The Policy Archive | Anvikshiki Research

Economy & Taxation2022 → 2026

STALLED

Development of Enterprise and Service Hubs (DESH) Bill

Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Announced in Union Budget 2022 to revive lagging SEZs and make them WTO-compliant. Bill remains stuck in inter-ministerial deadlock.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Inter-ministerial standoff: Finance Ministry opposed direct corporate tax concessions and duty-free domestic sales, while Commerce pushed for flexibility.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Meant to replace SEZ Act, 2005

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: Special Economic Zones & Export TradeFull Inquest Dossier

Infrastructure & Land2022 → 2026

STALLED

Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2022

Ministry of Power

Proposes non-discriminatory open access for multiple private discoms on same network (delicensing distribution). Stalled in discussions.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Strong resistance from power sector employee unions and agricultural unions over fears of privatization of distribution and end of subsidized power.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Pending Committee report & Consensus

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: Energy / DiscomsFull Inquest Dossier

Economy & Taxation2021 → 2026

WITHDRAWN

Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill

Ministry of Finance / RBI

Listed on Parliament bulletin for introduction in 2021 to ban private cryptos, but never tabled.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Government awaiting G20-wide global regulatory consensus; opted instead to discourage crypto via 30% capital gains tax + 1% TDS + FIU-IND compliance.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: CBDC (e-Rupee) pilots by RBI + Anti-Money Laundering (PMLA) oversight

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: FinTech / Digital CurrencyFull Inquest Dossier

Security & Liberties2019 → 2026

STALLED

National Register of Citizens (Nationwide NRC)

Ministry of Home Affairs

PM stated in Dec 2019 that no nationwide NRC had been discussed or approved by Cabinet. Formally kept in abeyance through 2026.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Severe nationwide anti-CAA/NRC protests in 2019–2020, political resistance from over 10 state governments, and massive administrative feasibility issues.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Assam-specific NRC process (under judicial review / pending reverification)

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: Citizenship & DemographicsFull Inquest Dossier

Law & Governance2019 → 2026

STALLED

Decennial Population Census 2021 & NPR Updation

Ministry of Home Affairs (Registrar General of India)

India missed its decennial census for the first time since 1881. Causes massive data gaps in PDS food subsidy allocations and socio-economic planning.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Initially delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic; subsequently delayed over demand for Caste Census, technical digital transitions, and delimitation timelines.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Digital Census Phase planned (2025/2026–2027 framework)

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: National Demographics & StatisticsFull Inquest Dossier

Health & Education2018 → 2026

STALLED

Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill

Ministry of Education

Envisaged as a single overarching regulator with 4 verticals (Regulation, Accreditation, Learning Outcomes, Grants). Remains pending.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

State government objections over central control of universities, funding autonomy disputes between regulation and grants.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Meant to replace UGC Act 1956 and AICTE Act 1987 (per National Education Policy 2020)

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: Higher EducationFull Inquest Dossier

Security & Liberties2023 → 2024

WITHDRAWN

Draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023 / 2024

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB)

Sought to mandate Content Evaluation Committees (CECs) and OTT censorship. Physical copies recalled and draft withdrawn in August 2024.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Severe backlash from digital content creators, independent YouTube/podcasting journalists, and civil rights groups over expansive definitions of 'broadcasters'.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Pending broad stakeholder consultation / Fresh draft

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: Broadcasting, OTT & Digital MediaFull Inquest Dossier

Economy & Taxation2018 → 2024

STRUCK DOWN

Electoral Bond Scheme, 2018

Ministry of Finance / Election Commission of India

Permitted unlimited anonymous corporate donations to political parties via SBI bearer bonds. SBI forced to disclose all bond purchase and encashment records.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Struck down unanimously by the Supreme Court of India (5-judge Bench) as unconstitutional, arbitrary, and violating Article 19(1)(a) Right to Information.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Reversion to transparent banking drafts, cheques, and registered Electoral Trusts

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: Electoral Governance & Campaign FinanceFull Inquest Dossier

Law & Governance1860 → 2024

REPEALED

Indian Penal Code (1860), Code of Criminal Procedure (1973), Indian Evidence Act (1872)

Ministry of Home Affairs / Ministry of Law and Justice

The most extensive overhaul in India's legal history, replacing 160-year-old penal codes. Introduced community service and electronic forensics.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Decolonization of India's colonial-era criminal justice framework; modernization for electronic records, terrorism, and mob lynching.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) - Effective July 1, 2024

