Take a guess.

Which Indian state:

• Has a per capita income that is 33% higher than the national average?

• Has the lowest population density?

• Houses over 35 unique tribal groups?

• Has more forest than farmland, and more length of rivers than roads?

• And is about to power nearly a quarter of India’s entire hydropower future?

Welcome to Arunachal Pradesh.

This is the land we once thought we might lose. But sixty years on, that same land is where India is building its most ambitious dreams.

The land of the rising sun, is set to now become the land of rising waters, rising wattage, and rising ambition.

And this is what today’s Policy Mandala is set out to capture!

Not just Arunachal’s quiet rise, but the enormous power it’s preparing to send across the rest of India.

On June 13, 2025, the Arunachal Pradesh government declared the next ten years as the “Decade of Hydropower”. A move aimed at harnessing the state's massive 58,000 MW hydro potential, which accounts for nearly 40% of India’s total.

But it wasn’t just this long-term vision that made headlines.

The real jolt came from the now: last week, the state approved projects worth 19,000 megawatts (MW). For a state with just 13 lakh people, that’s not just ambition, it’s a signal. Arunachal is quietly stepping into the role of a clean energy powerhouse for India.

That means the land which first sees the ‘light’, is now positioning itself to provide ‘light’ to the rest of India.

One might ask, how big is 19 GW?

To put it in everyday terms: 1 GW can power nearly 10 lakh Indian homes. So 19 GW could light up every household in a state the size of Maharashtra.

It’s also roughly equal to the entire electricity demand of Gujarat, and more than what India currently exports to Bangladesh and Nepal combined.

What’s more?

In the Northeast, Arunachal already contributes to Bhutan’s energy grid indirectly via eastern corridor exchanges. But with this scale, it may soon emerge as the hydro-electric heart of eastern South Asia, capable of linking with Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and even parts of Myanmar through cross-border energy trade networks.

India already facilitates exports of electricity to Bangladesh and Nepal. With the right policy framework, Arunachal’s rivers could soon be driving lights and industry across all 4 of the international borders: Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.

But before we get to geopolitics, let’s zoom in to what this project actually looks like.

This 19 GW push isn’t made of one big dam. It’s a constellation.

Part 1 of this constellation came on February 20, 2025, when the state announced 35 small hydropower projects totaling 570.75 MW, with investments of over ₹7,000 crore and an estimated 7,500 direct jobs. Two of them—Dikshi HEP and Khangtang HEP—are already generating electricity.

The next big element is the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), a 11,000 MW behemoth on the Siang River, which later becomes the Brahmaputra. If built, this would be India’s largest hydropower project.

Then there’s the long-stalled Etalin Project (3,097 MW) in Dibang Valley, which received in-principle forest clearance in May 2025, marking its revival. Add to this the Tato-II Project (700 MW) and a 240 MW project in Shi Yomi, awarded to Patel Engineering this year.

Together, they are the blueprint of a state staking its future on hydropower. Here's a snapshot of the major projects driving the 19 GW vision:

But what does all this power mean for the people of Arunachal?

As per the government estimates, 1 MW of hydroelectric capacity creates around 6.5 direct jobs during construction and about 0.4 permanent jobs in operations. This means Arunachal’s 19 GW could itself generate over 1.2 lakh jobs in the coming years, especially in construction, logistics, and local services. For a state with one of the lowest population densities in the country, that means livelihoods reaching the remotest corners.

Plus, there’s money to be made.

Arunachal is expected to earn over ₹4,525 crore annually from free power sales by 2035. In simpler words, under the power-sharing agreements, the state gets 12% of electricity generated from central projects free, and another 1% just for the local area development. This revenue, if managed well, could finance everything from schools and roads to hospitals in remote valleys.

But there’s more to this than numbers.

Zoom out, and you’ll see this energy push sits at the heart of a river system that binds nations.

The Brahmaputra is a moving map of power and politics.

It begins as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, cuts across Arunachal as the Siang, winds into Assam as the Brahmaputra, and finally fans out through Bangladesh into the Bay of Bengal. Along this journey, it drops nearly 3,000 metres, making it one of the world’s most powerful untapped river systems for hydropower.

It’s also a river on which China, India, and Bangladesh depend for water, food, and now, electricity.

China has already built multiple run-of-the-river projects on the upper Yarlung Tsangpo. Satellite images show at least 11 dams either planned or under construction. And now it is building a massive 60,000 MW “super dam” at Medog, just 30 km upstream of the Indian border, to be operational by 2033.

This isn’t just about power, it’s about riparian rights. That is, in international water law, the country that puts a shared river to use first often gains “prior use” or “established use” rights, which can strengthen its claim in future negotiations. So, building early isn't just development, it's diplomacy by other means.

India knows this. The Siang Upper project, in many ways, is a hydrological counterclaim. Building it affirms India’s first-use principle. It also acts as a geostrategic deterrent, strengthening India’s presence near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

But, all this is not without a catch. The story gets more complex on the ground.

Tribal communities, especially the Adi and Idu Mishmi groups have been vocal. They fear losing not just land, but identity. The Etalin project alone will require the felling of nearly 47,000 trees, while Tato-II may cut down over 1.5 lakh. Add to this the risks of flash floods, seismic instability, and cultural displacement, and you see why some villagers have said, “We will die for our land.”

The state has responded with plans. The cabinet has set up New Yingkiong and Geku Development Authorities to build alternative towns. It has begun property compensation surveys, promised rehabilitation packages, and committed to community consultation.

But is it enough?

For many affected families, there’s still no clarity on resettlement timelines, livelihood transitions, or cultural safeguards. Some want tribal councils to co-monitor project impacts. Others ask for biodiversity credits or a seat at the revenue-sharing table.

So what should we do?

First, we believe Arunachal, with its overwhelmingly tribal population, offers a rare opportunity for India to move beyond tokenistic consultations. Instead of symbolic outreach, this is a chance to formally integrate tribal councils into the core of project planning and governance, ensuring both trust and continuity of indigenous knowledge.

Second, One of the least acknowledged risks of Himalayan development is how altered sediment flows can disturb seismic balance over time. In fragile zones like Arunachal, this can trigger unpredictable and uneven tectonic activity. That’s why we believe that all large-scale infrastructure, especially dams, must go beyond routine EIAs. We need advanced modelling of sediment dynamics, seismic risks, and long-term climate impacts to avoid creating a future disaster.

