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Vol. 35 No. 411-412 MAY-JUNE 2021 Rs. 20.00
O Democratic Crisis in Nepal O India and Nuclear Disarmament O Assam-Arunachal Pradesh Border Tussle O MSMEs in India O Trends in Indian Federalism During COVID-19 O Impact of COVID-19 on Education
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 1 2 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 EDITORIAL BOARD
Y.C. Simhadri, Professor (Retd), Vice-Chancellor, Banaras Hindu University, Andhra University, Nagarjuna University, Patna University (Two Terms), Member, University Grants Commission Consultant, United Nations University, Tokyo, UNESCO, Thailand Director, Institute of Constitutional and Parliamentary Studies ICPS. Eddie J. Girdner, (Retired Professor) Izmir University, Izmir, Turkey. Dr. Kalim Siddiqui, Teaches International Economy, Department of Accounting, Finance, and Economics, The Business School, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, UK. Vikram Soni, Professor (Retd), Jamia Millia Islamia, Centre for Theoretical Physics, New Delhi. Dr. Sabahudin Hadzialic, Professor, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dr. Hab. Dorota Siemieniecka, Prof. NCU V-ce Dean for Research and International Cooperation Faculty of Education, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland. Dr. Swaleha Sindhi, Vice President Indian Ocean Comparative Education Society (IOCES) Vadodara-Gujarat. Dr. Deepan Das, Assistant Professor Political Science, Radha Govinda Baruah College, Guwahati. Dr.Ritu Sapra, Associate Professor Department of Commerce, Delhi School of Economics, Delhi University, Delhi. Dr. Anilkumar B. Halu Dean and Deputy Controller of Exam HoD & PG Coordinator UG & PG Dept of Political Science Govt. College, (Autonomous), Kalaburagi, Dr. Alok Kumar Gupta, Associate Professor Department of Politics and International Relations, Central University of Jharkhand. Nisar Ahmed I Mulla, Professor, Head, Department of Commerce, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad. Dr.Jaikishan Thakur, Associate Professor Department of Sociology and Research Guide Govt. 1st Grade College Mahagaon, Karnataka. Dr. Dipen Saikia, Associate Professor Department of Political Science, Moridhal College Moridhal, Dhemaji
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 3 CONCEPTTHIRD INSIDE
Editorial Global Health Order! 5 B.K. Democratic Crisis in Nepal: Present Scenario 7 An International Journal Natasha Manhas India and Nuclear Disarmament 11 Dr. M.H. Faridi of Ideas Trends in Indian Federalism during COVID-19 ... 14 Mool Raj Vol. 35 No. 411-412 MAY - JUNE 2021 Rs. 20. 00 Border Dispute between Assam ...... 19 Dr. Trailukya Gogoi Socio-legal Aspects ...... 23 Third Concept aims at providing a platform where Savita and Dr. A G Khan a meaningful exchange of ideas can take place among Sociology of Marriage Practice ...... 28 Mahadevaswamy. B M & DR. Shashikala D J the people of the Third World. The attempt will be Factors Determining CRM in Banking Industry 32 to communicate, debate and disseminate information, Dr.R. Seetha Lakshmi Dr.Ashish.K. Biswas & Dr. V. Parvathi Role and Performance of MSMEs in India 36 ideas and alternatives for the resolution of the Atul Saikia common problems facing humankind. We welcome Christian Missionaries in India in the 19th Century 41 Palash Biswas contributions from academics, journalists and even Rescue Packages for MSMEs ...... 45 from those who may never have published anything Dr. Durga M. Mahapatra & Prof. (Dr.) Sukanta K. Baral Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Education 48 before. The only requirement is a concern for and Dr. Kiran Bala desire to understand and take the issue of our time. Awareness of Girl Students ...... 51 Dr. Chinna Ashappa Contributions may be descriptive, analytical or Mapping Existentialism with Psychic ...... 54 theoretical. They may be in the form of original R.Rajmohan Dr. L.D.Easter Raj Densingh Community-based Rural Tourism ...... 57 articles, reactions to previous contributions, or even Arunima Karali a comment on a prevailing situation. All contributions, Rocking Indian Mutual Funds Market! 60 Vyapari Madhusudan K. & Dr Mukund M Mundargi neatly typed in double space, may be addressed to: Sufferings of Riverbank Erosion-Induced Internally ...... 62 Editor Consulting Editor Dr. Bipul Das Mrs.Hemasri Devi Socio – Religious Institutions 65 Babuddin Khan M. L. Sharma Raja Doley Deputy Editor Managing Editor Occupational Health Hazards of Working Women 67 Dr.Jyoti.K. Manoj K. Narula R. Prudhvi Raju Androcentric Inferences in BapsiSidhwa’s Novels 70 Business Executive Art Director Yasmine, I. & Dr. P. Malathy India-Australia Relations 73 R.S.Rawat Purba Roy Dr. Anil Kumar B Halu Business Executive South-east Asia Dalit Women Recognition: A Critical Study ...... 76 Ashwini L. Gaddad Shatrughan Kumar Dwivedi Impact of Covid-19 on Indian Economy 78 Dr. Sharanappa Saidapur Empowerment of Women in India 83 While the Editor accepts responsibility for the Mr.Shivaraj Dr.Vikramsingh selection of materials to be published, individual The Sacred Lineage: Clan and Cult in Meitei Society 86 Dr. Rena Laisram Dr. D. L. Haokip authors are responsible for the facts, figures, and India-Bangladesh Ties: A new neighbourhood model 90 views in their articles. However, the Editor reserves Priyanka Dubey A Perspective View of Fiscal Health ...... 95 the right to edit the articles for reasons of space and S.P. Karthik clarity. Cause Related Marketing (CRM) ...... 101 Simranjit Kaur & Dr Amardeep K. Ahluwalia Published, Printed and Owned by Teaching Effectiveness of Self-Regulated ...... 103 GH. Nabi Dar Babuddin Khan Growth and Instability of Area, Production ...... 107 Third Concept, Dr. Babasaheb Kacharu Wani A study on Creativity and Academic ...... 111 LB - 39, Prakash Deep Building, Manash Protim Neog Dr. Sima Kalita 7, Tolstoy Marg, New Delhi-110 001. Assessing the Impact of Covid 19 – ...... 115 CA. Kamakshi Mehta Dr. Shikha Sharma Ph : 23711092, 23712249, Fax No: 23711092. Education System: Problems and Reforms 118 E-mail : [email protected] Dr. Mridusmita Devi Human Rights: Custodial Violence 122 Website: www.thirdconceptjournal.co.in Jyotshna Hazarika Encouraging Women Participation 125 THIRD CONCEPT NOW UGC-CARE List Mrs. Kalpana Borah Designed by: Pt. Tejpal Role of Small Scale Industries & Tourism...... 128 Jayanta Kr Dutta Dr. Bijoy Krishna Nath
4 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 Editorial
Global Health Order!
lobal outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic since early 2020 and its continued manifestation in varied forms of variants in different parts of the world, apart from wreaking havoc with the lives of the Gpeople and causing immense economic loss, has also unraveled chinks in the armoury of global healthcare system, especially in developing countries including India. Apart from its negative impacts, COVID- 19 has been instrumental in enabling global healthcare system garner a political visibility and status that has been termed by some experts as a sort of political revolution. With health-related issues becoming a centre- piece of the global agenda in the pandemic period, there arises a dire need for allocating a major chunk of resources n development aid to address issues pertaining to healthcare. Some health experts have attributed the international traction being garnered by global health to three agendas that complement one another in multiple ways. Firstly, it is a security agenda that is driven by the apprehension of global pandemic entailing spread of disease worldwide in an era where viruses are expected to entail the potential of spreading from one part of the globe to another without brooking any delay. Second is the economic agenda that pertains not only to the impacts of poor health on development or pandemic outbreaks in the international marketplace, rather brings into sharp focus the economic relevance of the health sector, specifically of certain industries like tobacco food and pharmaceuticals and the ever-expanding market of goods and services in relation to health worldwide. The third agenda, as postulated by these experts, is a social justice agenda and espouses the cause of healthcare as a social value and human right, embracing within its fold action on the social determinants of health, access to medicine and healthcare related services and sustainable development goals (SDG) 3 dealing with good health and well-being. These three agendas in tandem with SDG-3 emphasize on the urgency for a New Global Health Order warranting active involvement of UN agencies, active engagement of philanthropies along with other donor agencies and civil society at a wider scale. Global Health Order (GHO) brings into focus two crucial action areas. Firstly, it emphasizes sound management of interdependence and globalization while addressing increasing inequalities within and between nations via sustainable development strategies. It also lies at the intersection of numerous policy arenas and is subject to a particular dynamic. Concurrently, poor health is primarily attributable to many other global crises like finance, food insecurity, global warming and climate change etc. The resultant outcome is that any mismanagement or neglect in addressing health challenges renders the entire humankind to bear the brunt. Apart from COVID-19, even epidemics of recent past years such as HIV/AIDS or diseases outbreak like severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) or H1N1 influenza etc., have proved devastating economic consequences of governance failure in health, be they national, or global. Poor or unsound health management not only hinders the current growth trajectory, but also destroys the development gains that were attained through great efforts in the past. A study entitled The Global Economic Burden of Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs), jointly prepared by World Economic Forum and the Harvard School of Public Health, in 2011, had calculated that over the ensuing two decades, NCDs would cost more than $ 30 trillion, almost representing about half of the global GDP at 2010 level, thereby pushing millions of people below the poverty line, and it could result in a dramatic negative impact on the productivity and quality of life in many countries and regions worldwide. Undoubtedly, no exact estimates of economic impacts of the COVID-19 are available at this stage when different variants of the pandemic are affecting different countries; nevertheless, most of the calculations of the 2011 report are proving true rather on a vaster scale. This is an opportune occasion to focus on a NGHO that accords priority to health, especially in developing and least-developed countries, with developed countries making liber fiscal, medical and other technological resources available for developing countries through the concerned Un agencies like WHO, and other international civil society organization (ICOs). Time is also ripe to declare Right to Health as a legitimate fundamental right of every person to be enforceable through a court of law. BK THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 5 6 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 Democratic Crisis in Nepal: Present Scenario Natasha Manhas* [The contemporary era regards democracy as the most appropriate form of government. The advancement of democracy in today’s world demonstrates that it is the most popular and well-regarded political system. However, the transition to democratic system and its consolidation is not simple or straightforward. The pace of democratisation is influenced by socio-economic, political, international, cultural, and geographic factors. It cannot be achieved just for one specific group of people, rather, it will be possible only after the political elites and members of the general public work together to support this process. Countries that do not abide by these conditions, such as Nepal, face severe challenges to institutionalize and sustain democratic principles: the result being political crisis. This article gives an analysis of democratic political crisis being faced by Nepal and the causes responsible for the democratic failure.] n South Asia, the principle of democracy was Government of Nepal Act of 1951, a limited ingrained in the tradition of national revolutions. democratic framework of government was IBecause of the influence of liberal democracy, established. This framework marked the third pivotal India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, and later moment that generated a hope that the country would Bangladesh did not find it difficult to create democracy have a functioning democracy for the first time in its based on the British model of parliamentary history. But the newly achieved democratic success government at first. It was regarded as a primary didn’t last long as the monarch dissolved the country’s requirement for the adoption of a constitution built elected parliament and exercised emergency powers on the principles of popular sovereignty, liberty, and on December 15, 1960, successfully consolidating democracy. The constitution became the principal his regime’s control over the state with the army and vehicle of democracy, as well as the primary agent police. During this thirty-year period, the Panchayat of its enforcement and security. Thus, the countries system was either a non-partisan regime or an extreme envisioned the development of liberal democracy, form of authoritarian monarchy in which Shah Kings which favoured the political elite because it presented imposed their will. them with the ability to become the power elite. The Panchayat regime fell in 1990 as a result of The historical evolution of different modes of popular uprisings known as the Jana Andolan I, as indigenous governments during the era when much well as numerous other communist factions that of South Asia was under colonial rule is an important supported multi-party democracy. This was the systemic element in Nepal’s democratic trajectory. fourth decisive phase that led to the beginning of After the Gorkha ruler’s military conquest of Nepal institutional democratic governance. This change in 1768, the country’s history can be divided into from non-party to multi-party parliamentary five major periods. The first were the military democracy brought three significant transformations monarchies of the Shah Kings—the royal autocracy in the Nepal’s political structure: sovereignty was (1768-1846), when the political system was largely transferred from the king to the people, a militaristic in nature. Following that, the Rana parliamentary form of government was established, oligarchy (which began in 1846) established a system and democratic and human rights were established. in which the prime minister served as both head of Another important aspect of the country’s state and military commander. multifaceted structure was the 2002 intervention by The first democratic achievement occurred in King Gyanendra and the February 2005 Royal Coup. February 1951 as a result of a people’s movement The country reverted to its neoliberal form of and Indian intervention. During the Interim government, and democratisation efforts were halted. The Maoist Revolution was a significant factor that * PhD Scholar, Post Graduate Dept of Pol. Sc., contributed to the polarisation of Nepali society, University of Jammu, Jammu.