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: Criminal Jurisprudence & Justice SystemFull Inquest Dossier

Health & Education2019 → 2023

WITHDRAWN

DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill

Ministry of Science and Technology

Withdrawn in July 2023 after being stalled for nearly two decades; biological profiling provisions absorbed into the broader CrPI Act.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Parliamentary Standing Committee raised serious privacy, genetic profiling, and caste-targeting concerns regarding national DNA databanks.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: Biotechnology / Law EnforcementFull Inquest Dossier

Law & Governance1900 → 2023

REPEALED

Over 1,500 Redundant Acts via Repealing and Amending Acts (2015–2023)

Ministry of Law and Justice (Legislative Department)

Repealed over 1,562 obsolete laws through successive Repealing and Amending Acts (2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2023).

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Recommendations of Ramanujam Committee (2014) and Law Commission to clean up dead-letter, redundant, and colonial statutes hindering governance.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: None (De-cluttering statute books)

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: Governance / Legal ReformFull Inquest Dossier

Economy & Taxation2019 → 2022

WITHDRAWN

Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)

Withdrawn by Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in August 2022 to introduce a leaner, modern, and principle-based DPDP Act 2023.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Joint Parliamentary Committee recommended 81 extensive amendments and 12 policy recommendations; tech industry opposed onerous cross-border data localization.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: Data Privacy & Digital EconomyFull Inquest Dossier

Welfare & Rural2020 → 2021

REPEALED

Three Farm Laws (Farmers' Produce Trade & Commerce, Agreement on Price Assurance, Essential Commodities Amendment)

Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

Passed in Sept 2020 to deregulate agricultural marketing and enable contract farming. Unconditionally repealed by Parliament in Dec 2021.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Over a year of relentless farmer agitations at Delhi borders; widespread fears of dismantling APMC mandis and dismantling MSP safety net.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Farm Laws Repeal Act, 2021 (Reverted to state APMC framework)

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: Agriculture & Agri-MarketingFull Inquest Dossier

Health & Education1995 → 2021

REPLACED

National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education (Mid-Day Meal)

Ministry of Education

Expanded to include Balvatika/pre-primary children, mandated nutritional norms, Tithi Bhojan community participation, and DBT cook-cum-helper honorarium.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Quality lapses, nutritional deficiencies, and exclusion of pre-primary (Balvatika) children.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: PM POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman)

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: Child Nutrition & EducationFull Inquest Dossier

Health & Education1956 → 2020

REPLACED

Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 (Medical Council of India - MCI)

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Dissolved the elected MCI; established the National Medical Commission (NMC) with separate autonomous boards for UG, PG, ethics, and rating.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Severe corruption allegations in medical college licensing, opaque regulatory inspector raj, and doctor seat shortages.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: Medical Education & RegulationFull Inquest Dossier

Welfare & Rural1936 → 2020

REPLACED

29 Central Labour Laws (Factories Act, Industrial Disputes Act, Trade Unions Act, Minimum Wages Act, etc.)

Ministry of Labour and Employment

Parliament passed all 4 codes in 2019-2020; however, nationwide unified implementation has seen delays pending rule notification by all 28 states.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Archaic compliance burden, multi-authority inspector raj, need to extend social security to gig/platform workers and ease business hiring.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: 4 Labour Codes (Code on Wages, Industrial Relations Code, Social Security Code, OSH Code)

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: Labour & EmploymentFull Inquest Dossier

Law & Governance1986 → 2019

REPLACED

Consumer Protection Act, 1986

Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & PD

Overhauled to establish the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), e-filing of complaints, and strict e-commerce rules.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Outdated laws failed to address e-commerce platforms, misleading celebrity endorsements, and product liability disputes.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (CCPA Established)

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: Consumer RightsFull Inquest Dossier

Economy & Taxation2017 → 2018

WITHDRAWN

Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance (FRDI) Bill, 2017

Ministry of Finance

Withdrawn from Lok Sabha in August 2018 following massive public outcry and political resistance.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Panic among bank depositors regarding Section 52 ('bail-in' clause), which citizens feared would use depositor funds to rescue bankrupt banks.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: DICGC Act Amendment 2021 (Deposit insurance limit raised to ₹5 Lakh within 90 days)

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: Banking & Deposit SecurityFull Inquest Dossier

