The use of communication tools to improve health seeking behaviour of communities has found relevance in numerous successful health and nutrition interventions around the world and hence, the need for Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) is ever-increasing in today’s policy space.A component long ignored in India’s welfare policy, SBCC can lead to inclusive policy action, and social accountability. In the past, India has struggled with basic supply constraints, the reasons behind which have been weak state capacity, lack of funds or delayed releases, and cumbersome processes. One way this paper explores the inadequacy of the above-mentioned programmes with reference to SBCC is by analysing their budget documents and tracing expenditure on Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) component by Centre and State governments.

By: Cearet Sood

Published on June 8, 2020