Vikrant Massey and Bhumi Pednekar interact with students in 6th episode of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025

Daily writing prompt

What strategies do you use to cope with negative feelings?

Building on the enriching discussions initiated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in the inaugural episode, the sixth episode of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025 aired today, featuring actors Vikrant Massey and Bhumi Pednekar engaging with students on fostering creativity and embracing positivity in life.

Vikrant emphasized the power of visualization and encouraged students to maintain a journal of their daily activities. Engaging in an interactive discussion, he advised students to openly express their emotions and feelings to their parents. A student from The Indian High School, Dubai, UAE, sought his guidance on managing peer pressure and maintaining balance in life.

Expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for promoting skill development in schools, Vikrant advised students to remain grounded while aiming high. He also conducted an engaging activity on emotion management, emphasizing the importance of well-being before exams. His key message to students was: “Eat well, rest well; keep improving; go, play, unplug.”

The second guest of the show, actor Bhumi Pednekar, shared her childhood experiences, how she coped with personal tragedy, and why she enjoys her profession. She advised students to focus on their strengths. She also expressed her love for meeting people, travelling, and exploring local cuisines, which makes her profession enjoyable. Another student from The Indian High School, Dubai, UAE, interacted with her, and she suggested that students express their feelings openly to their parents. In a masterclass, she taught students how to learn in their way and memorize any text with ease. She said that being spiritual helps one stay grounded and focused.

To ensure comprehensive development, distinguished personalities from various fields—including sports icons, technical experts, toppers of competitive exams, entertainment industry professionals, and spiritual leaders—are enriching students with insights beyond textbooks. With three more episodes already aired, each session continues to provide students with essential tools and strategies to excel academically and personally.

The eighth edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC) 2025, in its revamped and interactive format, has been receiving widespread appreciation from students, teachers, and parents across the nation. Breaking away from the traditional Town Hall format, this year’s edition commenced with an engaging session featuring Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the scenic Sunder Nursery, New Delhi, on 10th February 2025.

In the inaugural episode, the Prime Minister interacted with 36 students from across the country, discussing insightful topics such as Nutrition and Wellness, Mastering Pressure, Challenging Oneself, The Art of Leadership, Beyond Books – 360º Growth, Finding Positives, and more. His valuable guidance offered students practical strategies to tackle academic challenges with confidence while fostering a growth mindset and holistic learning.

As Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025 continues to unfold, it remains a beacon of inspiration for students, equipping them with confidence and resilience to face academic and life challenges with a positive mindset.

The Role of Government in Addressing Social Inequality

Citation

Sardar, M. H. (2026). The Role of Government in Addressing Social Inequality. International Journal of Research, 12(2), 766–771. https://doi.org/10.26643/rb.v118i2.7261

Milind Harsh Sardar

M.A. (Political Science), NET, SET

Email: milindsardar100@gmail.com

Abstract

Social inequality is a major challenge in society, affecting access to resources, opportunities and basic services. This research paper examines the role of government in reducing social inequality and promoting social justice. It explores the policies, laws and welfare programs introduced to support disadvantaged groups. The study is based on secondary sources including academic books, government reports and research articles. The descriptive approach explains the nature and causes of inequality, while the analytical approach evaluates the effectiveness of government measures. Findings show that programs in education, healthcare, employment and social welfare have improved conditions for many groups. However, challenges such as poor implementation, social barriers and regional disparities continue to limit outcomes. The study highlights the need for stronger policies, better monitoring and active public participation to achieve a more equal society.

Introduction

Social inequality is a serious issue in many societies. It means that people do not have equal access to resources, opportunities and rights. These differences may be based on income, education, gender, caste or place of birth. Social inequality affects the lives of individuals and limits their chances of growth. It also creates gaps between different groups in society. In countries like India, social inequality has deep roots. Historical factors such as the caste system and economic imbalance have increased these differences over time. Many people still face problems in accessing education, healthcare and employment. This leads to unequal development and social tension. It also affects the overall progress of the nation.

The government plays an important role in reducing social inequality. It has the authority to make laws and implement policies. These policies aim to provide equal opportunities to all citizens. Government programs in areas like education, health and employment help improve the living conditions of weaker sections. They also try to reduce poverty and social exclusion. The government also works to protect the rights of disadvantaged groups. Laws against discrimination help promote equality. Policies such as reservations and welfare schemes support those who are socially and economically weaker. These steps are important for creating a fair and inclusive society. This paper studies the role of government in addressing social inequality. It explains how policies and programs help reduce these gaps. It also looks at the challenges faced by the government. Understanding these issues is important for building a more equal society.

Literature Review

Many scholars have studied the role of government in reducing social inequality. They have focused on policies, institutions and welfare programs. Some studies highlight the importance of state intervention in providing equal opportunities. These studies argue that without government support, inequality can increase over time. Public policies in education, health and employment are seen as key tools in this process. Researchers like B. L. Fadia explain that the government plays a central role in ensuring social justice. They stress the need for strong institutions and effective policy implementation. M. Laxmikanth also discusses how constitutional provisions support equality. He explains that rights and directives guide the government in reducing inequality.

Other studies focus on decentralization and local governance. Scholars argue that local institutions help in better implementation of policies. They bring decision making closer to the people. This improves participation and accountability. As a result, development programs become more effective. Some research also points out the limits of government action. Lack of resources, weak administration and social barriers can reduce the impact of policies. These challenges make it difficult to achieve full equality. Overall, the literature shows that government plays a key role, but its success depends on proper implementation and public participation.

Methodology

This study is based on secondary data to examine the role of government in addressing social inequality. Information has been collected from academic books, government reports and research articles related to public policy, governance and social justice. These sources provide a clear understanding of the causes of inequality and the role of state intervention. The research follows a descriptive and analytical approach. The descriptive method is used to explain the nature of social inequality and the policies introduced by the government. The analytical method is used to evaluate the effectiveness of these policies and identify key challenges. The study does not use primary data such as surveys or interviews. It focuses on existing literature and documented evidence. Different sources have been reviewed and compared to draw meaningful conclusions. This approach helps in presenting a structured and clear analysis of the topic.

Historical Background

Social inequality has existed in society for a long time. In India, it has deep historical roots. The caste system was one of the main causes of inequality. It divided people into different groups based on birth. This system limited access to education, jobs and social status for many communities. As a result, inequality became a part of social life. During the colonial period, inequality increased further. The British economic policies created a gap between rich and poor. Land revenue systems and exploitation of resources affected farmers and workers. At the same time, access to education and opportunities remained limited for most people. This widened social and economic differences.