Health & Education2008 → 2018

ARCHIVED

Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) to PM-JAY: Scale, Technology & Administrative Convergence

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare / National Health Authority

RSBY pioneered smart-card based, cashless hospitalisation for Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. Its convergence into Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY expanded coverage from ₹30,000 to ₹5,00,000 per family across secondary and tertiary hospitalisation.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Low claim ratios in high-need districts, exclusion errors tied to outdated 2002 BPL registries, high residual out-of-pocket costs for outpatient diagnostics and drugs, and administrative friction under the Ministry of Labour led to transfer to Health and subsequent nationwide redesign.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

A discontinued or subsumed programme is not an institutional failure: RSBY laid the foundational IT architecture, hospital empanelment criteria, and fraud-detection telemetry that made PM-JAY technically viable in 2018.

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: HealthFull Inquest Dossier

Health & Education2008 → 2018

REPLACED

Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY)

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Raised coverage to ₹5 lakh per family/year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization, covering bottom 40% vulnerable population (~55 crore citizens).

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Low coverage ceiling (only ₹30,000 per BPL family), high out-of-pocket tertiary healthcare expenses, and restricted hospital networks.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: Health Insurance / Universal HealthcareFull Inquest Dossier

Health & Education2001 → 2018

ARCHIVED

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) to Samagra Shiksha: Bridging Sectoral School Fragmentation

Ministry of Education

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan transformed basic school infrastructure and achieved near-universal primary access. In 2018, it was integrated with RMSA (secondary) and Teacher Education into Samagra Shiksha to unify school governance from pre-school to Grade 12.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Operating three independent centrally sponsored schemes (SSA, RMSA, TE) produced duplicative district administrative societies, conflicting teacher training standards, and a severe drop-off in transition rates between elementary and secondary grades.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Administrative convergence on paper requires reconciling disparate civil servant cadres and fund-flow mechanisms on the ground. Policy coherence demands unified institutional execution.

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: EducationFull Inquest Dossier

Health & Education2001 → 2018

REPLACED

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) & Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA)

Ministry of Education (Dept. of School Education)

Merged SSA, RMSA, and Teacher Education (TE) into a single overarching continuum program from Pre-school to Class 12.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Fragmented administrative silos between primary, upper primary, secondary, and teacher training institutions.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: School EducationFull Inquest Dossier

Economy & Taxation2005 → 2017

REPLACED

Subsumption of 17 Central and State Indirect Taxes (VAT, Service Tax, Excise, Octroi, etc.)

Ministry of Finance / GST Council

Created 'One Nation, One Tax' unifying Central Excise, Service Tax, State VAT, Entry Tax, Luxury Tax, and Entertainment Tax into GST.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Cascading effect of taxes (tax-on-tax), interstate border transit delays, complex multi-state compliance barriers.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act, 2017 (101st Constitutional Amendment)

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: Indirect TaxationFull Inquest Dossier

Welfare & Rural1985 → 2016

REPLACED

Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY)

Ministry of Rural Development

Replaced with SECC-2011 census-based beneficiary selection, direct benefit transfers (DBT), geo-tagging, and assistance raised from ₹70k to ₹1.2L.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Sub-optimal house quality, inadequate unit assistance, leakage in beneficiary identification, and lack of basic amenities.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G)

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: Rural HousingFull Inquest Dossier

Law & Governance2014 → 2015

STRUCK DOWN

National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act & 99th Constitutional Amendment

Ministry of Law and Justice

Attempted to replace the judiciary's collegium system with a 6-member commission including the Law Minister and civil society members. Struck down in Oct 2015.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Declared unconstitutional and void by the Supreme Court of India (5-judge Constitution Bench) for violating judicial independence.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Reversion to the Supreme Court Collegium System

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: Judiciary & Constitutional LawFull Inquest Dossier

Infrastructure & Land2014 → 2015

WITHDRAWN

Right to Fair Compensation in Land Acquisition (Amendment) Ordinance

Ministry of Rural Development

The Central government re-promulgated the ordinance thrice before letting it lapse in August 2015 due to lack of parliamentary majority.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Massive political deadlock in Rajya Sabha and severe farmer opposition against exempting infrastructure projects from consent and SIA clauses.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Status: Lapsed / Withdrawn. Replacement: State-level amendments (e.g., Gujarat, Telangana passed own state land rules). Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: State-level amendments (e.g., Gujarat, Telangana passed own state land rules)

