and strengthen ﬁnancial inclusion in India.

About PM Mudra Yojana (PMMY)

PMMY is a Central Sector Scheme under the Ministry of Finance aimed at supporting non-corporate, non-farm micro enterprises engaged in:

Manufacturing
Trading
Services
Allied agricultural activities

The scheme is implemented through Banks, NBFCs, and Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs).

Loan Categories under PMMY

Key Features

Collateral-free loans up to ₹20 lakh
Flexible repayment period of 3–7 years
Moratorium period up to 6–12 months
Mudra Card (RuPay debit card) for working capital management
Digital access through JanSamarth and Udyamimitra portals

The nodal agency for PMMY is Micro Units Development and Reﬁnance Agency Ltd., a subsidiary of Small Industries Development Bank of India.

Achievements of PMMY

Financial Inclusion

Over 57.79 crore loans sanctioned since inception.
Total disbursement exceeds ₹40.07 lakh crore.

Women Empowerment

Women constitute 67% of beneﬁciaries, holding over 38 crore accounts.

Social Inclusion

Nearly 49% beneﬁciaries belong to SC, ST, and OBC communities.

Entrepreneurship Promotion

More than 12 crore loans provided to ﬁrst-time entrepreneurs.

Formalisation of Economy

Around 1.5 crore borrowers formally registered as MSMEs through the Udyam portal.

Rising Credit Access

Average loan size increased from ₹38,000 (FY16) to ₹1.25 lakh (FY26).

Persisting Challenges

Rising NPAs

The NPA rate for Mudra loans in Scheduled Commercial Banks stands at 9.81%, signiﬁcantly higher than the MSME average.

Dominance of Shishu Loans

Nearly 80% loans remain concentrated in the Shishu category, indicating support largely for subsistence activities rather than scalable enterprises.

Documentation and Credit Barriers

Around 30% applications are rejected due to lack of documentation, credit history, or “new-to-credit” status.

Regional Imbalances

States like Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh dominate credit disbursement, while northeastern states remain underrepresented.

Skill and Financial Literacy Gaps

Only 25% beneﬁciaries receive formal skill training, while many borrowers lack understanding of repayment obligations.

Way Forward

Strengthen credit assessment and monitoring mechanisms.
Promote larger-ticket enterprise loans for business expansion.
Improve ﬁnancial literacy and entrepreneurship training.
Enhance outreach in underserved regions.
Integrate Mudra loans with skilling and market-linkage programmes.

Conclusion

PM Mudra Yojana has emerged as a major instrument for ﬁnancial inclusion, women empowerment, and grassroots entrepreneurship. However, addressing issues related to asset quality, regional disparities, and enterprise sustainability is essential to transform micro-credit into long-term economic growth.

Parliament Passed Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026

Context

The Parliament passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, declaring Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh.

The amendment replaces the placeholder provision in Section 5(2) of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, with the phrase: “Amaravati shall be the capital.”

Key Provisions of the Amendment

Permanent Capital Status

Amaravati has been legally designated as the exclusive capital of Andhra Pradesh.
The amendment came into effect retrospectively from June 2, 2024.

End of Joint Capital Arrangement

Hyderabad functioned as the common capital of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana from 2014 to 2024 after state bifurcation.
The amendment ensures continuity in governance after the end of this arrangement.

Override of Three-Capital Model

The law nulliﬁes the earlier proposal of:

Visakhapatnam – Executive Capital
Kurnool – Judicial Capital
Amaravati – Legislative Capital

The state will now follow a single-capital model.

Signiﬁcance

Administrative Stability

A single capital can improve coordination among executive, legislative, and judicial institutions.
It may reduce administrative fragmentation and policy uncertainty.

Legal and Constitutional Importance

This is the ﬁrst instance where Parliament has enacted a law explicitly naming a city as a state capital.
It highlights Parliament’s powers under Article 3 regarding state reorganisation.

Economic Implications

The decision is expected to boost infrastructure development and investor conﬁdence in Amaravati.
Planned urban development may generate employment and improve connectivity.