Third, India must urgently rethink its reliance on foreign cloud-based platforms for dam surveillance. Many “smart dam” systems today run on overseas SaaS tools, risking long-term data control and sovereignty. But India now has the capacity to do better. ISRO’s satellite programs like CARTOSAT for high-resolution terrain mapping and the Bhuvan geoportal, have significantly advanced domestic capabilities in hydrological and geospatial monitoring. It’s time to build on that momentum by developing open-source, locally governed systems. These must also uphold tribal digital rights—the principle that indigenous communities should have control over how data about their lands, rivers, and ecosystems is collected, used, and shared.

Fourth, Arunachal is on its way to becoming an energy-surplus state. But Arunachal, with its limited plain terrain, may not be able to host large-scale industries, while other Northeastern states like Assam, Meghalaya, and Nagaland can. This opens up a real possibility: can Arunachal power an industrial resurgence across the Northeast? It's time for policymakers to start connecting these dots. The recent Northeast Global Investment Summit was a welcome step, but hosting it in Delhi says a lot. If the roadmap for Northeast development still needs a pit stop in the capital, it’s clear the destination hasn’t quite been reached.

Fifth, overbuilding downstream in a mountainous terrain like Arunachal could also backfire environmentally. What Arunachal must offer is an opportunity to lead a third path: a state-led, people-aware, eco-balanced energy blueprint. That’s what the country needs.

And finally, a political question.
Should India match China dam for dam?

Well, this isn’t just about hydropower or river management anymore. These questions take on a new urgency in light of a recent statement by a senior Chinese official. After India suspended parts of the Indus Waters Treaty amid renewed tensions with Pakistan, China issued a not-so-subtle warning that it could use the Brahmaputra’s flow as leverage if India disrupted water arrangements with its allies.

The message was clear: Beijing holds the upstream advantage. If it ever chose to weaponize that by releasing excess water from its massive dams or abruptly holding it back, the downstream impact on India’s Northeast could be devastating. Entire districts could face floods, or crippling water shortages.

That’s the uncomfortable reality. And in this context, India’s own dams are not just about storage or energy, they are also buffers against external shocks. They are about generating confidence.

And thanks to One Nation, One Grid, Arunachal’s dams are also about making sure that India’s easternmost state doesn’t just see the first sunrise, but also powers the rest of the country long after the sun sets!

See you in our next edition, next week.

The team behind Policy Mandala has launched a 4-month policy program for professionals, the Policy Pioneers Program, in collaboration with IIM Raipur and the Public Systems Lab at IIT Delhi.

Know more about it here.

Book Mandala

In this section, we suggest a book to be read/listened to each week, for the inner policy enthusiast in you :)

Book: China's Water War in North-East India

Author: Dr. Santosh K. Guha

About the Book:
In China's Water War in North-East India, Dr. Santosh K. Guha lays bare a geopolitical faultline often overlooked: water. Focusing on the Brahmaputra River, whose origins lie in Tibet and whose flow sustains millions in India and Bangladesh—the book examines China's growing control over its headwaters. With plans for massive dams and possible diversion projects, Beijing’s hydro-strategy has stirred deep anxieties downstream. Guha explores how these developments risk triggering not just ecological harm, but diplomatic friction and strategic vulnerability. Far from speculation, this is a rigorously researched account of how water could become Asia’s next frontier of conflict.

Our Take:
This book is essential for anyone trying to understand why Arunachal Pradesh's hydropower push is not just about electricity, but deterrence. As India builds dams to secure its own riparian claim, Guha reminds us that rivers are not just natural resources. They are weapons, leverage points, and flashpoints. For policy researchers, defence watchers, and climate realists, China’s Water War offers a sharp, urgent perspective on why water security must now be at the heart of India’s strategic playbook.

Co-authored by Mrinal Rai and Aswathi Prakash.

Hope you liked today’s Policy Mandala!

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Two sides of the same street. A gleaming high-rise where square footage costs more than a luxury sedan — and a slum where five people share a single room. This is the story of Mumbai. Both sides represent the same city, but only one side decides the future.

This edition of Policy Mandala is about Dharavi — the heart of Mumbai, where survival and enterprise meet. Why is it relevant now? Because Dharavi is back in the news.

About two and a half years ago, the Maharashtra government awarded the ₹20,000 crore Dharavi redevelopment contract to the Adani Group, with a direct investment of around ₹5,000 crore. Last week, the Supreme Court upheld the decision. The path is now clear for the Adani Group to build a modern township in the heart of Mumbai, housing around a million residents — the rehabilitation targeted to be finished in around 7 years.

The stakes are enormous.

Dharavi isn’t just a slum — it’s a 8700 Crore micro-economy built on leather, pottery, textiles, and food production. Families have lived and worked here for generations, creating an intricate ecosystem of commerce and community. The redevelopment promises better housing and infrastructure.

But will it work? Or will it go the way of the past failed attempts in the last two decades?

For policy enthusiasts, this raises a larger question: Can India solve its slum problem through redevelopment, or is the real issue much deeper?

Over 6.5 crore Indians — 5% of the population — live in urban slums. In Mumbai, a staggering 55% (around 65 lakh people) live in slums, with 20% of them in Dharavi. And Dharavi sits on gold — or at least land that’s valued like gold. Land in the neighbouring Bandra Kurla Complex fetches up to ₹1.5 lakh per square meter.

The logic behind the redevelopment project is straightforward: use the land value differential to finance new housing, give houses to Dharavi residents for free, build high-rises to use land more efficiently, and sell extra flats to make the project economically self-sustaining.

On paper, it sounds brilliant. In reality, it’s complicated.

Redevelopment solves a critical housing problem. Mumbai’s housing shortage is brutal. Dharavi’s residents deserve better homes. The in-situ rehabilitation model means residents won’t lose their social and economic networks.

Thousands of micro-enterprises operate from within Dharavi. The Adani Group seems to have clarified that commercial units will be resettled — but who, how and where are still unclear.

But there’s a flip side. Dharavi’s residents keep Mumbai running — domestic helpers, drivers, waste pickers, construction workers. Redevelopment could improve housing — but only if it doesn’t price them out or disrupt their livelihoods.

