Recent changes in India’s fiscal architecture — “including the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, and increase in state shares for the Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSSs)” — have put the states in these trying conditions before the pandemic even hit.
Tag: COVID19
States Need More Funds from Modi Govt to Ensure Vulnerable are Protected During Covid: Paper
The Accountability Initiative working paper says state finances were already under pressure before the Covid-19 pandemic struck due to lower tax devolution and GST compensation.
How Can Indians Secure ‘Direct’ Welfare in a Pandemic?
It might be too early to treat direct benefit transfers as a one-size-fits-all policy solution given the difficulties some Indians have in accessing cash.
Three Ways India Could Streamline its COVID-19 Relief Measures to Protect Vulnerable Citizens
Developing a decentralised, community-led and inclusive response will be crucial.
Supporting Field Workers to Combat COVID-19
Field workers are playing a critical role in helping communities access government schemes and services, and we need to invest more in this cadre.
This National Panchayati Raj Day, Local Governance is More Important Than Ever Before
Many states have made panchayats the nodal agency for COVID-19 coordination, but sometimes there may be gaps between the torrent of duties being delegated to them and the reality of how they can implement these activities.
Post COVID-19, India Needs Increased Focus on Air Quality
The coronavirus crisis necessitates making health and social protection a priority. But we must not lose momentum on the strides made in tackling air pollution.