What Actually Works in Development+ Redrawing Rajasthan
Policy Post #191
Dear Reader,
This week’s Policy Charcha is packed with big questions, sharp analysis, and the kind of research that sticks with you.
Want the ultimate cheat sheet to 30 years of development policy wins (and failures)? The World Bank’s latest paper distills decades of research into what actually works on the ground, from education to land titling, and why well-intentioned ideas often stumble at the last mile.
Over in Rajasthan, district borders were redrawn twice in two years, sparking both applause and anger. A fascinating article looks at how power, representation, and political calculus collide in one of India’s most complex state-level resets.
Also in this edition: Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh goes on record in a rare, wide-ranging interview, talking drones, Op Sindoor, China, fighter jets, and how India is quietly reshaping its defence strategy.
A big thank you to everyone who continues to engage with our curation—we see you, and we appreciate you.
As always, thank you for reading and championing better policy.
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With that, we bring to you: Policy Post #191!
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!
💡 Article Highlight:
Why Rajasthan Changed Its Map—Twice. And What It Means for You
Swarajya Magazine breaks down Rajasthan’s dramatic move to redraw its map adding 30 new districts and 3 divisions in just two years. Political theatre, public sentiment, and power equations collide in this fascinating state-level shakeup. The piece traces how the move, initially welcomed by many, sparked criticism over planning gaps, administrative strain, and electoral motivations, raising bigger questions about how India balances governance with political calculus.
📚 Research Highlight:
30 Years of Development Policy—What Actually Worked?
What separates successful development policies from failed ones? This landmark World Bank paper draws from 30 years of research to show that political commitment, administrative capacity, and local adaptation matter just as much as good ideas. From school reforms in Uganda to land titling in Ethiopia, it’s a global roadmap for turning policy into impact.
🚨 PPI Will Turn 5 Soon—And We’re Just Getting Started
Public Policy India will be five years old this Independence Day—what a journey. From our first post to building communities in 20+ cities, launching career databases, publishing 190+ editions of Policy Post, and connecting thousands to this space—we’ve grown, adapted, and (hopefully!) added value.
If you’ve got ideas on how we should mark the occasion—events, workshops, digital campaigns, just hit reply to this email. We’d love to hear what you think we should do to celebrate :)
Most of all: thank you. For reading, sharing, encouraging, and showing up. This platform is built by and for the community, and we’re grateful every single day.
📊 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:
👉🏽 In this episode of the Podcast with ANI News, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh offers a rare, on-the-record deep dive into India’s evolving military strategy. From Op Sindoor to drones, fighter jets, and tensions with China and Pakistan, he lays out what’s shaping India’s defence priorities today. A must-watch for anyone tracking national security, tech in warfare, and India's defence posture.
Climate + Health Corner
In Partnership With Swasti, The Health Catalyst
👉🏽 Monsoon Weather and Early Childhood Health in India
A study of over 250,000 Indian children reveals a troubling trend: excess monsoon rain during pregnancy or infancy increases the risk of stunting by 5–7%. In flood-prone, humid regions, the impact is even worse. With diarrhoea rates spiking during extreme rainfall and poor sanitation compounding the risk, the monsoon is quietly shaping children’s futures, not just by how much they grow, but whether they thrive at all.
👥 Community Updates:
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The aim is to organise regular in-person meet-ups, workshops, and career activities throughout the year to support your growth and learning. Most knowledge in public policy and social impact resides with individuals, not institutions, and knowledge transfer happens most effectively when we meet and exchange ideas. Join us and help spread the word so we can grow this space together in your city and across India. :)
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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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