In 2025, India made significant strides in empowering millions of its citizens, from farmers to women and youth, through systemic improvements in digital health, social protection, and skills development. These changes provided stability, new opportunities, and practical support, reaching 42 million farmers, 32 million women, and 116,000 youth, and contributing to broader national progress.
Dr. Angela Lusigi, UNDP India Resident Representative, brings over 25 years of experience in socio-economic analysis, sustainable development, and resource mobilisation, with a focus on youth empowerment, gender equality, and leadership. Her expertise supports UNDP’s partnership with the Government of India in designing and implementing programs that strengthen public systems for those most in need.
Public systems across India became more reliable and responsive in 2025. Digital health records ensured pregnant women and children received timely vaccinations even when families moved, while local crèches enabled women to pursue paid work. Farmers facing erratic weather accessed insurance in time to replant without falling into debt. These improvements demonstrate how everyday systems, rather than singular initiatives, can shape meaningful outcomes for millions.
India strengthened its digital public health infrastructure through U-WIN and the Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN), tracking millions of mothers and children and monitoring vaccine supplies at thousands of cold-chain points. More than one million female frontline workers were trained, reducing missed appointments and ensuring continuity of care.
Women’s workforce participation increased with the expansion of community-based childcare through Mission Shakti’s PALNA Scheme, making paid work accessible while creating employment in the care economy. Informal workers, particularly waste pickers, gained access to identity documents, insurance, and welfare schemes, reducing vulnerability and providing a reliable safety net.
Skills development initiatives aligned with local labour markets enabled 116,000 youth, including women and members of marginalized communities, to transition into formal employment. Crop insurance programs under PMFBY and the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme reached 42 million farmers, including women, with faster digital claim processing mitigating the impact of climate shocks.
Climate action and resilience efforts were strengthened through policies, financing, and community engagement. India implemented its first National Adaptation Plan, a gender-responsive Biodiversity Finance Plan, and subnational Climate Finance Facilities. Community-led projects restored degraded land and supported sustainable livelihoods for tens of thousands of people. Women led local climate initiatives, adopting resilient agricultural practices and mobilizing self-help groups for sustainable practices.
Local development planning became more data-driven, with state budgets and programs better aligned with community needs, improving outcomes in health, livelihoods, and climate resilience. Access to justice improved through technology, outreach, and legal awareness programs, particularly for marginalized populations, supported by trained para-legal volunteers.
India’s progress in 2025 also influenced solutions beyond its borders through South–South Cooperation. Crop insurance reforms and digital health systems like U-WIN and eVIN were shared with countries such as Zambia and Lao PDR, demonstrating the adaptability and global relevance of India’s public systems.
Taken together, these initiatives reflect a broader trend: public systems that follow people, respond earlier, and stay consistent can transform everyday life. In 2025, India’s efforts made progress tangible for millions, showing that lasting change emerges from reliable, adaptive institutions that keep showing up for those who need them most.