The risk is that Dharavi’s future may end up serving real estate interests more than its residents. And then there’s the eligibility issue — only those who can prove they’ve lived in Dharavi since before 2000 qualify for free housing. That leaves out thousands of newer migrants, who might have to relocate to seven other government-identified sites across Mumbai, including Kanjur, Bhandup, Mulund, Madh, Deonar, and Matunga.

But do we have models that can help Dharavi redevelop? India’s track record on slum redevelopment seems patchy at best.

Take Mumbai’s Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) scheme as an example. Launched in 1995 to rehabilitate over 3,000 slum pockets, the SRA was supposed to be Mumbai’s big solution to its slum problem. Yet, nearly 30 years later, only about 20% of these projects have been completed. The reasons? Bureaucratic delays, lack of financing, and complex land ownership issues. Dharavi will now be the guiding light for the project — successful or unsuccessful, it will define the future course of slum development in the city.

Another example, the Kathputli Colony project in Delhi, is a textbook case of how not to redevelop a slum. A vibrant colony of over 3,500 traditional artists and puppeteers, Kathputli Colony was slated for redevelopment in 2009 and residents were moved to transit camps. This "temporary" stretched into years. Families lost livelihoods, the community fell apart, and by the time houses were ready, many had left. The redevelopment ended up destroying the very community it set out to protect.

Yet, not all stories are as gloomy. The Yerwada Slum Upgrading Project in Pune seems to have got it right. Instead of demolishing homes, they upgraded existing ones — with input from residents. Technical assistance improved housing quality, and community spaces were preserved. Over 1,200 families benefited with minimal disruption to their social and economic networks. Simple, effective, and fast.

The Sabarmati Riverfront Project in Ahmedabad was more mixed. It improved flood management and water quality and created a beautiful urban space. But it displaced some slum dwellers, forcing them to relocate far from their workplaces. Studies showed that 18–32% of relocated families eventually sold or rented out their new homes and moved back to informal settlements closer to their jobs. Livelihood disruption is always the hidden cost of poor planning.

Other countries have experimented with different models, with mixed success.

Thailand’s Baan Mankong Program funds slum communities directly to design and upgrade their housing. Indonesia’s Kampung Improvement Program improves infrastructure without displacement. The Philippines’ Community Mortgage Program gives loans to slum communities to purchase and upgrade land. South Korea’s New Town Development Program balances government, private sector, and resident input to create affordable housing.

But replicating these models in India is tricky. Financial literacy gaps and complex land ownership patterns make direct adoption difficult.

Successful models, whether in India or abroad, tend to follow some clear rules.

Minimal displacement is key — the closer the relocation is to people’s workplaces and social networks, the higher the chances of success. Dharavi’s high land value makes this tricky — but in-situ development offers a solution.

Community participation ensures better outcomes. Dharavi’s network of thousands of community groups could make this possible — if they are heard.

Housing without employment support is a recipe for failure. The solution may lie in counting housing, commercial, and mixed-use spaces separately — and creating parallel plans for them.

And then there’s maintenance — poor upkeep kills even well-designed projects. A long-term post-construction maintenance plan, maybe through an Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC), could make a difference.

Dharavi’s redevelopment plan has potential — but it’s walking a tightrope.

The government promises in-situ rehabilitation and a focus on preserving local businesses. But questions remain — who decides the final design? Are all residents being consulted? What happens if businesses are displaced or shut down during redevelopment?

And then there’s the political angle. Dharavi’s redevelopment isn’t just about urban planning — it’s a political flashpoint. The scale of the project (₹20,000 crore) makes it a high-stakes prize.

Dharavi’s future depends on whether policymakers get it right.

Housing is only half the battle — preserving livelihoods and community networks is the real test. Redevelopment without disruption is possible — but only if the government manages both people and real estate.

And the beauty of democracy lies in watching, questioning, and speaking up. We at Policy Mandala are keeping this on our radar. Hope you do too — through us and with us.

Book Mandala

In this section, we suggest a book to be read/listened to each week, for the inner policy enthusiast in you :)

Book: The Dharavi Model : How Asia’s Largest Slum Defeated COVID-19
Author: Kiran Dighavkar

About the Book:
The Dharavi Model: How Asia's Largest Slum Defeated COVID-19 is a gripping account of how one of the most densely populated areas in the world managed to turn the tide against the COVID-19 pandemic. Written by Kiran Dighavkar, an official at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the book takes readers through the frontline battle against the virus in Dharavi, a sprawling informal settlement in Mumbai.

Our Take:
Kiran Ji’s The Dharavi Model is an insightful and inspiring read, offering a first-hand perspective on one of the most remarkable public health turnarounds during the COVID-19 crisis. One of its greatest strengths is its emphasis on community participation. Unlike top-down bureaucratic approaches, Dharavi’s success was driven by grassroots efforts—local doctors, volunteers, and residents stepping up to ensure early detection and care.

Kiran Ji also sheds light on the bureaucratic challenges and decision-making dilemmas that defined the crisis response, discussing the difficulties, from logistical hurdles to resistance from skeptical residents. The book is a valuable resource for policymakers, urban planners, and public health professionals.

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Below, we discuss one recent policy update from the past week(s), and analyze them for you: Let’s go!

Over the next 46 days, nearly a quarter of India’s population will travel from an area of 32 lakh sq. km to just 40 sq. km. Welcome to the Mahakumbh: the world’s largest human gathering.

With 45 crore people expected to visit, almost every 20th human is going to visit it in the next 6 weeks. So, whether you’re planning to join this extraordinary gathering or simply marveling from afar, we know you are curious.

And in this Policy Mandala, we’re here to satisfy that curiosity.

But what can we offer that hasn’t already been covered by 24/7 media channels, countless Twitter threads, or the millions of reels flooding your phones?

We’re skipping the basics—the festival’s historical significance, the uniqueness of its rituals, logistical guides, or tales of the Sadhus. For those, you can go here, here, and here.

Instead, in this Policy Mandala, we’re focusing on the governance of Kumbh:

What does it take to organize an event of this magnitude? How long does the planning process take? What logistical challenges must be addressed?

Should the government even play a role in an event of this nature? What are the risks and rewards for the state? How does the government plan to prevent mishaps in such a massive gathering?

What does such a gathering mean for the environment? And as the largest gathering in history, how is it perceived internationally?

