There was a time when running a business was simpler. A founder knew the customers, understood the product, managed the finances, supervised operations, and made most major decisions personally.

ArthaVerse Positions Virtual Co-Founders as the Next Evolution in SME Support

That old model is quietly reaching its limits.

Today’s entrepreneur must navigate marketing, customer acquisition, finance, technology, compliance, hiring, automation, AI, and customer retention — all while running the business. The demands on founders have multiplied, but the size of their leadership teams often has not.

As India observes World MSME Day on 27th June, this shift is worth reflecting upon because it is changing how small and medium enterprises grow and compete.

A Story Many Will Recognise

Picture a small manufacturing company in a tier-2 town.

The founder has spent two decades mastering production, building customer relationships, and maintaining quality. Orders come in. The business survives.

But growth feels increasingly difficult.

He knows marketing could be improved. He suspects automation could increase efficiency. Customers expect faster responses. Competitors appear more visible online. Financial planning is becoming more complex. Hiring a full-time Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Financial Officer, or Chief Technology Officer is simply not practical.

The challenge is not a lack of effort. The challenge is that one person is trying to be CEO, Head of Sales, CMO, CFO, and CTO simultaneously.

Multiply this story across India’s estimated 6.3 crore MSMEs, and a common pattern emerges. Businesses that contribute significantly to employment and GDP often lack access to the specialised leadership capabilities that larger companies take for granted.

Why This Moment Is Different

Three changes are making this challenge more urgent than ever.

First, business complexity has increased dramatically. Marketing is no longer just advertising. Finance is no longer bookkeeping. Technology is no longer a support function. Each has become a strategic driver of growth.

Second, the pace of change has accelerated. AI, automation, customer engagement platforms, digital commerce, and data analytics are reshaping industries faster than many SMEs can adapt.

Third, specialised talent remains out of reach for many growing businesses. The need for strategic leadership has never been greater, but the cost of building a full executive team remains prohibitive.

The result is a widening leadership gap.

The Rise of the Virtual Co-Founder

A new model is beginning to emerge to address this challenge.

Instead of hiring multiple senior executives, SMEs are increasingly working with what may be called Virtual Co-Founders — trusted growth partners who combine technology, expertise, and execution support to help founders scale their businesses.

Unlike traditional consultants who deliver recommendations and leave, virtual co-founders work alongside entrepreneurs. They help implement systems, improve processes, strengthen financial discipline, accelerate customer acquisition, deploy technology, and create repeatable growth engines.

Their role is not to replace the founder’s vision. Their role is to complement it.

Just as startups benefit from co-founders with different strengths, SMEs are discovering they too can access specialised leadership without the overheads of a large management team.

The Opportunity Hidden in This Shift

Technology has made this model possible at scale.

Cloud software, AI agents, workflow automation, CRM platforms, business intelligence tools, and collaborative digital infrastructure now allow experts to work closely with businesses regardless of geography.

For the first time, a company with fifty employees can access strategic capabilities once available only to enterprises with thousands.

This represents a significant opportunity for India’s MSMEs. The real advantage is no longer access to technology itself. Most tools are already available. It lies in knowing how to integrate them into everyday business operations and convert them into measurable outcomes.

Building the Response

SMEs do not need another dashboard, another software subscription, or another consultant producing a presentation.

What they need is a partner who thinks like an owner.

A partner who can blend finance, marketing, technology, AI, customer engagement, workflow automation, and business intelligence into a practical growth strategy.

Technology is no longer the bottleneck. Adoption is!

The challenge lies in adapting these tools to the hundreds of unique workflows that exist across India’s SMEs and ensuring that transformation actually happens.

Sumeet Mohanty, Co-Founder of ArthaVerse, believes this is where the future lies. “Most SME owners do not need another vendor. They need trusted partners who can work alongside them in areas such as finance, marketing, technology, and business transformation. We are building an ecosystem of CFOs, CMOs, chartered accountants, technologists, consultants, and industry experts who operate within a common framework and help businesses navigate their growth journey. The objective is not to sell software. It is to help founders build stronger businesses.”

As India celebrates World MSME Day, it is worth remembering that the next phase of SME growth may not be driven by access to capital alone.

