In a significant shift from welfare-oriented inclusion to empowerment-driven development, policymakers and civil society are increasingly advocating for a model that goes beyond mere access to services for India’s marginalised communities. The focus is turning towards enabling true agency—the ability of individuals to make choices and take actions that impact their own lives. This includes reforms in education, land rights, healthcare, and representation, particularly for Dalits, Adivasis, and gender minorities. Recent government and NGO initiatives are investing in local leadership, digital literacy, and decentralized governance to foster self-determination. Experts say this paradigm shift is crucial for dismantling systemic barriers and ensuring sustainable social justice.