If these questions intrigue you as much as they do us, let’s dive in!

Q: What does it take to organize Mahakumbh?

A: Financially, the organization of Kumbh took on a budget of approx. ₹7500 crore from the state government (that’s a 72% increase from the 2019 Kumbh budget) with around ₹2100 crores added to it from the central funds.

For Mahakumbh 2025 the Uttar Pradesh government allocated a total of ₹5,621 crore in the budgets of last 3 years. Additionally, departmental budgets from key sectors like PWD, tourism, and urban planning are funding 125 projects worth ₹1,636 crore.

But such a large-scale project isn’t just a financial equation. It’s a massive administrative exercise.

To make the administration of Mahakumbh smooth and efficient, the entire mela area has been declared a temporary district called Mahakumbh Nagar (that’s the power of a federal system at play - states are free to create new districts or even abolish existing ones).

With 400 kms of temporary roads, 30 pontoon bridges and additional buses and trains deployed, Mahakumbh Nagar is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a seamless experience for the millions of devotees.

So who’s running the show?

The Mahakumbh 2025 is being managed entirely by Prayagraj Mela Authority, a body created specifically to manage melas in 2017.

At its helm is the Commissioner of Allahabad Division as Chairperson, supported by the Inspector General of Police and the District Magistrate as Vice-Chairpersons. But the real superhero of this massive operation is Vijay Kiran Anand, a 2009-batch IAS officer and this year’s Mela Adhikari. Known for his exceptional work as Mission Director of Swachh Bharat in Uttar Pradesh, he is ensuring that every element of this grand event runs like clockwork.

But isn’t all this a routine affair? After all, the kumbh has been around for centuries. Not quite.

The 2025 Mahakumbh is not only different in scale this year, but is also massively digitally driven. It is embracing innovation in many ways, making it unique in its own right:

• GIS-Based Maps: Visitors can use Google Maps for navigation, locating food stalls, emergency services, and more.

• Online Booking: Accommodation can be booked through platforms like IRCTC and its partners MakeMyTrip, and GoIBIBO.

• Drone Displays: 2,000 drones narrate mythological tales such as the Samudra Manthan.

• Immersive Virtual Reality: And for those who like to see the big picture—360-degree VR experiences bring major events like the Ganga Aarti and Peshwai procession to life.

But should a state which is among the top 5 poor states (as per NFHS-5 (2019-21), 22.93% of UP population are in multidimensional poverty) in the country spend so much?

It’s not merely spending; it’s an investment. The Kumbh is an economic powerhouse. With ₹2–3 lakh crore of economic activity anticipated, the state government expects ₹25,000 crore in revenue from taxes and services alone. That’s over three times the amount spent on organizing the Mahakumbh! The 1.5 lakh tents set up by the UP government are pulling their weight too. The luxury tent accommodations have tents priced at ₹18,000–₹20,000 a night (and ultra-premium stays touching ₹1 lakh per night), all of which are booked out.

A basic guesstimate tells us that the government is going to earn approx. 414 crores from these accommodations alone.

Besides, over 45,000 families are directly employed, with thousands of additional jobs in transportation, hospitality, and retail sectors.

From the Mughals to the British who saw the Kumbh's economic allure, to the current government aiming to extract maximum economic benefits, the economic potential of kumbh doesn’t seem to be lost on any one.

So, should you plan a visit?

Well, let’s address some classic concerns. Historically, the Kumbh has carried the notorious image of people getting lost in its vast crowds—a trope Bollywood has happily dramatized (think Andaz Apna Apna, Dharmatma, or Amar Akbar Anthony). But this year, the mela authority is determined to rewrite that narrative.

Advanced safety, security and accessibility features have been put in place at the Mahakumbh. The Lost-and-found services now utilize AI for real-time tracking, ensuring no one becomes the next “lost at Kumbh” story. Water safety will be taken care of by AI-powered cameras and underwater drones with remote-controlled life buoys for surveillance. A cybersecurity helpline (1903) along with 56 cyber experts are also in place to protect the devotees from digital fraud.

If you are planning to attend anyway, there are added perks. For instance, Netra Kumbh is offering 500,000 free eye check-ups, 300,000 spectacles, and referrals for cataract surgery. Meanwhile BHISHM Cubes, your mobile medical units are ready to handle 200 emergencies and respond within 12 minutes.

Along with all this, the Mahakumbh is also upping the ante with its eco-friendly initiatives. Single-use plastics are banned in favor of biodegradable materials like leaf plates and clay cups, 3 lakh native saplings have been planted around the Mela grounds and e-rickshaws, electric autos, and Pink Taxis driven by women are being heavily encouraged.

Q: If this is the world’s biggest gathering in humanity’s history, what is the international response around Kumbh?

The Mahakumbh is garnering extensive international media coverage, but that’s just the beginning. Strategic efforts are being made to globalize Kumbh and connect with audiences worldwide:

• Thematic Pavilions at international events like FITUR in Madrid and ITB Berlin, showcasing UP’s spiritual heritage.

• VVIP Lounges for B2B and B2C sessions to foster partnerships and investments.

• Multilingual Outreach with promotional materials in English and European languages.

• The Incredible India Pavilion, a 5,000 sq. ft. cultural hub at the Mela, featuring the “Dekho Apna Desh” poll and a multilingual tourist helpline.

As per the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, more than 15 lakh foreign tourists are expected to visit the Mahakumbh this year.

Faith, Culture and Modernity

There’s no denying that Mahakumbh 2025 is a remarkable experiment in blending tradition with technology. By going global, embracing inclusivity, and aiming for sustainability, Uttar Pradesh has set a bold new standard for cultural festivals.

But as we marvel at this grand spectacle, let’s not shy away from the questions it raises.

Managing waste generated by millions while maintaining eco-friendly zones is ambitious, but its ultimate success will be determined by how these guidelines are enforced. What happens after the last tent is folded and the last visitor leaves?

Can political priorities align with long-term goals? Can we lead the way balancing faith with environmental responsibility or will it become another fleeting example of good intentions?

The Mahakumbh 2025 invites the world to witness the harmony of ancient traditions and modern innovations. But like every great story, it leaves us pondering: What’s next?

What do you think?