It may be driven by access to better leadership.

Businesses that successfully combine entrepreneurial vision with virtual co-founder capabilities will be the ones that adapt faster, scale smarter, and remain competitive in an increasingly complex economy.

Arthaverse Product Showcase

To understand how this approach works in practice, watch the following overview of the ArthaVerse virtual co-founder model: www.youtube.com/watch.

About ArthaVerse
ArthaVerse accelerates the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises by providing them with the strategic capabilities typically available only to larger organizations. Acting as a fractional Chief Marketing Officer or Chief Financial Officer, ArthaVerse helps SMEs transform their Sales, Marketing, and Finance functions through a powerful combination of in-house technology platforms, domain expertise, and a curated network of specialist partners.

Supra Pacific Financial Services Limited, a BSE-listed Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), today announced an ambitious expansion plan to establish 500 branches across 15 states over the next three years, while targeting an asset base of INR 2,500 crore as part of its long-term growth strategy.

L to R: Deepak Francis (Business Head), R. Balakrishnan (Head – Treasury), Rajeev M. R. (CFO), Mahesh Thakkar (Chairman, FIDC), Manoj Ravi (CEO), and Bindu Menon (Zonal Head – Maharashtra)

The company also inaugurated its new Corporate Office in Andheri, Mumbai, in the presence of Mr. Mahesh Thakkar, Chairman of the Finance Industry Development Council (FIDC), and Mr. Manoj Ravi, CEO of Supra Pacific Financial Services Limited, along with eminent industry leaders, key stakeholders and members of the company’s leadership team.

As part of its expansion roadmap, Supra Pacific will mark its presence in Gujarat, Delhi, Rajasthan, Odisha and Telangana, while expanding operations across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Goa. In the present phase, the company will open five new branches in Goa, further enhancing access to formal financial services in underserved regions.

The company has recorded strong growth, with its assets increasing by 64.39% during FY 2025-26, from INR 290 Crore to INR 499 Crore. It now aims to achieve INR 750 Crore in assets during the current financial year, progressing towards its INR 2,500 Crore target within three years.

Supra Pacific continues to diversify its lending portfolio across gold loans, microfinance, vehicle finance and business loans. It also plans to introduce working capital loans ranging from INR 10 lakh to INR 1 crore for traders and MSMEs, alongside a new mobile application to deliver faster and more seamless digital financial services.

Commenting on the company’s growth plans, Mr. Manoj Ravi, CEO, Supra Pacific Financial Services Limited, said, “India’s growth story presents a tremendous opportunity to bridge the credit gap, particularly across Tier II, Tier III and Tier IV cities, rural villages and the country’s hinterlands. While financial inclusion has made significant progress, access to formal credit, especially Gold Loans and small business lending, remains limited in many regions. By strengthening our presence across the country, we aim to contribute meaningfully towards India’s financial inclusion agenda and support the nation’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.”

As part of its long-term growth strategy, the company also plans to expand its workforce from 700 to over 2,000 employees over the next three years and launch a public issue of Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) during FY 2026-27 to support its future growth plans.

With a strong focus on technology-driven innovation, responsible lending and customer-centric services, Supra Pacific Financial Services Limited continues to strengthen its position as a trusted financial partner driving inclusive growth across India.

About Supra Pacific Financial Services Limited
Supra Pacific Financial Services Limited is a Mumbai-headquartered Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) offering a comprehensive suite of financial solutions. Its core offerings include gold loans, microfinance, vehicle finance, and business loans, complemented by personal loans, investment products, and insurance broking services.

Led by Managing Director Joby George (MD) and recently appointed CEO Manoj Ravi, the company focuses on technology-driven growth and financial inclusion. In FY2026 the company reported revenue of ~INR 920.8 million (net profit INR 78.8m) and a loan portfolio of ~INR 335.6 crore. It has pursued recent fund-raising (INR 20cr NCD issuance) and leadership changes to bolster expansion. As an ISO-certified Great Place To Work, Supra Pacific emphasizes trustworthy, customer-centric service. Supra Pacific stresses “inclusive, reliable, growth-oriented” financial services and remains committed to empowering customers through transparency and swift service.