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 7 allowing the King to continue consolidating his own to a formal end, logically concluding the peace process power under the guise of providing security. The Jana initiated after a decade of violent Maoist insurgency. Andolan II, which began in April 2006, marked the However, the new constitution ushered in a new age beginning of a new era of democratic political of uncertainty and violence as citizens living on Nepal’s governance in Nepal. Jana Andolan II was a landmark southern frontier, Tharus, Madhesis, and Janjatis movement that not only brought the monarchical rule opposed the new constitution, casting doubt on the to an end, but also initiated the process that eventually long-held hope that the new Federal Republic and led to the CPN-Maoists becoming a conventional Democratic constitution would bring long-term peace mainstream political party with the end of Maoist and prosperity to the region. movement. The peace process made significant Despite protests and demonstrations against the new progress over a two-year period from 2006 to 2008. Constitution, Nepal held parliamentary and provincial During the spring of 2006, the people’s revolution elections in November and December 2017 to stripped the king of all executive powers, and complete its democratic transition. An important parliament reclaimed its rightful place by its milestone was achieved with the merger of restoration. In its first session, monarchy was Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) with scrapped and Nepal was established a secular state. Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist –Leninist) It was a momentous step towards the restoration of on May 17th, 2018. This union was intended to lead democratic principles after a long struggle against the country toward a socialist economy based on social autocracy and dictatorial regime. To strengthen the justice. democratic rule, elections for the newly-elected This merger of parties raised hopes that, for the first Constituent Assembly were held in April 2008 where time since Nepal’s democratic legislature was formed the Maoists held one-third of the seats in the assembly in 1990, a government would be able to rule the and emerged as the most potent political force. The country for a full five-year term without interruption. rise of Maoist from an insurgent group to a democratic However, the intra-party conflicts soon became a political party was a great achievement and a major dominant feature of the party and started interfering transformation in the democratic transition of Nepal in the functioning and decision-making process of that provided the oppressed groups with a greater the party creating a ground for instability. This has presence in government with the most inclusive undermined the framework for the unification of two legislature and brought the issue of federal politically opposing forces in order to realize the restructuring of the state on the national front. Communist-led government’s dream of a “Happy With the proclamation of a federal Democratic Nepalese and Prosperous Nepal.” Republic of Nepal, the 240-year-old roots of feudalism, autocracy and centralization of power were Present Political Crisis in Nepal brought to an end. But unfortunately, the Constituent The current political crisis in Nepal started when the Assembly failed to draft a new constitution, leaving prime minister Of Nepal K.P. Sharma Oli decided to a void in the country’s constitutional and political dissolve the House of Representatives on December framework creating a democratic crisis. With the 20, 2020, despite the fact that he lacked the legal Constituent Assembly II elections successfully authority to do so. The dissolution of the House is completed on November 19, 2013, a new ray of not a new exercise in Nepal, but this is the first such hope for stability, peace and the end of the ongoing instance after the New Constitution of 2015 that has democratic transition was resurrected. But the role provided a safeguard mechanism against such played by the political parties by engaging in power malpractices of dissolution of the House. The new politics, inter as well as intra party fights and constitution forbids such a measure without first factionalism, increasing corruption deteriorated the considering the formation of an alternative political as well as economic condition of the state. government. After almost a decade long struggle, Nepal adopted a According to the Constitutional procedures put in Constitution on September 20, 2015. With the place in 1990, the Prime Minister had the authority promulgation of the New Constitution on September to dissolve Parliament if he or she so desired. 20, 2015, Nepal’s democratic transformation came Parliament was dissolved three times when it was in
8 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 force. In 1991, Prime Minister G. P. Koirala proposed unilateral decision to consolidate power in his hands dissolving the first Parliament. The Supreme Court by appointing his close aides to influential upheld that dissolution. But, in 1995, the Prime constitutional and government positions and running Minister Manmohan Adhikari’s decision of dissolution an incompetent administration during most crucial of House was revoked by the Supreme Court as a time after the earthquake and the pandemic is another violation of parliamentary procedure. The third time, example of leadership’s failure leading to political crisis Sher Bahadur Deuba, the Prime Minister in the country. suspended the parliament and the Supreme Court New Forces, New Equations affirmed it. Parliament was revived in 2006. The present crisis has created a new plethora where Such crises are not uncommon in Nepal. Its political new political positions have resurfaced, allowing the system is characterised by insecurity and turmoil. revival of discarded political factions to stake their The source of this vulnerability can be traced back claim in the political power structure. Among them is to four different causes. First, a divided polity in which the alliance of Hindutva and the royalist faction of no political party is without internal factions and leadership is completely controlled by its cadres. the monarchy. Demonstrations in Nepal’s major Second, Nepal’s legislative and political institutions cities, including Kathmandu, have been held to are fundamentally frail and fragile as a result of demand the restoration of the monarchy and the political cronyism, bribery, and a lack of expertise. establishment of a Hindu state. There is an ongoing Third, a political leadership that is overly ambitious debate within the Communist Party about the actual and power-hungry, refusing to share power. Finally, power of the two warring groups. The opposition to there is the role of external stakeholders, particularly Oli has remained united, but the Prachanda-Nepal immediate neighbours, in interfering in the internal group is on the verge of disintegrating. politics of the country. Cadres and former Maoists have a long history of The fragility of Nepal’s power-sharing arrangements rivalry and conflict. Aside from sharing power, Oli has been the most critical of these factors. None of and Prachanda are poaching on each other’s the coalitions have lasted long since the inception of constituencies. Prachanda and Nepal are renowned a federal, democratic agenda in 2006.The present for not being willing to share power. They are also political crisis is the cumulative result of these factors. looking into other political arrangements from the While dissolving parliament, the Prime Minister gave Nepali Congress and other smaller political parties to the reason that senior members of his party were remain in power. Alternative policies are also being interfering in his decision making and creating hurdles sought by Madhes-based parties and tribes. The in smooth administration. But the reality is that his ongoing crisis has now become a political battle for act has been a breach of the Constitution. The Prime parties for power sharing. Minister does not have the legal power to dissolve India and China’s Options parliament in the current scenario. On the other hand, The Nepal crisis has provided some relief to India, at he was a key figure in the drafting of the new least for the time being. In his quest for party constitution, which was intended to keep the political supremacy, Oli aided in the spread of anti-Indian situation stable and reduce the cost and repetition of nationalism and exacerbated the Kalapani crisis. Oli election cycles. appears to be in a minority within his own party and The faction of the ruling coalition led by Prachanda is seeking Indian support to stay in power. He was and Madhav Kumar Nepal has accused Oli of failing opposed to China’s efforts to unite the country. He to fulfil the power-sharing agreement where the claimed that Nepalis can solve their own problems occupation of two prominent positions in the party without the help of outsiders. In addition, he is as prime minister and party president is against the currently discussing a diplomatic solution to the agreement. This is considered the failure of the border dispute with India. India welcomes the leadership that firmly believes in power-centric politics possibility where Oli’s s position is in danger. as no political leader is in a mood to leave powerful The Communist dominance in Nepal has come to an positions in the party. Moreover, the Prime Minister’s end, and the Chinese efforts to present a potential
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 9 ally against Indian influence have stalled. Since 2006, system that ensures political stability, local effective China has been a major player in Nepal’s domestic governance, social inclusion, fiscal autonomy, equal politics. It is perceived to have played an important development and is more responsive towards the role in the merger of two left wing parties in its long- people. Although, it is not possible to anticipate a term strategy to curtail the influence of India and perfect functioning democratic governance in Nepal increase its geopolitical influence in Nepal and also as it takes time to bring results and moreover it is a made efforts to prevent the split. Moreover, China self-learning process, but only a firm foundation of has poured large sums of money into several critical democratic principles will be able to move Nepal areas, including international trade, domestic towards a prosperous journey. investment, post-earthquake reconstruction, and tourism, as well as significantly contributing to the References country’s FDI to support a pro-China Communist 1. Bhaumik, Anirban., “Nepal’s Political Crisis an leadership. It has increased its presence in Nepal as a Advantage for India,” Deccan Herald, December result of India’s critical role in the 2006 political 27, 2020. transition. 2. Baral, Lok Raj., Political Parties and Conclusion Parliament, Delhi: Adroit Publishers, 2004. The biggest hurdle in the democratic process of the country is a lack of political culture among political 3. Gill, Peter., “Nepal’s Democracy in Crisis,” The actors and their failure to serve people first. The Diplomat, February 6, 2021, political parties in Nepal have failed to strengthen www.thediplomat.com/2021/02/nepals- democracy. The prevailing political situation marked democracy-in-crisis.org. by governmental instability, inter-party and intra-party 4. Giri, Anil., “Nepal’s Democracy Challenges,” The clashes and power-seeking tendencies of the political Kathmandu Post, February 19, 2021. forces have led to the failure of democratic success achieved after a long struggle. After the completion 5. Hall, Andrew., “Nepal: An Incomplete Peace,” of peace process in Nepal, there is an outcry from Asian Affairs, Vol. 42, No. 3, 2011. people who believe that all that Nepal has achieved 6. Muni, S.D., “New Political Crisis in Nepal,” is chaos, insecurity and instability, Therefore, creating Frontline, February 17, 2021. democratic structures is not sufficient, it is equally 7. Parajulee, Ramjee, “An Experiment with a Hybrid important in what conditions these institutions have Regime in Nepal (1990-2006),” Journal of Asian to work. It should be able to bridge a link with the masses. and African Studies, Vol. 45, No. 1, 2010. Nepal’s democratic evolution has been described as 8. Thapa, Ganga and Sharma, Jan (ed.)., “From one step forward and two steps back. After achieving Insurgency to Democracy: Problems and success in its first democratic struggle in 1951, Nepal Challenges of Peace and Democracy Building in was overrun by the autocratic monarchy in 1960 and Nepal,” International Political Association, Vol. had to pay the price for the next three decades. When 30, No. 2, March, 2009. democracy was restored in 1990, political leaders 9. Thapa, Deepak and Ramsbotham, Alexander., played destructive role instead of strengthening the “Two Steps Forward, One Step Back: The Nepal’s gains achieved after the people’s movement giving Peace Process,” Accord, Issue 26, Conciliation an opportunity to the royalist faction to take control of the government. The royalists were able to take Resources, Burghley: London, March, 2017. control of the government. 10. Thapliyal, Sangeeta., “Crisis of Democracy in Today, the same people who led the democratic fight Nepal,” Institute For Defence Studies and against autocratic and feudal power are threatening Analysis, www.idsa-india.org.(accessed on January 20, 2021). democracy. At this critical juncture, Nepal needs a
10 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 India and Nuclear Disarmament Dr. M.H. Faridi* [India, from the very beginning, has been strongly opposing the expansion of nuclear arms and wanted the world to be arms free, be it nuclear or any other. At the time of UN establishment none other than the US, was a nuclear power. But soon after one by one four other nations, now called “big powers”, attained the status of nuclear power and are the permanent members of the Security Council. Their stand on nuclear armament has remained partial. They divided the entire world in haves and have-nots on the basis of nuclear power status, they have been trying to maintain this status, to dictate their own terms and supremacy over the world community. In 1974 India successfully carried out nuclear explosion. Though after the explosion, it appeared that India would be not so competent in its effort of complete ban on nuclear tests as it was earlier. However, India continued to oppose the explosion of nuclear arms and ammunition. As a result, with the combined effort of world community various treaties were signed for the said purpose. The first one was Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) signed in 1968 followed by Nuclear Weapons Free Zones (NWFZ) more accurate than earlier one, yet it has many drawbacks. Finally, Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) was signed in 1995. But India which worked all through against the expansion of nuclear weapons failed to sign CTBT. India remained in favour of CTBT, but it wanted complete ban which is not included in the CTBT. India’s stand is that the CTBT in its present form is partial and discriminatory in nature as it does not stop any kind of nuclear explosion to the big powers. Moreover, some of the big powers have developed such a technique called “Computer Simulation” through which nuclear test could be carried out without letting others know it. This is another loophole that allow them to continue their nuclear programme secretly. Obviously, in this situation India was not ready to sign CTBT. India’s nuclear tests in May 1998 could be seen in this context that India could not rely on any other country for her safety and security particularly China and Pakistan. Both declared hostile states and their hostile attitudes remained a continuous threat to the India’s security, compelled India to acquire nuclear status. After explosion, India declared that it has acquired the status of a nuclear state.] he use of nuclear weapons against Japan during position in the nuclear test ban negotiations which the Second World War has shown the emerged following the end of the Second World War Tdisastrous effects of nuclear energy employed and which also prepared ground for the conclusion as a means of destruction. After the war was over of the PTBT. the international community began to launch In 1946 though India had not attained independence, initiatives aimed towards checking the nuclear an interim government under the leadership of proliferation and elimination of nuclear weapons. The Jawaharlal Nehru was established. In September problem of nuclear non-proliferation has been one 1947, just one month after its independence, India’s of the issues which dominated the international scene representative, Vijayalakshmi Pandit, simply referred for more than forty years. to disarmament in the following words: “There is an There are four major nuclear non-proliferation uneasy awareness that things are perhaps moving measures available in the world, namely, the Partial towards some new and annihilating disaster and not Test Ban Treaty (PTBT), the Nuclear Non- enough is being done to check the trend”.1 However, Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the Nuclear Weapon Free it was in 1948-49, at the third Session of the UN Zones (NWFZ), and the Comprehensive Test Ban General Assembly that she clearly expressed her Treaty (CTBT). The motive is to examine India’s views on the problems of disarmament. response in relation to these measures. Before proceed Thus, the Indian representative, Vijayalakshmi Pandit, further, it is necessary to take an account of India’s speaking in the general debate on 25 September 1948, described the problem of atomic energy control and * Associate Prof., School of Liberal Arts, Noida disarmament as “one of the most important items” International University, Noida.
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 11 and “momentous questions” for discussion. She only showed its genuine interest to work for regretted that the efforts made by UN Atomic Energy disarmament but also initiated efforts toward it. Commission had proved fruitless, that it was facing According to Nehru, the Disarmament Sub a deadlock and that no progress had been made on Committee of the UN was formed “as a result of the question of disarmament. She asserted that the India’s initiative in the General Assembly in 1953".3 threat of war could not be banished from the world India brought up the issue of nuclear test ban to the unless the present race for armament was abandoned. UN in April 1954 when it demanded that there should She expressed the hope that the deliberation between be a cessation of all nuclear weapon tests. It was the the United States and the Soviet Union would result first country to raise such an issue before the UN.4 in reconciliation and disarmament. She also The Indian proposal was made against the backdrop emphasized for outlawing of biological and chemical of an American nuclear test of 15 megaton warfare.2 thermonuclear bomb (which was part of the series Thus, in its first major response to the issues relating of nuclear test called operation castle in Namu Island to disarmament, India identified three important points of Bikini Atoll in March, 1954. – the stress on the abandonment of the arms race, At the UN General Assembly in December 1954, the necessity of continuing negotiations with a view India repeated its proposal for a total cessation of to reach an agreement and the banning of the nuclear testing but did not put it to vote.5 India and weapons of mass destruction and they have constantly other non-nuclear weapon states continued their figured in the subsequent India’s attitude or posture efforts at the UN to focus the attention of the world on disarmament. on the issue of nuclear test. On 1 December 1955, On the issue of atomic energy control, India expressed India introduced a draft resolution in the First its keen interest, as an under-developing country, in Committee of the UN General Assembly requesting its utilization for peaceful and beneficial purposes. the States to initiate negotiations for suspension of India possessed large deposits of atomic raw materials “experimental explosion of nuclear and thermonuclear and was aware of the important part that the peaceful weapons and report progress to the Disarmament 6 utilization of atomic energy could play in the economic Commission at an early date”. development of the country. India was, therefore, India’s proposals to the UN in regard to the cessation not willing to accept the Baruch Plan in its entirety of nuclear tests were not given careful consideration and to entrust to the International Atomic by the major powers. Its proposal of April 1954 on Development Authority (IADA) the ownership and the suspension of nuclear tests was put in cold storage distribution right over all its resources of atomic raw for years. Nehru’s appeal to the leaders of the United materials. There was no guarantee that the States and the Soviet Union in regard to the cessation international control system would operate impartially of test was cold-shouldered by the powers concerned, and would not discriminate against or work to the the United States in particulars.7 disadvantage of the smaller power. The Soviet Union was the first among the great India stressed that it could not agree to an international powers to propose suspension of nuclear tests. Its ownership and distribution of only those materials disarmament proposal of 10 May 1955, which capable of generating atomic energy while other substantially accepted the 1954 Anglo French Plan materials such as oil, remained render private for the abolition of nuclear weapons, gave priority to ownership and without any international control. In nuclear test ban at the first stage of comprehensive these circumstances, it was quite natural for India to disarmament plan. In 1956, the Soviet Union oppose the Baruch Plan. It was, therefore, an suggested that partial measures, including an indication on the part of India that it was not prepared immediate stop to tests, should go ahead to surrender its sovereign rights for the development independently of general disarmament. and utilization of her vast atomic raw-materials to an The shift in the approach in the disarmament outside authority. negotiations, from comprehensive to partial measures In November 1952 the United States exploded its or step by step approach was given recognition by first hydrogen bomb and in August 1953 the Soviet the United Nations. The General Assembly debates Union, which tested its first atomic device in 1949, showed that “partial measures were considered as a followed suit. Soon the issue of nuclear test ban first step of disarmament in existing political became a matter of international concern. India not condition.8 It was the general belief that by such partial
12 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 measures, confidence would gradually be to appeal to the nuclear weapon states meeting at strengthened and thus comprehensive disarmament Geneva, to continue the suspension of nuclear tests. would be facilitated. On the other hand, while the On 29 December 1960, the UN General Assembly Western countries, particularly the United States, adopted a three-power resolution of Australia, India wanted to treat nuclear test ban as a part of the general and Sweden, and a twenty-six-power draft resolution disarmament plan with an emphasis on the requesting the nuclear weapon states to continue the verification system, India wanted to treat it as an negotiations and voluntary suspension of nuclear tests. independent issue, one which should be considered In March 1962, the Eighteen Nation Disarmament on its own merit. Committee (ENDC), which was formed in that year, In his speech in Lok Sabha on 2 September 1957, constituted a sub-committee of the US, USSR and Nehru, while emphasizing “comprehensive” UK to consider the question of nuclear tests. In April settlement regarding disarmament said that “the fact 1962 the sub-committee considered a joint that we have a partial agreement does not rule out a memorandum of eight non-aligned member nations comprehensive agreement; it is a step towards that; of ENDC, which included India, regarding nuclear it produces the atmosphere and the confidence to go test ban. This group (Brazil, Burma, Ethiopia, India, further. Therefore, we have always suggested that a Mexico, Nigeria, Sweden and UAR) very quickly partial agreement is better than no agreement, seized the initiative in the negotiating process in the provided that it is a step towards the larger very first week of their presence, and continued active 9 agreement”. participation ever since. The year 1957 was the peak year of nuclear testing. After protracted negotiations for over years between Non-nuclear weapon states like Canada, Japan and the US, USSR and UK, which started from 1958 at Norway continued with their efforts to have a break- Geneva, a Partial Test Ban Treaty (PTBT) was through in reaching an agreement regarding nuclear initiated on 25 July 1963 and signed at Moscow in tests. The first important break-through came with August 1963 which banned nuclear test under the the Soviet proposal on 4 June 1957 for a moratorium on nuclear test for 2 to 3 years, which was welcomed water, in the atmosphere and in the outer space. by the West.10 In March 1958, Moscow unilaterally India welcomed the Treaty, speaking in the ENDC declared that it would discontinue test but reserved on 20 July 1963, the Indian representative, A.S. its position if other powers continued to test those Mehta, not only welcomed the Treaty ‘warmly and weapons. The UK and US resumed testing in April enthusiastically’ but also praised the negotiating skill 1958 initiating thereby the most intense test and statesmanship of the representatives of the three programme that had occurred until then. The Soviet participating Powers. He recognized that the PTBT Union resumed testing in October 1958. Due to was a measure to halt the spread of nuclear weapons deteriorating political climate, there was stalemate in to non-nuclear powers, to which he attached particular the negotiations with the Disarmament Commission importance. He at the same time expressed ‘deep throughout 1958, though UK suspended nuclear concern’ at the Chinese attitude in the matter. Again, testing from September 1958 and the US from in his statement of 29 August 1963 in the ENDC, the October 1958. Indian representative spoke highly of the Moscow In 1959 the UN General Assembly accepted General Treaty, which, he said, had been widely acclaimed and Complete Disarmament (GCD), a programme throughout the world as ‘an event of historic forwarded by the Soviet Union as the objective in importance’ and “a significant first step towards a disarmament negotiations by adopting a resolution relaxation of international tensions and promising co-sponsored by 82 countries, including India. move towards purposeful measures of world peace Speaking in the Lok Sabha on November 1960, and disarmament”.12 Nehru declared: “Surely what we want is full and Although India welcomed the PTBT, but it pointed complete disarmament”. Inevitable, it can only be out the defects of the Treaty. In his statement on 30 reached by phases, but the objective of general and June 1966, India’s representative in the ENDC, V.C. complete disarmament must be kept in view.11 Trivedi, pointed out that the “PTBT had remained In 1959, India took the initiative at the UN General ‘doubly partial’ – it was not adhered to by all countries Assembly to discuss the question of nuclear test and in the first place, and secondly, it does not cover co-sponsored a twenty-one-power draft resolution underground tests”.13
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 13 References 5. Savita Pande, “India and the Test Ban”, in Jasjit 1. J.P. Jain, “India and Disarmament”, Vol. 1, Nehru Singh (ed.), Nuclear India, New Delhi, 1998, p. Era, New Delhi, 1947, p.15. 232. 2. Ibid., p. 16. 6. T.T. Poulose, no. 4, p. 29. 3. Jawaharlal Nehru, “India’s Foreign Policy 7. J.P. Jain, no. 1, p. 66. Selected Speeches”, September 1946 – April 8. T.T. Poulose, no. 4, p. 27. 1961, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, 9. Jawaharlal Nehru, No. 3, p. 199. Government of India, New Delhi, 1971, p. 119. 10. T.T. Poulose, no. 4, p. 30. 4. T.T. Poulose, “India’s Nuclear Policy”, in T.T. 11. Jawaharlal Nehru, no. 3, p. 235. Poulose (d), Perspective of India’s Nuclear Policy, New Delhi, 1978, p. 117. 12. J.P. Jain, No. 1, p. 117. 13. Ibid., p. 126.