Governance Perspective

The move seeks to ensure policy clarity after prolonged debates over capital location.
However, concerns remain regarding balanced regional development across Andhra Pradesh.

Challenges

Large ﬁnancial requirement for developing Amaravati’s infrastructure.
Regional imbalance concerns from Rayalaseema and North Coastal Andhra regions.
Need for sustainable urban planning and environmental safeguards.

Way Forward

Ensure inclusive regional development alongside Amaravati’s growth.
Strengthen transport and institutional connectivity across all regions.
Adopt transparent and sustainable urban governance practices.

Parliament Passed Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026

Context

The Parliament passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, declaring Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh.

The amendment replaces the placeholder provision in Section 5(2) of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, with the phrase: “Amaravati shall be the capital.”

Key Provisions of the Amendment

Permanent Capital Status

Amaravati has been legally designated as the exclusive capital of Andhra Pradesh.
The amendment came into effect retrospectively from June 2, 2024.

End of Joint Capital Arrangement

Hyderabad functioned as the common capital of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana from 2014 to 2024 after state bifurcation.
The amendment ensures continuity in governance after the end of this arrangement.

Override of Three-Capital Model

The law nulliﬁes the earlier proposal of:

Visakhapatnam – Executive Capital
Kurnool – Judicial Capital
Amaravati – Legislative Capital

The state will now follow a single-capital model.

Signiﬁcance

Administrative Stability

A single capital can improve coordination among executive, legislative, and judicial institutions.
It may reduce administrative fragmentation and policy uncertainty.

Legal and Constitutional Importance

This is the ﬁrst instance where Parliament has enacted a law explicitly naming a city as a state capital.
It highlights Parliament’s powers under Article 3 regarding state reorganisation.

Economic Implications

The decision is expected to boost infrastructure development and investor conﬁdence in Amaravati.
Planned urban development may generate employment and improve connectivity.

Governance Perspective

The move seeks to ensure policy clarity after prolonged debates over capital location.
However, concerns remain regarding balanced regional development across Andhra Pradesh.

Challenges

Large ﬁnancial requirement for developing Amaravati’s infrastructure.
Regional imbalance concerns from Rayalaseema and North Coastal Andhra regions.
Need for sustainable urban planning and environmental safeguards.

Way Forward

Ensure inclusive regional development alongside Amaravati’s growth.
Strengthen transport and institutional connectivity across all regions.
Adopt transparent and sustainable urban governance practices.

NSO Health Survey 2025: Expanding Coverage but Persistent Financial Distress

Introduction

The latest 80th Round Survey on Household Social Consumption: Health (2025) released by the National Statistical Office presents a mixed picture of India’s healthcare sector. The survey highlights signiﬁcant progress in health insurance coverage, healthcare access, and institutional deliveries. However, it also reveals persistent ﬁnancial distress due to rising out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE), increasing dependence on private healthcare, and unequal access to beneﬁts.

The ﬁndings underline the complex challenge of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in India.

Overview of the 80th Round NSO Health Survey

The survey was conducted between January and December 2025 and compares healthcare trends with the previous 75th Round Survey (2017–18).

Key Improvements

Expansion in health insurance coverage
Better access to healthcare services
Increase in institutional deliveries
Wider availability of medicines and diagnostics

Major Concerns

Rising OOPE despite insurance coverage
Growing reliance on private healthcare
Limited increase in public hospital utilisation
Unequal beneﬁts across income groups

Thus, the survey reveals a paradox: healthcare coverage has improved, but ﬁnancial protection remains weak.

Rising Health Insurance Coverage

The survey indicates substantial growth in insurance penetration:

47.4% of rural households covered under health insurance
44.3% of urban households covered

This increase has largely been driven by Government-Financed Health Insurance (GFHI) schemes such as:

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
State-level health insurance schemes
Employees' State Insurance Scheme
Central Government Health Scheme

Government records show that GFHI coverage increased more than two-and-a-half times between 2017–18 and 2025.

This reﬂects India’s rapid movement toward universal health assurance.

Expanding Healthcare Access

The Union Health Ministry has highlighted the survey ﬁndings as evidence of improved healthcare access.