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: Infrastructure & LandFull Inquest Dossier

Welfare & Rural2011 → 2015

REPLACED

Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY)

Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs

Subsumed under PMAY-U's 4 verticals: In-situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR), Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS), BLC, and AHP.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Slow pace of slum redevelopment, land title legal logjams, and need for a unified 'Housing for All' urban strategy.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban (PMAY-U)

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: Slum Redevelopment & HousingFull Inquest Dossier

Welfare & Rural2010 → 2015

REPLACED

Swavalamban Scheme (NPS-Lite)

Ministry of Finance (PFRDA)

Offered guaranteed monthly pension tiers (₹1,000 to ₹5,000) for unorganized sector workers based on defined subscriber contribution ages.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Inadequate guaranteed returns, lack of government co-contribution longevity, and low awareness among informal workers.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Atal Pension Yojana (APY)

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: Unorganized Sector Social SecurityFull Inquest Dossier

Economy & Taxation2010 → 2015

WITHDRAWN

Direct Taxes Code (DTC) Bill

Ministry of Finance (CBDT)

Aimed to replace the Income Tax Act, 1961 with a simplified direct tax code. Shelved in favor of incremental budget amendments.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Successive political transitions, endless drafting committee iterations (Arbind Modi & Akhilesh Ranjan task forces), and risk of destabilizing tax revenue.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Comprehensive phased overhaul via Finance Acts (New Tax Regime in 2020/2023, Corporate tax cut to 22% in 2019)

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: Income & Corporate TaxFull Inquest Dossier

Infrastructure & Land2005 → 2015

REPLACED

Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM)

Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs

Dismantled to decentralize project approvals to State Level High Powered Steering Committees and focus on outcome-based water/sewage/transport.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Over-centralized project clearance, poor municipal reforms implementation, and massive project backlogs across Tier 1/2 cities.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) & Smart Cities Mission

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: Urban InfrastructureFull Inquest Dossier

Economy & Taxation1957 → 2015

TERMINATED

Wealth Tax Act, 1957

Ministry of Finance (CBDT)

Levied 1% tax on wealth exceeding ₹30 lakh. Abolished in Union Budget 2015–16 to ease doing business.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

High compliance and collection costs with nominal revenue generation (less than 0.1% of direct tax collections).

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: 2% Additional Surcharge on super-rich individuals (taxable income > ₹1 crore)

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: Direct TaxationFull Inquest Dossier

Law & Governance1950 → 2015

REPLACED

Planning Commission to NITI Aayog: Institutional Transition & Federal Architecture

Cabinet Secretariat / Ministry of Planning

The dissolution of the 65-year-old Planning Commission and the establishment of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) represents India’s most significant macroeconomic administrative transition in recent decades.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Growing criticism of the one-size-fits-all allocation paradigm in a post-1991 market economy; demand from state governments for fiscal autonomy and cooperative federalism; and the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission increasing tax devolution to 42%.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

A replaced institution leaves behind coordination voids. Understanding policy continuity requires examining where statutory and unwritten allocative responsibilities migrate following structural dissolution.

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: GovernanceFull Inquest Dossier

Welfare & Rural2012 → 2014

ARCHIVED

Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan to Swachh Bharat Mission: Shifting from Infrastructure to Cadence & Saturation

Ministry of Jal Shakti / Drinking Water & Sanitation

The restructuring of the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan into the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) shifted public policy emphasis from subsidy disbursements and infrastructure counts to high-frequency behavioral saturation and community verification.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Evaluations revealed high rates of constructed but unutilized latrines, bureaucratic delays in subsidy reimbursement, low public salience, and fragmented inter-ministerial ownership.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

The bottleneck in public delivery is rarely lack of intent or budget; it is the absence of feedback loops, administrative accountability, and implementation cadence.

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: Sanitation & Urban-RuralFull Inquest Dossier

Welfare & Rural2005 → 2014

REPLACED

Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY)

Ministry of Power

Focused on 24x7 power supply, agricultural vs non-agricultural feeder separation, and achieving 100% saturation of household electrification.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Only electrified village peripheries without ensuring 100% household connections, metering, and feeder segregation.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) & SAUBHAGYA Scheme

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: Energy & Rural ElectrificationFull Inquest Dossier

Health & Education1999 → 2014

REPLACED

Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (NBA) / Total Sanitation Campaign

Ministry of Jal Shakti (Drinking Water and Sanitation)

Replaced with a time-bound national mission providing ₹12,000 per household toilet, community incentives, and ODF certification.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Fragmented sanitation drives failed to stop open defecation; inadequate behavioral change communication (BCC).