Trends in Indian Federalism during COVID-19 Pandemic Mool Raj* [The paper attempts to examine the emerging issues and trends in Indian federalism during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, as it was evident from the working experience where states have become dependent on the Centre in economic matters and the restrictions imposed by the Centre to contain the spread of coronavirus have not been challenged by any state in any way. The Centre has played a role of coordination which is imperative where states have been taken into confidence before significant decisions are taken by the Centre. In competitive electoral politics, states have occupied a significant position, but while dealing with the COVID-19 situation, the Centre has taken a leading role without states’ advice in declaring nationwide lockdown. Consequently, the possibility of Centre-states conflicts and contradiction became dormant only because of containing the pandemic. Moreover, the Centre became more concerned about containing the pandemic and states have sidelined the divisive politics and actively cooperating the Centre to come out of the pandemic collectively. Thus, states follow the Centre’s directions and guidelines and suggest extending the lockdown by shedding political differences and oppositions. Therefore, states are being seen by the Centre as potential partners in combating the pandemic that consequently shaped recent federal trends.] he theory of Indian federalism has its own Centre and the state governments where the structural design, which is neither the replica governments of the subunits coordinate, not in the Tof any classical federation of the world nor sense that it is politically subordinate to the Centre based on any compact theory of federalism. It is but which interact with each other at many points in designed in such a way so that it accommodates the the domains of competition and cooperation.1 Watts’ peculiarities and the changing needs of society. The perspective of defining federalism has been witnessed makers of constitution have designed the federal during the COVID-19 pandemic when the entire system to achieve the multifaceted and desired world and India grappled with the spread of lethal objectives of heterogeneous society based on three virus. The distribution of powers in the Seventh key pillars: strong Centre, flexibility, and cooperative Scheduled demarcates between the Centre and the mechanism. These key pillars revamped the federal states and the health being an item of state legislation functioning in a highly diverse society, and they but states alone unable to overcome the pandemic. shaped the nature of Indian federalism to place it in Despite health being a subject of state legislation, the an ever-evolving position. Concurrent List also includes preventing the spread Federalism, defined by R. L. Watts, is a political of contagious or infectious disease from one state to system characterized by two subsystems such as the another.2 Therefore, in subjects of Concurrent List, both the Centre and state governments are * Doctoral Research Fellow (SRF), Dept of Pol. Sc., empowered to legislate laws. University of Jammu, Jammu.
14 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 Therefore, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic caused serious supply chain interruption, and more is a litmus test for Indian federal polity that how far significantly, the chaos erupted due to the migrant states handle this health care crisis on their own workers who were handled less efficiently. without the intervention of the Centre. Due to the The Epidemic Disease Act and the National Disaster worldwide spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, India Management Act collectively empower both has not been the exception and comes under the firm governments to contain contagious diseases such as; grip of the pandemic. To overcome the pandemic, section 2A of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 the Centre has taken responsibility under the empowers the central government to take measures Constitution to support states in extraordinary and prescribe legislation for the containing spread of 3 upheavals in the health sector. For overcoming the infections at any port.5 Similarly, the National Disaster spread of the pandemic, the Centre and the states Management Act, 2005 also empowers states or local required close collaboration, which has been seen bodies to contribute to disaster management under during the lockdown period. Section 23 of the Act.6 States such as Kerala, The constitutional design of Indian federalism is based Karnataka, and Odisha, in the initial phase of the on the strong Centre and weak states principle, and spread of disease, imposed restrictions before the while dealing with the contingency and abnormal central government announced the complete circumstances Centre assumes more powers and acts lockdowns.7 accordingly. The states have specified powers while While dealing with the exigency, the Centre, in dealing with a natural disaster such as the spread of collaboration with the states, regulated the movement disease under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897; of people and essential items nationwide. The however, the spread of COVID-19 pandemic has been Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Health unable to be contained by the states on their own had taken the lead in issuing comprehensive without the active involvement of the Centre. guidelines, instructions, developing protocols and Therefore, the Centre, under the National Disaster advisories to combat the spread of contagious disease. Management Act, 2005, applied its nationwide Following these acts, the state governments and even jurisdiction for containing the spread of coronavirus districts had also developed their model while dealing and bringing back the stranded citizens abroad. The with the pandemic. Kerala, Rajasthan, and Odisha Centre had responded to the pandemic in a very were the prominent states in this category, and Agra centralized manner by implementing a nationwide (Uttar Pradesh), Pathanamthitta (Kerala), and lockdown without consulting the states, and Bhilwara (Rajasthan) were the districts that had subsequently, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued imposed restrictions in their way to contain the comprehensive guidelines to the states regarding the infectious disease within their jurisdiction.8 containment of COVID-19. The Centre’s unilateral decision for imposing The mantra of cooperative federalism as espoused complete nationwide lockdown without taking state by various political parties has been a litmus test and governments into cognizance depicts a highly a suitable opportunity to display this sort of teamwork centralized approach which was subsequently during the outbreak of a pandemic. However, federal supported by the states by deciding that collaboration cooperation has been inappropriately utilized because and cooperation are necessary to combat the the initial phase of nationwide lockdown was a infectious virus. Since the imposition of nationwide surprise for both the public and the state governments lockdown, most states declared their collaboration to by following the top-down approach. Though the combat the pandemic collectively.9 The Centre had surprise of national lockdown was conceded, the state taken responsibility for combating the pandemic and governments also accepted the central directions for mainly concentrated on the procurement of required containing the pandemic despite the states having medical facilities and setting up of standard operating powers under the Epidemic Diseases Act. procedures for the whole country. The states such as Bihar, Goa, Maharashtra, and West However, the role of states remained dominant in Bengal had sealed their borders before the national implementing modalities in the health sector. 10 4 lockdown for restricting entry from other states. Subsequently, most of the states requested the Centre Subsequently, the Union’s decision for imposing an to continue lockdown and the Centre’s guidelines. unprecedented complete nationwide lockdown The noteworthy trends appeared during this period, without prior consultation of the state governments wherein the Centre and states equally emerged as
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 15 active participants in federal cooperation. The Centre Further, the federal challenges are associated with seemed to have emerged as a dominant entity in the movement of migrant workers and stranded declaring lockdown and issuing guidelines, and the persons that had been severely affected by the states appeared as a dependent political entity by Centre’s sudden announcement of lockdown and its surrendering decision-making powers to the Centre. subsequent extension. The return of migrant workers Meanwhile, in the later phases of lockdown, states and stranded persons in their respective states has reinstated their powers in imposing restrictions and been a federal test done by collective efforts of the declaring containment zones but enjoyed fewer Centre and the states with the active involvement of powers than the Centre.11 The extension of the the Ministry of Home Affairs and Railways Ministries. lockdown series by the Centre was decided after Despite Centre-state coordination in varied matters, consulting chief ministers of states through video the federal relations came under strain that has been conferencing, and during the unlock series, states have impacted by the political considerations in non-BJP 15 been considerably involved in the decision-making ruled states such as West Bengal. process.12 In the unlock series, states are empowered The opposition ruled states are taking up the issue of to declare containment zones that appeared as new Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in hotspots of COVID-19 and lift restrictions in the areas Emergency Situations (PM-CARES) Fund as an that are not in that category. avenue of expenditure for the common good under Pandemic and Federal Challenges the ambit of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions. Conversely, the contributions to the The federal balance has been shifted during COVID- Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) or State Relief 19 because the central government has implemented Fund (SRF) for COVID-19 cannot qualify the CSR far-reaching reforms in several areas, such as expenditure. When several non-BJP ruled states agriculture which was fundamentally part of state opposed the rationale of excluding CMRF from the legislation. The central government has taken COVID-19 related donation, the Centre unequivocally advantage of the pandemic and exercises its powers clarified that it was excluded by the United to implement significant reforms that indicate the Progressive Alliance –II (UPA-II) in 2014 through centralization of powers. The economic impact on the amendment in the Seventh Schedule of the state governments during the pandemic has increased Constitution.16 their financial dependence on the central government due to the national lockdown, which requires shutting After constituting the PM-CARES Fund, the Centre down all the economic activities. The economic crisis declared that the corporations donating to the PM- obligated the Centre in May 2020 to announce series CARES fund could avail CSR exemptions, but the of reforms to facilitate post-lockdown recovery in same would be unavailable while donating to the the economic field. CMRF makes states more dependent on the Centre on financial matters. During this period, the states A significant illustration in this regard has been a cannot collect revenue resources because of the ban conditional increase in the borrowing limit for states on liquor selling and negligible sale of petrol and from the existent three per cent to five per cent of diesel. their gross state domestic products.13 However, only 0.5 per cent will be available to states unconditionally; The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has one per cent will be permitted only if the borrowing obligated a rethinking of the federal dynamics where is associated with reforms in four sectors: urban the Centre has emerged as an essential participant in development, ease of doing business, one-nation one- containing the spread of COVID-19 by intervening ration card, and reforms in the power sector. The in the domains of states. The neoliberal stance of additional 0.5 per cent will be given only on a rolling back state has considerably become conditional basis if the states accomplish significant questionable during this time, and this situation cannot milestones in these sectors.14 The states on the ground be handled effectively by the states themselves. The have challenged the conditional borrowing limits that Centre is also unable to implement entire guidelines it is unfair to set conditions by the Centre on independently without the cooperation of states and borrowing limits under challenging times due to the local bodies. Therefore, despite political differences, COVID-19 crisis, and further states claimed that the both the level of government can effectively contain 17 Centre should reduce its focus on cesses, and it should the pandemic. During the pandemic, states could deal with the pandemic effectively. not get their due share from the States’ Goods and
16 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 Services Tax (SGST) which primarily resulted in item of state legislation that has been encroached by delays in disbursing welfare schemes, pension, and the Centre, which distracts the federal spirit and salaries. These recent trends make states more shaping the emerging trend in Indian federalism. dependent on the Centre on financial matters. Conclusion Emerging Issues and Trends The working of Indian federalism during COVID-19 Since the pandemic, federalism has experienced a has significantly appeared in a new direction that has shift that reflected in their working. The pandemic followed the path of cooperation by relegating political was unprecedented that influenced every aspect of a and ideological differences. The widespread health federal polity. Meanwhile, it has cooperatively crisis was a herculean task for states as health is part responded to the pandemic. Several trends have been of state legislation. However, while dealing with the observed during the COVID-19 outbreak, making it extraordinary situation, the Centre is empowered to a sui generis model of federalism. take the lead as per the National Disaster Management The first trend is that how the federal system works Act, 2005. The Centre and states collectively legislate collaboratively despite political differences. It can be in the Concurrent List. However, in case of substantiated by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind inconsistency, the Centre’s domain would prevail; Kejriwal’s relevant example during the deteriorating therefore, as per the prevention of the spread of conditions in Delhi due to the rampant spike of contagious disease mentioned in the Concurrent List, COVID-19 cases where he met with the Union Home the Centre takes the responsibility to contain the Minister Amit Shah and discussed the availability of nationwide spread of disease. healthcare facilities for corona patients despite Despite having various challenges during COVID- 18 ideological differences. The West Bengal 19, Indian federalism has collaboratively engaged in government headed by Mamata Banerjee extended combating the pandemic. The political differences support to the Centre’s decision to impose nationwide have obscured during the contingency period, and 19 lockdown for containing pandemic. Similarly, both the Centre and states have collectively focused Punjab’s Chief Minister Amarinder Singh also on relegating the influence of the COVID-19 20 suggested the extension of lockdown in Punjab. pandemic. Its outbreak has compelled Indian These sorts of responses from the opposition-ruled federalism to sideline the differences and cooperate states indicate the federal cooperation for combating to contain the lethal novel coronavirus. The the pandemic. functioning of Indian federal polity during the Secondly, during the pandemic, the dependence of pandemic period has given shape to recent trends states on the Centre has increased significantly in the that would not have been accomplished in normal economic sphere and procuring health care facilities circumstances; thus, the contours of the federal and medical equipment. The Centre issued a circular system have evolved differently. regarding the procuring of safety kits such as Unlike the preceding trajectory of federal track records ventilators, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), in India, the political opposition has also collaborated gloves, and masks and supplied them to the states.21 with the Centre by following the Union’s directions Therefore, the Centre under the Concurrent List- the prevention of the spread of contagious disease, and guidelines for combating COVID-19, and the and as per the National Disaster Management Act, Centre procures health care facilities that marked the 2005 takes the lead in containing COVID-19 that era of collective working in a diverse country. The shaped recent trends in the federal system. pandemic has pushed federalism towards more centralization, but it was required to contend with Thirdly, during the lockdown period Centre the extraordinary situation. The centralization which introduced reforms in certain areas that diluted spirit Indian federalism has experienced during the COVID- of federalism, such as The Farmers’ Produce Trade 19 does not necessarily contradict the Centre-state and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, relations; instead, it promotes cooperation and 2020; The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) collective working by negating the possible conflicts. Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020; and The Essential Commodities References (Amendment) Act, 2020. These Acts transform 1. Ronald L. Watts, Administration in Federal agriculture and attract private investors, which Systems, London: Hutchinson Educational Ltd, corporatize agriculture in India.22 Agriculture is an 1970. p. 8.