Book Mandala

In this section, we suggest a book to be read/listened to each week, for the inner policy enthusiast in you :)

Book: India that is Bharat: Coloniality, Civilisation, Constitution
Author: J. Sai Deepak

About the Book:
India, That Is Bharat: Coloniality, Civilisation, Constitution by J. Sai Deepak examines the lasting influence of colonialism on India's cultural, legal, and governance systems. It delves into the tension between Bharat’s indigenous civilizational ethos and the Western frameworks imposed during and after colonial rule. Through a detailed analysis of history, philosophy, and the making of the Indian Constitution, the book argues for the intellectual and cultural decolonization of India. It calls for rediscovering India's civilizational identity while critiquing the persistence of colonial ideologies in modern Indian institutions.

Our Take:
India, That Is Bharat is a thought-provoking and meticulously researched work that challenges readers to rethink India's identity through the lens of its civilizational ethos and colonial legacy. The book offers a compelling critique of how colonial frameworks continue to influence India's governance and culture, even after independence, while making a strong case for intellectual and cultural decolonization. Deepak’s analysis of the Indian Constitution and its alignment with Bharat’s indigenous traditions is particularly insightful, though some dense sections may require extra effort to navigate. Overall, it’s a good read for anyone seeking to understand the deeper layers of India’s socio-political evolution.

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Analysis #1: The government permits internet through Wi-Fi in air travel

Remember those airport bookstalls?

You’d spot travelers grabbing a novel or bestseller just before their flight, hoping for a few precious hours of peace, free from constant notifications. Well, brace yourselves—that little escape might soon be history.

Last week, the Ministry of Communications (Department of Telecommunications) dropped a big one: In-flight WiFi is coming to all domestic flights.

Yep, this means your favorite social media feeds won’t be grounded anymore. Your thumb can keep scrolling, and yes, your boss can still ping you with “just a quick thing” mid-flight. So, it’s not just about more access to WiFi—it’s also a policy move packed with implications.

Why the shift?

For years, in-flight WiFi was blocked mainly for security reasons, with concerns about signals interfering with essential aircraft communications. Plus, the infrastructure cost was (and still is) sky-high, making airlines question if enough people would pay for it.

In fact, back in 2018, India introduced the Flight and Maritime Connectivity Rules, allowing WiFi but only above 3,000 meters to avoid ground signal interference. In 2024, that altitude restriction was finally lifted, allowing WiFi as soon as devices are permitted on board.

So, what changed to make this possible now?

1. Stronger Cybersecurity: India’s cybersecurity infrastructure has evolved, recently achieving Tier-1 status. This provides a more robust framework to manage the risks of in-flight connectivity, making the skies safer for online access.

2. Growing Demand: With 5G now expanding to smaller towns, a surge in smartphone use, and more than double the number of operational airports since 2014, people expect to stay connected everywhere—yes, even at 35,000 feet.

3. Indigenous Satellite Capabilities: With ISRO’s impressive portfolio of 850+ satellite launches in the last eight years (a significant chunk being communication satellites), India may soon have full in-flight internet capabilities with homegrown tech. That’s just our hunch, but it seems like a strong possibility.

But there are a few concerns:

• Tech Sovereignty: With Starlink possibly entering India under this new policy, some worry that India’s connectivity could become linked to a private company with major geopolitical ties. Starlink’s involvement in Ukraine, where it limited satellite use in their conflict with Russia, shows how these dependencies could complicate things.

• Infrastructure Costs: Setting up in-flight WiFi is no small feat. Retrofitting planes with antennas and satellite connections is both expensive and time-consuming, meaning airlines might pass these costs onto passengers. So, don’t be surprised if in-flight WiFi leads to a bump in ticket prices.

The Bottom Line:

In-flight WiFi brings exciting perks like uninterrupted work, real-time travel updates, and more in-flight entertainment options. While costs and sovereignty concerns remain, this move aligns India’s aviation experience with global standards, adding appeal for passengers and elevating the overall flying experience.

Analysis #2: Did You Hear? Andhra Pradesh Now Has a "Whistleblower Guardian"

Guess what? The Andhra Pradesh government just appointed a senior police officer, at the ADG rank, to protect whistleblowers. Yes, you read that right—a dedicated "Whistleblower Guardian." But before we get into it, let’s take a moment to ask: who exactly is a whistleblower?

A whistleblower is someone who risks it all to expose illegal, unethical, or corrupt activities within an organization or government. They’re the ones brave enough to sound the alarm, often at great personal risk (career, safety, the whole shebang). Now, you might think, "Well, regular police should cover that, right?" But let's face it, calling out powerful figures comes with its own set of risks, and that's why whistleblowers need special protection.

Remembering the Price of Truth

India’s history with whistleblowers is, unfortunately, tragic. Think of names like Satyendra Dubey, Manjunath Shanmugam, and Satish Shetty. All were valiant individuals who exposed corruption, and all were murdered by powerful forces. Their deaths sparked national outrage and eventually led to the Right to Information Act in 2005 and the Whistleblowers Protection Act (WBPA) in 2014.

The WBPA aimed to provide a legal shield for whistleblowers, ensuring protection from retaliation. While it was a step forward, it lacked clarity on how exactly to implement those protections. Then came the 2015 Amendment, which put restrictions on disclosures about national security and sensitive areas like defense. The intent was to safeguard state interests, but it raised concerns: could it discourage whistleblowers from speaking out on issues of public importance? Now, the Act's real effectiveness hinges on robust enforcement and a genuine commitment to transparency.

So, What’s Happening in Andhra?

To bolster these protections, Andhra Pradesh has appointed a senior police officer to safeguard whistleblowers. It's a significant step, but here’s the burning question: Will it be enough?

Let’s take a little detour with an analogy. Picture the Great Wall of China—a mighty structure built to keep out invaders. But guess what? Despite its size and strength, China was invaded three times within just a century of its construction. And the problem wasn’t the wall; it was the guards. They were bribed, and invaders simply walked right through the gates.

Moral of the story? Systems are only as strong as the people enforcing them. Just like the Great Wall, Andhra’s whistleblower protection system will only be as effective as the integrity of those in charge of it.

However, systems do play a role! It’s two ways: One, it’s a message to potential corrupt elements, that the government is serious, while also informing the whistleblowers that they would be safe. Two, it’s a way to enforce accountability. Given that Andhra has a nodal authority now to safeguard whistleblowers, there is naturally stronger accountability placed on the appointed officer to ensure their safety.

