ongoing projects Archives - BRIEF

Measurement of Cost of Regulation in India – Eastern Region

briefindia — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 22:49:13 +0000

ongoing projects

BRIEF supported the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, in conducting the Measurement of Cost of Regulation (CoR) study across five eastern states—Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Bihar. The study aimed to systematically quantify the time, financial, and procedural burden faced by businesses while complying with regulatory approvals and licences, and to identify opportunities to streamline processes and improve the ease of doing business.

The assessment covered 13 key regulatory services, including land allotment, building and factory plan approvals, fire and factory licences, environmental clearances, consents to establish and operate, and utility connections. BRIEF implemented a robust mixed-methods approach, combining large-scale quantitative surveys of enterprises with focus group discussions involving industry stakeholders and experts. The analysis examined time costs, substantive compliance costs, intermediary costs, statutory fees, inspection practices, and delay-related impacts, highlighting systemic inefficiencies, reliance on intermediaries, documentation challenges, and digital platform constraints.

Findings from the multi-state assessment provided comparative, evidence-based insights into regulatory performance across states and informed actionable recommendations on process simplification, digitisation, inter-departmental coordination, and service-level standardisation. The study contributed to DPIIT’s broader reform agenda by supporting data-driven policy decisions to reduce compliance burden and strengthen regulatory governance at the state and national levels.

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Mid-Term Evaluation of Watershed Development Component (PMKSY–WDC 2.0), Haryana

briefindia — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 22:47:17 +0000

ongoing projects

BRIEF carried out a mid-term evaluation of the Watershed Development Component under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY–WDC 2.0) for the State Level Nodal Agency (SLNA), Rural Development Department, Government of Haryana. The study covered five districts—Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, Gurugram, Mahendragarh, and Yamuna Nagar—across nine watershed projects, assessing progress over a total project area of 31,221 hectares with an outlay of ₹80.59 crore.

The evaluation adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining structured household surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, participatory rural appraisal tools, and GIS and remote sensing-based geospatial analysis to assess physical, financial, ecological, and socio-economic outcomes. BRIEF evaluated implementation processes, institutional arrangements, fund utilisation, asset creation, and governance mechanisms, with a strong focus on water security, soil and moisture conservation, agricultural productivity, livelihood enhancement, and community participation. The assessment generated evidence-based findings on achievements, implementation gaps, and sustainability prospects, and provided actionable recommendations to strengthen programme execution, optimise resource use, and support the long-term resilience of watershed interventions in Haryana.

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National Level Monitoring (NLM) – Regular Monitoring, Phase I (2025–26)

briefindia — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 22:43:59 +0000

ongoing projects

BRIEF conducted district-level monitoring under the National Level Monitoring (NLM) system for the Ministry of Rural Development and Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India, as part of Regular Monitoring 2025–26, Phase I, covering districts in Uttar Pradesh (Raebareli, Siddharth Nagar, Prayagraj, and Pratapgarh) and Punjab (Pathankot and Hoshiarpur). The assignment aimed to independently assess the implementation, transparency, and effectiveness of key rural development programmes through third-party monitoring.

The monitoring exercise followed the prescribed NLM framework and guidelines, involving field visits to selected blocks, gram panchayats, and villages to verify assets, review programme processes, interact with beneficiaries and officials, and assess gender sensitivity in implementation. BRIEF evaluated multiple flagship schemes including MGNREGS, PMAY-G, NSAP, DAY-NRLM, PMGSY, PMKSY–WDC, DDU-GKY, RSETIs, SVAMITVA, and Panchayati Raj institutions. Findings from the monitoring visits were consolidated into district-level reports, providing evidence-based observations, good practices, gaps, and actionable recommendations to support improved programme implementation, accountability, and service delivery.

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Baseline Assessment of Pre-Consumer Textile Waste Management, Ludhiana

briefindia — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 22:41:01 +0000

ongoing projects

A study on pre-consumer textile waste management was conducted in Ludhiana, Punjab, India’s largest textile manufacturing hub, for the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). The study focused on understanding the scale, composition, and management of pre-consumer textile waste generated across spinning, processing, dyeing, and garment units, and examining existing handling practices, infrastructure gaps, and regulatory challenges within the industrial ecosystem.

