Towards Health Security: A Study of PM-Jan Arogya Yojana Implementation in Two States
This study focuses on evaluating the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) in one urban state (Delhi) and one rural state (Bihar), assessing how well the scheme aligns with the goals of the National Health Policy 2017, particularly its commitment to Universal Health Coverage. As the world’s largest government-funded health assurance scheme, PM-JAY aims to provide financial protection of up to ₹5 lakhs per family annually for secondary and tertiary care to over 500 million vulnerable Indians.
While government sources highlight PM-JAY’s outreach in terms of cards issued, empaneled hospitals, and claim payments, they provide little insight into the real-world impact, such as the actual proportion of the population receiving quality care. Key gaps remain in understanding beneficiary identification, implementation models, hospital service quality, incentive structures, and grievance redress mechanisms.
The study directly addresses India’s urgent need for a functional Universal Health Care model that ensures access regardless of one’s ability to pay. At a time when the direction of healthcare reform remains contested, this research can provide evidence to support a balanced strategy combining public and private initiatives, with the state playing a regulatory role. Healthcare inequalities in India largely stem from inadequate public financing and infrastructure. While private healthcare and Indian medical professionals are globally respected, access remains skewed. PM-JAY, as the world’s largest public health assurance initiative, offers valuable lessons for the global South, and this research contributes to understanding how such schemes can reduce inequality and promote inclusive health systems.
Conversations with Councillors: What Matters
This is an ISS (Institute for Social Sciences) initiative aimed at understanding the priorities, challenges, and aspirations of elected councillors in urban governance. The study focuses on the Delhi Municipal Corporation area, where selected councillors are being interviewed to gain insights into their experiences and perspectives.
The research seeks to explore:
- Councillors’ Vision for Development: What are their key priorities for their constituencies, and how do they perceive progress and growth?
- Opportunities and Challenges: What are the major obstacles they face in fulfilling their roles, and what opportunities exist for effective governance?
- Relationship with Bureaucracy: How do councillors interact with administrative officials, and what dynamics shape this relationship?
- Capacity Building Needs: What skills and resources do councillors believe enhance their effectiveness?
Support Systems: What kind of institutional or policy support do they require from the government and other agencies to perform their duties more efficiently?
Through these conversations, the study aims to provide actionable recommendations to strengthen local governance, improve councillor-bureaucracy collaboration, and ensure more responsive and effective urban development.
What Next for Best Panchayats
India, several Panchayats have demonstrated exceptional performance in delivering basic amenities, ensuring good governance, and improving service delivery for their communities. Recognized and awarded annually by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, these top-performing Panchayats serve as models of effective rural governance.
This ISS-led cross-country study examines award-winning Panchayats from different states to identify:
- Key Success Factors: What governance practices, leadership approaches, and institutional mechanisms enabled these Panchayats to excel?
- Future Vision of Panchayat Leaders: How do elected representatives and local administrators envision the next phase of development for their Panchayats?
- Capacity Building Needs: What skills, resources, and policy support do these Panchayats require to evolve into ‘next-generation Panchayats’—more empowered, technologically advanced, economically sustainable?
By analyzing these aspects, the study aims to document best practices, highlight systemic enablers, and recommend actionable strategies to strengthen Panchayati Raj institutions across India. The findings will assist policymakers, development agencies, and local leaders in replicating success and fostering transformative rural governance.
