Keep up-to-date with all that is happening in welfare policy with this curated selection of news, published every fortnight.

Policy News

• Under the Jal Jeevan mission, the Jal Shakti Ministry has partnered with the United Nations and the government of Denmark to help bring tap water connections to 11 water-scarce districts in Uttar Pradesh. Download our analyses on Jal Jeevan mission to understand the scheme’s progress. 
• The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment aims to launch Poshan Abhiyan for the elderly to provide nutrition support. Download our analyses on Poshan Abhiyaan to learn more about the scheme.
• Uttar Pradesh government approved a proposal for the Affordable Rental Housing and Complexes (ARHC) scheme. Under the scheme, students, urban migrants, and poor labourers will be the beneficiaries.
• The parliament has passed the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2021. The bill seeks to regulate and standardise the education and practice of allied and healthcare professionals in the country.
• Punjab government approved the scheme under which women can travel free of cost by government-run buses. The scheme is going to benefit over 1.31 crore women/girls in the state.

Coronavirus-focus News

• From April 1, 2021, all people above 45 years of age are eligible for vaccination. The countrywide vaccination drive was rolled out on January 16. To learn more about the vaccination drive, read these Inside Districts interviews.
• According to the health ministry, the second dose of Covishield can be provided at an interval of 4-8 weeks after the first dose, instead of earlier practiced interval of 4-6 weeks.