After independence in 1947, the government of India took steps to reduce inequality. The Constitution guaranteed equality and fundamental rights to all citizens. It also included provisions to protect weaker sections of society. Policies such as land reforms and reservation were introduced to improve social justice. These measures aimed to reduce historical disadvantages. Over time, the government introduced various welfare programs. These included schemes for poverty reduction, education and healthcare. Efforts were made to improve the living conditions of marginalized groups. Economic planning also focused on balanced development. However, inequality still exists in many forms. In recent years, the government has taken new steps to address social inequality. Programs related to digital access, financial inclusion and rural development have been introduced. These efforts aim to reduce gaps and promote equal opportunities. The historical background shows that while progress has been made, the challenge of inequality continues.

Analysis

The role of government in addressing social inequality is complex and wide. Governments use different tools such as laws, policies and welfare programs to reduce inequality. These efforts focus on providing equal opportunities and improving the living conditions of disadvantaged groups. However, the success of these measures depends on proper implementation and public support. One important area is education. The government has introduced policies to improve access to education for all sections of society. Schemes such as free and compulsory education aim to reduce inequality at an early stage. Reservation policies also help students from weaker sections to enter higher education institutions. These steps improve social mobility and reduce long term inequality. However, problems such as poor quality of education and lack of infrastructure still exist in many areas. This reduces the overall impact of these policies.

Healthcare is another key area where the government plays an important role. Public health programs aim to provide affordable and accessible services to all citizens. Schemes for maternal care, child health and disease control help improve the health conditions of vulnerable groups. Better health leads to better productivity and quality of life. Despite these efforts, there are gaps in healthcare facilities between urban and rural areas. Many people still depend on private services which are costly. This creates inequality in access to healthcare. Economic policies also play a major role in reducing inequality. The government uses tools such as subsidies, employment schemes and poverty alleviation programs. Programs like rural employment schemes provide income support to poor households. Financial inclusion initiatives help people access banking and credit facilities. These measures aim to reduce poverty and improve economic stability. However, issues such as corruption, delays and poor targeting can limit their effectiveness. As a result, benefits do not always reach the intended groups.

The government also uses legal measures to promote equality. Laws against discrimination based on caste, gender and religion aim to protect the rights of individuals. These laws create a framework for justice and fairness. Reservation policies in jobs and education help marginalized groups gain representation. While these measures are important, social attitudes sometimes limit their success. Discrimination and bias still exist in many parts of society. Decentralization has also helped in addressing social inequality. Local governance institutions allow people to participate in decision making. This improves accountability and ensures that local needs are addressed. It also helps in better implementation of development programs.

However, local bodies often face challenges such as lack of funds and limited administrative capacity. Overall, the analysis shows that the government has taken many steps to reduce social inequality. These include policies in education, healthcare, economy and law. While these efforts have improved conditions, challenges remain. Effective implementation, better monitoring and active public participation are necessary to achieve greater equality.

Discussion

The role of government in addressing social inequality raises important questions about fairness and responsibility. Governments are expected to create equal opportunities for all citizens. However, the idea of equality itself is complex. Some people argue that the government should focus on equal outcomes, while others believe it should only ensure equal opportunities. This difference in views affects how policies are designed and implemented. One key issue is the balance between economic growth and social justice. Governments often focus on economic development to improve living standards. Growth can create jobs and increase income levels. However, the benefits of growth are not always distributed equally. In many cases, wealth is concentrated among a small section of society. This creates a gap between rich and poor. Therefore, government policies must ensure that growth is inclusive and benefits all sections of society.

Another important aspect is the effectiveness of welfare programs. Governments design many schemes to support weaker sections. These include programs for education, healthcare and employment. While these schemes are useful, their success depends on proper implementation. In some cases, lack of awareness prevents people from using these benefits. In other cases, administrative inefficiency leads to delays and corruption. This reduces the impact of welfare measures and limits their reach. Social inequality is also linked to deep rooted social structures. Factors such as caste, gender and religion continue to influence opportunities. Government policies alone may not be enough to change these conditions. Social awareness and changes in public attitudes are also necessary. Education and community participation can help reduce discrimination. Without social change, policy measures may not achieve full success.

The role of institutions is also important in this discussion. Strong institutions help in the effective implementation of policies. They ensure transparency and accountability. Weak institutions, on the other hand, can lead to misuse of resources. This affects the delivery of services and increases inequality. Therefore, improving institutional capacity is essential for achieving better outcomes. Another issue is regional imbalance. Development is not equal across all areas. Urban regions often have better facilities than rural areas. This creates differences in income, education and healthcare. Government efforts must focus on balanced regional development. Investment in rural infrastructure and services can help reduce these gaps. The discussion shows that addressing social inequality is not only about policy making. It also involves social, economic and institutional factors. The government plays a central role, but its efforts must be supported by effective implementation and social change. A balanced approach is needed to create a more equal and inclusive society.

Recommendations

The government should increase investment in education to ensure equal access and improve quality in both rural and urban areas.
Stronger implementation of healthcare policies is needed to provide affordable and accessible services to all sections of society.
Welfare schemes should be monitored regularly to ensure that benefits reach the targeted groups without delay.
The government must improve awareness about existing programs so that more people can benefit from them.
Measures should be taken to reduce corruption and increase transparency in public administration.
Policies should focus on inclusive economic growth to reduce the gap between rich and poor.
Special attention should be given to marginalized groups to improve their social and economic conditions.
Efforts should be made to strengthen local governance institutions for better policy implementation.
Investment in rural development is necessary to reduce regional inequalities.
Social awareness programs should be promoted to reduce discrimination based on caste, gender and religion.

Conclusion

Social inequality remains a major challenge in many societies. It affects access to resources, opportunities and basic services. This creates gaps between different groups and limits overall development. The government plays a key role in addressing these issues. Through laws, policies and welfare programs, it aims to reduce inequality and promote fairness in society. Over time, governments have introduced many measures in areas such as education, healthcare and employment. These efforts have helped improve the conditions of disadvantaged groups. Policies such as reservations, subsidies and social welfare schemes have supported social justice. At the same time, legal measures have been used to protect the rights of individuals and reduce discrimination.

However, challenges still remain. Problems such as poor implementation, lack of resources and social barriers reduce the effectiveness of these efforts. Inequality also continues due to deep rooted social structures and regional imbalances. These factors make it difficult to achieve complete equality. To address these issues, the government needs to focus on effective implementation and better monitoring of policies. Public participation and awareness are also important. Social change must go along with policy measures. In conclusion, while the government has made important efforts, continuous action and improvement are needed to build a more equal and inclusive society.