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 17 2. Government of India, The Constitution of India, not-liking-centres-extra-borrowing-limit-conditions/ Ministry of Law and Justice, Legislative 1963137/, accessed on October 19, 2020. Department, New Delhi, 2019, p. 219. 14. Rajeev Jayaswal, “Govt rolls out festive stimulus”, 3. Rekha Saxena, “Federalism and the COVID-19 crisis: Hindustan Times, October 13, 2020. Available at, https:/ Centre-State apposite relations in Pandemic Federalism /www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/govt-rolls-out- India”, Forum of Federations. Available at, http:// festive-stimulus/story-3SEwUkRtlr47Lnwv 4jnHNN.html, www.forumfed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/ accessed on October 19, 2020. IndiaCOVID3.pdf, accessed on September 22, 2020. 15. Namrata Biji Ahuja, “Migrant exodus crisis lays bare 4. Covid-19: 4 states seal borders, Rajasthan orders strained Centre-state relations”, The Week, March 19, lockdown, Times of India, available at, https:// 2020. Available at, https://www.theweek.in/news/india/ timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/covid-19-4-states-seal- 2020/05/19/migrant-exodus-crisis-lays-bare-strained- borders-rajasthan-orders-lockdown/article show/ centre-state-relations.html, accessed on October 19, 2020. 74754254.cms, accessed on October 14, 2020. 16. “Covid-19 donations to CMRF excluded from CSR: 5. Government of India, The Epidemic Disease Act, 1897, Government says law passed during UPA era”, The Times Ministry of Law and Justice, Legislative Department, of India, April 12, 2020. Available at, https:// New Delhi, p. 3. timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/congress-slams-govt- 6. Government of India, The Disaster Management Act, 2005, for-excluding-covid-19-donations-to-cmrf-relief-from- Ministry of Law and Justice, Legislative Department, csr-govt-says-law-passed-under-upa-era/articleshow / New Delhi, p. 12. 75106008.cms, accessed on October 20, 2020. 7. Odisha extends lockdown to 14 districts, quarantined 17. Pranav Verma and Sughosh Joshi, “Reaffirm cooperative homes to be marked with stickers, The Economic Times, federalism”, The Hindu, May 13, 2020. Available at, https:/ March 23, 2020. Available at, https:// /www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/reaffirm-cooperative- economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/ federalism/article31567966.ece, accessed on October 20, odisha-extends-lockdown-to-14-districts-quarantined- 2020. homes-to-be-marked-with-stickers/articleshow / 18. Swati Bhasin, “Amit Shah, Arvind Kejriwal meet as 74778754.cms, accessed on October 15, 2020. Coronavirus cases rise in Delhi”, July 30, 2020. Available 8. Abantika Ghosh, “Explained: How Agra, Bhilwara and at, https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/delhi-coronavirus- Pathanamthitta coronavirus models differ”, The Indian cases-amit-shah-arvind-kejriwal-meet-today-as- Express, April 19, 2020. Available at, https:// coronavirus-cases-rise-in-delhi-2245961, accessed on indianexpress.com/article/explained/pathanamthitta- October 21, 2020. bhilwara-agra-model-on-coronavirus-india-lockdown- 19. “West Bengal sets up ‘COVID warrior club’ to help covid-19-hotspots-6359654/, accessed on October 15, contain pandemic”, The New Indian Express, June 30, 2020. 2020. Available at, https://www.newindianexpress.com/ 9. Srinivas Chokkakula, “India’s response to Covid-19 nation/2020/jun/30/west-bengal-sets-up-covid warrior- reflects the power, problems, potential of federalism”, club-to-help-contain-pandemic-2163150.html, accessed September 18, 2020. Available at, https:// on October 21, 2020. indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/coronavirus- 20. “Punjab CM favours lockdown extension, seeks fiscal covid-19-pandemic-and-federalism-6600329/, accessed support to states”, The Economic Times, May 11, 2020. on September 22, 2020 Available at, https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/ 10. Ibid. politics-and-nation/punjab-cm-favours-lockdown- extension-seeks-fiscal-support-to-states/articleshow/ 11. Anirudh Burman, “How Covid-19 is Changing Indian 75678406.cms, accessed on October 21, 2020. Federalism”, Carnegie India, July 28, 2020. Available at, https://carnegieindia.org/2020/07/28/how-covid-19-is- 21. “As per new circular, states depend on Centre to procure changing-indian-federalism-pub-82382, accessed on COVID-19 medical equipment”, The New Indian September 22, 2020. Express, April 9, 2020. Available at, https:// www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/apr/09/as-per- 12. Mani Raj, “Covid Times: Federalism in a new form”, The new-circular-states-depend-on-centre-to-procure-covid- Times of India, July 1, 2020. Available at, https:// 19-medical-equipment-2128010.html, accessed on timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/political-viewpoint/ October 21, 2020. covid-times-federalism-in-a-new-form/, accessed on September 22, 2020. 22. Faizan Mustafa, “An Expert Explains: What are the broad arguments for and against the farm laws?”, The Indian 13. Prasanta Sahu, “Why states are not liking Centre’s extra Express, October 7, 2020. Available at, https:// borrowing limit conditions”, Financial Express, May 19, indianexpress.com/article/explained/an-expert-explains- 2020. Available at, https://www.financialexpress.com/ farm-acts-and-federalism-6622769/, accessed on October economy/covid19-economic-package-why-states-are- 21, 2020.
18 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 Border Dispute between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh Dr. Trailukya Gogoi*
[This paper is intended to highlight some facts and consequences of the border dispute between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh and an attempt has been made to meliorate the unabated problem. The Assam –Arunachal Pradesh border dispute has been creating a turmoil situation, disrupting the inter-state relation between the states. Different steps are taken by the Central Government and both the State Governments but still the problem is unsolved. All these bordering areas of Assam are disputed and there are innumerable ugly incidents that have taken place during the past couple of decades in the form of firing, looting, kidnapping, murdering, eviction, demolition of property and houses and economic blockade have been continuing in the bordering areas, consequently retaliation come from both the sides and different kinds of severe inhuman incident happened in these areas causing the threat to life of people, breaking of law and order, peace and harmony, etc. In such a situation bordering people confront trouble and happen to be victimized.] he issue of inter-state border dispute in north- day. The situation of bordering areas of both the east India is not a new phenomenon in Indian states is very terrible and stirring. Initially Arunachal Tpolitical system. Ever since the independence Pradesh Government accepted the border of India this issue has become a critical one and gained determination done mutually but now they remark importance in the state politics. It is an intermittent that the Assamese people living in the border line but long-standing issue, which has in fact been gaining encroached into Arunachal territory and ever since a serious concern after the creation of separate new the dispute occurs.1 states and it has become a vital issue of Indian political To deal with the root cause of the dispute between system. Boundary dispute among the northeastern Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, it is necessary to states of India has been a perennial problem. It is know that the seed of the dispute between the two seen that the boundary disputes have gained states was sown during the British rule when they importance in recent years which pose a threat to took over rule in Assam and hilly areas as well right cordial and co-operative relationship among the from the Yandabu Treaty of 1826. Significantly, people of northeastern states. though the British ruled over some parts of Lakhimpur These disputes have led to occasional bitterness along with the areas of present Arunachal Pradesh among them and several border incidents have taken but later on administration of Lakhimpur was place in serious nature over the last few decades. separated from the NEFA administration (Now The border issue is still very much sensitive at Arunachal Pradesh) by introducing the Inner Line different places in the northeastern region (NER) and system through a notice of 1873. the solution of the problem has not yet been found out, despite the best efforts of the states and the Prior to this, Arunachal areas was kept as non- Central Government. To deal with the issue of border regulated from 1826 to 1861.2 This Inner Line system dispute it is desirable to understand the legacies of was extended from Bhutan to Darrang district of the colonial period. Therefore, in this paper an attempt Assam and Nagaland and the border delineated has been made to understand the legacies and between Darrang, Lakhimpur and Dibrugarh districts assessment of the inter-state border disputes between of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh on the basis of Inner Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Line. The Tribal populated area of Arunachal border and the Lakhimpur bordering area are called North The border dispute between Assam and Arunachal East Frontier Track (NEFT). This Track was again Pradesh has become more complicated. As a result sub divided into three tracks namely Balipara Frontier of the ongoing border disputes between the two states Track, Sadiya Frontier Track and Tirap Frontier Track the inter-state relations have been decaying day by in 1914. * Asst. Prof., Dept of Pol. Sc., Dhemaji College.
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 19 The genesis of present boundary dispute between The Survey Department of India started the case Assam and Arunachal Pradesh stemmed from the study, division and installation of pillars with NEFA notification that excluded certain plain areas (3648 in 1971 ever since the Greater Assam got separated sq km) from the existing Balipara Frontier Tract, Abor from NEFA. At that time representatives of both the Hill district, Mishmi Hill district and Tirap Frontier states were concerned with the Survey Department Tract from the North Eastern Frontier Tracts notified of India. The work which was started w.e.f. 1971 in 1951 by the then Governor of Assam, who continued till 1979 and during this period only 396 administered the said areas under Section 92 of the km was completed whereas 308 km. border was left Government of India Act, 1935. In 1954, these two out. In case of installation of the concrete pillars the Tracts and two districts, leaving the excluded plain Survey Department divided the border on the basis areas, along with the Naga Tribal Areas were renamed of the rivers.6 collectively as North East Frontier Agency (NEFA) In fact, the Arunachal Pradesh Government, however, which comprised Balipara Frontier Tract (Kameng has never agreed with the boundaries as depicted in Frontier Division, Subansiri Frontier Division), Abor the 29 maps claiming it as incorrect. After the Hills District (Siang Frontier Division), Mishmi Hills delineation process, Arunachal Pradesh Government District (Lohit Frontier Division), Tirap Frontier Tract selected 25 members from amongst the public leaders (Tirap Frontier Division), Naga Tribal Areas (Tuensang in consultation with the Deputy Commissioners for Frontier Division).3 obtaining public views on boundary demarcation. The Arunachal Pradesh members of the tripartite Tuensang Frontier Division was excluded from NEFA committee visited the border districts and also held in 1957 and included in Naga Hills that form the meetings with the public of the concerned districts. state of Nagaland. The Union Territory of Arunachal Like-wise, the proposal could be instrumental as per Pradesh was formed on 20th January, 1972 with the the ‘mutually agreed adjustments’ as provided by aforementioned Tracts and Districts excluding the Tripartite Committee. Tuensang, under Section 7 of the North Eastern Areas (Reorganization) Act, 1971.4 The fact remained that But as there was no response from the Assam the tribal areas in the plains excluded by the notification Government, then the Arunachal Pradesh re- of 23rd February, 1951 still remained excluded from submitted the proposal on 16th March, 1989 along Arunachal Pradesh. Meanwhile, some discrepancies with detailed explanation of the basis of claims for were found out in the context of demarcations of adjustments of the transferred areas along the inter- boundary in Arunachal Pradesh side as soon as the state boundary. Instead of considering as well as responding to the proposal of Arunachal Pradesh for Survey Department of India began to install concrete settlement of boundary, the Government of Assam pillar on the border point as fixed by the British filed Original Suit No.1 of 1989 before the Supreme Government on the basis of the 1951 Notification Court seeking demarcation of boundary on the basis that Jonai, Sadiya and Magherita frontier were taken of Section 7 of the North Eastern Areas into Assam territory.5 (Reorganization) Act, 1971, that which provided the Significantly, dispute was created during the time of excluded tribal areas to Assam from the territory of Survey undertaken by the Survey Department of the then North East Frontier Tract on the basis of India to determine the Assam and Arunachal Pradesh the 1951 Notification.7 border. The Survey of India which was entrusted to However, Arunachal Pradesh filed its written demarcate a boundary in 1969, completed the ground statement to the Suit on 19th April, 1999 and claimed demarcation of 270.5 km (actual boundary length is that the areas which constitute the boundary of 704.8 km) from the tri-junction of Assam, Arunachal Arunachal Pradesh should include all the areas that Pradesh and Bhutan to the Subansiri River during constituted the then North East Frontier Tracts. It 1971-73. However, subsequent demarcation could also submitted that the notification dated the 23rd not be materialized after disputes arose in some February, 1951 which excluded the plains areas of portions of the un-demarcated areas as well as in the North Eastern Frontier Tracts and defining the portions of the land which already demarcated. boundary of the present Arunachal Pradesh in
20 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 accordance with the Notification of 1951 which was be responsible for ignition of the minds of the bordering made without consultation with the people of people of their side against the border dwellers of the Arunachal Pradesh. Assam side. It is seen that the leaders and activists of It is significant to note that emergence of various some leading organizations of the state also sometimes socio-economic and geo-political issues have been try to incite their bordering people to sustain domain perpetuating the border disputes between Assam and over the occupied land instead of their endeavor for Arunachal Pradesh. Thus, the border dispute has been minimizing the border problem. prevailing in the form of border conflict to a large On the contrary, sometimes different political parties extent. The ongoing border conflict between the two and organizations of Assam also found to be indulged states can categorically be divided into three important in instigating the bordering people of Assam part to levels such as (i) conflict at the border people level, stand against the aggression of the Arunachali on the (ii) conflict at the government level and (iii) conflict one hand, the organizations of Arunachal Pradesh at the civil society level of the both the states. It may also demanded the government to assist their be mentioned that many incidents were taken place bordering people to encroach the land of Assam on at the border people level in the Assam-Arunachal the other hand. However, another section of people Pradesh border areas during the time of construction of both the states have liberal view regarding the of the concrete pillars by the Survey Department of present border dispute that the Governments of both India. Particularly the bordering people of Arunachal sides have never been doing enough for amicable Pradesh outraged against the Assamese border solution of the problem. If both the Governments dwellers. would have taken worthwhile steps at an early date Subsequently many miscreants from Suchang village then the border issue could never have taken the of Arunachal Pradesh came out with Dao and Spears present giant shape. at hand and attacked the Assamese and Nepali people Though demands and counter demands have been living in the Gali forest inside Assam border. They raised from both the corners but recently the issue also threatened and tortured the missing people has again gained a considerable focus while the inhabited at Gali under the Jonai outpost of Assam.8 Central Government intervened on the matter for In August 1978, around 150 Adi families-built bamboo amicable solution. Mention may be made that on 25 houses in the forest area about 100 meters off the August, 2006 the Supreme Court appointed the Local Assam Police Battalion camp across the Nilakh River. Commission with a former Judge of the Court as the This un-authorized occupation took place at the Chairperson to be assisted by two other Members instigation of the Central Reserve Police Force with specific direction that the Local Commission (CRPF). But within a very short period of time these shall identify the boundaries between Assam and houses were broken down by the Dhemaji SDO Arunachal Pradesh. (Civil). In the same month the Adi people came to The Court also clarified that the Local Commission Nilakh and held a grand feast by killing cows. It was is not the Boundary Commission postulated by the graced by the Arunachal Pradesh PWD Minister and Constitution of India and that factual and legal SDO (Civil). The incident terrified the people living objections are kept open for the parties to be urged on the border.9 and agitated after the receipt of the report from the The border conflict not only occurs among the Commission. A meeting was held between the Local bordering people as well as government level but also Commission and Arunachal Pradesh Government on the conflict arises at the civil society level of both the 1st August, 2007 at Itanagar during which the State states. Over the years, many allegations and counter Government submitted that it would make a proposal allegations have been made by different civil once again to the Assam Government for adjustments organizations of the two states which has also in the boundary taking into consideration the ground contributed negative wave in the emergence of border reality. disputes at height. Many a times the views expressed Even though the Assam Government has objected to by the All-Arunachal Pradesh Students Union the proposal, the Local Commission directed (AAPSU) and other students organizations found to Arunachal Pradesh to indicate in detail its proposal.
