India’s Health Systems Aren’t Climate-Ready + The Policy Conclave You Can’t Miss
Policy Post #192
Dear Reader,
This week’s edition of Policy Charcha brings together the financial DNA of India, a bold rethink of deregulation, and fresh research on how Aadhaar rewired access to money and identity. Whether you’re looking to understand India’s economic metamorphosis or simply want smarter policy perspectives in your inbox, this one's for you.
We also spotlight one of the must-attend policy events of the year. Limited seats, big conversations. Don’t miss it.
Let’s dive in!
As always, thank you for reading and championing better policy.
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With that, we bring to you: Policy Post #192!
Policy Charcha 💬
The best of Podcasts, Videos, Essays, Fellowships and other Career resources from the world of Policy and Governance from the week gone by!
💡 Essay Highlight:
“Deregulation Is Rarely a Stroke of the Pen” – Gulzar Natarajan
Forget the textbook idea that deregulation is a top-down policy flip. This sharp, honest essay explains why dismantling regulations in India is messy, political, and deeply contextual. Using case studies across agriculture, education, and more, it’s a sobering reminder that reforming the Indian state is never about just removing red tape.
📚 Research Highlight:
What Aadhaar got right (and what it didn’t) about Financial Inclusion
Aadhaar was never just about identity, it was also about infrastructure. This paper by xKDR Forum uncovers how digital rails powered inclusion, what worked, and what still needs fixing. It’s grounded, rigorous, and draws real lessons from implementation, not just intention. From the architecture of JAM (Jan Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile) to the last-mile frictions in rural banking, this piece unpacks what worked, what didn’t, and why digital transformation needs more than just tech
🗓️ Event Highlight: CPL Policy Conclave, New Delhi
A Front-Row Seat to India’s Policy Conversations
Since 2019, the (Citizens for Public Leadership) CPL Policy Conclave has brought together India’s sharpest policy minds to debate, ideate, and inform the future. In its 5th edition, this year’s conclave promises another power-packed lineup of talks, panels, and networking with policymakers and experts.
📍 India International Centre, New Delhi
📅 20 July 2025 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🪑 Limited seats only. Deadline to register: 13 July.
Note: Day 1 (19th July) is fully booked. Only 20th July slots available.
📊 Database Highlight:
Explore our revamped Policy Schools Database! Now covering policy schools and policy/development programs in 20+ countries worldwide. Check it out!
🔎 Databases and Guides:
Discover your ultimate career resource sheets for everything related to public policy! Our comprehensive mega-lists include over 150 organisations that are always on the lookout for talent, 200+ scholarships for Indian students, and 150+ public policy courses. Dive in and unlock incredible opportunities!
▶️Video Highlight:
👉🏽 On The Seen and the Unseen, Dr. KP Krishnan, former bureaucrat and financial sector expert, walks us through India’s incredible transformation from a closed economy to a digital financial powerhouse. From the 1991 reforms to UPI and DPI, this is a masterclass in how policy, technology, and politics shape financial systems.
Climate + Health Corner
In Partnership With Swasti, The Health Catalyst
👉🏽 India’s Health Systems Aren’t Ready for the Climate Crisis
A new 2025 report by CEEW and UNICEF reveals a critical gap: over 45% of India’s districts are highly vulnerable to climate-health threats, yet most healthcare systems aren’t equipped to respond. From lacking early warning systems to energy-insecure hospitals, the research calls for urgent reforms, from infrastructure and finance to governance and digital innovation. Our hospitals are on the frontlines without a plan. If climate shocks are the new normal, how do we build a health system that can survive them?
👥 Community Updates:
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Careers Corner 💼
A curated list of some of the best jobs and internship opportunities this week from the world of public policy, the development sector, impact consulting and communications at large.
📩 Best bit - if you know of a job/internship opening that’s not listed here, kindly just add that as a comment on the sheet: giving 20,000+ people immediate access to it!
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