Deputy Resident Representative, @UNDP_India Tweets reflect my views only.
New Delhi, India
Joined January 2012
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Why does access to justice remain out of reach for many—despite strong systems?
In India, the legal-aid architecture is extensive: from NALSA and Lok Adalats to Tele-Law, e-Courts and One Stop Centres. Yet for many—especially women, Adivasi communities, and those facing multiple vulnerabilities—justice often remains distant.
With @Sneha__Pathak, I explore how justice can better reach the last mile—through community pathways, inclusion, and people-centred approaches.
The challenge is no longer only about strengthening institutions—but about ensuring they reach people where they are.
- Justice pathways often begin in communities, not courts—with family, local leaders, and informal systems
- Women face disproportionate barriers, with many unsure how to act when disputes arise
- Community-based solutions—including paralegals, digital platforms, and grassroots justice mechanisms—are critical to bridging the gap
Closing the justice gap will require us to move beyond systems-thinking alone and invest more deeply in people-centred, inclusive, and locally anchored approaches.
Building on trusted relationships at the ground level is how India can extend justice to the most vulnerable — and unlock it as a powerful enabler of inclusive development.
#SDGs #AccessToJustice #SDG16 #LeaveNoOneBehind
⚖️ Access to justice is not just about courts and laws. It is about whether people can navigate systems that are affordable, responsive, and built around their realities.
In this blog for @UNDP_India, @istschan, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP India, and @Sneha__Pathak, Gender Analyst, UNDP India reflect on why and vulnerable communities.people centred justice systems matter, especially for women
📖 Read the full blog here : shorturl.at/XII4f
🟦 Enhancing Meaningful Access to Justice in India ⚖️ This report offers an important reminder that #AccessToJustice matters not only in courts or laws, but in people’s everyday lives. When individuals are unable to resolve disputes related to safety, land, livelihoods, services, or dignity, the impacts ripple across families and communities—and development outcomes suffer.
📍 Grounded in lived experiences from across states and social groups, the assessment shows how justice gaps are often shaped by distance, cost, complexity, and trust. For many women and marginalised communities, these barriers make formal justice pathways difficult to reach.
🌱 Access to justice emerges as a quiet but powerful enabler of #Development . When justice systems are people‑centred, accessible, affordable, and responsive, they help individuals claim rights, address violence and environmental harms, and participate more fully in social and economic life. In this sense, progress on #SDG16 underpins progress across the #SDGs.
🤝 The report invites us to think about how justice systems can be strengthened—not only through institutions, but through legal awareness, trusted local pathways, and inclusive approaches.
🔹 Placing people‑centred access to justice at the heart of development efforts remains essential if growth is to be truly inclusive and resilient.
We look forward to continuing our partnership with institutions and partners across India to take this work forward and translate evidence into meaningful, inclusive justice outcomes.
📕⚖️ New report | Access to Justice in India
@UNDP_India has released 'Enhancing Meaningful Access to Justice in India: A People-Centred Justice Needs Assessment'
Grounded in #LeaveNoOneBehind, this nationwide study centres the lived experiences of marginalized communities at the centre of justice reform.
Access to justice underpins #SDG16 by strengthening rule of law and accountable institutions. It is closely linked to #SDG5 and #SDG10, as women and marginalized groups face the greatest barriers The study spans 6 states - UP, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Nagaland, drawing on 2,500 household surveys along with interviews and consultations 👭 It focuses on women, caste and tribe communities, migrant workers and persons with disabilities.
Read the full report: bit.ly/3Ox1Pqd
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At @teriin's #WSDS2026 Silver Jubilee, the message was clear: transformation is powered by vision, voices and values—and by people’s everyday choices.
#MissionLiFE reminds us that sustainable living must sit at the centre of the development agenda, and that individual action becomes truly transformative when backed by enabling systems and institutions.