For a state like Andhra Pradesh, which is building a new capital and striving for strong governance, this move is in line with its larger vision. But, just like the wall, its innate strength is important, and so is the importance of the moral strength of those tasked with guarding it. Here’s hoping the whistleblowers stay safe, and corruption gets the whistle it deserves.

Analysis #3: Did You Know? India’s Land Records Are Going Digital—And It’s About Time!

Remember some famous movie dialogues about India’s massive legal backlog?

We’re talking crores of cases just sitting there.

But guess what? 60% of those cases are all about land! Yes, land disputes: land grabbing, ownership issues, and good old-fashioned territorial drama. Right now, rural India is grappling with over 7.7 million land disputes. Imagine waiting for years—sometimes decades—for clarity on your land rights. It’s like playing a never-ending game of "Who Owns What?"—and no one’s winning.

But here's the exciting part: this is finally changing. India is going through a massive digital makeover, and land records are getting the digital treatment too! Last week, the government dropped some game-changing news: 95% of rural land records are now digitized!

Amazing right? Let’s go to be bit of backstory here: How Did We Get Here?

Let’s rewind to 2016. India launched the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) (yes, a massive name!). It was like giving India’s ancient, paper-heavy land records a full-blown tech upgrade.

Think about it: for decades, land records were scattered, often outdated, and let’s face it: mostly unverifiable. A holdover from the colonial era, India’s land records system was due for a 21st-century revamp. And thus, The DILRMP was born.

The results speak for themselves:

• 6.26 lakh villages now have computerized land records (almost every village in rural India!)

• 87% of Sub-Registrar Offices (SROs) have been linked to these records.

• 68% of cadastral maps (the land survey maps) are now digitized at the national level.

And now the government has extended DILRMP until 2025-26, with new features like Aadhaar-based integration and digitizing revenue courts. It's like a dream software update, connecting personal identities for land records!

Why Does This Matter?

Well, historically, India’s land records were mostly paper file-based: fragile, fragmented, and prone to corruption. Overlapping land claims, outdated paperwork, and local variations in record-keeping were the norm more than the exception. It was a mess, and it clogged up the courts. Now, with digitized land records, we get:

• Transparency – No more shady dealings or multiple land claims.

• Better dispute resolution – With electronic databases and GIS-based mapping, disputes can be solved faster.

• Fair compensation – In the case of land acquisition, precise geospatial data ensures no one gets underpaid for their land or no more false claims.

• Access to proof of ownership – No more running around in circles for land ownership papers.

What’s even cooler is that states are leading this game. Karnataka, for example, started this with the BHUMI portal in 2000, and since then slashed land dispute resolution time by half by digitizing its records. Maharashtra’s e-Mutation initiative launched in 2013 is speeding up land transfers, cutting out delays, and making land transactions smoother than a well-polished stone. Uttar Pradesh’s Bhulekh portal, launched in 2016, allows citizens to access and verify land records online, simplifying processes and boosting transparency. This is the classic case of Central Government learning from states, and improving on it.

But, Is It All Perfect?

Of course not! As with any new tech initiative, there are some hiccups. Missing data, incorrect entries, and other growing pains are part of the deal. But hey, Kashi wasn’t settled in a day (wink, wink), and neither will a perfect digital land system. The good news is that we’re on the right track—and within a decade, we can expect India’s land records to be largely clean and litigation-free.

Takeaway: Got Land? Check the Records First!

If you're planning to buy land anytime soon (because who isn’t dreaming of owning a little slice of heaven?), make sure to check the digital land records in your state. It’s a game changer for transparency and security, and maybe—just maybe—you’ll avoid the nightmare of a land dispute.

So, here’s to fewer legal dramas and more clear land titles! Let us know your experience if you’ve checked your land records. We might even feature your success story in the next newsletter! 🏡

Book Mandala

In this section, we suggest a book to be read/listened each week, for the inner policy enthusiast in you :)

Book: The Land of Seven Rivers

Author: Sanjeev Samyal

About: The Land of Seven Rivers by Sanjeev Sanyal is an exploration of India’s geography and history, interwoven with fascinating stories of ancient rivers, migration, and urban evolution. From the lost Saraswati River to colonial infrastructure, Sanyal connects India's physical landscape with its cultural and historical shifts, offering readers a dynamic, panoramic view of the subcontinent.

Our take: Interested in History? Or in Geography? Or in GeoPolitics? Or in India in general? Well, this book is a combination of all!

The book makes India’s complex landscape feel alive with stories of rivers, migrations, and cultural shifts. It’s an engaging read that reshapes how we see India, urging readers to look beyond the surface. This book is a compelling choice for anyone curious about how geography shapes history and identity.

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Below, we discuss three recent policy updates from the past week(s), and analyze them for you: From the nutritional debate around rice fortification, to India’s homegrown Global Rating Agency, and PM Gati Shakti’s infrastructure boost. Let’s go!

Analysis #1: Rice changes its nutrition: a double-edged sword?

Last week, the government announced the mandatory fortification of rice for the public distribution system. But what does that mean?

Think of rice fortification as giving our beloved grain a vitamin boost. It involves adding essential micronutrients—like vitamins and minerals—during processing to tackle nutrient deficiencies, aimed at enhancing the nutritional quality of rice.

Sounds great, right? After all, our humble rice is about to become a nutritional powerhouse.

Let’s get into more details before we make any judgments.

To understand the implications of this policy, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane. Sixty years ago, India faced a major food security crisis. Thanks to the Green Revolution, we transitioned from scarcity to surplus, now producing around 305 million metric tonnes of food grains (2021-22 season). While this was a monumental achievement, we have also set the stage for new challenges.

As India embraced modern agricultural practices, especially external seeds, and centralized procurement, it began losing its rich tapestry of food crops.

Just a few decades back, we had over 110,000 indigenous rice varieties, but now we’ve lost over 93.6% of our rice heritage, with only a handful of varieties still in mass cultivation. Much of this decline can be attributed to the dominance of major agribusiness corporations like Monsanto-Bayer, which controls about 30% of the global seed market. Their focus on high-yield varieties, along with the centralized procurement system, prioritized quantity over quality in rice: kind of like choosing the biggest fruit instead of the juiciest.