For more information, please log on to www.suprapacific.com.

TATA Starbucks has announced the launch of its reimagined Starbucks Rewards program, featuring Green, Gold and the newly introduced Reserve tier. The enhanced program is designed to offer members greater value through faster earning, easier redemption and access to a broader suite of rewards, benefits and experiences as they progress through the program. The updated tiers include:

• Green: The entry tier where members can earn Starbucks Rewards faster, and choose to redeem Rewards of their choice

• Gold: Customers can get upgraded to Gold by accumulating 1000 Stars within a year of joining

• Reserve: Comes with a sleek, black personalized card customized with the customer’s name and the first year they joined the program. Customers can get upgraded on accumulating 5000+ Stars within a year of joining

TATA Starbucks Reimagines its Loyalty Program with New Rewards and Enhanced Benefits

The Starbucks Rewards program will now offer a host of customer benefits with each level unlocking an expanded portfolio of rewards and experiences as they deepen their engagement with the brand:

• Faster Earning: Members will earn 1 Star for every Rs.10 spent, with Gold Members earning 1.2X Stars and Reserve Members earning 1.3X Stars on every Rs. 10 spent

• More Accessible Rewards: Lower redemption thresholds make it easier for members to unlock rewards and enjoy benefits sooner, bringing them closer to the experiences and rewards they value

• Benefits at Every Level: Members can enjoy a range of benefits including personalized offers, birthday rewards, milestone celebrations, Double Stars Days and member-exclusive offers, ensuring every visit feels more rewarding

• Enhanced Member Experiences: As members progress through the program, they will also unlock additional benefits including Free Customized Mondays (every member can receive one free modifier on any handcrafted drink), accelerated Star earnings, exclusive merchandise, curated coffee experiences, special event access and other member-only privileges

Adrit Mishra, COO, TATA Starbucks, said, “At TATA Starbucks, we are constantly looking for ways to strengthen our connection with customers and create experiences that are meaningful, rewarding and personalized. The reimagined Starbucks Rewards program reflects our commitment to delivering greater value to our members by making rewards easier to earn and redeem, while introducing new benefits and experiences that celebrate loyalty. Whether someone is just beginning their Starbucks Rewards journey or is one of our most loyal members, the program has been designed to reward them at every stage.”

For more information and to start enjoying these rewards, visit the Starbucks India mobile application.

About TATA Starbucks Private Limited

Starbucks entered the Indian market in October 2012 through a 50/50 Joint Venture with Tata Consumer Products Limited and currently operates more than 506 stores in India across 81 cities, Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Alibaug, Amritsar, Anand, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhatinda, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Faridabad, Gandhinagar, Ghaziabad, Goa, Guntur, Gurgaon, Guwahati, Gwalior, Haridwar, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Indore, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolhapur, Kolkata, Lonavala, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mangalore, Meerut, Mumbai, Mussoorie, Mysore, Nagpur, Nashik, New Delhi, Noida, Pathankot, Patiala, Pondicherry, Pune, Raipur, Siliguri, Sonipat, Surat, Thrissur, Trivandrum, Udaipur, Vadodara, Vapi, Vijayawada, Varanasi and Vizag are cities in India. through a network of over 4,305 passionate partners (employees). Starbucks stores are operated by the joint venture, TATA Starbucks Private Limited, and branded as Starbucks Coffee – A TATA Alliance.

Rehab on Wheels (RoW), a mobile rehabilitation initiative delivering accessible and affordable care, has achieved a significant milestone in FY 2022-26, delivering over 27,000 rehabilitation interventions, surpassing its annual targets and directly reaching individuals across rural and peri-urban geographies of Karnataka.
 

A joint initiative by APD and ABB India, launched in November 2022, RoW was started to address critical gaps in access, affordability, and awareness of rehabilitation services, particularly in last-mile regions.
 

APD’s Rehab on Wheels team reaches communities with on-ground rehabilitation support, bringing services closer to PWDs
 

Operating through a transdisciplinary approach, RoW provides physiotherapy, medical consultations, assistive device assessments, audiology services, and caregiver training through both fixed centres and mobile units. By delivering services directly within communities, the initiative reduces dependence on urban healthcare facilities and ensures continuity of care.
 

