New York, Feb. 3 — An Indian delegation led by Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur reaffirmed India’s commitment to inclusive, rights-based social development at the 64th Session of the UN Commission for Social Development (CSocD).
In its national statement, Thakur said social justice and social protection are rooted in the Constitution and aligned with India’s long-term vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Invoking the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” she described a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to ensure no one is left behind.
Thakur highlighted major national initiatives that demonstrate scale, inclusion and last-mile delivery. India has closed the gender gap in school participation and strengthened infrastructure, including residential schools in remote areas. Basic services such as piped drinking water, clean cooking fuel and sanitation have been expanded, producing notable benefits for women and vulnerable groups.
She pointed to transformative financial inclusion through hundreds of millions of bank accounts, with women emerging as significant beneficiaries of entrepreneurship and credit programmes. Nationwide protection and support mechanisms for women and children — including dedicated helplines and integrated service centres — have been established, while maternal, child health and nutrition programmes now reach over 100 million people.
Social security and targeted schemes have been extended to cover the elderly, persons with disabilities, unorganised sector workers and transgender persons. Thakur also stressed the importance of digital public infrastructure and Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) in enhancing transparency, efficiency and accountability in public service delivery.
Noting that global challenges call for collective action, India urged stronger multilateral cooperation, capacity building and South-South collaboration to accelerate social development progress.
The 64th CSocD session was presided over by Ambassador Khrystyna Hayovyshyn of Ukraine. Speakers included UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, President of the General Assembly Annalena Baerbock, ECOSOC President Ambassador Lokbahadur Thapa of Nepal, DESA ASG Bjorg Sandkjaer and NGO Committee on Social Development Chair Gillian D’Souza-Nazareth. Over 100 UN member states participated. (ANI)