References

Agrawal, T. (2014). Gender and caste‑based wage discrimination in India: Some recent evidence. Journal for Labour Market Research, 47(4), 329–340. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12651-013-0152-z
Dube, S. C. Indian society. National Book Trust, India.
Fadia, B. L. (2018). Public administration: Administrative thinkers and theories. Sahitya Bhawan.
International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) & Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. (2021). National Family Health Survey (NFHS‑5), 2019–21: India. IIPS.
Press Information Bureau, Government of India. (2022, December 30). Year‑end review – 2022: Ministry of Rural Development [Press release]. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1887438&reg=3&lang=2

Sadhguru participates in 5th episode of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025

Daily writing prompt

What strategies do you use to cope with negative feelings?

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Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025, in its new and more engaging format, has been receiving overwhelming appreciation from students, teachers, and parents across the nation! Breaking away from the traditional Town Hall format, the eighth edition kicked off with an interactive and engaging session with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the lush green Sunder Nursery, New Delhi, on 10th February 2025.

In the first episode, the Prime Minister connected with 36 students from across the country, exploring a range of thought-provoking topics. He shared valuable lessons on Nutrition and Wellness, Mastering Pressure, Challenging Oneself, The Art of Leadership, Beyond Books – 360º Growth, Finding Positives, and much more. The session provided students with practical insights and effective strategies to tackle academic challenges with confidence, fostering a growth mindset and a well-rounded approach to learning.

To ensure holistic development, eminent personalities from diverse fields—including sports icons, technical experts, toppers of competitive exams, entertainment industry professionals, and spiritual leaders—are sharing their wisdom, enriching students with knowledge that goes beyond textbooks. With three more episodes already aired, each session continues to equip students with valuable lessons and practical strategies to navigate both academic and personal challenges with confidence.

In the fifth episode today, Sadhguru explored the significance of mindfulness, not just in tackling exam stress but in overcoming various life challenges. In an open-air setting among his students, he engaged in a free-flowing conversation, offering deep insights. He also expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for initiating this effort to support students in managing exam-related stress.

Sharing his observations, Sadhguru spoke about witnessing many children suffering from stress-related health complications due to exam pressure. He emphasized that education is not merely about examinations but about gaining access to life itself. He advised students to keep their intelligence in ‘dynamic mode,’ explaining that education provides access to fundamental knowledge, which in turn opens doors to life.

Sadhguru underscored the importance of gaining competence, stating that every individual has the potential to sparkle and achieve the unimaginable—but to truly shine, one must strive with dedication.

Highlighting the need to learn playfully, he spoke about nurturing intelligence beyond its practical usefulness and understanding the depth of life experiences. He also shared some practical tips on limiting smartphone usage to maintain focus.

As part of the session, Sadhguru introduced students to Nada Yoga, demonstrating three basic sounds and advising them to practice for seven minutes every morning. The students eagerly participated, asking questions, to which he provided practical, insightful solutions to help them navigate their challenges.

On 12th February 2025 renowned actor Deepika Padukone interacted with around 60 in the second episode of the 8th edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha. Deepika shared how addressing mental health challenges can be empowering and spoke about the valuable lessons she learned from her own struggles.

On 13^th February 2025 Gaurav Chaudhary, popularly known as Technical Guruji, and Radhika Gupta, MD & CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund, introduced students to the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. They explored the practical applications of ChatGPT and AI image-generation tools.

On 14^th February 2025, leading nutrition experts Shonali Sabherwal, Rujuta Diwekar, and Revant Himatsingka—popularly known as the Food Pharmer—interacted with students on the vital role of nutrition in staying healthy and stress-free during exams.

Hindu College’s 126th Founder’s Day

Daily writing prompt

What movies or TV series have you watched more than 5 times?

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Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, attended an event celebrating Hindu College’s 126th Founder’s Day in New Delhi today. Academicians, staff members and students also were present at the event. He engaged with the students and faculty of the college during his visit to the exhibition on Skill Development and Entrepreneurship activities. While exploring ideas, prototypes, and business models, he expressed confidence that they will serve as flag-bearers of innovation, entrepreneurship, job creation, and wealth generation in the times ahead.

While addressing the event, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted the esteemed legacy of Hindu College, describing it as a temple of learning and a cradle of educational excellence, innovation, diversity, plurality, democratic ethos, nationalistic spirit, and nation-building.

He reflected on the college’s founding by Shri Krishan Dass Ji Gurwale, who sought to counter Macaulay’s efforts to dismantle India’s education system and culture. He emphasized how Hindu College has since carved an unparalleled legacy in shaping India’s intellectual, cultural, and national identity. The path of progress and prosperity on which India stands today, he asserted, has been paved by Hindu College.

Shri Pradhan also remarked that while creating a legacy is easier, sustaining it requires relentless dedication. Congratulating the students, faculty, and staff for their unwavering ‘Sadhna’ in upholding the college’s tradition of excellence, he urged them to continue this commitment, striving to transform the institution into a global hub of solutions.

He also underscored that Viksit Bharat 2047 is a collective goal for all Indians. The next 22-25 years, he noted, mark the Amrit Kaal, a crucial period for the Hindu College community. He emphasized that as India celebrates the centenary of its independence, Hindu College will also mark its 150th Founder’s Day. During this pivotal phase, the college must aspire to establish itself as an epicentre of research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and solutions to 21st-century challenges, he added.

Expressing confidence in Hindu College’s role in shaping India’s future, he envisioned it emerging as a ‘Captain’ of India’s transformation in the coming decades. He expressed hope that its students will evolve into wealth-creators, job-creators, deep-tech innovators, policymakers, and global citizens of tomorrow.

*****

Examination toppers participate in 8th episode of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025

Daily writing prompt

Are you superstitious?

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The insightful discussions initiated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in the inaugural episode of the 8th edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha culminated with the eighth and final episode, where eight young achievers engaged with students. They were Radhika Singhal (CBSE topper 2022-23); Shuchismita Adhikari (ISC Exam topper 2024); Brahmacharimayum Nistha (PPC anchor & MBBS student, Manipur University); Ashish Kumar Verma (PPC anchor & IIT Delhi student); Vavilala Chidvilas Reddy (IIT JEE Advanced AIR – 1, 2023); Jai Kumar Bohara (CLAT AIR – 1, 2024); Armanpreet Singh (NDA AIR – 1, 2024); and Ishita Kishore (UPSC-CSE AIR – 1 2022).

While interacting with the students, Nistha suggested revising previous years’ questions and learning to prioritize, as advised by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in his book, emphasizing the importance of “becoming wise with revise.” Shuchismita encouraged focusing on preparation and advised writing down answers to help articulate learned concepts.

Jai Kumar highlighted the need for personalized preparation strategies and recommended experimenting with different methods to find the best. He suggested studying for 25 minutes, taking a 5-minute break, and maintaining discipline in this routine. His key advice for students was to be ready to make sacrifices to achieve their goals.