During FY 2022–26, the initiative has also:

• Conducted 6,000 plus awareness and sensitisation activities

• Delivered 300 plus assistive device assessments and distributions

• Organised 12 medical camps, exceeding planned targets

• Strengthened early identification and intervention through engagement with ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and local stakeholders
   

Marking the fourth year of Rehab on Wheels, GNV Subba Rao, Global Head of Operations, Center – Automation & Head of ABB Innovation Center, India, said, “Over the past three years, Rehab on Wheels has evolved into a critical last-mile intervention that is bridging gaps in access, affordability, and awareness of rehabilitation services. Today, we are seeing tangible outcomes in terms of improved mobility, reduced pain, and stronger community participation. More importantly, the initiative is enabling early identification, strengthening referral systems, and building local capacity, making rehabilitation more sustainable at the community level.”
 

A rehabilitation session underway as community members participate in exercises and receive support
 

Dr. N.S. Senthil Kumar (PhD Rehabilitation), President of APD Futures at The Association of People with Disability (APD, India), added, “Rehab on Wheels today stands as a strong example of how innovation and partnerships can address the inherent gaps in healthcare access. The scale it has achieved, along with the outcomes on the ground, reinforces our belief that such models can be expanded to reach many more underserved communities.”
 

What began as a single mobile unit is now scaling into a fleet of 3 buses, thanks to many other corporates showing interest in supporting Rehab on Wheels, an innovative, time-tested program helping APD to expand its reach across Bangalore and surrounding regions, demonstrating a scalable model for inclusive, community-based rehabilitation in India.
 

About The Association of People with Disability (APD)

APD is a pioneering non-profit organisation, established in 1959 by the late Ms N. S. Hema. APD has impacted over 6 lakh People with Disability from underprivileged communities from remote, rural, and poor socioeconomic backgrounds. Various programs by APD cover 18 out of 21 disabilities stated in the RPWD Act 2016. With a diverse and inclusive team of over 230 members (45% Women and 30% PwDs), APD reaches out to over 60,000 direct and indirect beneficiaries annually. APD is managed by a professional team of developmental and technical experts overseen by an eminent Board of Governors and Trustees. The Association maintains the highest standards of governance, has been acknowledged by multiple donors, and is accredited by independent agencies like the TISS, Credibility Alliance, RCI, and NIPMAN Foundation.

To learn more, visit www.apd-india.org.
 

About ABB

ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company’s solutions connect engineering know-how and software to optimize how things are manufactured, moved, powered, and operated. Building on more than 130 years of excellence, ABB’s ~105,000 employees are committed to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation. 
 

ABB has been present in India for more than a century and has been manufacturing for more than 75 years. ABB India has more than 8000 employees across manufacturing, R&D, design and business services, with a pan-Indian presence. ABB India is working closely with partners and customers to electrify, automate, and digitalize energy-efficient solutions to partner with India’s net-zero journeys.
 

ABB is a pioneering technology leader that works closely with utility, industry, transportation and infrastructure customers to write the future of industrial digitalization and realize value.

To learn more, visit ABB Group | Helping industries outrun – leaner and cleaner | ABB.

• Stephen Koshy International Masters Basketball Tournament is scheduled to be held from 25th to 28th June 2026 at the Sports Council International Indoor Stadium, Kottayam, Kerala.

• 35 women players across 30+, 35+, 40+ and 45+ age categories will be participating in the tournament with the support of Kauvery Hospital.

Kauvery Hospital is sponsoring women players participating in the Stephen Koshy International Masters Basketball Tournament 2026, which will be held from June 25 to 28 at the Sports Council International Indoor Stadium in Kottayam, Kerala.

Kauvery Hospital Supports Women Players Participating in the Stephen Koshy International Masters Basketball Tournament 2026

The tournament will feature 100 teams across the men’s and women’s categories. Kauvery Hospital will support 35 women players who will participate in four age categories: 30+, 35+, 40+, and 45+. from Phoenix India Academy Basketball Club. The women participants come from diverse personal and professional backgrounds, including working women, married women, homemakers and mothers, from different cities and regions, including Chennai, Bangalore, Dehradun, Mumbai, Punjab, Kerala, Coimbatore and Salem.