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 21 Subsequently on 26th February, 2007 the State but the situation continues to be tense between the Government submitted its proposal, which is on record two states. with the Local Commission. As per the proposal the The above discussion reveals that border conflict State Government sought inclusion of an area of between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh has not only 1119.279 sq km within its territory based on historical created by a single factor but also there are a number records, old usages and practices as well as physical of socio-economic, political, geographical and occupation and administrative control of these areas historical factors which contribute a lot for by the state of Arunachal Pradesh all along the inter- deterioration of the inter-state relations of both the state boundary. two states. Significantly, the causes of land On 7th February, 2009 Assam filed its reply rejecting encroachment, eviction and illegal intrusion are the the proposal for adjustment of boundary as proposed most decisive factors which contribute towards the by Arunachal Pradesh. The Local Commission heard border conflict between Assam and Arunachal the representatives of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh Pradesh. The study also reveals that border conflict at New Delhi on 23rd January, 2012 and proposed along the two states has prevailed in three forms such to have a meeting with Chief Ministers of both the as conflict at the bordering people level, government states. The Commission also directed to both the level and the conflict at the civil society level which states to co-operate with its members during their has created acute tension between the two states. If visit to the problematic areas. However, the meeting both the states would not come close to minimize as well as the proposed visit to the disturbed areas the border problem through mutual understanding in by the Local Commission was not materialized due terms of negotiation and if the present border situation to emergence of various factors.10 remains unabated, then it will create more problems like internal war between the two states. Notably, the Government officials of the two states at the top are in constant touch with their counterparts References in Assam to avoid any untoward incident or trigger 1. B. Bhattacharyya, The troubled border-some facts tension along the inter-state boundary. As for example about boundary dispute Between Assam- the then Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Nabam Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Tuki personally has written letters to his counterpart Mizoram, Lawyers Book Stall, Guwahati, 1995, in Assam in a diplomatic way for combating the clash p.242. who has also positively responded to co-operate in 2. Bijan Mohanta, Administrative Development of maintaining peace and tranquility. Arunachal Pradesh -1875 to 1975, New Delhi, Conclusion 1984, p. 51. Thus, it appears that all the bordering areas of Assam 3. Notification No. RSS. 135/51/5 dated 25.4.1951. are disputed and there are innumerable ugly incidents 4. North-East Reorganization Act, 1971. that have taken place during the past couple of 5. Notification No. RSS. 135/51/4 dated 25.4.1951 decades in the form of firing, looting, kidnapping, 6. Minutes of the meeting dated 12-04-1979 between murdering, eviction, demolition of property and the Chief Ministers of Assam and Arunachal houses and economic blockades have been continuing Pradesh held in presence of the Union Home in the bordering areas, consequently, retaliation comes Minister and the Governor. from both the sides. Different kinds of severe inhuman incidence happened in these areas causing 7. The Assam Tribune, 2nd September, 1984 the threat to life of people, breaking of law and order, 8. The Assam Tribune, September 2, 1984 peace and harmony, and sense of insecurity etc. In 9. A. C. Talukdar, “Assam-Arunachal Boundary such a situation, bordering people of both the sides Dispute, A Note”, published in the Journal of confront trouble and happened to be victimized. politics, Vol. I. 1993, Department of Political Though demands have been raised by different Science, Dibrugarh University, p. 13. organizations, political parties and both the State 10. Ibid Governments for amicable solution of the problem
22 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 Socio-legal Aspects of Live-in Relationship in India Savita* Dr. A G Khan** [The concept of a live in-relationship was primarily nurtured, nourished and practiced in most of the Western countries as per the evidences available and which was avoided by Indian society for a longer period. However, the Indian traditional or ritual system has been eventually cultivated/ cultivating the habit of live in relationship since several decades especially by tribal population living at forest belt, but without much in-depth in their knowledge they do follow as a greater level of ritual or traditional way of marriage celebrations in India especially at South-eastern (Pondicherry), Eastern-part (Jharkhand) & North-western (Rajasthan & Uttarakhand) are the popular habitual continental belts and even at North- eastern parts of India. But nowadays the modern generations have been changing the trend of cohabitation/ live in-relationship towards highly/densely populated cities as an emerging trend of live-in relationship. The trend of live-in relationship is remarkably curved up much higher especially at metropolitan cities viz., Mumbai (Maharashtra), New Delhi (UT), Bangalore (Karnataka), etc. with their own wishes and benefits to build up their future independently as per the literatures evident. With the little available information, we tried in this review paper to brief out the live-in relationship in India, social & legal issues, pros/ advantages & cons/dis-advantages and impact of live-in relationship as an emerging trend in India are in- depth discussion herein.] ive-in relationship is a trend setting by the As per Inshort’s Pulse of the National Poll survey, youngsters of 21st generation in most of the around 80% of women of age group of 18-35 years LMetropolitan cities of Indian belt. Live-in- in India support live-in relationships. The poll received relationship can be categorized in two parts, either responses of 1.4 lakh Indians from urban and rural “by choice” or “by circumstance”. People who by areas. While over 80% of respondents think a live-in consent voluntarily are living together are under the relationship in India is still considered taboo and category of “by choice”. But sometimes now by among them, 26% said they would prefer lifelong mistake or by fraud people are living together as live-ins over marriage (Pulse of the Nation poll, husband and wife then they can be placed under the 2018). category of by “circumstance”. Live-in-relationship India is a country: which is slowly opening its doors by choice does not have any legal issue as it does not for Western ideas and lifestyles and one of the most need the legal recognition but live-in-relationship by crucial episodes amongst it, is the concept of live-in circumstances has certain problems just because of relationships. A relationship of a man with a woman misunderstanding of the status of marriage. in legal parlance is legitimate if is based on proper Traditionally, the Indian society might have frowned marriage and illegitimate if not as per Marriage Laws. upon live-in relationships. But the impact of growing Live in Relationship is a living arrangement in which trend of live-in relationship by such couples indicates an unmarried couple lives together in a long-term a degree of acceptance. However, India is considered relationship that resembles a marriage. The live-in as a holy land of unity in diversity which is used as relationship forms a specific characteristic feature and an expression of harmony and unity between create a unique style of living of couples, especially dissimilar individuals or groups and even which reflect those in metropolitan areas. However, the definition ritual hub of culture and traditional. However, another and ambit of live-in relationship is very unclear, there facelift of Indians is also Westernized trend follower is no specific legislation in India on this subject, and is none other than “live-in relationship” or the laws are in the form of court verdicts which vary “cohabitation”. from case to case. Though at global level as well, laws are not very clear on live-in relationship, showing a common theme * Dept of Sociology, Gulbarga University, Kalaburagi, of aloofness and hesitation amongst countries to Karnataka. recognize such relationships. Nevertheless, as far as ** Dept of Sociology, First Grade College, Chittapur, Indian scenario is concerned, there is a dire need to Karnataka.
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 23 recognize such relationship in form of a new legislation man with a woman in legal parlance is legitimate if is that will clearly dictate the ambit of live-in relationship based on proper marriage and illegitimate if not as and the rights and obligation of partners in such per under marriage laws. But there are also number relationship. Therefore, it is very intrigued us to put of legally authenticated issues have been under the a pen on this concept of live-in relationship which is practice of Indian law. an emerging trend in India as reflected above to glance As of now, Indian law ruled mainly two marriage up on in detailed on social issues, legal issues, laws such as Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 and the advantages & dis-advantages & impact of live-in Special Marriage Act, 1954 for the purpose of proving relationship as an emerging trend in India are in one’s marriage valid to establish an existing detailed information shared in this review article. relationship or divorce while the pre-existing relation Social & Legal Issues qualifies one for maintenance. Apart, Islam is the As per the sociological point of issues are considered, second largest religion in India and Muslim community there are several points to be highlighted on the issues, always kept adopting “Holy Quran” as the central the couples’ relationships are choice of two individuals religious text of Islam & their marriage ceremonies wish to make their own family without the will of are used to be regulated by their personal law of their parents, as usual there is always expectation of Shariat. weak relation between the parents of the spouse However, there is not particular law with respect to family. Therefore, it is no doubt that there is always the live-in relationship in India and even there is no change of conflict of ideas and opinion in the family particular legislation to elaborate the rights and as a result it will laterally lead to weaken the relation obligations of parties to cohabitation and the status between other member of the family. So, over all the of children born to such couples. Further, there are matter of live-in relationship has been treated as a several issues and verdicts of judicial decisions in bitter negative effect in the society. The Indian India bearing relevance to live-in relationship which tradition and ritualistic points of view marriage is first were given by different high courts of the states under bond of society followed by children, family and all the limited boundaries of Indian Constitution and things common. these are as follows. Further, individual constitute society and individual G The Supreme Court of India first recognized live- also influence the society & relation between in relation as a valid marriage under the court individual and society is ultimate and close one. verdict (August, 1978) gave legal validity to a 50- According to any culture of the world, individual made year live-in relationship of couple of Badri Prasad an agreement of mutual understanding from which a vs. Dy. Director of consolidation & ORS. For society has been formed with some rights for around 50 years a man and woman, as the facts processing life by keeping some controls over the in this case unfold, lived as husband and wife. rights of the individual only to the extent to which it G In Legal Case of Payal Katara vs. Superintendent has been granted rights to the extent to which authority Nari Niketan Agra case 2001, Allahabad High has been got the better of it. But nowadays this control Court ruled that, a man and woman could live has slowly been changing up towards the betterment together without being married in a single roof. of choice of an individual. Further, in this case also elaborated with Supreme According to Jones, an American Sociologist, given Court of India held stating live-in relationship is the substantial statement on “social changes” is a permissible only on heterogeneous sex. term used to describe variations in or modification of G The case verdict of S. Khushboo vs. Kanniammal any aspect of social process, social patterns, social & Anr. (2010), the Supreme Court held living interaction or social organization. Hence, live-in together is a right to life. Cohabitation may be relationship is a relationship of variation of social immoral in the eyes of the conservative Indian pattern in India, which is modifying higher level slowly society but is not “illegal” in the point view of by the youths being staying together without being law. In this case further all charges endorsed pre- married against the ritual & traditional way of marriage marital sex and live-in relationship against her especially at Metropolitan cities in India. Mulla et (Khushboo, a popular South Indian Actress) were al., (1990) have suggested that, a relationship of a dropped by the Court.
24 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 G Further, the matter of live-in relationship of the disadvantages elaborated by different researchers in case Patel and others, the Supreme Court has held their studies. Basically, today, many couples choose that; live-in relationship between two adults living in before marriage because they do believe to without marriage cannot be considered as an know each other before going in relationship for offence. It further held that there is no law which suitability of their marriage. Living in before marriage postulates that live-in relationships are illegal. The has some advantages and dis-advantages for the concept of live-in relationship was again recognized couple and some of those are listed below. First of in the case of Tulsa vs. Durghatiya. all, pros/advantages of living in before marriage are: G In another case judgment of Alok Kumar vs. State, G Living-together will lower the cost of food, rent the Delhi High Court has held live-in relation is and bills because two people are splitting the cost walk in and walk out relationship and no strings of living. are attached to it. This kind of relationship does G It is usually the woman who gets the benefit of not create any legal bond between the partners. It free room and board costs. Having someone there further held that in case of live-in relationships, for emotional support, sexual relations and for the partners cannot complain of infidelity or conversation without being committed in a immortality. marriage is considered an advantage for most G There is another case of SRS Balasubramanyan couples. vs. Suruttayan @Andali Padayachi (AIR, 1992), G By living together, you will see how loyal your the Supreme Court held that if man & woman are partner is to you. This will help you build trust living under the same roof & cohabiting for a together that cannot be shaken if you agree to get number of years, there will be a presumption under married in the future (Fig.1). section 114 of the Indian Evidence Act, they live G Prior to live-in, they will avoid legal procedures as the wife & husband & their children born will of marriage. Living together before marriage allows not be illegitimate. the couple to test their compatibility, for some G The Supreme Court in Lata Singh vs. State of UP people, they want to feel that they can get along held that, live-in relationship is permissible only with someone while living together before they in unmarried major persons of heterosexual sex, plan for their wedding. the live-in relationship if continued for such a G By living together, you can prepare for marriage longer period, can’t be termed in as “Walk in & ahead by learning someone’s habits, attitudes and walk out” relationship & there is a presumption manners. As per live-in, the percentage of non- of marriage between them (Rahman, 2015). engaged cohabiters as a step towards marriage & Still many more cases, verdicts & judgments are their successful marriage life (Figs.3 & 4) given available in different states of India that have taken in details. decisions accordingly that fall under the jurisdiction There are also some cons/disadvantages of living of Constitution of India. Although the legal status of together before marriage. Those are as follows: live-in relationship in India is unclear, the Supreme Court has ruled that any couple living together for a G Living-together two by a long time, you may get longer period will be presumed as legally married later on too dis-comfortable with their activities unless proved otherwise. Further, most general of each other and totally avoid tying the knot in avenues for proving are living with your partner is the future. evidence that share the same residential address usual G Living together makes it easier for one partner to evidence & also properties lease, property ownership walk out on the relationship because there is no (title deed, rates notice, mortgage documents) etc. legal obligation to the other person. Advantages and disadvantages of live-in G Living together can encourage an easy out for relationship someone who wants it without much boundaries The live-in relationship is relationship of two hearts or objection. living together to proceed the life journey G As per the statistics and figures shown that, the independently. There are several advantages and live-in relationship is often “short-lived”.