Armanpreet emphasized focusing on strengths, while Ishita stressed the importance of honesty and not being overpowered by fear. She also highlighted the significance of maintaining a balanced schedule—studying for 7-8 hours, pursuing hobbies for 1-2 hours, and ensuring adequate sleep.

Radhika underscored the value of extracurricular activities in building confidence. Chidvilas shared tips for managing exam-related stress, suggesting activities such as indoor and outdoor games, reading, or listening to music between study sessions. He also encouraged students to remain happy but never complacent.

Nistha reminisced about her experience anchoring Pariksha Pe Charcha, highlighting how it enhanced her communication and preparation skills, benefiting her exam readiness. Ashish shared his mantra of the “three wins”—spiritual, mental, and physical.

Additionally, Ishita and Jai guided students through an interview masterclass, while Ashish conducted a session on question paper strategies, helping students prepare for life through structured time management.

Students asked questions about board exam preparation, societal support, and mastering life skills. Participants from Japan and Dubai also asked questions to the guests. After the session, students reflected on their learning from the interaction with the panellists.

To ensure comprehensive development, distinguished personalities from various fields—including sports icons, technical experts, toppers of competitive exams, entertainment industry professionals, and spiritual leaders—are enriching students with insights beyond textbooks. Each session provided students with essential tools and strategies to excel academically and personally.

Pariksha Pe Charcha has been a beacon of inspiration for students, empowering them with confidence and resilience to tackle academic and life challenges with a positive mindset.

Link to watch the 1^st episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5UhdwmEEls

Link to watch the 2^nd episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrW4c_ttmew

Link to watch the 3^rd episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgMzmDYShXw

Link to watch the 4^th episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CfR4-5v5mk

Link to watch the 5^th episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GD_SrxsAx8

Link to watch the 6^th episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhI6UbZJgEQ

Link to watch the 7^th episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9Zg7B_o8So

Link to watch the 8^th episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hR9BazO6Vfo

*****

Embracing Life with Positivity and Determination

written by Priya acharya

Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, successes and failures, joys and challenges. It is not always easy, but it is always worth living with passion and purpose.

1. Challenges Make You Stronger

Difficult times are not meant to break you; they are meant to build you. Every struggle teaches a lesson and makes you stronger. Instead of fearing obstacles, embrace them as opportunities for growth.

2. Keep Moving Forward

No matter how slow your progress is, keep going. Small steps taken consistently lead to big results. The key is to never give up, even when things seem tough.

3. Believe in Yourself

Confidence and self-belief are the foundations of success. If you believe you can achieve something, you are already halfway there. Trust your abilities and keep working hard.

4. Stay Positive and Grateful

Life becomes beautiful when you focus on the good. Be grateful for what you have, and more blessings will come your way. A positive mindset can turn challenges into opportunities.

5. Keep Learning and Growing

Never stop learning. Knowledge and experience help you evolve into a better version of yourself. Keep exploring, reading, and improving every day.

Final Thoughts

Life is a precious gift, and how you live it depends on your attitude. Stay strong, keep pushing forward, and never lose hope. Success and happiness will follow when you approach life with determination and positivity.

written by Priya acharya

2 PhD Candidates for the project “Climate Citizenship

Daily writing prompt

What experiences in life helped you grow the most?

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Vacancy

2 PhD Candidates for the project “Climate Citizenship

Vacancy number15477Job typePhD positionsHours (in fte)1,0External/ internalExternalLocationLeidenPlaced on18 February 2025Closing date31 March 2025 38 more days to apply

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Leiden University’s Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (CADS) is looking for

2 PhD Candidates for the project “Climate Citizenship (4 years, full time)

We welcome applications for two PHD candidates for the research project “Climate Citizenship: Infrastructures, Environments, and Democracy in the Era of Climate Change,” funded by a European Research Council Starting Grant (ERC-StG).

Climate Citizenship explores how adapting environments to climate change through new forms of nature-based infrastructure reshapes people’s relationships with each other and the state. Examples range from green roofs and vertical gardens to urban parks, flood plains and more ambitious efforts to transform landscapes. The project treats these infrastructures as social and political as well as environmental experiments. It asks: when and how do they stimulate behavioural change, create new alliances between stakeholders, or transform the division of rights and responsibilities within a society?

As a PhD candidate, you will conduct ethnographic research on these questions in either the Louisiana Delta (the United States) or the Tokyo Bay area (Japan). You will employ an “ecographic” research design, combining ethnographic methods with those from the ecological sciences in order to track how new forms of climate adaptation alter both environment and society. Your primary supervisor will be the project’s Principal Investigator, Dr. Andrew Littlejohn. The project is hosted by Leiden University’s Institute of Cultural Anthropology & Development Sociology.

What you will do
You will conduct independent ethnographic research in either the Louisiana Delta (the United States) or Tokyo Bay area (Japan) within the frame of this project:

You will conduct ethnographic research, entailing at least 10 months of fieldwork in one of the two research sites, using an “ecographic” protocol developed together with the Postdoc;
Submit a PhD thesis, publish at least one peer-reviewed journal article, and produce one work of audio-visual media;
Co-produce a podcast series designed for a public audience on the results of the project;
Participate in the meetings and proceedings of the project (e.g. reading groups, seminars, workshops) and wider activities of the Institute of Cultural Anthropology & Development Sociology, including training requirements of the institute and faculty;
Co-organise and participate in academic and public events, such as an international conference organized by the project.

You will be part of a team comprising two PhD candidates, a postdoctoral researcher, and the PI. The entire team is expected to reside in the Netherlands and work from Leiden for the duration of the project, except during fieldwork.

Where you will work
The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences consists of five institutes: Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology, Education and Child Studies, Political Science, and Psychology. The faculty has approximately 7000 students and 1000 staff members. Within the institutes, not only education is provided but also groundbreaking research is conducted that pushes the boundaries of our understanding of human behaviour and societal structures. What makes our faculty unique is the diversity of research topics, the various styles of teaching, and the way professional support is organized; this provides you with the opportunity to explore and develop your interests and expertise. Visit our website for an impression: Welcome to the Leiden Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences – Leiden University.

Leiden University’s Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (CADS)
Leiden University’s Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology concentrates on ‘global vulnerability and social resilience’. The institute has three main themes: diversity, sustainability, and digitalisation. CADS is dedicated to making a real-world impact, not just studying change, but also working with communities to promote positive change through education and research. We use a unique approach that blends qualitative, quantitative, audiovisual, and digital methods based on ethnographic fieldwork.