That’s exactly what the #MissionLiFE Youth Ambassador Programme is designed for: #YouthLeadership for #India's climate and sustainability agenda. Translating awareness into behavioural change for measurable, lasting impact—across campuses, communities, and institutions. #LifestyleForEnvironment #ZeroWaste #CircularEconomy #SustainableDevelopment #ClimateAction #SDGs @moefcc
At #WSDS2026, UNDP India introduced the Mission LiFE Youth Ambassador Programme.🌏
Together with @Teri, we are empowering young leaders to champion sustainable lifestyles, advance circular economy solutions, and drive measurable climate actions across India. ♻️✨🇮🇳@moefcc
#MissionLiFE #YouthForClimate #SustainableLiving
President of Switzerland on India’s AI summit: Can we make Artificial Intelligence more equal, together?
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Access to #justice is an enabler for sustainable #development. When people can resolve disputes fairly and affordably, communities thrive and institutions earn trust. Committed to advancing this agenda with multiple partners. #SDG16
@UNDP_India convened a high-level Roundtable on “Advancing Accessible Justice: People-Centred and Digital Innovations for India” ⚖️
on 22nd December, bringing together senior representatives from government, the judiciary, legal aid institutions, academia, and UN agencies.
The conversation focused on legal awareness for marginalized communities, digital and AI-enabled solutions, and stronger collaboration to advance inclusive access to justice.
Key moments:
⏩Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative, UNDP India, opened the discussion
⏩Shri Niraj Verma, Secretary, Department of Justice, delivered the keynote address, reaffirming India’s commitment to SDG 16.3 and people-centred justice
⏩Hon’ble Justice A K Mishra, Vice Chairperson, E-Committee, Supreme Court of India, spoke on ethical digital innovation in justice delivery
@MLJ_GoI
#AccessToJustice #DigitalJustice #UNDPIndia #LeaveNoOneBehind
Started the month in #AndhraPradesh exploring sites under the Enhancing Climate Resilience of India’s Coastal Communities (ECRICC) project, implemented by @APEnvFor in partnership with @UNDP_India
Witnessed inspiring progress on:
🌱 Ecosystem-Based Adaptation – Restoring and protecting natural barriers like mangroves to safeguard coastal ecosystems.
💼 Climate-Resilient Livelihoods – Promoting sustainable economic activities such as crab farming and seaweed cultivation to reduce dependency on vulnerable resources.
📊 Integrated Planning – Embedding climate risk into cross-sectoral coastal management for long-term resilience.
Building stronger communities and healthier ecosystems—one coastal belt at a time! #ClimateAction #ResilientCoasts #ECRICC
undp.org/india/projects/enha…
Who cooks? Who cleans?Who remembers everything in between? "Who cares"?
Who cooks? 🍲
Who cleans? 🧹
Who remembers everything in between? 👨👩👧👦
On the streets of the national capital, men and women speak honestly about sharing responsibilities at home. Real voices, lived realities and small actions that can create a big change.
Equality is not just an idea.
It is a daily practice. 🤝
#GharSeShuru
Start with one shared task today 🏠💛
“Who cares?“
Care work is the invisible backbone of our economies—and yet, it remains undervalued and unequally shared.
In our latest blog, @Sneha__Pathak and I discuss #CareEconomy and the role of #PositiveMasculinity, and why these are critical for advancing #GenderEquality and sustainable and inclusive #Development.
Let’s start the conversation. Because change begins at home.
#GharSeShuru #16DaysOfActivism #HumanRightsDay
@UNDP_India
Women spend 7+ hrs daily on unpaid care (15-17% GDP value). Shared responsibility transforms economies & gender equality. #GharSeShuru #16DaysOfActivism #HumanRightsDay
@UNDP_India
thelogicalindian.com/gender-…
Positive masculinity
The gap is right in front of us. 👀
Women in India spend 301 minutes a day on unpaid work. Men spend 98.
That’s 3⃣ times more - and it shows up in lost time, lost opportunity and lost rest. ⏳
Fairness must begin with everyday choices.
When men take on regular household tasks, families share care more evenly & children grow up seeing equality at home. 👨👩👧
That’s what #GharSeShuru is about - men stepping in, not stepping back.
One shared responsibility. One shift toward fairness. #16Days
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Engaging discussion in Bhopal last week at the roundtable on #disasterresilience in #MadhyaPradesh. The dialogue emphasized building strong institutions, empowering people and innovative financing are key to strengthen community resilience and protect both, lives and livelihoods. Looking forward to our partnership driving this vision forward #DRR #LNOB
When disasters strike, it’s not just infrastructure that breaks, it’s lives, livelihoods, and hard-won progress that is lost.