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin & Urban)

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: Sanitation & Public HealthFull Inquest Dossier

Law & Governance1950 → 2014

REPLACED

Planning Commission of India

Prime Minister's Office / Planning Ministry

Formulated India's 1st to 12th Five-Year Plans. Dismantled in August 2014 to adopt a cooperative federalism think-tank structure.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Command-economy Five-Year Plan model was outdated; lacked state government empowerment and dynamic think-tank advisory capabilities.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India)

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Sector: National Economic PlanningFull Inquest Dossier

Economy & Taxation1956 → 2013

REPLACED

Companies Act, 1956

Ministry of Corporate Affairs

Governed Indian corporations for nearly 6 decades. Modernized with mandatory CSR, class-action suits, and National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Outdated provisions unable to handle modern corporate structures, cross-border mergers, e-filing, and international accounting standards.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Companies Act, 2013

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Sector: Corporate Governance & LawFull Inquest Dossier

Infrastructure & Land1894 → 2013

REPLACED

Land Acquisition Act, 1894

Ministry of Rural Development

Mandated up to 4x rural and 2x urban market compensation, social impact assessments (SIA), and mandatory consent requirements.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Colonial-era eminent domain law lacked fair compensation, consent clauses, and rehabilitation/resettlement (R&R) safeguards.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RFCTLARR) Act, 2013

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Sector: Infrastructure & Land GovernanceFull Inquest Dossier

Welfare & Rural1999 → 2011

ARCHIVED

Swarnjayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana to NRLM: Moving from Individual Credit to Institutional Federations

Ministry of Rural Development

SGSY focused on individual enterprise subsidies and short-lived self-help groups. In 2011, the Radhakrishna Committee recommendations converted the intervention into NRLM (Aajeevika), focusing on multi-tier community federations and social capital.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Severe non-performing assets among individual beneficiaries, corruption in subsidy disbursement, weak training, and failure to sustain individual informal enterprises in rural markets.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Policies that invest in durable community institutions create institutional memory and capacity far beyond direct transfer schemes.

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Sector: Rural DevelopmentFull Inquest Dossier

Welfare & Rural1999 → 2011

REPLACED

Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY)

Ministry of Rural Development

Shifted to universal social mobilization of rural poor women into self-managed Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with interest subvention.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Individual micro-credit subsidy approach led to debt distress without building sustainable community institutions.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM / Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - DAY-NRLM)

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Sector: Rural Livelihoods & Poverty AlleviationFull Inquest Dossier

Economy & Taxation2005 → 2009

TERMINATED

Banking Cash Transaction Tax (BCTT)

Ministry of Finance

Imposed 0.1% tax on cash withdrawals above ₹50,000 in a single day. Scrapped in 2009 by FM Pranab Mukherjee.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Created unnecessary transaction frictions; successfully established anti-money-laundering tracking trail, making the tax redundant.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Annual Information Returns (AIR) & Financial Transaction Reporting

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Sector: Taxation / BankingFull Inquest Dossier

Economy & Taxation2005 → 2009

TERMINATED

Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT)

Ministry of Finance (CBDT)

Taxed employers on collective benefits/perquisites given to employees. Scrapped in Union Budget 2009–10.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Extreme compliance burden on businesses, litigation over legitimate corporate business expenses, and severe corporate backlash.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Perquisite taxation in hands of individual employees

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Sector: Corporate TaxationFull Inquest Dossier

Security & Liberties2002 → 2004

REPEALED

Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), 2002

Ministry of Home Affairs

Enacted following 2001 Parliament attack. Repealed by UPA government in 2004, while inserting anti-terror provisions into UAPA.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Political misuse against opposition leaders (e.g., Vaiko, Raghuraj Pratap Singh) and severe human rights concerns.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act, 2004 (UAPA)

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Sector: National SecurityFull Inquest Dossier

Welfare & Rural1950 → 2004

REPLACED

Old Pension Scheme (OPS / Defined Benefit Scheme)