Key Government Interventions

Free Drugs and Diagnostics Initiatives

The Free Drugs and Diagnostics Initiatives (FDSI and FDI) launched in 2015 expanded access to essential medicines and diagnostic services.

Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs)

India has established nearly 1.84 lakh AAMs, strengthening primary healthcare services focused on:

Preventive care
Promotive healthcare
Curative treatment AMRIT Scheme

The Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment programme provides discounted medicines through pharmacies across India.

These interventions have improved early detection and management of non-communicable diseases such as:

Diabetes
Hypertension
Cardiovascular diseases

This reﬂects India’s ongoing epidemiological transition from communicable to non-communicable diseases.

Persisting Challenges

Despite expanded coverage, important structural problems continue.

Limited Increase in Hospitalisation

Hospitalisation rates have not increased signiﬁcantly since 2017–18 and remain below 2014 levels.

This suggests that:

Insurance coverage alone does not guarantee healthcare utilisation
Financial and accessibility barriers still persist

Rising Dependence on Private Healthcare

The survey shows growing preference for private healthcare facilities, especially in urban areas.

Key concern:

57% of insured individuals sought hospitalisation in private hospitals

This increases treatment costs and reduces the effectiveness of public insurance schemes.

Rising Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE)

Independent analysis of NSO data indicates that OOPE on hospitalisation has more than doubled between 2017–18 and 2025.

Hospitalisation Costs

Median OOPE per hospitalisation: ₹11,285
Median OOPE in public hospitals: ₹1,100

However, specialised treatments in private hospitals signiﬁcantly raise average expenditure.

Causes of Continued OOPE

Even in public hospitals, patients often pay for:

Medicines
Diagnostics
Transport
Incidental expenses

This occurs due to shortages and infrastructural gaps.

Inequities in Healthcare Utilisation

The survey reveals unequal access to beneﬁts under insurance schemes.

Uneven Distribution of Beneﬁts

Among urban beneﬁciaries using insurance-linked hospitalisation:

Only 13% belonged to the poorest income group

This indicates that wealthier households disproportionately beneﬁt from government-ﬁnanced insurance schemes.

Fiscal Burden on States

States such as Haryana and West Bengal reportedly spend nearly:

15% of their health budgets on GFHI schemes

Large public funds are increasingly ﬂowing toward private healthcare providers through insurance reimbursements.

Public Health Equity Concerns

The survey highlights that:

Coverage indicators have improved
Financial risk protection remains inadequate

Rural vs Urban Divide

Rural low-income households show some decline in OOPE
Urban households continue facing heavy ﬁnancial stress due to reliance on private care

This demonstrates the limitations of insurance-led healthcare models without strong public healthcare infrastructure.

Way Forward

Strengthening Public Healthcare

India must prioritise:

Public hospitals
Primary healthcare systems
Health workforce expansion

Focus on Preventive and Primary Care

Ayushman Arogya Mandirs can become the backbone of Universal Health Coverage if adequately funded.

Better Regulation of Private Sector

Stronger regulation is needed to:

Prevent overcharging
Improve transparency
Ensure quality standards

Improve Drug and Diagnostic Availability

Consistent supply of free medicines and tests can reduce OOPE signiﬁcantly.

Outcome-Based Health Financing

Healthcare ﬁnancing should focus on:

Quality outcomes
Preventive healthcare
Affordability

rather than volume-based reimbursements.

Conclusion

The NSO Health Survey 2025 highlights both the achievements and limitations of India’s evolving healthcare system. While insurance coverage and healthcare access have improved substantially, rising out-of-pocket expenditure and growing dependence on private healthcare continue to undermine ﬁnancial protection.

India’s experience demonstrates that insurance expansion alone cannot guarantee equitable healthcare outcomes. A strong, accessible, and adequately funded public healthcare system remains essential for achieving universal health coverage, reducing medical impoverishment, and ensuring inclusive development.