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 25 G The female is the one who usually suffers if the been fully supported/adopted by their individual relationship does not work out. Women tend to family and population of India. Because of its way feel that they lose time, because of their biological to get married being without prior permission of their clock, and dignity when they live together with a parents/concerned who have nourished and nurtured partner that ends in a break-up. The detailed of throughout their child & youth life & parents felt general cases of divorce in different states of India hurt and not ready to accept this kind of fashion of have depicted in Fig.7 as per the statistically living together without being married in a single roof. number shown in census of India, 2011. As such, India is as well-known as land of diverse Therefore, there are always few pros/advantages and culture and ritual hub in the world, where can see cons/disadvantages behind each and every activity the systematic followers of traditional marriage of human life, but one should sustain it to build the ceremonies rather than legal procedures of Indian better future life. There is a quote written on “in life Government, which is imposed with marriage under you can’t have everything with you, so if you want Indians ruled mainly two marriage laws such as Hindu to gain something you have to lose something-Sanjay Marriage Act, 1955 and the Special Marriage Act, Kalwani”. 1954 for the purpose of proving one’s marriage valid Impact of live-in relationship as an emerging to establish an existing relationship or divorce while trend the pre-existing relation qualifies one for maintenance. Live-in relationship is defined as an agreement/ Apart, Islam is the second largest religion in India & bonding of two hearts staying together without being Muslim community always kept adopting “Holy married in a single roof socially but not with proper Quran” is the central religious text of Islam, on which legal procedures for the betterment of their happier Muslims believe to be a revelation from God (Allah) life with expedites lifespan. Live-in relationship is also & their marriage ceremonies are regulated by their termed as “cohabitation” and trend of live-in personal law of Shariat in India. Even though much relationship is Western culture and it is being intricate relationship is live-in relationship in India increasing gradually & steadily in India as modern and trend is gaining momentum day by day (year- society of India choices them self for Western culture wise). People are ready to adopting the live-in style of staying together in the society. The live-in relationship beside not much bothering of their cultural relationship is densely adopted by most of the Western and ritual ceremonies as evidenced by well executed European countries like, USA, UK, France, Canada, cinematically in several Bollywood movies viz., Italy, France, Ireland, Germany, etc., in the World. Salaam Namaste (2005), Cocktail (2012), Katti Batti (2015), Ok Jaanu (2017), Luka Chuppi (2019) are Generally, the term “Western culture” is used broadly still many more queuing up in different film industries to refer to traditions, social norms, religious beliefs, in India & abroad. technologies and political systems in their countries. However, concept of the Western part of the world Live-in relationship is densely spreading out in most is from Greco-Roman civilization in Europe and the of the Indian parts of South-eastern (Pondicherry), advent of Christianity. The western world has been Eastern-part (Jharkhand) & North-western (Rajasthan influenced by the traditions of the Renaissance, the & Uttarakhand) are the popular habitual continental Protestant Reformation and the age of Enlightenment belts and even at North-eastern parts of India. But, and was shaped by the Colonialism of the 15th – nowadays the impact of live-in relationship has 20th centuries. This mass exportation of culture to impressed through its benefits (pros said above) the rest of the world was known as Westernization. overwhelmingly in most of the modern generation As such must be able to say, live in relationship was/ youths have been changing the trend of cohabitation/ is Westernized culture to become gradually spread it live-in-relationship towards highly/densely populated out to the rest of the countries including India, which cities as an emerging trend of live-in relationship. is partially become Indianized/Indianizing by the way The impact of live-in relationship is remarkable trend of Indians adoptability of cohabitation through most curved up much higher especially at metropolitan of the young unmarried couples of India. cities viz., Mumbai (Maharashtra), New Delhi (UT), However, as per Indian culture and religion is Bangalore (Karnataka), etc. Hence, live-in concerned, this system of live-in relation has not yet relationship is a trend set by the youngsters of 21st
26 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 generation in most of the Metropolitan cities of Indian 4. Inshorts “Pulse of the National” poll (2018) in a belt as said above. Therefore, the live-in relationship truly liberating move out of 10 women in India provides an adhering remedy for a carefree life, liberty come out in support of live-in relationships. from the hassles of responsibility and commitment, which is the very prerequisite of the institution of 5. Wazida. R (2015). Live in Relationship and marriage. Furthermore, practical point of view is status of women in India. International Journal marriage promotes adjustment while cohabitation of Law and Legal Jurisprudence Studies, ISSN: focuses on an individual freedom/liberty in their life. 2348-821. Vol-3 Issue-3 Conclusion 6. Sylvia, N and Reva. R (2006). “From courtship The live-in relationship had been fully adopted into Marriage: A new Developmental Model and without much in their knowledge as a legal point of Methodological Critiques”, The Journal of view and still being cultivating as a ritual, traditional Family Community, Lawrence Erlboum & cultural way of marriages by the different respected Association Inc. Vol-6, page 23-47 religious people & tribal population in most of forest 7. Rabbiraj. C (2014). Socio Legal Dimensions of & rural belt of the India. The trend of live-in relationship is becoming fashionable nowadays for Live In Relationship in India. Journal of young generation and has been consistently increasing Humanities and Social Science, Vol-19, Issue-7 in India especially at metropolitan cities by the way Page 25-29 of avoiding the social & legal dignities as a shade of 8. Rajib. B (2015). Live in relationship and its the society. The live-in relationship initially is a culture impact on Indian traditional society a critical of Western countries, which was & has been nurtured socio legal study. international journal of & nourished in different developed counties of the multidisciplinary advanced research trends, issue world as per the available information/literatures. 2, page no,171 to 187 Further, our ideas & opinion of this current review article can only be fulfilled through digesting the 9. Irene. L (1999) Live Apart Together: A New knowledge of still many more research, review Family Form, the Journal of the International papers, social & legal cases & latest data collections Sociological Association. Vol-1.2No.3 PP 279- or at least in enhancing of new measures to ongoing 294 surveys in different universities/institutes of the 10. Shodganga (2009). Live in relationship, country & the world. This review can possibly be cohabitation, www.Articles.com concluded by utilizing present data bank of research, review & information available on live-in relationship, 11. Smock, P. J. (2000). Cohabitation in the United which would enhance our understanding of social & States: An appraisal of research themes, findings, legal understanding efficiently to ensure the surveys and implications. Annual Review of Sociology, of family demographers and social scientists rely are 26, 1–20. responsive for it. Further, through this review article, we tried ultimately to focus on the adoptability of 12. Teresa Castro Martin (1989). Recent trends in live-in relationship thoroughly by the young couples marital disruption, Research Gate, Population as an emerging trend & social-legal issues through Association of America (Demography, Vol. 26, which people can understand the reality clues behind No. 1 (Feb., 1989), pp. 37-51). the unraveled truth of this relationship in India. 13. Mohit Chhibber, and Aditya Singh (2015). Live- References in relationships: An ethical and a moral dilemma? 1. Mulla, Sunderlal T and Desai (1990) Principal International Journal of Applied Research, New of Hindu Law, State Mutual Book & Periodical Delhi. Service, Limited, Ed. 16. 1990. 14. Josheph M. Garza (1980). Living together and 2. AIR 1992 SC 756. the double funnel theory of courtship/dating, the 3. Payal Katara v. Superintendent Nari Niketan American journal of psychologists, volume 40, America Kandri Vihar Agra and Others.
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 27 Sociology of Marriage Practice among the Buddhist Mahadevaswamy. B M* & Dr. Shashikala D J**
[This review on marriage practice among the Buddhists is based on the secondary sources taken from the existing literature. Marriage is a social agreement, an institution created by human for the well-being and happiness of man, to distinguish human society from animal life and to maintain order and harmony in the process of propagation. The Buddhist views on marriage are very broad based. In Buddhism, marriage is regarded totally as a personal and individual concern, and not as a sect. There are no religious regulations in Buddhism compulsory for a person to be married, to remain as a bachelor or to lead a life of total celibacy. Hence, in this study, an attempt is made to study the rituals, practices, costumes, and traditions of the Buddhist marriage system. It also looks into the relative concept of marriage and the Buddhist marriage such as civil partnership, divorce, cohabitation, etc. ] uddhism is one of the ancient religions in the enhanced many times when faced with tragedies. world. Basically, Buddhism has been centered Knowing the importance of human nature, the Bin the Eastern World, but it has experienced Buddha did, in one of His principles, guide His increased popularity in the West in the last century. adherents to abstain from committing adultery or The Buddhist philosophy is attracting many people sexual misbehavior. and they want to adopt it as their religion in the modern The Buddhist perspectives on marriage are very period. While it is true that there are many different liberal. In Buddhism, marriage is considered totally expressions of Buddhism today, sometimes involving as an individual and personal concern, and not as a a variety of beliefs, that is information like its history, religious devotion. There are no religious laws in size, and location act as an important foundation in Buddhism obligating a person to be married, or to understanding the beliefs and practices of Buddhism. remain as an unmarried man or to lead a life of total In Buddhism, marriage is considered as totally a celibacy. It is not laid down anywhere that Buddhists personal, individual consideration, and not as a ought to produce children or regulate the number of religious sect. Marriage is a social agreement, an children that they produce. Buddhism permits each institution created by human for the well-being and individual can have the freedom to decide for himself happiness of mankind, to distinguish human society all about marriage. It might be called for why Buddhist from animal life and to maintain order and consensus monks do not get married since there are no in the process of propagation. However, the Buddhist regulations for or opposed to marriage. The reason sources are entirely quiet on the subject matter of is that to be of service to mankind, the monks have monogamy or polygamy, the Buddhist laity is guided selected a way of life which includes chastity. to regulate themselves to one wife. The Buddha didn’t Those who refuse the profane life keep away from make rules on married life but gave necessary advice married life spontaneously to avoid various worldly on how to live a happy married life. There are ample responsibilities to maintain peace of mind and to suspicions in His sermons that it is wise and advisable dedicate their lives alone to serve others in the to be faithful to one wife and not to be sensual and accomplishment of spiritual emancipation. Although, to run after other women. the main purpose of this article is to critically review The Buddha understood that one of the main reasons all existing writings on Buddhist culture, tradition, of man’s downfall is his connection with other women practice and ethics; nevertheless, this article talks (Parabhava Sutta). Man must realize the troubles, about the Buddhist religion’s rituals, rites and the trials, and suffering that he has to undergo just to traditional movements at marriage ceremony. It also maintain a wife and a family. These would be tries to explain that the Buddhist marriage practices are very different comparable to other religions’ * Research Scholar, Dept of Sociology, Gulbarga marriage practices. University, Kalaburgi, Karnataka. ** Associate Prof., Dept of Sociology Govt. First, Concept of Buddhist Marriage Grade College, Gulbarga. Karnataka.
28 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 According to the Buddhist point of view, marriage is as an ancient Path that leads to wisdom, liberation neither holy nor unholy. Buddhism does not consider and peace. The Path has eight factors; each of the marriage as a religious function nor as a sacramental factor is described as right: Right-view, Right-thought, that is ordained in heaven. A cynic has said that while Right-speech, Right-action, Right-livelihood, Right- some people believe that marriage is originated in effort, Right mindfulness and (8) Right-concentration. paradise (heaven), others said that it is recorded in These factors are grouped into three sections – Right- hell also. Marriage is primarily an individual and social speech, right-action, and right-livelihood – and these responsibility, it is not mandatory. Man and woman pertain to moral training. Right-effort, right- must have freedom either to get married or to live as mindfulness and right-concentration pertain to mental a single. This does not mean that Buddhism is not development (samadhi); right-view and right-thought against marriage. No one in this world did say that pertain to wisdom cultivation (pahna). According to marriage is bad and there is no religion which is against Piyadassi, the term “path” or the Noble Eightfold marriage. Paths are interdependent and interrelated in the process of marriage ceremony. It is necessary for In Buddhism, one can find all the needed guidance brides and grooms to follow them. which can help one to lead a happy married life. One shouldn’t neglect the advice given by the Enlightened K. R. Norman (1983) conducted a comprehensive Teacher if one really has to lead a happy married literature survey to understand the origin and life. In His discussion, the Buddha had given several development of Pali literature. This work includes kinds of guidance for married couples and for those critical discussion of various problems and balanced who are contemplating marriage. “According to judgments regarding the history of the Pali literature. Buddha, “If a man can find a suitable and It provides a reliable account on the history and understanding wife, and a woman can find a suitable development of this source. In this study, Norman and understanding husband, both are fortunate assumed that the Buddha’s utterances were indeed” (Dhammananda, 1986) remembered by his adherents and audiences; and with time, collections of his words and translations must Objectives have been made as the need arose. 1. To review the Buddhist marriage system from the H. R. Perera (1988) in his work has studied various existing literature. aspects of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and his work is 2. To find out the traditions, rituals, beliefs and entitled “Buddhism in Sri Lanka: A Short History”. costumes of Buddhist marriage practice. This book included early traditions, practices, and Methodology rituals of various religions such as Hinduism, Jainism, and Christianity in Sri Lanka. Toshiichi Endo (1995) The study intends to analyze the Buddhist marriage conducted a study on various attributes of the Buddha system’s traditions, rituals, costumes and rites from and Buddhist-concept. The general purpose of the existing literature. Therefore, this study used study was to understand the qualities of the Buddhist descriptive methodology. values and development of the concept of Buddha Literature Review and Buddhism in the Pali literature. A documentary Review of literature is an integral part of all kinds of survey is a method used in this study. It was mainly the research process. It is necessary to locate, go based on the Pali commentaries. The study reveals through and evaluate the related works of literature some important points related to Buddhist culture that are relevant to the study being undertaken. An and traditions. accurate review of related literature provides the Y.B Nandan (2000) studied various aspects of researcher with a thorough understanding of previous Buddhist daily practices. He mentioned in his book, work done in the selected research area. Therefore, “Bouddha Nityacharegalu” that those who follow the below mentioned are some reviews selected from Buddhist religion they have to know about the the available literature. Buddhist daily practices. The main objectives of this Thera Piyadassi (1979) attempted to represent the study were to explore the Buddhist cultural rituals, Buddhist thoughts as accurately as possible in the wedding rites, birthday ceremony and so on. This framework of the Noble Eightfold Path. This is a study basically relied on manuscripts of Buddhist documentary survey. Referring to the primary source, three Pitakas. It is written in Pali language. He clearly e. g. the Pali Tipitaka, Thera Piyadassi understood mentioned regarding Buddhist marriage rituals and that the Buddha introduced the Noble Eightfold Path practices.
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 29 Ratna Basu (2007) has discussed various aspects of ● Buddhist monks select not to marry and Buddhist cultural heritages in India in his book remain unmarried while living in the monastic Buddhist literary heritage in India. This book has community. This is so that they can focus on elaborately explained Buddhism’s cultural heritage accomplishing enlightenment. They understand from ancient to contemporary times. He mentioned that the requirement of marriage, raising a family that Buddhism is not only a religion but it also based and working to encouragement both, will be a on entirely scientific basis. This book also deals with distraction from the full-time effort needed to some cultural practices, beliefs, rituals, and rites follow the Buddhist path. Monks do not have to regarding the marriage ceremony and birthday spend the rest of their life in the excursion. They celebration of Buddha etc. are completely free to reenter mainstream society Findings and some only spend a year as a monk. Buddhist marriages are quite simple in nature and ● The Sigalovada Sutta offers advice for Buddhist although they do not involve too much of the rituals, couples on how to treat each other and have a still the nature of these marriages has changed happy and successful marriage. It contains drastically in the present times, especially the role of guidelines for both the wife and husband. The the monks, who earlier were not allowed to even husband can promise a good relationship with his attend these marriages as they used to attend funerals, wife by: but now their participation in the wedding ceremony G Being attentive and courteous to her has become profound. Thus, here are some findings G Not looking down on her based on the review. G Being faithful to her ● Buddhist marriage is very simple and does not involve any multifaceted ritual. The most G Sharing his authority with her enjoyable thing about Buddhist weddings is that G Providing her with clothing, jewelry etc., that she they are based more on faith and less on religion. wants An archetypal wedding takes place in two parts, one is a Buddhist component and the other is a Elsewhere the Buddha guided that a married couple non-Buddhist component. The Buddhist should not be hard or oppressive with each other, component involves offering prayers along with and should be calm and compassionate. gifts to the monks and Buddha images. The non- ● Buddhist marriages in India are civil affairs in India Buddhist component is rooted in traditional devoid of the extensive religious rituals that we practices followed by the family of the couple. find in other wedding ceremonies throughout ● Buddhists accept that marriage may cause India. While a Buddhist marriage may be presided suffering and should be aware of this before over by Buddhist monks, they are very simple getting married. The second Noble Truth, ‘The and usually happen in front of a portrait of Lord truth of the cause of suffering’, refers to desires Gautama Buddha and Baba Saheb Dr. Ambedkar. which can cause frustration. Therefore, a ● Traditional Buddhist marriages in other parts of Buddhist will try to practice teachings such the world such as in Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka, as Metta and ahimsa within the marriage so that where there is a large Buddhist population, involve the couple can sustain a positive relationship. a combination of religious rituals blended with local ● A Buddhist marriage ceremony is secular and takes traditions. In fact, Buddhist weddings in South place in a registered office or one of the few East Asia are divided into Buddhist ceremonies Buddhist temples licensed as a legal marriage and no-Buddhist ceremonies. venue. ● The Hindu Marriage Act says that unless a ● The Five Precepts are considered an important Saptapadi is performed, the marriage cannot be source of authority in Buddhism. The third recognized, while there are no Saptapadi in principle offers advice on how to achieve a Buddhist marriages at all. The Buddhist marriage successful marriage. Do not involve in sexual rituals are very different. They do not fit in with misconduct, directs Buddhists to be content within the prevailing provisions of the Hindu Marriage marriage and not to engage in adultery as this will Act. Hence, separate legislation is needed for cause suffering. Buddhist marriage.