In Madhya Pradesh, @UNDP_India joined the Govt of MP, @AIGGPA, @mpniti & MP DMI for an important roundtable on Strengthening Disaster Resilience. Our focus was to rethink how we prepare, respond, and recover.
Together with the govt and communities, we are building systems that plan better, empower locals, and use smart financing to recover stronger than ever.
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Democracy is only as strong as people’s ability to shape decisions that impact their lives and hold governments accountable
Democracy is powered by the will of the people. It thrives when human rights & fundamental freedoms of all are upheld.
On this #DemocracyDay, let's reaffirm democracy as a force for dignity, inclusion & peace – and work together to ensure it delivers for all.
Congratulations to @India_NHRC for convening the National Conference on the Rights of Transgender Persons -“Revamping Spaces, Reclaiming Voices”.
It was a privilege to speak at the panel on Strengthening Garima Greh Shelters, alongside inspiring leaders and community champions.
India’s legal framework for transgender rights and welfare is world-leading—and @UNDP_India remains committed to support effective implementation.
#LeaveNoOneBehind
WATCH || National Human Rights Commission (@India_NHRC) on Thursday hosted a national conference on transgender rights at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, highlighting inclusivity and dignity under the theme Revamping Spaces, Reclaiming Voices.
Engaging discussion at the @MercedesBenzInd #Sustainability Dialogue in New Delhi, where I joined @JungoBruengger and Nandita Baruah to explore how human & labor rights-centric governance systems are reshaping global supply chains.
I shared @UNDP_India's work with governments, businesses & civil society to invest in Human Rights Due Diligence, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and build grievance mechanisms for responsible business practices.
From empowering rights-holders to co-creating sectoral sustainability frameworks, the message is clear: responsible business is a catalyst for inclusive development.
#BuinessAndHumanRights #UNGPs
🌿 Powerful conversations this week at #CorporateConclave2025 with @moefcc, @NationalBiodiv and business leaders on advancing India’s biodiversity goals.
Corporate action through scaling CSR & adopting #TNFD-aligned reporting are key to bridging the biodiversity finance gap.
Let’s build real partnerships with local & tribal communities—honoring their stewardship for a resilient, nature-positive future.
#NaturePositive #BiodiversityIndia #NBT19 #NBT15
🦚 India isn’t just protecting nature—it’s investing in it.
From mangroves that protect our coasts to forests that fuel our water tables, nature is critical infrastructure!
And through the #BIOFIN initiative, 🇮🇳 has become a global leader in valuing & financing biodiversity.
They’re doing it smart & we are proud to support them. Read how: bit.ly/43c0udn
@moefcc @NationalBiodiv @UNDP @UNDPasiapac @UNinIndia
#YouthDay Inspiring to see young changemakers not just imagining, but building a better world—where no one is left behind.
With 7 editions, @YouthCoLab is now a thriving hub for social entrepreneurs creating impact at the margins 👇
@NITIAayog @AIMtoInnovate @Citi
💡Not just start-ups. These are game-changers!
With mentorship, funding & a powerful network, @YouthCoLab’s National Innovation Challenge has powered 🇮🇳’s young entrepreneurs to tackle the toughest challenges.
Over 7⃣ editions, it’s backed some stellar young people. Meet some of them this #YouthDay: tinyurl.com/bd2m7vv7
#IYD2025 @NITIAayog @AIMtoInnovate @Citi
Nearly two decades of India’s Forest Rights Act (FRA) show that securing land and resource rights for tribal and forest communities is not just about legal entitlements—it’s about dignity, empowerment, climate resilience and a just and sustainable future for all.
#WorldIndigenousDay #SDGs #LNOB
🌳 India is home to 105 Mn+ tribal people, many of whom depend on forests for their lives & livelihoods.
Nearly 20 yrs since the Forest Rights Act, millions have gained forest rights — but on #IndigenousPeoplesDay, it’s time to ask: how can more tribal communities be empowered to manage their resources?