The assessment adopted a quantitative, stratified survey approach, covering approximately 350–400 textile units across different industry types, pollution categories, and enterprise sizes. BRIEF designed and implemented digital CAPI-based surveys, engaged with industry associations, waste handlers, recyclers, and government authorities, and carried out rigorous quality control during field implementation. The study generated a robust evidence base on waste flows, stakeholder roles, and systemic bottlenecks, and informed actionable recommendations to support circular economy interventions, policy design, and sustainable industrial waste management practices in Punjab’s textile sector.

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Strengthening Maldives’ Gender Inclusive Initiatives Project – Impact Evaluation

briefindia — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 22:37:18 +0000

ongoing projects

BRIEF undertook the baseline survey and impact evaluation of the Strengthening Gender Inclusive Initiatives (SGII) Project in the Maldives for Ernst & Young LLP, with funding support from the Government of Maldives and the Asian Development Bank, across Hulhumalé, Addu City, and Raa Ungoofaaru. The project formed part of a flagship gender equality initiative aligned with SDG 5 and national priorities on gender and social inclusion, aimed at reducing women’s unpaid care burden and strengthening institutional responses to domestic and gender-based violence (DV/GBV).

The evaluation followed a mixed-methods, pre–post design, combining household surveys, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions to assess the effectiveness of gender-responsive social services, gender-responsive budgeting, aged care and early childcare systems, and the availability and use of gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) statistics. BRIEF led survey implementation, enumerator training, digital data collection using KOBO Toolbox, and quality assurance, working closely with national institutions and local partners to ensure ethical, gender-sensitive, and culturally appropriate research. The findings supported evidence-based policymaking and informed the design and sustainability of future gender-inclusive programmes in the Maldives.

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India-Myanmar Connectivity

briefindia — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 18:45:13 +0000

ongoing projects

India-Myanmar Connectivity- India and Myanmar share a 1,643 km border, offering significant opportunities for trade, connectivity, and regional integration. Despite historical and cultural ties, border infrastructure, trade facilitation, and regulatory frameworks remain underdeveloped, limiting economic potential. This study aims to address these gaps by assessing trade flows, infrastructure bottlenecks, and policy challenges, while providing actionable recommendations for strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Key focus areas include enhancing border infrastructure at critical trade nodes like Moreh, Zokhawthar, Nampong, and Avangkhu, improving trade efficiency through customs digitization and multimodal connectivity, and aligning India’s exports with Myanmar’s import demand to boost bilateral trade. The study also examines major connectivity projects, such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP), which are crucial for integrating India with Southeast Asia. Additionally, the study explores the socio-economic impact of improved connectivity, highlighting employment generation, business expansion, and people-to-people engagement. Given the suspension of the Free Movement Regime (FMR), it also addresses security concerns while advocating for policies that balance trade facilitation with border management.

Following a four-month timeline after extensive field-work and on-ground assessments; the research will provide strategic insights and policy recommendations to formalize trade, strengthen logistics infrastructure, and position India’s Northeast as a vital trade hub. By unlocking the full potential of the India-Myanmar border, this initiative aims to drive regional stability, economic growth, and deeper connectivity.

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NTRS- National Time Release Study

briefindia — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 18:40:39 +0000

ongoing projects

Under the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) ratified by India, the National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF) was established, comprising representatives from both the government and private sectors. This committee spearheaded the formulation of the National Trade Facilitation Action Plan (NTFAP), aimed at enhancing the efficiency of trade processes in the country.

India’s National Time Release Study (NTRS) serves as a performance measurement tool aimed at providing a quantitative measure of cargo release time. It follows a robust, inclusive and consultative approach, ensuring effective evaluation of key processes through the analysis of electronically generated data as well as qualitative assessment based on detailed interactions on the ground.

NTRS focuses on two key aspects – administration and analytics. Administration involves extensive port visits to review processes and identify operational challenges in order to facilitate structural changes. Additionally, the study also entails stakeholder consultations to incorporate qualitative insights and impart inclusivity to the reform facilitation process. Analytics emphasize on data integration from multiple stakeholders, supported by the appointment of nodal officers to ensure timely collection and seamless linking of data. Diverse data sources – across a complex supply chain – are leveraged to ensure comprehensive data capturing and assessment. A TRS Working Group – comprising key stakeholders and decision makers – guides the process, ensuring a consultative approach to enhance effectiveness in implementing reform measures.