30 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 Buddhism and cohabitation themselves have been married before ordination and There are no particular references to cohabitation in so can often incorporate religious with practical Buddhist scriptures, so opinions can vary according guidance to people who come to them to talk about to the culture in which Buddhism is practiced. Some problems. Like other religious professionals, they can Buddhists accept cohabitation because: also accumulate over the years a lot of knowledge from their congregation which they can pass on to G There is no Buddhist obligation to get married. people who are experiencing difficulties. G There is no particular Buddhist religious section Buddhists may also select to divorce in order to to marriage in Buddhist countries. decrease suffering and to help achieve enlightenment. G Cohabitation is not forbidden or criticized in They may also choose to remarry a way of finding scripture. (https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/ happiness again and reducing sadness in their lives. zmjmyrd/revision/) The majority Buddhists Civil partnerships and same-sex marriage get divorce and remarry because: As temples tend to not offer marital services, G There is no religious content to marriage in Buddhists will typically have a civil ceremony. There between Buddhists and so ‘undoing’ that marriage is no set pledge in Buddhism, hence couples will use is not a religious problem the pledge provided at their civil marriage or they G Unhappiness may prevent the couple from may write their own. Buddhists may select to cohabit, achieving enlightenment have a civil partnership or marry. However, they must G A miserable marriage may cause suffering; hence remember that any relationship may cause suffering Buddhists may feel divorce is the best alternative and they must, therefore, practice compassion within to avoid further suffering. the relationship. There are no specific references about civil partnerships or same-sex marriage in G Divorce may be considered Buddhist scriptures, therefore, opinions can vary a compassionate action according to cultural context. Some Buddhists accept G Remarriage can fabricate the person happier and civil partnerships and same-sex marriage because: may cause less suffering than being alone G There is no Buddhist regimen to get married, and Conclusion then Buddhists may marry whom they desire. The trends emerging from this study reveal that G The second Noble Truth, ‘The truth of the cause Buddhist marriage is exact simple and does not require of suffering’, talks about desires which can cause any multifaceted rituals. The most enjoyable thing frustration. This means that all kind of marriages about the Buddhist wedding is that they are based can be reason for suffering where they are based more on faith and less on religion. This study also on wish. Thus, Buddhist does not believe that shows the rituals, customs, and practices of the one type of marriage causes more suffering than Buddhist marriage. another. References G Many Buddhists believe that as long as the couple 1. Acharya Buddharakkhita., Living legacy of the shows each other love, then Metta is being Buddha, Buddha vachana trust Mahabodhi practiced. It does not matter if the couple society, Bangalore, 2002. is homosexual or heterosexual. (Religion, 2. Ambedkar B. R., Buddha and his Dhamma, philosophy and ethics at haberdashers’ abraham samyak prakashana, New Delhi, 2016. darby. https://www.abdabrs.com/ relationships.html) 3. Endo, T., Buddha in Theravdda Buddhism. Ph.D. Thesis. 1995. University of Kelaniya. Its Buddhism: Divorce and Remarriage revised version was published by Buddhist Married people who want to segregate and divorce Cultural Center, Colombo, 2002. will always be guided to proceed with as much 4. Harvey. P, An introduction to Buddhism: harmony as possible, both for the intent of their Teachings, history, and practices. Cambridge: families and children, but also for their own sake. It Cambridge University Press, 1990. will only hurt them if they get very angry and resentful. 5. Kalupahana, D. J., A history of Buddhist It will be easier for each person if they try to feel philosophy: Continuities and discontinuities. compassion for their partner. Buddhist monks may Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press,1992.
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 31 6. Kamalakar. G and Veerender, Buddhism: Art, 13. Piyadassi, Thera., The Buddha’s ancient path. Architecture, Literature and Philosophy, Sharad Kandy: Buddhist Publication Society. Sri Lanka, publishing house, New Delhi, 2005. 1979. 7. Maheswari, B. K., A critical study of the basic 14. Pujya Dhammananda There., Buddha samskruti principles of Indian educational philosophy, mattu moulyagalu, Mahabodhi society, Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis. Meerut Bangalore, 2004. University,1984 15. Ratna Basu., Buddhist literature Heritage in India, 8. Mookherji, R. K., Ancient Indian education. Munshiram manoral publishers, New Delhi, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1947/1998. 2007. 9. Nandana Y. B., Bouddha Nityaacharanegalu, Mahabodhi society, Bangalore, 2000. 16. Sharma, S. N., Buddhist social and moral education. New Delhi: Parimal Publications, 10. Nandana Y. B., Buddha Charitre mattu (1994). Dhammasaara, Mahabodhi society, Bangalore, 2004. 17. BBC, Bitesize, https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ 11. Norman. K.N., Pali literature: Including the guides/zmjmyrd/revision/4) canonical literature in Prakrit and Sanskrit of all 18. Religion, philosophy and ethics at haberdashers’ Hinayana schools of Buddhism, Wiesbaden, abraham darby. https://www.abdabrs.com/ Haeeassowitz. 1983 relationships.html 12. Perera H. R., Buddhism in Sri Lanka: A short history. Buddhist publication society Kandy, Sri Lanka, 1988. Factors Determining CRM in Banking Industry Dr.R. Seetha Lakshmi * Dr. Ashish.K. Biswas** & Dr. V. Parvathi*** [Customer Relationship Management in Banking sector personalizes the customer’s journey to their financial well-being. It is more significant in the customer focused industry. It helps to understand the needs of the customer and provide them better solution. CRM assists the banks in sales modules, in identifying and converting the customers in to a potential customer. The various factors are discussed in this paper to draw insights on the outcome of CRM.] anaging and retention of customers are the strategy that provides a comprehensive, reliable and strategic platform for the Banking industry. integrated view of its customer base in identifying MCustomers are the king for their business. the valuable customers, enhancing the customer Meeting the customer needs and satisfying their service in turn expand mutually beneficial expectation are the twin objectives of retail banking. relationships. Measuring and valuing customer A complete transformation has taken place from bank relationships is critical to implementing this strategy. centric activities to customer centric activities. With The customer delight is developed with the the advent of technology, banks have developed a components of CRM to build a unique and long- new strategy to attract new customers and to retain term relationship between the customers and the the existing customers. In this direction, Customer bank. The framework includes collaborative, Relationship management embraces a new phase in operational, and analytical which plays a vital role retaining the customers and enhancing the customer for the successful implementation of CRM. The loyalty (Karim & Habiba, 2020) It is a business collaborative aspect deals with communication * Asst Prof., GITAM Hyderabad Business School, process with the customers. The operational aspect GITAM, Rudraram, Patancheru Mandal, makes the processes automated. The analytical aspect ** Asst Prof., Narsee Monjee Institute of Management analyses the customer information for the various Studies (Deemed to be University) 12-13-95, purposes to build strong customer relationships (Liu, Beside Big Bazar, Tarnaka, Hyderabad . 2007). *** Asst Prof., GITAM Hyderabad Business School, GITAM, Rudraram, Patancheru Mandal,
32 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 Implementation of successful customer relationship and an engaged customer relationship. The management focuses on empathizing the needs and conversation with the customers focuses on the desires of the customers and is achieved by providing capturing the insights on different products and a quality service and integrating them with the services offered by the banks and making them to organization’s strategy, people, technology and believe that their financial and non-financial needs business processes (Lebdaoui & Chetioui, 2020) will be met by the unique process with the help of thereby enhancing the customer loyalty. Improving CRM tools. the customer experience by prompt customer Customer Response response, dwelling in to the needs of the customer The reply to the customer queries depends upon the through customer knowledge, improving the value understanding and interpreting in the best way to of the customers are the best way to differentiate provide the possible solution. It is an important themselves in a competitive edge. criterion to build a better relationship and to enhance CRM in banking industry plays a pivotal role in the satisfaction and loyalty with the customers. creating the trust among the people. An adequate Prompt response in a professional way provides a attention is established to customer care support, better avenue for smooth interaction between its making timely information about interest payments, customers, employees and enhance the satisfaction maturity of time deposit, issuing credit and debit cum and loyalty with the customers (Shang & Lu, 2012) ATM card, creating awareness regarding online and Customer Knowledge e-banking, adopting mobile request which are required to maintain the relationship with customers. It has Campbell (2003) defines customer knowledge as: gained importance with the aggressive strategies for “organized and structured information about the customer acquisition and retention. This has resulted customer as a result of systematic processing”. The in the adoption of various CRM initiatives by these knowledge is classified in various perspectives like banks. With this background, the researcher has made knowledge about customers; knowledge for a modest attempt to study uncovered factors which customers and, finally, knowledge from customers determine the CRM in development and promotion (Gebert et al. 2002). The requirements of customers, of banking sector through the sidelines of the practices is “knowledge about customers”. When the needs and problems. and desires of the customers are satisfied then, it is “knowledge for customers”. The Customer Review of Literature experiences is “knowledge from customers”. The The top most priority of the banking sector is the expectations of the customers are pooled together acquisition of new customers. Understanding the and the services are customized according to their transactional behavior for the customers with different needs. Understanding the demographic conditions, perspectives, responding to the queries of the background of the customers, the customer segments, customers are the challenging task in the current helps the banking industry to understand their needs scenario. Customer Relationship management and wants. Thereafter the knowledge about the improves the acquisition, building a rapport between customers helps to deliver a quality service which in the customers and banks. There is a substantial body turn leads to customer loyalty (Karim & Habiba, of empirical literature that establishes the factors 2020) determining the effective implementation of CRM. Customer Information System Customer Acquisition Customer information system used to access, collect, Applying the techniques of the CRM, it boosts up store use transmits, protect or dispose of customer the banking customer acquisition strategy with the information. It is an important tool of CRM that allows depth of data and the processing capabilities. It is the user to define a virtually unlimited number of been demanded more and plays an important role in fields and codes in addition to the large number of the customer life cycle (Ang & Buttle, 2006). The predefined information. It aids to understand the important element of attracting the new and the different perspectives of customer and devising the potential customers is by the way of building a trust wiser strategy to improv the performance the banking
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 33 industry. This in turn enhances the customer The literature summarizes the outcomes in terms of satisfaction and customer loyalty (Liu, 2007) customer satisfaction and loyalty which in-turn Customer Value Evaluation increases the performance and the growth of the banking sector. Hence the research attempted to CRM captures the holistic view of the customers on uncover the factors determining the CRM practices the products and services offered to them. The customers value is the weapon for devising a strategy in Banking sector leading to customer satisfaction to attract and retain the customers. It allows the resulting in customer loyalty is depicted in the banking industry to serve the customers according to conceptual framework. their needs and in turn elevate the customer Research Objective satisfaction and increase the loyalty of the customers. This paper investigates in-depth into the factors The banking industry can compete with the determining Customer Relationship Management competitive advantage by driving the customer practices in banking sector which enhances the relationship (Wang et al., 2004). customer satisfaction resulting the customer loyalty Customer Satisfaction to acquire the untapped market and to attract new CRM’s focal point is towards the customer customers and retain the existing customers. satisfaction. It is the primary performance indicator Methodology for the performance of the banking industry. The effective implementation of CRM strategy maintains Sample and Data Collection and enhances the customer base. The CRM practices An exploratory approach is adopted for this study. are the positively affluent towards the customer The employees and the customers of the retail satisfaction (Faraj Aldaihani et al., 2020). Customer banking sector constitutes the participants of the study. satisfaction is the key differentiated factor and a key Around 300 questionnaires were distributed among element for successful business strategy of banking the participants. 247 questionnaires received back industry. In reaching out the customer satisfaction, representing a response rate of 82.3 per cent. the feedback from the customers is frequently Participants were assured that the data or the obtained in regular intervals and the strategy is information that are shared will be kept confidential adopted for enhancing the quality service to the and will be used only for the research purposes. customers which in turn increases the loyalty of the The questionnaire included two phases; first phase customers resulting in higher performance and growth of the banking sector (Saeed Awadh Bin-Nashwan covered the demographic details of the participant. & Hassan, 2017). The second phase included the factors determining the CRM practices. The questionnaire for the Customer Retention customers included the questions on satisfaction and The winning Customer Retention is the first start for loyalty. The variables were measured by the adopted every organization to improve its performance and scale on 5-point Likert scale based on review of the growth in the market share. It is achieved by literature. Multi-dimensional analysis was carried out reducing customer defections. CRM practices are to analyse the various factors determining the CRM implemented effectively to win over the customers practices which leads to customer satisfaction and and retain them throughout the entire life time of the loyalty. business. It is all about exceeding the expectations of Results and Analysis the customers and creates a reputation in the marketplace. Adapting the CRM practices in the Respondents Profile banking sector, deliver a consistent quality service in The sample of employees had an average age of 42 a competitive environment and maintain a high years, customers had an average age of 35 years. standard in the market place. Thereby it embraces The employees employed in the organization on an the customer- centric management to identify the average of 5.8 years and with the experience of 5-9 customer needs and make the customers to be years in bank. 54 per cent of the participants were emotionally committed to the organization resulting male and 46 per cent of the participants were female. in customer loyalty.
34 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 Nearly 47 per cent of the participants were saving 3. Faraj Aldaihani, F. M., bin Ali, N. A., Hashim, account holders. On an average the relationship of H. B., & Basha, N. K. (2020). Impact of social the customers with bank was once in a month customer relationship management on customer reporting 57 per cent. The contact of the customers retention of Islamic banks in Kuwait: The with the bank was through the online banking mediating role of customer empowerment. reporting 52 per cent. International Journal of Supply Chain Discussion and Conclusion Management, 9(1). The contribution of the banking sector to the 4. Karim, R. al, & Habiba, W. (2020). How CRM economic development is at the higher phase due to Components Impact Customer Loyalty: A Case the evolution of technology. CRM is the focal point from Bangladesh Banking Industry. Journal of in which facilitates the data gathering on the customer Management Info, 7(2). https://doi.org/10.31580/ information, analysing the needs and fulfilling the jmi.v7i2.1165 customers’ needs. The management Information 5. Lebdaoui, H., & Chetioui, Y. (2020). CRM, system is a need of hour to pool the information service quality and organizational performance in from various sources and enable the banking sector the banking industry: a comparative study of to identify the customers and turn out them to be a potential customer. The information is needed to conventional and Islamic banks. International provide a better and quality services to the customers Journal of Bank Marketing, 38(5). https://doi.org/ thereby gaining a competitive edge in the market 10.1108/IJBM-09-2019-0344 place. In this study more attention has to be paid 6. Liu, H.-Y. (2007). Development of a Framework towards the customer information system to lure the for Customer Relationship Management (CRM) customers in the quest to attract them and retain them in the Banking Industry. International Journal for long period. The constraints are in the form of of Management, 24(1). internet-based applications which has arisen due to 7. Saeed Awadh Bin-Nashwan, & Hassan, H. the information system vulnerability. Therefore, banks (2017). Impact of customer relationship have to be cautious and vigilant and provide a level management (CRM) on customer satisfaction and of security to the customers that their information loyalty: A systematic review. Journal of Advanced cannot be breached. Thereby it will enhance the Research in Business and Management Studies, satisfaction among the customers in turn improves customer loyalty. 6(March). To conclude, the benefits of information system are 8. Shang, K. C., & Lu, C. S. (2012). Customer in numerous. Along with the benefits the challenges relationship management and firm performance: also have to be take care of on the parallel line. The An empirical study of freight forwarder services. effective implementation of CRM practices will In Journal of Marine Science and Technology revolutionize the customer satisfaction and customer (Vol. 20, Issue 1). https://doi.org/10.6119/ retention. JMST.201202_20(1).0008 References 9. Wang, Y., po lo, H., Chi, R., & Yang, Y. (2004). 1. Ang, L., & Buttle, F. (2006). Managing For An integrated framework for customer value and Successful Customer Acquisition: An Exploration. customer-relationship-management performance: Journal of Marketing Management, 22(3–4). A customer-based perspective from China. https://doi.org/10.1362/026725706776861217 Managing Service Quality: An International Journal, 14. https://doi.org/10.1108/ 2. Campell D (1999) “Keeping hold of customers is 09604520410528590 key to growth”, Marketing society, May 20 pp19.
