Indian states spend $100B a year on welfare.Our goal is to improve the effectivenessof this spending.

IDI helps leaders adopt welfare reforms that are proven, politically viable, and practical to implement.

The Problem

Every year, Indian states spend >$100Bn on major welfare programs.

But, many of these programs underperform on both equity & cost-effectiveness.

Even small gains in effectiveness could improve the lives of millions of poor families.

We help leaders adopt more effective programs by offering:

Which are both evidence-based and electorally viable.

Through polling data & insights, case studies and beneficiary reach data.

To tailor & adopt them to their state's priorities & constraints.

In our year-1, we are working across 3 states - Tamil Nadu, Assam & Puducherry.

Our work has gained buy-in from senior leaders, resulting in public commitments for 3+ cost-effective welfare programs.

Co-founder

Uttej is a former Bain consultant

He was awarded the ¥1.5 million Honda Prize for research excellence and worked with a global expert on evaluating Japan's education policy

He also set up a development fellowship with an MP, which was lauded by the Chief Minister

Uttej is a graduate of IIT Madras

Co-founder

Haindavi is a former BCG consultant

She worked with the governments of Bihar, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Bangladesh on critical reforms in health and education

Her work helped a government re-allocate millions to high-impact health programs

Haindavi is a graduate of IIT Madras

Making welfare spending work better for the poorest 300 million Indians