Through its support for the tournament, Kauvery Hospital aims to encourage active living, fitness, preventive health awareness and greater participation of women in sport. The initiative also highlights the importance of women continuing to prioritise their health, passion and personal fitness at every stage of life.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Manivannan Selvaraj, Managing Director, Kauvery Hospital, said, “At Kauvery Hospital, supporting this tournament is deeply meaningful for us because it celebrates women who continue to choose fitness, discipline and passion alongside their everyday responsibilities. Many of these women are professionals, homemakers, mothers and individuals who manage multiple roles in life, yet they step onto the court with remarkable energy and confidence. Their participation is a powerful reminder that health and self-care should never take a backseat, no matter the age or stage of life. Kauvery Hospital is proud to support women in sport and to stand with every woman who chooses to stay active, strong and inspired.”

The Stephen Koshy International Masters Basketball Tournament is expected to bring together experienced players, sports enthusiasts and supporters of active living, making it a strong platform to promote fitness, community participation and women’s empowerment through sport.

Kauvery Hospital continues to support initiatives that promote better health, preventive care, active lifestyles and stronger communities.

About Kauvery Hospital

Kauvery Hospital is a leading healthcare provider committed to delivering patient-centric, ethical and advanced medical care. With a strong focus on clinical excellence, preventive health and community wellbeing, Kauvery Hospital continues to support initiatives that encourage healthier lifestyles and meaningful community engagement.

BPTP Limited has been recognized as one of North India’s leading real estate developers, securing Rank 3 in the ET NOW Real Estate North Survey 2026, announced at the ET NOW Realty Conclave & Awards 2026.
 

BPTP ranks among North India’s Top 3 Developers at the ET NOW Realty Conclave & Awards 2026

The ranking reaffirms BPTP‘s strong market presence, customer trust, and consistent contribution to the growth of the real estate sector across Delhi-NCR. The ET NOW Real Estate North Survey is a comprehensive industry assessment that evaluates developers through an objective research-led framework, combining factual business data, consumer perception studies, and independent evaluation by a third-party survey agency.
 

Over the years, BPTP has built a diversified portfolio spanning residential, commercial, plotted, and integrated township developments. With a legacy of developing landmark projects across Delhi-NCR, the company has consistently focused on quality construction, customer-centricity, and creating sustainable urban communities.
 

Commenting on the recognition, Mr. Kabul Chawla, Chairman & Managing Director, BPTP Limited, said, “Being ranked among the top real estate developers in North India is a matter of immense pride for all of us at BPTP. This recognition reflects the trust our customers, investors, and stakeholders have placed in the brand over the years. As the region continues to evolve into one of India’s most dynamic real estate markets, we remain committed to developing high-quality residential and commercial developments that create long-term value and enrich the lives of our customers.”
 

The recognition comes at a time when BPTP continues to strengthen its presence across key micro-markets in NCR through a portfolio of premium residential and commercial developments, including its recently launched premium residential projects, Downtown 66 in Sector 66, Gurugram and Skynest in Greater Faridabad.

This achievement further reinforces BPTP’s position as a trusted and respected real estate brand and reflects its continued commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

About BPTP Limited
BPTP Limited is a real estate developer with over two decades of operations in the Delhi-NCR region. The company has delivered numerous residential and commercial projects across multiple locations in NCR, including group housing, plotted developments, commercial developments, and integrated townships.

Cars24 and Team BHP’s Gears of Growth 2025 report finds that preference for car age has significant regional differences. Southern markets are skewed towards 2019 and newer vehicles, western markets churn steadily across 2017 to 2021 model years, and North and Central India hold on to cars the longest.

National statistics flatten India’s used car market into one number. The Cars24 and Team BHP Gears of Growth 2025 report, drawn from over 33 million users, pulls it apart and finds three distinct markets running on three different clocks. The variable that separates them is not the models people buy, but how old the car is when it changes hands.

