As per the 2011 census, 1.77 million people in India are experiencing homelessness – 0.15% of the total Indian population. If those experiencing homelessness in India had a state of their own, it would be the 26th most populous state in the country – with a population greater than Goa
For decades, religious intolerance and discrimination motivated by blasphemy laws have been salient, notorious features of Pakistan’s societal fabric. Such laws have enabled a culture of fear and ongoing violence waged on religious minorities. A culture shift that entails pro-equity legislation, curriculum reform and a more moderate interpretation of religion is needed to ensure the social protection of all.
An organized and effective civil service is needed for the successful implementation of development programs but in most of the developing world, inefficiency in the public sector is a sad reality. For aid agencies interested in civil service reform, an examination of the MATT programs in Bangladesh provides worthwhile insights on how to achieve similar outcomes throughout the developing world.