Azim Premji University Releases Comprehensive Welfare Handbook
Azim Premji University has published 'Realising Rights: A Handbook of Welfare in India', a detailed analysis of the country's welfare system. Developed by the Centre for the Study of the Indian Economy (CSIE), the handbook brings together 27 authors across 18 chapters, offering a rights-based examination of India's welfare policies and public systems.
India operates one of the largest welfare systems globally, covering most of its population through programs addressing food security, health, education, nutrition, employment, and social protection. Measures such as the Public Distribution System (PDS), MGNREGA, and social security transfers were critical in protecting vulnerable households during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key Findings on State and Union Spending
State governments account for nearly 90% of India's social sector spending, while the Union government's share has declined from 23.6% in 2008-09 to 8.5% in 2024-25. Collectively, governments spend about 7% of GDP and 21% of total public expenditure on welfare sectors covered in the volume.
Public spending on education remains around 4% of GDP and health below 2% of GDP, both below policy targets.
Expansion of Rights-Based Interventions
Rights-based interventions have significantly expanded welfare coverage. Anganwadi centres increased from 6 lakh to 14 lakh following Supreme Court orders. The National Food Security Act expanded subsidised foodgrain coverage from 36.3 crore to over 81 crore people. MGNREGA generated 200-300 crore person-days of employment annually, with women accounting for over 55% of employment generated.
The rapid expansion of cash transfer programmes is reshaping welfare delivery, while increasing digitisation creates new challenges around exclusion and accountability.
Gaps in Key Programmes
Key programmes continue to face gaps in coverage, funding, and implementation, including maternity benefits, nutrition programmes, pensions, and healthcare.
Quotes from University Leaders
Indu Prasad, President of Azim Premji University, said, "India's Constitution embodies a commitment to dignity, opportunity, and justice for every citizen. We hope this Handbook contributes to informed public dialogue and strengthens collective efforts to build a more equitable and inclusive India, advancing the aspiration of a Viksit Bharat that leaves no one behind."
Dipa Sinha from the Centre for the Study of the Indian Economy added, "The Handbook provides a comprehensive view of India's welfare landscape through an analysis of major rights-based interventions of the Union government. We hope it serves as a valuable resource for academics, journalists, practitioners, and students, while helping translate research into action."
About the Handbook and University
The handbook is available online at azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/publications/2026/book/realising-rights. Azim Premji University has campuses in Bengaluru, Bhopal, and Ranchi, established under respective state acts, with Azim Premji Foundation as the sponsoring body.