Nari Shakti Reforms in India

India’s approach towards women’s empowerment has undergone a signiﬁcant transformation in recent years. Moving beyond a welfare-centric framework, policy initiatives now aim at structural empowerment by placing women at the centre of economic growth, governance, and social development. This shift reﬂects the vision of “Nari Shakti” as a key pillar of inclusive and sustainable national development.

The reforms focus on ﬁnancial inclusion, entrepreneurship, political representation, social welfare, and digital empowerment, while also addressing long-standing gender inequalities.

Major Pillars of Nari Shakti Reform

Financial Inclusion

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has signiﬁcantly expanded women’s access to formal banking services.

Over 57 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened.
Around 55% of these accounts are held by women.

This has enhanced women’s participation in formal ﬁnance, direct beneﬁt transfers (DBT), savings, and digital transactions.

Self-Help Group (SHG) Revolution

Women-led Self-Help Groups have emerged as major drivers of grassroots entrepreneurship and rural development.

Nearly 10 crore women are associated with around 90 lakh SHGs.

SHGs strengthen:

Financial independence
Collective bargaining
Livelihood generation
Community participation

Clean Energy Access

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has provided LPG connections to more than 10.5 crore households.

The scheme has:

Reduced indoor air pollution
Lowered drudgery for women
Improved health outcomes
Reduced dependence on ﬁrewood and biomass

Credit and Entrepreneurship

Under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, nearly 70% of loans have been sanctioned to women borrowers.

This has promoted:

Women-led enterprises
Small businesses
Self-employment opportunities
Financial independence

Rising Workforce Participation

Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) has increased to around 37%, reversing earlier declining trends.

This improvement reﬂects:

Expansion of rural employment
Growth in self-employment
Better economic participation of women

However, participation levels still remain below global averages.

Political Representation

The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam provides 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.

The reform is expected to:

Enhance political participation
Improve gender-sensitive policymaking
Strengthen women’s leadership in governance

Challenges in Nari Shakti Reforms

Awareness and Access Gap

Many women, especially in rural and marginalised communities, remain unaware of welfare schemes and institutional beneﬁts.

Structural Employment Barriers

Despite improvement, women continue to face:

Wage inequality
Informal employment
Limited childcare support
Workplace discrimination

Uneven Inclusion

Women from vulnerable communities often face greater barriers due to caste, poverty, geography, and social norms.

Output-Oriented Governance

Policies frequently focus on coverage numbers rather than actual improvements in empowerment, income, health, or decision-making capacity.

Leadership Barriers

Patriarchal social structures continue to limit women’s representation in leadership positions. Women currently constitute only around 13.6% of Lok Sabha members.

Way Forward

Ensure Last-Mile Inclusion

Use the Aspirational Districts Programme and DBT mechanisms to ensure saturation coverage of eligible women beneﬁciaries.

Strengthen Capacity Building

Expand leadership, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship training under initiatives such as Mission Shakti.

Shift to Outcome-Based Monitoring

Leverage digital dashboards such as Poshan Tracker and Ayushman Bharat IT systems to assess measurable outcomes in nutrition, health, and income.

Deepen Financial and Digital Inclusion

Strengthen women’s participation through the JAM Trinity:

Jan Dhan
Aadhaar
UPI

This can improve credit access, savings, and digital entrepreneurship.

Promote Women in Emerging Sectors

Encourage women’s participation in STEM, digital economy, and high-growth industries through:

Skill India Mission
Digital India

India already has around 43% female enrolment in STEM education, providing a strong foundation for future workforce participation.

Conclusion

India’s Nari Shakti reforms represent a transition from welfare-based support to structural empowerment and inclusive nation-building. Financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, clean energy access, and political representation have strengthened women’s agency across sectors. However, achieving true gender equality requires deeper institutional reforms, greater awareness, improved workforce participation, and stronger representation in leadership roles. Sustained focus on outcome-based empowerment will be essential for transforming women into equal partners in India’s developmental journey.

NAMASTE Scheme – Ensuring Dignity and Safety in Sanitation Work

Why in News

The Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment recently highlighted that the NAMASTE Scheme has shown measurable impact in eliminating hazardous manual cleaning practices and improving the safety and dignity of sanitation workers.