Southern markets show a higher concentration of vehicles from 2019 and later. Western India trades across a balanced spread of 2017 to 2021 model years. North and Central India carry a greater share of 2017 to 2019 and pre-2017 vehicles. The report’s conclusion is direct: regional economics and buyer preferences shape inventory age profiles more than most buyers realise.

Three regions, three ownership clocks

The regional split in the Gears of Growth 2025 report:

Source: Cars24 x Team BHP Gears of Growth 2025 Report

In the South, the report points to faster upgrade cycles and higher car adoption, which keeps inventory young. For a buyer in Bengaluru, Chennai or Hyderabad, the practical effect is a shelf weighted toward 2019 and newer cars. A three to four year old vehicle is mainstream stock here, not a premium find. The same report finds Tamil Nadu’s share of national demand rising from 6.1 percent to 6.5 percent and Karnataka’s from 10 percent to 10.4 percent in 2025, a steady climb consistent with markets where cars circulate quickly.

Western India behaves like the market’s metronome. Maharashtra, the country’s single largest used car market at 15.1 percent of national demand, and Gujarat, which posted the largest state-level gain of 2025 at 8.7 to 10.2 percent, both trade across an even spread of 2017 to 2021 model years. In Mumbai, Pune or Ahmedabad a buyer finds roughly equal odds of a five-year-old or a two-year-old car. The report calls this stable ownership churn: cars enter and exit ownership at a consistent rhythm rather than in waves.

North and Central India run the longest clock. The region’s higher share of 2017 to 2019 and pre-2017 vehicles points to owners who keep cars well past the national norm, and to what the report describes as value-driven resale behaviour. A buyer in Delhi NCR or across Uttar Pradesh, which alone holds 11.7 percent of national demand, will see more six to eight year old cars on the shelf than a southern buyer does. A car in this market is held, maintained, and sold late in its life, often to a buyer who intends to do exactly the same.

Why the clocks run at different speeds

The report attributes the divergence to regional economics and buyer preferences rather than any single cause. Southern states lead the country in adopting newer automotive technology: Karnataka and Maharashtra together account for 68 percent of all used EV purchases nationally. Markets comfortable buying the newest category of vehicle are, predictably, also the markets where recent model years dominate.

Longer holding in the North reads as strategy, not lag. An owner who runs a car for eight or nine years extracts the maximum use from a depreciating asset before selling it into a deep pool of value-focused buyers. The report’s non-metro data reinforces this: demand there concentrates in low-maintenance, affordable models such as the Swift Dzire, Wagon R and Alto, exactly the cars built to be owned long and sold late.

What this means for used car buyers and sellers

For buyers, geography now shapes the shelf. Someone buying a second-hand car in Chennai will encounter a younger inventory mix, weighted to 2019 and newer, than someone shopping in Lucknow, where six to eight-year-old cars are common, even on the same platform on the same day.

For sellers, the same car meets different demands depending on where it is sold. A 2020 vehicle is mid-life stock in a southern market that skews to 2019 and newer, and comparatively fresh inventory in a northern market dominated by older cars. Timing a sale against the regional clock, not the national average, is the more informed move.

All figures in this article are sourced from the Cars24 Team BHP Gears of Growth 2025 report, based on Cars24 internal transaction data comprising over 33 million users as of December 2025. 

India has built one of the world’s largest welfare systems, covering a majority of its population through programmes focused on food security, health, education, nutrition, employment, and social protection. Welfare measures such as the Public Distribution System (PDS), MGNREGA, and social security transfers played a critical role in protecting vulnerable households during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 

Delhi Event – Azim Premji University Launches Realising Rights A Handbook of Welfare in India
 

To examine the strengths, gaps, and future of India’s welfare architecture, Azim Premji University has released Realising Rights: A Handbook of Welfare in India. Developed by the Centre for the Study of the Indian Economy (CSIE), the Handbook brings together 27 authors across 18 chapters and offers a rights-based analysis of India’s welfare policies and public systems.
 

Key messages from the Handbook include:

• 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.

• Governments collectively spend about 7% of GDP and 21% of total public expenditure on welfare sectors and schemes covered in the volume.

• Public spending on education remains around 4% of GDP and health below 2% of GDP, both below policy targets.