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Connectivity Between Bangladesh and the North-East Region (NER) of India

briefindia — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 13:44:39 +0000

ongoing projects

The project, titled “Connectivity Between Bangladesh and the North-East Region (NER) of India” is a collaborative research initiative commissioned by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and executed by the Bureau of Research on Industry and Economic Fundamentals (BRIEF). The study focuses on assessing the state of connectivity—both hard and soft infrastructure—between Bangladesh and India’s North-East Region (NER). Its primary objective is to identify opportunities and address challenges to foster seamless economic integration and promote mutual economic growth.

This research explores critical aspects such as infrastructure development, trade and investment flows, institutional linkages, and human mobility between the two regions. The project engages with stakeholders across multiple sectors, including government bodies, private enterprises, trade associations, and academic experts, ensuring that diverse perspectives are integrated into the analysis.

The project aims to highlight the broader socio-economic dynamics influencing connectivity between Bangladesh and India’s NER—as well as between key nodes in India through Bangladesh—by leveraging key opportunities such as multi-modal transport and the development of SEZs. By understanding these interconnected factors, the research seeks to provide not only a snapshot of the current state but also a forward-looking framework for sustained logistics growth and economic cooperation.

This project underscores the strategic importance of regional connectivity in the Indo-Pacific and highlights the roles of India, Bangladesh, and Japan in addressing key infrastructure gaps, promoting trade and investment, and fostering institutional cooperation. Consequently, the study aspires to lay a roadmap for streamlined logistics, sustainable economic integration and enhanced regional collaboration, thereby fostering holistic development in the NER (India), Bangladesh as well as the region as a whole.

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Training Needs and Labor Market Assessment for Rural Enterprises

briefindia — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 22:41:16 +0000

ongoing projects

India and Myanmar share a 1,643 km border, offering significant opportunities for trade, connectivity, and regional integration. Despite historical and cultural ties, border infrastructure, trade facilitation, and regulatory frameworks remain underdeveloped, limiting economic potential. This study aims to address these gaps by assessing trade flows, infrastructure bottlenecks, and policy challenges, while providing actionable recommendations for strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Following extensive field-work and on-ground assessments; the research will provide strategic insights and policy recommendations to formalize trade, strengthen logistics infrastructure, and position India’s Northeast as a vital trade hub. By unlocking the full potential of the India-Myanmar border, this initiative aims to drive regional stability, economic growth, and deeper connectivity.

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India-Bhutan Cross Border Infrastructure: Fostering Faster Implementation to Achieve Optimal Economic Cooperation

briefindia — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 12:17:30 +0000

ongoing projects

India and Bhutan share a unique and strong bilateral relationship – characterized by mutual trust, goodwill and cooperation – which has been continually strengthened through regular high-level exchanges between the two countries. In light of the historically cordial relations Bhutan and India share along with the immense developmental landscape presented by constructs such as the BBIN, SASEC and other key bilateral/multilateral engagements in the region, there is substantial scope for enhancements in strategic areas such as energy trade, transit/logistics/transport, trade of minerals, resource sharing, etc. among many more.

The existing symbiotic relations between both the countries has the potential to further benefit through strategic developments not only in the domain of trade, but also in key areas such as passenger movement, people-to-people connect, education/skill development, tourism, etc. At the heart of such holistic developments would remain a robust border infrastructure enabling seamless connectivity between both the countries. There is immense potential to completely transform the existing landscape through the development of ICPs as well as mirror infrastructure on both sides of the border, which would go a long way in improving trade (bilateral and third country), passenger movement as well as the border economy as a whole.

In this context, this study envisions to create a strategic narrative highlighting the importance of connectivity in fostering socio-economic symbiosis, identifying the potential border points wherein developments may be undertaken, underlining the benefits of such developments to Bhutan as well as India, assessing potential areas for stakeholder engagement/sensitisation and indicating operational streamlining that may be achieved through envisaged reforms.

The study focusses extensively on key areas such as optimisation of border infrastructure, identification of key nodes for cross border connectivity, assessment of India-Bhutan product basket with respect to bilateral trade, demarcation of areas for capacity building, potential interventions to boost bilateral and third country trade, strategic/economic relevance of enhancing connectivity, evidence-based gender-responsive analysis for inclusive development, etc. This exercise – through extensive research and interactions/observations on both sides of the border – aims to create a detailed body of knowledge with respect to border infrastructure augmentation – at select points along the India-Bhutan border – to boost connectivity and cooperation between both the countries.

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