About NAMASTE Scheme

The National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme is a ﬂagship initiative aimed at transforming the lives of Sewer and Septic Tank Sanitation Workers (SSWs) in India.

It is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). The execution is carried out by the National Safai Karmacharis Finance Development Corporation (NSKFDC).

The scheme is operational for a three-year period (FY 2023–24 to FY 2025–26).

Objectives of the Scheme

The NAMASTE Scheme is designed with a strong human-centric approach:

Zero Fatalities: Eliminate deaths during sewer and septic tank cleaning
End Manual Scavenging: Remove direct human contact with hazardous waste
Mechanisation: Promote the use of machines and modern equipment
Skill Development: Train workers in safe sanitation practices
Dignity and Inclusion: Improve social status and working conditions

Key Features

Proﬁling of Workers: Identiﬁcation and database creation of sanitation workers across urban areas
Skill Training: Capacity building in mechanised sanitation techniques
Provision of PPE Kits: Ensuring safety through protective gear
Entrepreneurship Support: Formation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and access to ﬁnancial assistance
Emergency Response Sanitation Units (ERSUs): Strengthening rapid response systems

for hazardous situations

Signiﬁcance of the Scheme

Social Justice: Addresses historical marginalisation of sanitation workers
Public Health: Reduces exposure to toxic gases and harmful pathogens
Urban Governance: Improves efficiency and safety of sanitation systems
Legal Backing: Supports the objectives of eliminating manual scavenging in India

The scheme aligns with broader national missions like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and contributes to achieving SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

Challenges

Implementation Gaps: Ensuring uniform adoption across all urban local bodies
Behavioural Change: Transition from manual to mechanised systems requires mindset shift
Funding and Maintenance: Sustaining equipment and infrastructure
Worker Rehabilitation: Providing long-term livelihood alternatives

Way Forward

Strict Enforcement of Laws prohibiting manual scavenging
Increased Budget Allocation for mechanisation and worker welfare
Technological Innovation in sanitation equipment
Awareness Campaigns to eliminate social stigma
Monitoring and Evaluation through real-time data systems

Conclusion

The NAMASTE Scheme represents a crucial step toward ensuring dignity, safety, and empowerment of sanitation workers in India. By focusing on mechanisation, skill development, and social inclusion, it seeks to eliminate one of the most inhumane practices while strengthening urban sanitation systems.

Media Reporting of FIR and Right to Fair Trial

Context

The Sikkim High Court dismissed a petition seeking restrictions on media reporting of FIR contents and naming of accused persons.

The Court held that reporting based on an FIR does not amount to a violation of privacy, as an FIR is a public document accessible under law.

FIR as a Public Document

Legal Status

Under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, an FIR is treated as a public document open to inspection.

Access to Information

Any individual can obtain a copy of an FIR for legal remedies, public awareness, or reporting purposes.

Media Reporting

Media organisations are permitted to report FIR contents, including the identity of the accused, when based on official public records.

Right to Fair Trial

Constitutional Protection

Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, which includes the right to a fair trial.

Limits on Media Reporting

While reporting is permissible, media coverage should:

Avoid declaring the accused guilty before trial
Prevent media trials and sensationalism
Ensure judicial proceedings remain unbiased

Judicial Intervention

Courts may restrict reporting if:

It prejudices ongoing investigations or trials
Selective leaks are used to inﬂuence public opinion
Reporting becomes defamatory or violates due process

About FIR

Meaning

First Information Report (FIR) is the ﬁrst official information recorded by police regarding a cognizable offence under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

Purpose

It initiates criminal investigation and sets the legal process into motion.

Who Can File an FIR

An FIR may be ﬁled by:

Victim
Witness
Any person aware of the offence

Cognizable Offence

Applicable only to cognizable offences where police can investigate without prior court approval.

Zero FIR

A Zero FIR can be ﬁled at any police station irrespective of territorial jurisdiction and later transferred to the appropriate police station.

Key Issues Involved

Freedom of Press vs Fair Trial

Balancing media freedom under Article 19(1)(a) with the accused’s right to fair trial under Article 21 remains crucial.