With our unique blend of interdisciplinary interests, comparative regional studies, and social science research methods, we emphasize our role in the extensive collaborative network within Leiden University. In both our research and education, we engage in extensive interdisciplinary and international networks.

What you bring

(Research) Master’s degree in Cultural Anthropology or another relevant social science;
Excellent research skills as demonstrated by an outstanding master’s thesis or research papers;
Enthusiasm, passion, and commitment for long-term fieldwork in the United States or Japan;
Speaking, reading, and writing skills in Japanese in the case of research in Japan, for example as demonstrated by the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test;
Excellent command of English (speaking and writing);
Independent work attitude and demonstrable ability to work in a team.

Some interest and/or experience in ecological and acoustic research methods and outputs is an advantage but not a requirement.

What we offer
Our goal is to work together to create a transparent and inclusive work environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated. Our organisation is always evolving, and we need your ideas for improvement and innovation to take us further. We want to devote attention to your personal development.

You can expect an enjoyable job within the socially relevant world of education and research. The University’s challenging and international work environment is located just steps away from Leiden’s lively city centre or the bustling city centre of The Hague. We also want to work with you to devote attention to your health and vitality, for example with the fun activities we organise through Healthy University.

We also offer:

A temporary employment contract for (38 hours per week) as a PhD candidate, initially for a period of 1 year, with the possibility of extension for 3 years after a positive evaluation. This contract falls under the Collective Labour Agreements (CLA) of Dutch Universities;
A salary of a minimum of € 2,901 and a maximum of € 3,707 gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (scale P); with increments based on the CLA.
A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;
Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours;
If your work allows it, hybrid working is possible within the Netherlands;
A home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop and a mobile telephone (if applicable for the position).

For more information about employment conditions, see:
https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/werken-bij/sollicitatieprocedure-en-arbeidsvoorwaarden

What we find important
Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. Leiden University aims to be an inclusive community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected and are able to develop to their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High-quality education and research mean inclusive education and research.

Want to apply or find out more?
If you want to apply straight away, click the application button.
If you would like more information about what the job entails, please contact: Dr. Andrew Littlejohn, Assistant Professor at a.l.littlejohn@fsw.leidenuniv.nl

You can apply until March 31, 2025; applications will be processed immediately.
Online interviews will be held with shortlisted candidates in April 2025. The intended starting date is August 2025.

To apply, please submit:

A motivation letter (maximum 2 pages), explaining your motivation for pursuing a PhD and for working in the climate citizenship project, indicating where you would like to do research (U.S. or Japan) and how your experience and skills make you suitable;
A curriculum vitae (CV) (maximum 2 pages);
Copies of academic transcripts from prior study at Bachelor’s and Master’s levels;
A short research statement, explaining how you imagine addressing the subproject’s questions (maximum 500 words);
Names and contact details of two referees.

To help us get to know each other better, we follow a number of steps in the application procedure. For more information, see:
https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/werken-bij/sollicitatieprocedure-en-arbeidsvoorwaarden

A pre-employment screening (references, diplomas, certificate of good conduct (VOG) may be part of the selection procedure.
Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you nevertheless choose to send us CVs, no rights can be derived from this. #LI-Hybrid

Postdoc Candidate Required for the project “Climate Citizenship”

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Vacancy

Postdoc Candidate for the project “Climate Citizenship”

Vacancy number15478Job typeAcademic staffHours (in fte)0,8External/ internalExternalLocationLeidenPlaced on18 February 2025Closing date31 March 2025 38 more days to apply

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Leiden University’s Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (CADS) is looking for

Postdoc Candidate for the project “Climate Citizenship” (2 years, 0.8 fte)

We welcome applications for a Postdoc position in the project “Climate Citizenship: Infrastructures, Environments, and Democracy in the Era of Climate Change,” funded by a European Research Council Starting Grant (ERC-StG). The project is led by Principal Investigator Dr. Andrew Littlejohn and hosted by Leiden University’s Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology.

Climate Citizenship explores how adapting environments to climate change through new forms of nature-based infrastructure reshapes people’s relationships with each other and the state. Examples range from green roofs and vertical gardens to urban parks, flood plains and more ambitious efforts to transform landscapes. The project treats these infrastructures as social and political as well as environmental experiments. It asks: when and how do they stimulate behavioural change, create new alliances between stakeholders, or transform the division of rights and responsibilities within a society?

The case studies will employ an “ecographic” approach combining quantitative data from the ecological and material sciences with qualitative data gathered through ethnographic methods such as participant observation. As a Postdoc, you will help to develop this approach. You will visit scientists researching and/or working on green infrastructure projects in Japan, the Netherlands, and the United States and interview them on their methods. You will then analyse what kinds of data and techniques the PhD researchers will need familiarity with, and where in the process of gathering ecological data ethnographic methods and insights can be interpolated.

What you will do

Conduct interviews and observations with scientists in the Tokyo Bay area (Japan), the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt Delta (the Netherlands), and Louisiana Delta (the United States);
Assist the PI in developing an “ecographic” approach and an ecographic protocol for the PhD candidates;
Write a peer-reviewed journal article with the PI on ecographic methods and their potential;
Contribute to fine-tuning the research agendas of the PhD candidates through evaluating their proposals and participating in regular team meetings (online where necessary).

You will be part of a team also comprising two PhD candidates and the PI. The entire team is expected to reside in the Netherlands and work from Leiden for the duration of the project, except during fieldwork.

What you bring

PhD in Science and Technology Studies, Cultural Anthropology, or another relevant social science (if your PhD is not in Science and Technology Studies, you must have demonstrated expertise in the social study of science or interdisciplinary research methods);
Demonstrated passion for developing interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research projects and approaches;
Experience with independently coordinating and conducting ethnographic research, and ideally, some experience with quantitative and/or ecological research methods;
Excellent research and writing skills as demonstrated by a track record of scholarly publications commensurate with your career stage;
Excellent command of English (speaking and writing);
Independent work attitude and demonstrable ability to work in a team.

Where you will work
The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences consists of five institutes: Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology, Education and Child Studies, Political Science, and Psychology. The faculty has approximately 7000 students and 1000 staff members. Within the institutes, not only education is provided but also groundbreaking research is conducted that pushes the boundaries of our understanding of human behaviour and societal structures. What makes our faculty unique is the diversity of research topics, the various styles of teaching, and the way professional support is organized; this provides you with the opportunity to explore and develop your interests and expertise. Visit our website for an impression: Welcome to the Leiden Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences – Leiden University.

Leiden University’s Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (CADS)
Leiden University’s Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology concentrates on ‘global vulnerability and social resilience’. The institute has three main themes: diversity, sustainability, and digitalisation. CADS is dedicated to making a real-world impact, not just studying change, but also working with communities to promote positive change through education and research. We use a unique approach that blends qualitative, quantitative, audiovisual, and digital methods based on ethnographic fieldwork.