As the most consumed staple grain in India, rice caters to over 65% of the population, but the average rice grain is now devoid of essential micronutrients. This has created a dire situation, where one in two women is anemic, and one in three children suffers from stunted growth, as per the NFHS-5. These alarming stats show that merely having food isn’t enough; we need nutrition-specific interventions.

The government is now stepping up with mandatory rice fortification, committing over 17,000 crores to enhance the nutritional intake of 80 crore citizens with fortified rice enriched with nutrients like iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12. Isn’t this a rice revolution?

However, while fortification sounds like a superhero swooping in to save the day, it has its drawbacks.

Leaning too heavily on it could threaten our agricultural diversity by promoting monocultures, and the technology of rice processing often benefits larger agribusinesses, sidelining small farmers. So, while the government’s move to fortify rice aims to combat malnutrition, it raises critical questions. Should we invest in fortification as a quick fix, or prioritize increasing seed diversity for a more holistic approach to food security and nutrition? Finding the right balance will be crucial for India's long-term health and well-being—because who wouldn’t want to eat their way to a healthier future?

Analysis #2: India gets an In-house Global Rating Agency: Is it Time to Celebrate?

Can You Get a Loan?

Well, it depends.

Often, the answer lies in one little number: your credit score. Lenders scrutinize your history and financial status to decide if you’re worthy of their cash. Now, replace lenders with International funds, and you with a country, and that’s where Sovereign Rating Agencies come into play.

Historically, these agencies have been mainly located in the Global North, or “the land of developed countries.” This often translated to biases where they seemed to lack insights into the nuances of developing nations, underestimating their potential while overestimating their risks. Case in point? India’s sovereign rating has been stuck in neutral for 15 years, even while boasting one of the highest economic growth rates among major nations. Talk about a missed opportunity!

But fear not, Here comes CareEdge Global IFSC Ltd., the first Indian rating agency to dive into the Global Sovereign Ratings Scale. This subsidiary of CareEdge Ratings brings over three decades of experience in analytics and a deep understanding of various industries.

Last week, they rolled out sovereign ratings for 39 countries Big start.

This initiative offers hope for the Global South. With an independent sovereign credit rating agency, developing nations now have a shot at fair, bias-free assessments. 

CareEdge aims to compete internationally, stacking its ratings against existing agencies like:

• S&P, Moody’s, and Fitch (USA)

• Dagong Global (China)

• Japan Credit Rating Agency (Japan)

• Australian Ratings (Australia)

• Global Credit Ratings (South Africa)

• SR Rating (Brazil)

Sure, we might be late to the ratings party, but, better late than never.

The challenge ahead is for CareEdge to build credibility through transparency, innovative financial models, and, most importantly, unbiased ratings. The big question remains: Will CareEdge resist the temptation to align its ratings with government expectations or corporate interests? Only time will tell. 

For now, let’s celebrate this milestone and keep our eyes peeled for the real test of integrity in credit ratings.

Analysis #3: India’s Gati gets Shakti: Infrastructure gets a boost!

For decades, India leaned on its services sector as a sweet spot for development. But now, the government is shifting gears towards manufacturing and industrial growth. And what’s driving it? Infrastructure.

A key measure in this is the logistics costs—basically, how much money we’re spending just to move stuff around. India’s logistics costs have been a heavyweight—13-14% of GDP, compared to the global 8-9%. Ouch!

Why? Majorly because of Poor Infrastructural Investments and because major ministries preferred to work in silos than to coordinate efforts.

Enter PM Gati Shakti (PMGS) in October 2021, a massive ‘systemized’ coordination exercise ensuring that around 44 Central Ministries and 36 States/UTs streamline infrastructure projects in a unified manner, merging programs like Bharatmala, Sagarmala, UDAN, etc, aiming for a multi-modal transport system with a Whole-of-Government approach.

Now, the exciting part—three big updates dropped in the last two weeks, and that’s why we chose to cover this in Policy Mandala:

1. Geospatial Platform: A technology upgrade bringing 1,614 data layers (land, forests, highways, etc.) together to make planning faster, and more efficient. Big Data is here.

2. District Master Plan: A portal for district authorities to work with central/state officials to fill infrastructure gaps and plan for the future. The portal has already been made live for 28 aspirational districts, with a full rollout expected in 18 months.

3. Border Area Development: The Border Roads Organisation launched 75 critical road and bridge projects along the Tibet border (China), improving national security, and ensuring fewer "bumpy rides" at the borders.

But wait, there’s more.

PMGS is also the new secret weapon for social programs. The Food and Public Distribution department is saving ₹20 crores a month just by mapping optimal routes for Ration godowns—talk about smart deliveries. Even, the Tribal Affairs Ministry is using the data to map 45 lakh vulnerable tribal groups across their habitats.

And there is more, the government also plans to open up part of PMGS data to private players to optimize their operations. They might soon get in on the fun too, with MoUs signed with Nepal and Sri Lanka to share the Gati Shakti blueprint. A real Vishwa Mitra (World’s Friend) moment.

But is it all too good to be true? Maybe. The real test could be India’s ranking in the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index (LPI), as it aims for a top 25 spot by 2030. Until then, let’s cheer for a policy that’s as slick as it sounds.

Book Mandala

In this section, we suggest a book to be read/listened each week, for the inner policy enthusiast in you :)

Book: Factfullness

Author: Hans Rosling, Anna Rosling Rönnlund, Ola Rosling

About the book: Factfulness is a rollercoaster ride that constantly challenges the reader to examine their common misconceptions about the world. The book emphasizes a fact-based worldview, showing that despite challenges, global progress is significant while identifying ten human instincts that distort our understanding of the world.

Our Take: Hans Rosling’s book is a must-read for policy scholars, researchers, and policymakers. It offers a refreshing perspective on global development and encourages informed decision-making based on data rather than fear. While most of our policy papers start by highlighting the global gap we are solving, Factfulness offers hope in seeing the long-term positive impacts that past decisions may have had in building the current world.

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Did you know that in 2023, industries contributed 25%¹ to India’s GDP and employed 27%² of the population? Compare that to China’s 39% and Bangladesh’s 24%, and you’ll see we have a golden opportunity to boost our manufacturing sector and hit that $5 trillion economy goal in the next three years.