Risk of Media Trial

Excessive or sensational reporting may inﬂuence public perception and judicial neutrality.

Privacy Concerns

Public disclosure of identities may affect reputation even before conviction.

Way Forward

Develop ethical media-reporting guidelines for criminal cases.
Ensure responsible journalism without compromising judicial fairness.
Strengthen safeguards against selective leaks and misinformation.

LS Passes Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026

Introduction

The Lok Sabha recently passed the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, aimed at promoting “Ease of Doing Business” and “Ease of Living” by decriminalising minor and technical offences across multiple laws.

The Bill marks one of the largest legal reform exercises in independent India, amending 784 provisions across 79 Central Acts under 23 Ministries. It seeks to reduce unnecessary criminalisation, improve regulatory compliance, and create a more trust-based governance

framework.

The legislation reﬂects the government’s broader effort to modernise India’s legal and regulatory ecosystem and encourage entrepreneurship, investment, and administrative efficiency.

Background and Rationale

India’s regulatory framework has historically contained numerous criminal penalties for procedural and technical defaults.

Examples include:

Filing delays
Documentation errors
Licensing irregularities
Minor compliance lapses

Such criminal provisions often led to:

Regulatory burden
Fear of prosecution
Increased litigation
Delays in business operations
Harassment of individuals and enterprises

The Jan Vishwas reforms aim to replace excessive criminalisation with civil and administrative penalties.

Key Provisions of the Jan Vishwas Amendment Bill, 2026

Large-Scale Decriminalisation

The Bill decriminalises 717 provisions involving technical and procedural defaults.

Nature of Offences Covered

Minor procedural violations
Documentation-related lapses
Compliance delays
Non-fraudulent administrative defaults

The reform focuses on offences that do not involve:

Fraud
Public safety threats
Serious ﬁnancial crimes
Environmental harm

Signiﬁcance

Reduces burden on criminal justice system
Encourages voluntary compliance
Reduces fear among businesses and citizens
Improves investor conﬁdence

Shift from Criminal Courts to Administrative Adjudication

Instead of criminal courts, designated Adjudicating Officers such as Deputy Commissioners and other officials will decide penalties for covered offences.

Powers of Adjudicating Officers

They may:

Conduct inquiries
Summon evidence
Examine documents
Impose penalties

This creates a faster and less adversarial dispute-resolution mechanism.

Beneﬁts

Reduces court pendency
Faster disposal of cases
Lower compliance costs
Administrative efficiency

Administrative Empowerment of Ministries

The Bill authorises Central Ministries to appoint designated officers for implementation and enforcement.

This decentralised administrative framework allows ministries to:

Handle sector-speciﬁc compliance issues
Improve monitoring and enforcement
Reduce procedural delays

The reform strengthens executive capacity in governance and regulation.

Compounding of Offences

The Bill permits compounding for certain violations.

Meaning of Compounding

An individual or entity can settle speciﬁed offences by paying a prescribed amount instead of undergoing criminal prosecution or trial.

Importance

Saves time and legal expenses
Reduces litigation burden
Encourages quick dispute settlement
Improves ease of compliance

Compounding is widely used in taxation, corporate, and ﬁnancial regulations.

Inﬂation-Based Penalty Revision

To preserve the deterrent value of penalties, ﬁnes will automatically increase by:

10% of the prescribed minimum amount every three years

Purpose

Prevents penalties from becoming ineffective over time
Ensures penalties remain economically relevant
Reduces need for repeated legislative amendments This introduces a dynamic and modern penalty structure.

Warning Mechanism for Minor Infractions

The Bill introduces warning notices for:

First-time offenders
Minor procedural lapses

Before imposing ﬁnancial penalties, authorities may issue warnings to encourage voluntary correction.

Beneﬁts

Promotes trust-based governance
Reduces harassment
Encourages compliance culture
Supports small businesses and startups

Signiﬁcance of the Bill

Improving Ease of Doing Business

The Bill reduces criminal liability for businesses and entrepreneurs, making India’s regulatory environment more investment-friendly.