📖 A new @UNDP_India report highlights the need for a shift beyond title distribution towards stronger tribal development.
👉 Read how FRA can be powerful instrument for advancing forest governance + accelerating progress on the SDGs: tinyurl.com/2vc3eta5
@TribalAffairsIn @scstdevdept @scstrti @TribalCgGov @ShabariNaturals @TrtiOfficial @TddPro24 @fesforcommons @UNDP @UN4Indigenous @UNDPasiapac @UNinIndia
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Engaging meeting with @huib_mijnarends and Team @NLinIndia.
A meaningful exchange on strengthening collaboration for inclusive, sustainable development and our shared commitment to #LeaveNoOneBehind.
The Netherlands 🇳🇱 has been a steadfast partner of @UNDP—one of our #PartnersAtCore driving sustainable development 🌍
@UNDP_India's Deputy Resident Representative @istschan met @huib_mijnarends & Team @NLinIndia 🇮🇳 to enhance strategic cooperation from climate action to strengthening health systems 🤝
Honoured to join @smritiirani, @ratna_sahay, @ShamikaRavi & Soumya Kapoor at the #GenderPolicySymposium.
@UNDP_India is proud to partner with the govt —supporting #SafaiMitras, advancing community-based childcare models & helping more women lead, thrive & choose their own path.
📍 New Delhi
At the Gender Policy Symposium, held under the aegis of the Alliance for Global Good: Gender Equity and Equality, we launched 𝑼𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝑴𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝑷𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄 𝑷𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒚 —India’s first on-the-ground empirical study connecting gender budgeting to real-world outcomes.
Building on our 2024 framework that reimagined gender budgeting through the Outlay–Output–Outcome–Feedback loop, this 2025 study brings that vision to life with field data from over 1,000 households across Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan. It assesses the gendered impact of flagship schemes launched under the leadership of PM @narendramodi, in critical areas such as housing, water, nutrition, and climate resilience.
Key findings include:
▪️ Health: 6% reduction in illness & hospital visits
▪️ Nutrition: 12% improvement among PMAY-G households
▪️ Education: 22% rise in academic performance; access to study spaces jumped from <2% to 94%
▪️ Time: 13% time saved by women, 4% by girls in water collection
▪️ Community voice: 17% increase in women’s participation in local governance
▪️ Mobility: 3–4% rise in independent travel by women
These promising outcomes underscore the power of gender budgeting to transform lives, especially for women and girls, across sectors that matter most.
This landmark study is a collaborative effort led by @CIICWL, Karmannya Counsel, and @womens_colforum, anchored by @alliance30018, supported by the @gatesfoundation, and guided by leading economists.
Grateful to Dr. @ShamikaRavi and all thought leaders who joined us at the launch.
The NER District SDG Index 2.0 is out! Frontrunner districts in the #NorthEast rose from 62% to 85% in just 2 years - a big win for local SDG action. I commend the Govt of India @NITIAayog @MDoNER_India & NE states for this progress. UNDP remains a proud partner in this journey.
The North Eastern Region District SDG Index 2.0 shows remarkable progress in the region!
@UNDP_India is proud to support @NITIAayog, @MDoNER_India & NER states in tracking & accelerating the #SDGs in the region.
Frontrunner districts up from 62% to 85% since 2021-22. #Mizoram, #Sikkim & #Tripura now have all districts in Frontrunner status. The region shines in #SDG6 (Clean Water & Sanitation) & #SDG15 (Life on Land).
✅ 94% of districts are Frontrunners in #SDG6
✅ 90%+ are Frontrunners/Achievers in #SDG15
#UNDP’s technical support helps states use the Index for sharper policies, local dashboards, & better targeting of schemes.
Stronger data, stronger districts, stronger North East, stronger #India 🇮🇳
Read more: tinyurl.com/y4dhsjcm
#NERDistrictSDGIndex
Rights-based legal frameworks for inclusive healthcare - from 🇮🇳‘s HIV/AIDs Act to 🇹🇭‘s Marriage Equality Bill - read how progress is taking shape in Asia Pacific! @UNDP_India #HealthForAll undp.org/asia-pacific/storie…
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