• 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 is creating new challenges around exclusion and accountability.

• Key programmes continue to face gaps in coverage, funding, and implementation, including maternity benefits, nutrition programmes, pensions, and healthcare.
   

Indu Prasad, President, 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, Centre for the Study of the Indian Economy, Azim Premji University, said, “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.”
 

By bringing together evidence from across sectors, Realising Rights: A Handbook of Welfare in India contributes to informed debates on welfare policy, governance, and social justice, and underscores the importance of strengthening universal and accountable public services.
 

The Handbook is available online at: azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/publications/2026/book/realising-rights.

About Azim Premji University

Azim Premji University, Bengaluru, was established under the Azim Premji University Act 2010 of the Government of Karnataka. Azim Premji University, Bhopal, was established under the provisions of Madhya Pradesh Niji Vishwa Vidyalaya (Sthapana Avam Sanchalan) Dwitiya Sanshodhan Adhiniyam, 2022. Azim Premji University in Ranchi has been established under the Azim Premji University Act, 2022, enacted by the Government of Jharkhand.

Azim Premji Foundation, the sponsoring body, set up all three Universities as fully philanthropic entities, with a clear social purpose of contributing to the realisation of a just, equitable, humane, and sustainable society.

Understanding one’s credit health has become an important part of financial planning. A strong credit profile can help individuals make informed borrowing decisions, prepare for future financial needs, and stay aware of their overall financial standing.

Check Credit Score on Bajaj Finance in Just 2 Minutes with a Free and Secure Online Process

As consumers increasingly manage their financial journeys digitally, having easy access to credit information can help them make timely and informed decisions. To make credit monitoring more accessible, Bajaj Finance has introduced a simple and convenient way for customers to access their credit information through the Bajaj Finance Credit Pulse Report.

The digital platform enables users to check their credit score online through a secure verification process, helping them understand their credit profile and stay informed about their financial health.

What is a credit score — and why does it matter?

At its core, a credit score is a three-digit numerical representation of an individual’s creditworthiness, generated by licensed credit bureaus such as Experian, TransUnion CIBIL, Equifax, and CRIF High Mark. In India, the score operates on a scale from 300 to 900.

A credit score is influenced by several factors, including:

• Repayment history: Timely payment of EMIs and credit card dues plays an important role in building a healthy credit profile.

• Credit utilisation ratio: This reflects how much of the available credit limit is being used and indicates credit management behaviour.

• Length of credit history: A longer and consistent credit history can provide greater insights into repayment patterns.

• Credit mix: Maintaining a balanced combination of secured and unsecured credit can contribute to a well-rounded credit profile.

• Recent credit enquiries: Multiple credit applications within a short period may impact how lenders view credit behaviour.

Understanding what is credit score forms the essential first step towards building financial awareness. Acting on this knowledge — by checking score regularly and managing credit behaviour responsibly — can help borrowers make informed decisions and avoid challenges during their financial journey.

How to check credit score through Bajaj Finance Credit Pulse Report

Customers can follow a few simple steps to access their credit information:

Step 1: Visit the Bajaj Finance Credit Pulse Report page

Customers can begin the process by visiting the Bajaj Finance Credit Pulse Report page and selecting the option to check their credit score.

Step 2: Complete mobile number verification

Users need to enter their registered mobile number and authenticate their identity using an OTP.

Step 3: Provide basic details

Customers may need to share details such as their name, date of birth, PAN details, email address, mobile number, and residential PIN code to complete verification.

Step 4: View credit score instantly

After successful verification, users can view their credit score and understand their current credit profile.

Step 5: Access detailed credit insights

Customers can also review their credit report details, including credit accounts, repayment history, and credit enquiries, helping them better understand their financial profile.

Why regularly checking credit score matters

Regular credit monitoring is an important financial habit. It allows individuals to stay updated about their credit profile, identify inaccuracies, and take timely steps to maintain healthy credit behaviour.

Many consumers believe that checking their own credit score frequently can reduce it. However, checking one’s own credit information through a personal credit check does not negatively impact the score.