This can:

Encourage entrepreneurship
Improve investor conﬁdence
Reduce compliance burden
Support MSMEs and startups

Strengthening Ease of Living

Citizens often face legal complications for minor procedural errors.

The Bill simpliﬁes compliance and reduces unnecessary criminal prosecution for ordinary citizens.

Reducing Judicial Burden

India’s courts face massive pendency of cases.

By shifting minor violations to administrative adjudication, the Bill can:

Reduce burden on courts
Speed up justice delivery
Improve judicial efficiency

Promoting Trust-Based Governance

The reform reﬂects a transition from:

“Punitive governance” to “facilitative governance”

The government aims to build a regulatory ecosystem based on trust, transparency, and voluntary compliance.

Supporting Economic Growth

Simpliﬁed regulations and reduced legal uncertainty can enhance:

Domestic investment
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
Business expansion
Economic competitiveness

Concerns and Challenges

Despite its beneﬁts, certain concerns remain.

Risk of Administrative Overreach

Giving extensive powers to adjudicating officers may lead to:

Arbitrary decision-making
Lack of accountability
Excessive executive discretion

Reduced Judicial Oversight

Replacing courts with administrative mechanisms could weaken procedural safeguards and independent scrutiny.

Need for Capacity Building

Effective implementation requires:

Proper training of adjudicating officers
Digital systems for transparency
Standard operating procedures

Ensuring Fairness and Transparency

Administrative adjudication must ensure:

Natural justice
Transparency
Appeal mechanisms
Non-discriminatory enforcement

Way Forward

To ensure successful implementation, the government should:

Develop transparent digital adjudication systems
Establish clear appellate mechanisms
Ensure periodic review of decriminalised provisions
Strengthen accountability of adjudicating officers
Promote awareness among businesses and citizens

Balanced implementation is essential to prevent misuse while improving compliance.

Conclusion

The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026 represents a major reform in India’s regulatory and governance framework. By decriminalising minor offences, introducing administrative adjudication, and promoting trust-based governance, the Bill seeks to create a more efficient, business-friendly, and citizen-centric legal system.

If implemented effectively, the reforms can signiﬁcantly improve India’s ease of doing business, reduce judicial burden, and strengthen economic growth while ensuring better governance and regulatory compliance.

High Maternal Mortality in India

Maternal mortality remains a critical public health and governance challenge in India. Although the country has achieved one of the world’s largest declines in Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR), progress has slowed in recent years. A study published in The Lancet highlights that India still faces major challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of reducing MMR below 70 by 2030.

MMR refers to the number of maternal deaths per one lakh live births due to pregnancy-related causes. India contributes nearly 10% of global maternal deaths, underlining the need for sustained policy intervention.

Status of Maternal Mortality in India

India’s MMR has declined signiﬁcantly from 508 in 1990 to around 116 in 2023, reﬂecting improvements in maternal healthcare infrastructure, institutional deliveries, and public

health interventions.

According to the Sample Registration System (SRS), MMR reduced from 122 during 2015–17 to 88 during 2021–23. However, differences remain between national and UN estimates, with UN estimates placing India’s MMR at around 80. Such data gaps create challenges in accurate policy assessment and monitoring.

Despite overall progress, interstate disparities remain severe. States such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu have achieved relatively low MMR levels due to better healthcare systems and higher institutional deliveries. In contrast, states like Assam and Uttar Pradesh continue to report high maternal mortality, reﬂecting inequalities in healthcare access, nutrition, and infrastructure.

Further, the pace of reduction in maternal deaths has slowed, making the SDG target increasingly difficult to achieve within the remaining timeframe.

Causes of High Maternal Mortality

Haemorrhage

Severe bleeding during or after childbirth remains the leading cause of maternal deaths in India. Delayed emergency obstetric care signiﬁcantly increases fatalities.

Sepsis and Infections

Poor hygiene during delivery and delayed treatment of infections contribute to maternal mortality, especially in rural and underserved regions.

Unsafe Abortions

Limited access to safe abortion services often forces women to undergo unsafe procedures, resulting in serious complications and deaths.