With our unique blend of interdisciplinary interests, comparative regional studies, and social science research methods, we emphasize our role in the extensive collaborative network within Leiden University. In both our research and education, we engage in extensive interdisciplinary and international networks.

A 0,8 fte employment contract, initially for a period of 1 year, with the possibility of extension for a second year after a positive evaluation. This contract falls under the Collective Labour Agreements (CLA) of Dutch Universities;
A salary of a minimum of € 4,060 and a maximum of € 5,331 gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (scale 10.4-10.12); with increments based on the CLA.
A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;
Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions.
Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

More here: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions

What we find important
Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. Leiden University aims to be an inclusive community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected and are able to develop to their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High-quality education and research mean inclusive education and research.

Want to apply or find out more?
If you want to apply straight away, click the application button.
If you would like more information about what the job entails, please contact: Dr. Andrew Littlejohn, Assistant Professor at a.l.littlejohn@fsw.leidenuniv.nl

You can apply until March 31, 2025; applications will be processed immediately.
Online interviews will be held with shortlisted candidates in April-May 2025. The intended starting date is August 2025.

To apply, please submit:

A cover letter explaining your motivation for working in the climate citizenship project (maximum 2 pages);
Curriculum vitae (CV), including publications (maximum 2 pages);
A short research proposal (maximum 500 words) in which you outline your approach to the role described above;
A copy of either a representative publication or your PhD thesis;
Names and contact details of two referees.

A pre-employment screening (references, diplomas, certificate of good conduct (VOG) may be part of the selection procedure.
Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you nevertheless choose to send us CVs, no rights can be derived from this. #LI-Hybrid

NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTRE FOR MAKHANA

The National Research Centre for Makhana (NRCM), Darbhanga, is a well-equipped facility dedicated to Makhana research and innovation, supported by a skilled team of scientists. Its key achievements include developing high-yield makhana and thornless water chestnut varieties, introducing water-efficient and integrated farming systems, and launching Makhana-cum-fish farming. The cultivation practices of Indian Lotus, medicinal plants like Acorus calamus (Sweet flag) and Alocasia montana have also been established. Several equipment/machines for Makhana popping and value-added products have been developed and licensed to manufacturers for commercialization namely Makhana seed washer, Makhana seed grader, Makhana seed primary roasting machine, Makhana seed popping machine, Popped Makhana grader and various type of value-added products. The NRCM has trained thousands of farmers and entrepreneurs, driving regional industries and livelihoods. Makhana cultivation has expanded from approximately 13,000 to 35,000 hectares across multiple states.

Since May 2023, the NRCM, Darbhanga, has incurred expenditures of ₹2.65 crore in 2023-24 and ₹1.27 crore in 2024-25 (as of January 2025). The amount of funds spent during last five years:

Financial Year	Expenditure (In Lakhs)
2023-24	265.00
2022-23	15.95
2021-22	17.87
2020-21	23.50
2019-20	18.00
Total	340.32

Over the years, 15,824.1 kg of high-yielding Makhana seeds have been distributed to farmers, KVKs, and organizations across various states. Significant beneficiaries include institutions like NABARD, fisheries departments, Bihar Horticulture Development Society and farmers from regions such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Between 2012 and 2023, NRCM trained over 3,000 farmers in advanced Makhana cultivation, processing, and marketing techniques, focusing on water-efficient practices, cropping systems, and nutrient management. Additionally, NRCM has assisted 24 enterprises, including Mithila Naturals, Maa Vaishnavi Makhana, and Swastik Food Group, by providing technical inputs and fostering Makhana-based industries, further boosting the agricultural economy.

ESTABLISHMENT OF CENTRAL RICE RESEARCH INSTITUTE

The ICAR-Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI) with its’ three sub-stations at Hazaribag (Jharkhand), Gerua (Assam), and Naira (Andhra Pradesh) develops and disseminates eco-friendly technologies to enhance productivity, profitability and sustainability of rice cultivation in different ecologies of various states in the country including Bargarh, Odisha. Besides, the ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR), Hyderabad, Telangana also looks after rice research in the country.

In addition to above, Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology (OUAT), located at Bhubaneswar, conducts research and extension activities on rice for Odisha. Therefore, at present, there is no proposal to set up a Central Rice Research Institute in Bargarh, Odisha.

Several climate-smart technologies/products are developed, tested and evaluated by the above two National institutes for the rice crop. The farmers of Bargarh are getting the benefits of such varieties/technologies.

The ICAR through its above two research institutes holds a national mandate to develop technologies aimed at enhancing rice productivity across the country through robust and effective research strategies. Research works have been done on enhancing yield through adoption of improved varieties and technologies and reducing input costs both at Odisha and also across different states of India.\

UPGRADATION OF AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY

The Government has launched several key schemes to upgrade agricultural technology to improve productivity, sustainability, and farmers’ income. The Digital Agriculture Mission, is a major initiative that leverages technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, and geospatial data for better crop monitoring, soil management, and weather forecasting. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), during the last ten years has developed 2900 varieties out of which, 2661 varieties are tolerant to one or more biotic and/or abiotic stresses. About156 technologies/machines/process protocols were developed for production and post-harvest production of agriculture. Technologies related to animal, Fisheries sector were also developed for enhancing productivity of animal, fisheries, aquaculture, diagnostics & vaccines for animal and fish health management, processing and value addition. For increasing awareness and promotion of newly developed technologies, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) conduct trainings, field level demonstration, farmers’ interface meetings, skill development programs among the small and marginal farmers and other stakeholders and making agriculture more efficient and profitable.

The Government has introduced many initiatives to enhance agricultural marketing such as e-NAM, Kisan Rail and Kisan Udan for improved logistics. The promotion of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) aims to reduce intermediaries and strengthen market access for farmers. Additionally, agri-tech startups and online platforms like AGRI-Bazaar help farmers to connect directly with buyers, ensuring better pricing and increased income.

ICAR recommends soil test based balanced and integrated nutrient management through conjunctive use of both inorganic and organic sources (manure, biofertilizers etc.) of plant nutrients for judicious use of chemical fertilizers and to improve soil health. All these measures reduce chemical fertilizer use in the country. Also, ICAR suggests judicious use of water through efficient irrigation techniques including micro-irrigation for various crops to save irrigation water substantially.

The Soil Health Card Scheme also promotes the use of soil-appropriate fertilizers to reduce wastage and improve productivity. Further, the Government supports State Governments through scheme the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) to improve water use efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance farm income. While the Government has promoted the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, which focuses on enhancing value-added processing, improving the shelf-life of farm products, and linking farmers with agro-industries.