But why are we discussing this today?

Because the government announced that it is rolling out 12 new industrial cities across 10 states. But does building new cities automatically mean a manufacturing boom?

Not exactly, but it’s a big step in the right direction.

For manufacturing to thrive, we need a few essentials: friendly government policies, raw materials, labor, land, investments, and solid infrastructure like roads, power, and water. Over the past decade, the government has been ticking these boxes with policy reforms in FDI and taxation, and incentives like the PLI scheme and Make In India. Initiatives like PM Gati Shakti and the National Logistics Policy are also making it easier to move goods across the country.

These new cities are part of the National Industrial Corridor Development Program (NIDCP), strategically placed across 10 states and six major industrial corridors. This means all the recent policy and infrastructure improvements will directly benefit these cities.

Smart move, right?

The cities include Khurpia (Uttarakhand), Rajpura (Punjab), Dighi (Maharashtra), Palakkad (Kerala), Agra and Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), Gaya (Bihar), Zaheerabad (Telangana), Orvakal and Kopparthy (Andhra Pradesh), and Jodhpur (Rajasthan), while one more city will be announced soon.

You see 5 out of these 12 cities come from states with top-3 ranks in Ease of Doing Business rankings. Sounds like a reward for improving their business environment, right!

With an estimated cost of around ₹28,000 crore, this project is set to revolutionize India’s industrial landscape. Currently, India accounts for about 2% of global trade⁶, but this initiative is a step towards capturing at least 10%.

On the global stage, the China+1 strategy is gaining traction, and this move is likely to grab the attention of many International corporations looking to diversify their supply chains. Socially, these new cities are expected to create around 4 million jobs, boosting employment and improving socio-economic conditions in states like Bihar, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh.

In a nutshell, these new industrial cities are set to transform India’s manufacturing landscape and create millions of jobs. It’s an exciting leap towards a more prosperous and globally competitive India, with a string of policies enabling it!

Story 2: Unified Pension Scheme: New (or the old?) chapter in Government Jobs

On any given day, 1 in 20 Indians is prepping for a government job. Why? Because it’s the ultimate ticket to job security, a decent income for life, and a respectable status in society. But here’s the kicker: only 1 in 300 aspirants⁸ will actually land one of these coveted positions, often spending crucial years chasing this dream. And now, there’s a ‘new’ twist to this dream: Stable Pension Income for life and beyond. Enticing, right? Let’s take a trip down memory lane.

Until 2004, the government was doling out mandatory pensions to all its employees.

However, this was deemed unsustainable for national finances. Enter the National Pension Scheme (NPS), where both the government and the employee chipped in 10% each. Fast forward to 2019, and the government upped its contribution to 14%. Now, with the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) on the horizon, the government plans to increase its share to 18% starting April 2025.

While this isn’t exactly a return to the pre-2004 model, the new scheme does guarantee a minimum fixed pension of up to 50% of the last-drawn salary for government employees. This has been a long-standing demand, and states like Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh have already implemented it.

But what does this mean for us, the middle-class working Indians

Switching from NPS to UPS will add an extra ₹6250 crore⁹  to the government’s expenses. To put that in perspective, that’s roughly the cost of adding 20 km of metro⁹ line annually in a city like Bengaluru or the cost of insuring the crops of 2 crore farmers¹¹ in India.

So, this additional cost to the central government means less money for other infrastructure projects or social security efforts aimed at the weaker sections of society, like our farmers and workers. So, the big question is: Is it fair to use taxpayer money to fund pensions for government employees who form a very small segment of the workforce while many others lack basic social security? What do you think?

While we wait to see the true impact of this move, we hope for more government efforts to create meaningful employment opportunities for the youth by investing in the entrepreneurial, manufacturing, and services sectors.

Story 3: Population Survey 2024: The Wait Isn’t Over Yet!

We’re 3.5 years late for our nationwide headcount, and while we wait.

143 countries¹² have already wrapped up their censuses since 2020. So, why are we late?

Pandemic Lockdowns? A digital shift from paper counts to mobile surveys? The urge to also do a national population register? We'll never know.

What do we know or Need to know?

• Firstly, in the 2011 Census, questions about owning a transistor or TV were used to assess economic status; will the 2024 Census focus on OTT subscriptions or WiFi speed as new parameters?

• Secondly, in 2011, the census cost us roughly ₹18.19 per person¹³ to be counted. With tech reducing costs and inflation increasing them, what’s it gonna be this time?

• Thirdly, the 2024 census is expected to take 18 months, so just by the time it’s done, we might have 2 crore more people to count. Can we make it shorter? What’s your suggestion?

Why It Matters?

The census is the foundation of policy-making without census from MGNREGA to Public Distribution System, and from planning public health infrastructure to our cities’ urban planning models, all of these could end up being less effective and more hit-or-miss. It’s like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. It just doesn’t work.

Hopefully, soon someone will be at our door asking for more than just directions—someone gathering data to help shape our future. 

Let’s get this done before we hit 1.5 billion!

Self Mandala

Reflection #1

Over 60% of India’s population is dependent on agriculture¹⁴, and like everyone else farmers also need some financial security when they are old? What would it take to create a system for Farmers' financial security in old age? Can we create a farmer’s pension scheme? What else can we do?

It’s time to consider a sustainable and inclusive retirement plan for everyone—not just the lucky few in government jobs or do we?

Reflection #2

With a new census coming in, what do we want measured in it?

There have been various demands, from some political parties wishing to measure caste data, and some thought groups have asked for deeper technology penetration data. Some thinkers we talked to about creating a digital map of human density via e-collection of information, while some experts shared the possibility of a digital information stack emanating from the upcoming census.

What would you want to be measured with the upcoming census?

Book Recommendation

How Prime Ministers Decide by Neerja Chowdhury

The book takes us through a journey of important decisions made by 6 Indian Prime Ministers: From Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, PV Narasimha Rao, VP Singh, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh. The author’s, personal experience of covering the PMO over 4 decades, along with interviews with close associates of past Prime Ministers gives us an insider view into the minds of India’s top leaders and their thought processes while taking historical decisions that changed the course of the country's history.

Our take: For any current and aspiring policymaker, decision-making is the most critical skill, and this book takes us on an adventure ride through the complexity of decision-making, and how politics and policy play together to run the nation.