Anaemia and Malnutrition

Iron deﬁciency, undernutrition, and poor maternal health weaken women during pregnancy, increasing vulnerability to complications during childbirth.

Hypertensive Disorders

Conditions such as pre-eclampsia and eclampsia can cause seizures, organ failure, and maternal death if not diagnosed and treated on time.

Delays in Healthcare Access

The “three delays” model remains a major challenge:

Delay in deciding to seek care
Delay in reaching healthcare facilities
Delay in receiving timely treatment

These delays are often linked to poverty, poor transport infrastructure, and weak healthcare systems.

Government Initiatives

India has launched several schemes to improve maternal healthcare:

Janani Suraksha Yojana promotes institutional deliveries through conditional cash transfers.
Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram provides free delivery, medicines, diagnostics, transport, and food for pregnant women.
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan ensures free antenatal check-ups and early

detection of high-risk pregnancies.

Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan guarantees respectful and quality maternal healthcare services.
LaQshya Programme focuses on improving labour room and maternity care quality.
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana provides maternity beneﬁts to support nutrition and healthcare needs.

Way Forward

Improving maternal health requires strengthening primary healthcare systems, especially antenatal, institutional delivery, and postnatal services in rural and high-burden states.

Special attention must be given to states such as Assam and Uttar Pradesh through better infrastructure, trained medical staff, and continuous monitoring.

Preventing major causes of maternal deaths requires timely management of haemorrhage, hypertension, and infections through emergency obstetric care and skilled birth attendants.

Further, improving maternal nutrition, promoting family planning, and increasing awareness regarding reproductive health can signiﬁcantly reduce maternal risks and early pregnancies.

Conclusion

Reducing maternal mortality is essential for achieving gender justice, public health, and sustainable development goals. While India has made substantial progress, regional disparities, healthcare gaps, and slowing improvements remain serious concerns. A comprehensive approach focused on quality healthcare, nutrition, awareness, and equitable access is crucial to ensure safe motherhood for every woman in India.

GeM Strengthens Digital Public Procurement Ecosystem

Context

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has achieved a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of

₹18.4 lakh crore, including ₹5 lakh crore procurement in FY 2025–26. The platform has emerged as a major pillar of India’s digital governance and public procurement reforms.

About GeM

Launch and Administration

Launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Operated by the GeM Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).
Replaced the earlier Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (DGS&D) system.

Objective

GeM aims to ensure:

Transparency in procurement
Competitive pricing
Efficient bidding
Timely delivery of goods and services

Legal Basis

Procurement through GeM is mandated under the amended General Financial Rules (GFRs) for government departments.

Key Highlights

Rising Procurement Volume

GeM has crossed ₹18.4 lakh crore GMV.
Procurement worth ₹5 lakh crore was recorded in FY 2025–26 alone.

MSME Participation

MSMEs account for nearly 68% of total orders.
They contribute around 47.1% of total GMV.
More than 11 lakh MSMEs are registered on the platform.

Increasing State Participation

Procurement by States and Union Territories increased by 38.3%, indicating wider adoption.

Inclusive Growth

Participation of women-led enterprises, startups, and SC/ST entrepreneurs has signiﬁcantly increased.

Technology Integration

GeM uses:

Artiﬁcial Intelligence (AI)
Machine Learning (ML)
Data analytics These tools help in:
Fraud detection
Price monitoring
Efficient bidding and vendor assessment

Signiﬁcance

Promotes Transparent Governance

Reduces human discretion and corruption in procurement processes.
Enhances accountability and auditability.

Boost to MSMEs and Startups

Provides direct market access to small businesses.
Encourages formalisation and digital inclusion.

Fiscal Efficiency

Competitive bidding lowers procurement costs and improves value for public money.

Strengthening Digital Governance

Supports India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) ecosystem through paperless and cashless procurement.

Challenges

Digital literacy gaps among small vendors.
Cybersecurity and data privacy concerns.
Need for faster dispute resolution and grievance redressal.

Way Forward

Expand digital awareness among rural enterprises.
Strengthen cybersecurity architecture.
Improve logistics integration and vendor support systems.