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Shifted all government employees joining post Jan 1, 2004, from defined-benefit pensions (50% of last pay) to market-linked NPS.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Unsustainable pension liabilities on Central/State budgets; un-funded non-contributory retirement payouts.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: National Pension System (NPS) / Unified Pension Scheme (UPS, 2024/2025)

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Sector: Civil Service PensionsFull Inquest Dossier

Economy & Taxation1969 → 2002

REPLACED

Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices (MRTP) Act, 1969

Ministry of Corporate Affairs

Replaced the MRTP Commission with the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to promote fair market competition and regulate M&As.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Incompatible with post-1991 economic liberalization; focused on curbing firm size rather than curbing anti-competitive behavior.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Competition Act, 2002 (Competition Commission of India - CCI)

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Sector: Competition & CommerceFull Inquest Dossier

Welfare & Rural1976 → 1999

REPEALED

Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act (ULCRA), 1976

Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs

Imposed strict ceilings on urban vacant land ownership. Repealed centrally in 1999 to unlock private land for urban infrastructure.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Led to artificial land shortages in major cities, rampant corruption in exemption approvals, and skyrocketing housing prices.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Repeal Act passed by Parliament (Left to states to adopt)

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Sector: Urban Development & HousingFull Inquest Dossier

Economy & Taxation1973 → 1999

REPLACED

Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA), 1973

Ministry of Finance (Enforcement Directorate)

Shifted foreign exchange governance from criminalized control (FERA) to civil management and dispute settlement (FEMA).

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Draconian legislation where forex violations were treated as non-bailable criminal offenses; severely impeded foreign direct investment (FDI).

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999

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Sector: Foreign Exchange & TradeFull Inquest Dossier

Security & Liberties1985 → 1995

WITHDRAWN

Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA), 1985

Ministry of Home Affairs

Enacted during Punjab and Northeast insurgencies. Allowed to lapse in May 1995 due to national and international outcry.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Widespread human rights abuses, custodial torture, abuse of confessions made to police, and conviction rates under 1%.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) in 2002

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Sector: National Security & LawFull Inquest Dossier

Economy & Taxation1968 → 1990

REPEALED

Gold Control Act, 1968

Ministry of Finance

Prohibited citizens from owning primary gold bars/coins and capped jewelry possession. Repealed by Finance Minister Madhu Dandavate.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Catastrophically failed to curb gold demand; devastated traditional goldsmiths (Sunars) and spawned an illegal smuggling hawala economy.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Liberalized Gold Import Policy (under Open General License)

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Sector: Commodities & TradeFull Inquest Dossier

Security & Liberties1971 → 1977

REPEALED

Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA)

Ministry of Home Affairs

Repealed by the Janata Party government in 1977 following mass civil liberties outrage.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Grossly misused during the 1975–1977 Emergency to indefinitely jail political opposition, journalists, and trade unionists without trial.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: National Security Act (NSA), 1980 (Later)

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Sector: Internal SecurityFull Inquest Dossier

Economy & Taxation1957 → 1966

TERMINATED

Expenditure Tax Act

Ministry of Finance (CBDT)

Designed based on economist Nicholas Kaldor's recommendations to tax spending rather than income; failed practically.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

High administrative cost, harassment of taxpayers, negligible revenue yield, and distortion of consumption.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Income Tax Act adjustments (Re-enacted briefly in 1987 for luxury hotels, then phased out)

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Sector: Direct TaxationFull Inquest Dossier

Economy & Taxation1882 → 1947

TERMINATED

Indian Salt Act / Salt Tax

Ministry of Finance

Heavily taxed salt production. Scrapped by independent India's interim government in 1947.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Historical symbol of British colonial oppression; protested during the historic Dandi March; abolished immediately post-independence.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Successor Framework: Salt Cess Act, 1953 (later amended/repealed)

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Sector: Taxation / CommoditiesFull Inquest Dossier

Security & Liberties1919 → 1922

REPEALED

Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act (Rowlatt Act)

Home Department (British India)

Allowed indefinite preventive detention and incarceration without trial. Repealed after recommendations of the Repressive Laws Committee.

Why It Was Closed / Replaced:

Nationwide outrage, Rowlatt Satyagraha, Jallianwala Bagh massacre fallout, and Non-Cooperation movement.

Why It Matters Today (Institutional Lesson):

Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.

Read & Think: Verified References & News Coverage

The Hindu Indian Express PRS Legislative Dossier ↗

Sector: Law & Order / Civil RightsFull Inquest Dossier