INITIATIVES TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE FARMING PRACTICES AND RESILIENCE AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE

The Government through ICAR flagship network project ‘National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture’ (NICRA) develop and promotes climate resilient agricultural technologies in 151 climatically vulnerable districts spread across the country, which are prone to extreme weather conditions like droughts, floods, frost, heatwaves, etc in light of the challenges posed by climate change. Climate resilient technologies viz., climate resilient varieties, intercropping systems, conservation agriculture, crop diversification, agroforestry systems, zero-till sowing, green manuring, integrated farming systems, integrated nutrient and pest management, organic farming, site specific nutrient management, in-situ moisture conservation, protective irrigation, micro irrigation methods etc. have been developed and demonstrated to large number of farmers through farmers’ participatory approach. Further, these technologies have been documented for 23 States and 3 Union Territories and shared with the State departments for further upscaling and convergence with on-going schemes in the States.

To promote Precision Agriculture, ICAR has a Network Program on Precision Agriculture (ICAR-NePPA) working at 16 locations to develop ICT based technologies for accelerated profitable and sustainable system through precise use of inputs. Some of the outcomes of the project related to adopting to climate change/ weather aberrations are as, sensor-based soil and crop health monitoring and precision management of inputs (water and fertilizer) using robotics, IoTs and Data analytics; developed technologies for pest and disease monitoring particularly for rice and cotton crops for value added advisories for real time management.

ICAR operates All India Coordinated Research Programme on Integrated Farming Systems (AICRP-IFS) in 25 States/UTs and All India Network Programme on Organic Farming (AINP-OF) in 16 States to develop sustainable farming practices such as alternate efficient cropping systems, integrated farming systems, organic farming and natural farming to address the challenges posed by climate change. A total of 76 models of integrated farming system (IFS) including 8 integrated organic farming system models for 26 States/UTs and organic farming packages for 80 cropping systems suitable to 16 States have been developed so far.

(c): To help farmers in building resilience against extreme weather events and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability in the country, the Government of India implements National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), which is one of the Missions within the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). NMSA has three major components i.e. Rainfed Area Development (RAD); On Farm Water Management (OFWM); and Soil Health Management (SHM). The Government of India provides financial assistance to the states through the NMSA to cope with the adverse impacts of climate change.

Further, Government has introduced flagship yield based Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) along with Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) from Kharif 2016 to help farmers build resilience against extreme weather events.

Through Technology Demonstration component of NICRA, 6,93,629 farmers were benefitted through technology demonstrations and 6,47,735 farmers were benefitted through 23,613 capacity building programs on climate resilient agriculture.

Use of AI in agriculture

The Government has employed Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods to address various challenges in the agricultural sector to aid farmers. Some of the initiatives are given below:

‘Kisan e-Mitra’, an AI-powered chatbot, has been developed to assist farmers with responses to the queries about the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. This solution supports multiple languages and is evolving to assist with other government programs.
National Pest Surveillance System, for tackling the loss of produce due to climate change, utilizes AI and Machine Learning to detect pest infestation in crop issues, enabling timely intervention for healthier crops.
AI based analytics using field photographs for crop health assessment and crop health monitoring using Satellite, weather & soil moisture datasets for rice and wheat crop.

PROMOTION OF ORGANIC FARMING

Government is promoting organic farming through the schemes of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) in all the States/UTs (except North Eastern States). For North Eastern States, the Government is implementing Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) scheme. Both the schemes stress on end-to-end support to farmers engaged in organic farming i.e. from production to processing, certification & marketing and post-harvest management training and capacity building. Under PKVY, assistance of Rs. 31,500 per ha for a period of 3 years is provided for promotion of organic farming. Out of this, assistance of Rs. 15,000 per ha for a period of 3 years is provided to farmers adopting organic farming through Direct Benefit Transfer for on- farm /off –farm organic inputs. Under MOVCDNER, assistance of Rs. 46,500/ha for 3 years is provided for creation of Farmers Producer Organization, support to farmers for organic inputs etc. Out of this, assistance @ Rs. 32500/ ha for 3 years is provided to farmers for off -farm /on –farm organic inputs under the scheme including Rs. 15,000 as Direct Benefit Transfer to the farmers.

Two types of organic certifications systems have been developed to ensure quality control of organic produce as given below:

Third Party Certification by Accredited Certification Agency under National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) scheme under Ministry of Commerce and Industry for development of export market. Under NPOP certification scheme the production and handling of activities at all stages such as production, processing, trading and export requirements for organic products is covered.
Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India) under Ministry of Agriculture and farmers Welfare in which stakeholders (including farmers/ producers) are involved in decision making about the operation of the PGS-India certification itself by assessing, inspecting and verifying the production practices of each other and collectively declaring produce as organic. PGS- India certification is to meet the demand of domestic market.

The total cumulative state wise organic area covered under NPOP certification & PGS-India certification under PKVY is 59.74 lakh ha is given at Annexure-I.

Under PKVY assistance @ Rs 4,500/ha is provided for 3 years to facilitate value addition, marketing and publicity. Assistance is provided for certification & training and handholding & capacity building @ Rs 3.000/-ha for 3 years and Rs 7,500/- ha respectively for 3 years under PKVY for farmers. Whereas under MOVCDNER scheme assistance is provided @ Rs10,000/ -ha for 3 years for training, capacity building & certification.

To ensure market availability States organize seminars, conferences, workshops, buyer-seller meetings, exhibitions, trade fairs, and organic festivals either within their own region or in key markets of other states. Government has developed web portal- www.Jaivikkheti.in/ as an online marketing platform for direct sale of organic produce by farmers to the consumers to help them for better price realization. A total of 6.22 lakh farmers have been registered under Jaivik kheti portal.

