A success of Jawaharlal Nehru was that he implemented democratic reforms.
He was a passionate advocate of education, which he considered indispensable for India's future progress. His government promoted the creation of many higher education institutions, such as the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, the Indian Institute of Technology, the Indian Institute of Management and the National Institute of Technology.
In its five-year plan, measures to ensure free and compulsory primary education for all Indian children under 14 years of age were included, overseeing the creation of massive population registration programs for schools and the construction of thousands of primary schools. For adults, especially in rural areas, education centers and vocational and technical schools were organized.
During his government initiatives to combat malnutrition, such as the provision of milk and free meals for children were launched.
The Indian Parliament approved several changes in the laws to penalize caste discrimination and increase the rights and social freedoms of women. To eradicate the social inequalities caused by the traditional caste system, he created a reserve system for places in government services and educational institutions.
He defended secularism and religious harmony, promoting an increase in the representation of minorities in government; and approved the Special Law on Marriage in 1954, which established civil marriage.