Understanding this difference can encourage consumers to monitor their credit profile regularly without hesitation. By staying aware of their credit information, individuals can make better-informed decisions while planning their financial goals.

The Bajaj Finance Credit Pulse Report enables customers to access their credit information conveniently, helping them build greater awareness about their credit profile.

Supporting smarter financial decisions through digital innovation

With financial services becoming increasingly digital, customers today expect solutions that are simple, secure, and accessible. Digital tools that provide greater visibility into financial information can help individuals become more confident in managing their financial journeys.

With a quick, secure, and user-friendly process, customers can now check their credit score and gain deeper insights into their credit profile with ease.

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About Bajaj Finance Limited

Bajaj Finance Ltd. (‘BFL’, ‘Bajaj Finance’, or ‘the Company’), a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv Ltd., is a deposit taking Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC-D) registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is classified as an NBFC-Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC). BFL is engaged in the business of lending and acceptance of deposits. It has a diversified lending portfolio across retail, SMEs, and commercial customers with significant presence in both urban and rural India. It accepts public and corporate deposits and offers a variety of financial services products to its customers. BFL, a thirty-five-year-old enterprise, has now become a leading player in the NBFC sector in India and on a consolidated basis, it has a franchise of 69.14 million customers. BFL has the highest domestic credit rating of AAA/Stable for long-term borrowing, A1+ for short-term borrowing, and CRISIL AAA/Stable & [ICRA]AAA(Stable) for its FD program. It has a long-term issuer credit rating of BB+/Positive and a short-term rating of B by S&P Global ratings.

Esri India, the market leader in Geographic Information System (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping solutions in India, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Delhi Technological University (DTU) to establish a Centre of Excellence (‘CoE’) in Geospatial Technologies with a focused thrust on GeoAI. The partnership marks a significant step in bridging the gap between industry’s expectations for geospatial skills and academic programs, equipping the next generation of engineers, researchers and data scientists with cutting-edge GIS and GeoAI capabilities through world leading Esri technology.

DTU and Esri India Join Hands to Advance GeoAI Education and Research

Under the MoU, Esri India will support DTU’s Department of Geospatial Science & Technology in establishing the ‘CoE’ with globally renowned ArcGIS software. The Center will have access to learning resources and geospatial content through ArcGIS Living Atlas.  The company aims to enable applied GeoAI solutions, conduct Faculty Development Programs (FDPs), and facilitate merit-based internships for the students.

DTU, one of India’s premier technological universities, has a strong foundation in Geospatial Sciences and Technologies, Computer Science, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Civil Engineering and Space Applications etc. With the collaboration with Esri India, DTU aims to develop new curricula, particularly for its new upcoming UG, PG and Executive programs and enhancement of existing courses using the Indo ArcGIS platform.

Agendra Kumar, Managing Director, Esri India, said, “Geospatial intelligence and AI are converging rapidly, and India needs a skilled workforce that can harness this power for real-world impact. Our partnership with DTU through this Centre of Excellence reflects Esri India’s commitment to embedding GeoAI thinking into the mainstream academia. We look forward to working alongside DTU’s faculty and students to build capabilities that will shape how India plans its cities, manages its resources, and prepares for the future.”

Prof. Prateek Sharma, Vice Chancellor, DTU expressed his happiness on the signing of an MoU between DTU and Esri India. He expressed hope that this MoU will turn out to be a milestone in the saga of industry-academia collaboration and will get emulated by many others in the coming years. He laid the vision for the Department of Geospatial Science and Technology (DGST) at DTU. He mentioned that DGST, DTU aspires to be a global leader in Geospatial Education, Research and Consultancy. DGST intends to launch not only executive Master’s Programs in Geoinformatics but also UG programs in Geospatial Science and Geoinformatics. DTU believes that the Geospatial segment not only needs to develop a technology vertical but also focus on Geospatial and Space Sciences. DTU aims to be a leader in the county in establishing Geospatial Science and Technology as an independent discipline.         

With Esri’s ArcGIS at the heart of the ‘CoE’, DTU students and researchers will gain hands-on exposure to technologies that are new and upcoming, but also to the technologies which are actively being used by government agencies, urban planners, defence establishments and environmental organizations across the country.