Annexure-I

State wise details of total cumulative area covered under organic farming NPOP (including MOVCDNER) + PGS under PKVY till 2023-2024

Area in ha

S. NO.	State Name	NPOP	PGS under PKVY
1	Andhra Pradesh	63,678.69	3,60,805
2	Bihar	29,062.13	31,561
3	Chhattisgarh	15,144.13	1,01,279
4	Goa	12,287.40	15334
5	Gujarat	6,80,819.99	10000
6	Haryana	2,925.33	–
7	Himachal Pradesh	9,334.28	18748
8	Jharkhand	54,408.20	25300
9	Kerala	44,263.91	94480
10	Karnataka	71,085.99	20900
11	Madhya Pradesh	11,48,236.07	74960
12	Maharashtra	10,01,080.32	66756
13	Odisha	1,81,022.28	45800
14	Punjab	11,089.41	6981
15	Tamil Nadu	42,758.27	32940
16	Telangana	84,865.16	8100
17	Rajasthan	5,80,092.22	148500
18	Uttar Pradesh	66,391.34	171185
19	Uttarakhand	1,01,820.39	140740
20	West Bengal	8,117.80	21400
21	Assam	27,079.40	4400
22	Arunachal Pradesh	16,537.53	380
23	Meghalaya	29,703.30	900
24	Manipur	32,584.50	600
25	Mizoram	14,238.30	780
26	Nagaland	16,221.56	480
27	Sikkim	75,729.78	63000
28	Tripura	20,481.36	1000
29	Jammu & Kashmir	34,746.75	5160
30	Pondicherry	21.51	–
31	Delhi	9.60	–
32	Ladakh	–	10480
33	Daman & Diew	–	642
34	Dadar & Nagar	–	500
Total		44,75,836.90	1498583
Grand Total (NPOP + PGS)		5974419.90

Source: APEDA + PGS

Farmers’ Welfare Measures

Agriculture is a State subject and Government of India supports the efforts of States through appropriate policy measures, budgetary allocation and various schemes/ programmes. The various schemes/ programmes of the Government of India are meant for the welfare of farmers by increasing production, remunerative returns and income support to farmers. The Government has substantially enhanced the budget allocation of Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (DA&FW) from Rs. 21933.50 crore BE during 2013-14 to Rs. 1,22,528.77 crore BE during 2024-25. Schemes/programmes initiated by DA&FW are conceptualised and implemented taken in consideration of improving the economic condition of farmers owning small handholdings, access to credit and to enhance overall income of farmers and remunerative returns in the agriculture sector.

PM KISAN Samman Nidhi Scheme has been launched in 2019 with the sole objective to enhance the income of farmers owning small landholdings. This scheme provides Rs. 6000 per year in 3 equal instalments. So far, more than Rs.3.46 lakh Cr. has been disbursed to eligible farmers through 18 instalments.

The other major schemes run by Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare for enhance of overall income of farmers are as under:

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY)
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)/ Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS)
Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS)
Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)
Formation and Promotion of 10,000 new Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs)
National Bee Keeping and Honey Mission (NBHM)
Namo Drone Didi
National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)
Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA)
Agri Fund for Start-Ups & Rural Enterprises’ (AgriSURE)
Per Drop More Crop (PDMC)
Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization (SMAM)
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
Soil Health & Fertility (SH&F)
Rainfed Area Development (RAD)
Agroforestry
Crop Diversification Programme (CDP)
Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension (SMAE)
Sub-Mission on Seed and Planting Material (SMSP)
National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (NFSNM)
Integrated Scheme for Agriculture Marketing (ISAM)
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO)-Oil Palm
National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO)-Oilseeds
Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region
Digital Agriculture Mission
National Bamboo Mission

PM-AASHA (Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan) scheme ensures remunerative prices for farmers’ produce and prevent distress sales. It aims to strengthen the Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism and provide better price support for farmers.

“Formation & Promotion of new 10,000 FPOs with budget outlay of Rs 6,865 Crore. Farmers Producer Organization (FPOs) are being set up to give farmers collective bargaining power in markets as well as enabling small farmers to pool resources, access technology, and get better prices for their crops.

Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) with financial provision of one Lakh Crore scheme has been launched with an objective to mobilize a medium – long term debt financing facility for investment in viable projects for post-harvest management Infrastructure and community farming assets through incentives and financial support in order to improve agriculture infrastructure in the country. Following supports are being provided under Agri Infra Fund.

Interest Subvention: All loans under this financing facility have interest subvention of 3% per annum up to a limit of ₹ 2 crore. This subvention is available for a maximum period of 7 years. In case of loans beyond ₹ 2 crore, interest subvention is limited up to ₹ 2 crore.

Credit Guarantee: Credit guarantee coverage is available for eligible borrowers from this financing facility under Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) scheme for a loan up to ₹ 2 crore. The fee for this coverage will be paid by the Government. In case of FPOs the credit guarantee may be availed from the facility created under FPO promotion scheme of DA&FW.

Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) provides Interest Subvention (IS) of 1.5% to various Financial Institutions (Banks, RRBs, PACS, etc.) for delivering Short-Term Agriculture Operation (STAO) loans at a fixed rate of 7% to farmers through KCC. If the farmer repays the loan within time, he gets a Prompt Repayment Incentive (PRI) of 3%, bringing his loan liability to 4% overall (7% minus 3%). It is exclusively operated through Kisan Credit Card (KCC).

National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) has been launched on 3^rd Oct, 2024 for enhancing the production of key primary oilseed crops such as Rapeseed-Mustard, Groundnut, Soybean, Sunflower, and Sesamum, as well as increasing collection and extraction efficiency from secondary sources like Cottonseed, Rice Bran, and Tree Borne Oils. The mission aims to increase primary oilseed production from 39 million tonnes (2022-23) to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31. Together with NMEO-OP (Oil Palm), the Mission targets to increase domestic edible oil production to 25.45 million tonnes by 2030-31 meeting around 72% of our projected domestic requirement. To ensure the timely availability of quality seeds, the Mission will introduce an online 5-year rolling seed plan through the ‘Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory (SATHI)’ Portal, enabling states to establish advance tie-ups with seed-producing agencies, including cooperatives, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and government or private seed corporations. 65 new seed hubs and 50 seed storage units will be set up in public sector to improve the seed production infrastructure.

The following have been proposed in the upcoming budget for income support, improve access to credit and overall growth of agriculture sector:

Enhanced Credit through KCC: – Loan increased from 3 lakh to ₹5 lakh to facilitate short term loans for 7.7 crore farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers.

Aatmanirbharta in Pulses: – To launch a 6-year Mission with special focus on Tur, Urad and Masoor, emphasizing development and commercial availability of climate resilient seeds, enhancing protein content, increasing productivity and improving post-harvest storage and management, assuring remunerative prices to the farmers.

National Mission on High Yielding Seeds: – Targeted development and propagation of seeds with high yield, pest resistance and climate resilience.

Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana – It has been proposed Agri Districts Programme to cover 100 districts which is likely to help 1.7 crore farmers.

Mission for Cotton Productivity: – To be launched a 5-year mission to facilitate improvements in productivity and sustainability of cotton farming.

Makhana Board in Bihar: – It is proposed to set up Makhana Board to Improve production, processing, value addition, and marketing and organisation of FPOs.

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1. Challenges Make You Stronger

2. Keep Moving Forward

3. Believe in Yourself

4. Stay Positive and Grateful

5. Keep Learning and Growing

Final Thoughts

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2 PhD Candidates for the project “Climate Citizenship

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Postdoc Candidate for the project “Climate Citizenship”

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