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 35 Role and Performance of MSMEs in India Atul Saikia* [MSMEs, play a major role in the economic development by contributing in the field of rural development, creation of employment opportunities, use of indigenous resources, decentralization of industries, creation of backward and forward linkages with existing industries, development of entrepreneurship, eradication of poverty in India. It contributes significantly to India’s GDP and export earnings. This sector has been recognized as the engine of growth all over the world. Considering the potentiality of MSME sector to strengthen the economy of India, this paper attempts to present a conceptual overview of the importance and performance of MSME sector in economic development of the nation. It has adopted analytical as well as descriptive method to study role and performance of MSMEs in Indian economy. Further, it discusses the key challenges prevailing in this sector.] icro, Small and Medium Enterprises revolution by developing agro-based industries in the (MSMEs) sector has emerged as a highly country (Dhar, 2017). Mvibrant and dynamic sector in the world’s Objectives countries for its major contribution in various socio- The main objectives of this paper are as follow: economic objectives such as higher level of production, employment, encouragement and support i. To understand the role and performance of for export, nurturing rural entrepreneurship thereby MSME sector in Indian Economy. reducing regional imbalances, assuring more equitable ii. To find key challenges faced by the MSMEs. distribution of national income and wealth, eradication iii. To give suggestions for improving the conditions of poverty. This sector has often been termed as the of MSME sector. “Engine of Growth” for developing countries like India. MSME sector contributes significantly to India’s Methodology GDP and export earnings. The present study is an attempt to focus on conceptual overview of the role and performance of MSMEs in Over the last five decades, entrepreneurship has been Indian economy. It is based on secondary sources. appearing in the small-scale industry sector which is The secondary data collected from books, journals, at present known as MSMEs in the country, under government reports and the internet sources. It has the MSME Development Act, 2006(Ministry of been adopted analytical and descriptive method to MSMEs, 2010). ‘The contribution of this sector to study role and performance of MSMEs in Indian the economic development of the Indian economy is scenario. highly remarkable as compared to other sectors of the economy. This sector contributes over 90 percent Limitations of the study of enterprises in most of economics and is instrumental There is no study which is devoid of limitations. The in generating more job opportunities in the country’ present study is based on the secondary data and the (RBI Annual Report, 2019). performance and importance of MSME sector is In the year 2019, according to RBI, the SSI measured mainly through four variables which are contributed about 45% of manufacturing products, output, employment, export, numbers of units/ more than 40% of exports, over 28% of the GDP enterprises, any others are left. while generating employment opportunities for about Literature Review 111 million people, which in terms of volume stands The review of literature pertaining to the significance, next to the agricultural sector” (Das 2020). Besides, prospects, performance and challenges of the SSIs/ these small industries/MSMEs are also supporting MSMEs are available in plethora. An attempt has large-scale industries, overcoming territorial been made to present a systematic review of the immobility reducing pressure on land, relieving existing literature keeping in mind the title of the congestion in urban areas and sustaining green present study. * Asst. Prof., Dept. of Economics, Dhemaji College, Singh et al. (2012) conducted a study to analyze the Assam,. performance of SSIs in India and concluded that SSI
36 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 sector has made remarkable progress in terms of investment in plant and machinery or investment in numbers of units, employment and production levels. equipment. Recently, Union Ministry of Micro, Small The paper suggested the necessity of technology and Medium Enterprises has issued Gazette development and strengthening of financial notification to pave way for implementation of the infrastructure to boost SSIs. upward revision in the definition and criteria of Venkatesh and Muthiah (2012) highlight the MSMEs in the country and these new definitions importance, supporting agencies, factors affecting and criterion came into effect from 1st July, 2020 small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Researchers (M/o MSMEs). found that the role of SMEs in the industrial sector is Role and Performance of MSMEs in India growing rapidly and they have become a thrust area The MSME sector has been recognized globally as a for future growth. At the end, it suggested that the major contributor to GDP and stimulator for entrepreneurs along with the government support take economic growth and this sector plays a crucial role necessary steps for further development of SMEs. in providing employment opportunities to masses, Pushpa S. and Ramaswamy B. (2017), in their study fosters entrepreneurship and growth led by innovation discuss about the role of MSMEs in new India and (Panda, 2017). The role of MSMEs in the economic concluded that that MSMEs are important for meeting development of India is well established. As per the the national objectives of growth with equity and Report of the working group on MSMEs growth for inclusion. 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17), the sector accounts Boateng et al (2019) conducted a study to analyze for 45 percent of the manufacturing output and 40 the performance and contribution of MSMEs to both per cent of total exports of the country (Pushpa and the India and the global economy and found that Ramaswamy, 2017). The sector contributes over MSMEs engage in trade activities dominate the 28% of the GDP while creating employment for about industry. 111 million people which in terms of volume stands next to agriculture sector (RBI, 2019). Nandeeswaraiah and Ramana (2019) observed the role and performance of SSIs to the development of There are over 6,000 products ranging from the Indian economy. The scholarly work of the traditional to high-tech items which are being authors found that the MSMEs occupy a significant manufactured by the MSMEs in India (Venkatesh & role for its contribution to substantial rise of Muthiah, 2012). The labour to capital ratio in MSMEs entrepreneurial avenues and as a result of generating and overall growth in the sector is much higher than employment to younger generations. that in the large industries and thus this sector is important for meeting the national objectives of Saidapur (2020) in his paper, while making an in- growth with equity and inclusion (Pushpa & depth analysis of the role and relevance of MSMEs Ramaswamy, 2017). The second five-year plan in Indian economy, also highlights the problems and rightly emphasised the role of small scale and village gives suggestions for improving the conditions of industries on the growth of: (a) employment SSIs. generation, (b) equitable distribution of income, (c) Operational Definitions of MSMEs mobilisation of capital, d) mobilisation of The definitions of Small-Scale Industries (SSIs) have entrepreneurial skill, and (e) regional dispersal of undergone changes for many times ((Anuradha, industries (Dhar, 2017). The SSIs/ MSME sector 2014). The main criterion for definitions was largely which play a pivotal role in the Indian economy in the investment level and number of employees. A terms of employment and growth has recorded a high major change took place in the year 2006 with the rate of growth since independence in spite of stiff enactment of MSME Development Act (2006). competition from the large sector and not so- Before enactment of this act, MSME sector used to encouraging support from the government (Datt & be is collectively termed as SSI. Under this act, the Sundharam, 2016) earlier, rather limited concept of ‘industries’ has been Role of MSMEs in terms of its contribution to widened to that of ‘enterprises’ (Sharma & Neog, Gross Value Added (GVA) and Gross Domestic 2017). Product (GDP) in Indian Economy: As per the MSME Development Act, 2006 the micro, As per the data available with Central Statistics Office small and medium enterprises are defined on (CSO), Ministry of Statistics & Programme manufacturing and services enterprises as per the Implementation (MoSPI), the contribution of MSME
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 37 Sector in the country’s GVA and GDP, at current contributed averagely 32.3% (Average Annual prices during the last six years is given in Table 2. It Growth Rate) to the GVA of India and an average of is clear that from 2011- 2012 to 2016-17; MSMEs 30% to India’s GDP growth during the same period. Table-2: The Contribution of the MSME Sector in Indian Economy at Current Prices Year MSME GVA Total GVA Share of MSMEs Total GDP Share of in GVA% MSMEs in GDP (%) 2011-12 2622574 8106946 32.35 8736329 30.00 2012-13 3020528 9202692 32.82 9944013 30.40 2013-14 3389922 10363153 32.71 11233522 30.20 2014-15 3704956 11504279 32.21 12467959 29.70 2015-16 4025595 12566646 32.03 13764037 29.20 2016-17 4405753 13841591 31.83 15253714 28.90 AAGR 32.3 30 Source: Ministry of MSME Annual Report, 2018-19 The contribution of the MSME sector to India’s GDP remained stagnant around 30% in recent years. GVA Note: GVA: It may be noted that estimates of GVA of MSMEs decelerated marginally during the same had been prepared at factor cost in the earlier series period. (the base year 2004-05), while these are being prepared at basic prices in the new series (2011-12). Growth of MSMEs in India GVA estimated by the production approach: (GVA= The following table-3 shows the progress of category- Output-Material Inputs) and GVA calculated by wise distribution of MSMEs in India. The Micro income approach: (GVA = Compensation of sector with 630.52 lakh estimated enterprises accounts Employees + Operating Surplus + CFC). for 99 % total estimated number of MSMEs. Small GDP: GDP is calculated by adding taxes on products, sector 3.31 lakh and medium sector with 0.05 lakh net of subsidies on products, to GVA at basic prices. of total estimated MSMEs. Table-3: Category-wise Distribution of MSMEs (in Lakhs) Sector Micro Small Medium Total Share (%) Rural 324.09 0.78 0.01 324.88 51 Urban 306.43 2.53 0.04 309.00 49 Total 630.52 3.31 0.05 633.88 100 Source: Annual Report, 2018-19, M/o MSMEs lakh in Trade and 362.22 lakh in Other Services and It can be witnessed from table-3 that out of 633.88 0.07 lakh in Non-captive Electricity Generation and lakhs MSMEs, 324.88 lakhs (51.25%) are in rural Transmission) in the rural and the urban areas across areas and 309 lakhs MSMEs (48.75%) are in the the country (RBI, 2019). Table 4 shows activity- urban areas. wise distribution of employment generated by MSMEs. Trade leads with 35 percentage followed Employment Generation: SSIs/MSMEs are labour by other services (33%), manufacturing (32%) non- intensive and thus are creating a huge number of captive electricity generation & transmission (0%). employment opportunities. As per the National The MSME sector employed 805.2 lakh in 2006-07 Sample Survey (NSS) 73rd round conducted during and this increased to 1171.3 lakh in 2014-15 (Puri & the period 2015-16, MSME sector has been creating Misra, 2017). 1109 lakh jobs (360.41 lakh in Manufacturing, 387.18 Table-4: Estimated Employment in MSME sector (Broad Activity wise) Activity Category Employment in Lakhs Share (%) Rural Urban Total Manufacturing 186.56 173.86 360.41 32 Trade 160.64 226.54 387.18 35
38 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 Other Services 150.53 211.69 362.22 33 Electricity 0.06 0.02 0.07 0 Total 497.78 612.10 1109.89 100 Source: National Sample Survey (NSS) 73rd round the percentage contribution of MSMEs to the India’s 2015-16 total exports. There was a 43% contribution from Contribution of MSMEs to Total Export: The the MSMEs to the exports in 2012-13, 42 % in 2013- contribution of MSME sector towards export has been 14, 45% in 2014-15 and 50%, 50%, 49 % in 2015- increasing at a faster rate in India. Table 5 illustrates 2016, 2016-17 and 2017-18 financial years respectively. Table-5: Share of MSME export in total exports (Amount in USD Million) Year Total Export Export by MSME Share of MSME in Export (%) 2012-13 300400 127992 43 2013-14 314415 133313 42 2014-15 310352 138896 45 2015-16 262291 130768 50 2016-17 275852 137068 50 2017-18 303376 147390 49 Source: RBI & Press Information Bureau/Directorate shows activity wise distribution of MSMEs in the General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics country with the trade industry having the elephant (DGCIS) share of this sector. The trade industry had 230.35 lakhs MSMEs representing 36 percentage followed Numbers of MSMEs: There is no doubt that SMEs by 206.85 lakhs engaged in other services representing are gaining popularity year after year and are treated 33 percentage, manufacturing following with 196.65 as backbone of the entire nation. As per the National lakhs representing 31 percentage of MSMEs and Sample Survey (NSS) 73rd round, conducted by Electricity with 0.03 lakhs. It is also observed that National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), MoSPI, the number of units established in rural areas were during the period 2015-16, there were 633.88 lakh higher (51%) than the units established in urban areas unincorporated non-agriculture MSMEs in the country (48.75%). Table 6 shows activity- wise distribution engaged in different economic activities. Table-6 of employment generated by MSMEs. Table-6: Numbers of MSMEs Category Wise Activity Category Estimated Number of Enterprises (in Lakhs) Share in Percentage Rural Urban Total Manufacturing 114.14 82.50 196.65 31 Trade 108.71 121.64 230.35 36 Other Services 102.00 104.85 206.85 33 Electricity* 0.03 0.01 0.03 0 All 324.88 309.00 633.88 100 Source: Annual Report MSME, 2017-18 Cottage and small-scale industries are facing a number Electricity* indicate non-captive electricity generation of problems in spite of the assistance rendered by and transmission. the government after independence which leads to Challenges of MSME sector in India many small-scale units turn sick and a large number have to close-down (Saidapur, 2020). The magnitude In spite of having huge potentialities of the MSME of sickness among the small-sector units would be sector to grow, there exist many problems as well. clear from the fact that at the end of March 2016, as
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 39 many as 4,80,280 of these units were sick and an conducting research on techniques of production, amount of Rs. 32,674 crore was blocked in them provision of effective marketing managements like (Misra & Puri, 2017). Important problems associated sales depot and exhibitions, imparting proper with this sector are as - problems of skilled education and training to workers, provision for cheap manpower, lack of timely excess to credit, and regular supply of inputs etc. for smooth infrastructural gaps, technological obsolescence, sub- functioning of MSMEs located in rural areas. optimal access to market, faulty and irregular supply Moreover, the government should embark on of raw materials, burden of taxation, competition from aggressive education and sensitization programme to large scale industries/ MNC’s, absence of organised increase awareness of the various sources of funding marketing facility, unsuitable location, lack of research (Boateng et al. 2019). and development and quality control. Conclusion The 7th Five Year Plan has rightly observed that all MSMEs are amongst the strongest drivers of these constraints have resulted in a skewed cost economic development, innovation and output. To structure placing this sector at disadvantage vis-a-vis empower the MSME sector to take its rightful place the large industries both in the domestic and export as the engine of growth, it is necessary to support markets (Dhar, 2017). Moreover, with increasing this sector by giving education and information of competition from neighbouring countries like China, the latest developments taking place globally and to Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, it has become help acquire necessary skills to keep pace with other imperative for the sector to adopt robust strategies to countries. MSME sector is occupying a very become globally competitive and govt does realize important place in the industrial structure of the these constraints and so, a host of initiatives like country. Under changing economic scenario, the ‘Make in India, Digital India, Start-up India and Skill MSMEs have both the opportunities and challenges India have been taken up for the holistic growth of before them. the sector (Panda, 2017). Cheaper and better-quality imported goods are posing a serious threat to MSME This sector has been facing a tough fight not only sector. The most serious threat is being posed by against its own counterparts (MSMEs), but also from cheap Chinese imports (Puri & Misra, 2017). large and organized sector of the country and also from the MNC’s/Chinese imports. Indian government Policy Suggestions has started certain measures to tackle some of the Government of India has taken a number of schemes/ problems afflicting MSME sector. Thus, if all suitable programmes for promoting development of MSMEs measures are taken in proper time and spirit the which includes availability of credit, schemes for MSME sector will be to utilize huge development technological up gradation, quality improvement, potential available in the country and prove itself as marketing support and also adopted Micro Units one of the most dynamic and vibrant sector of the Development Refinance Agency (MUDRA) Yojana, Indian economy in future as well. The government Stand up India, Make in India, Skill India, increased should take appropriate steps or measures to tackle coverage of Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro and the problems of MSMEs and efforts should be Small Enterprises and higher credit limits provided undertaken to make this sector stronger. In recent by the banks to MSMEs have improved credit support times, several procedural simplification and policy to them. The schemes have a holistic intervention measures are undertaken by the govt. to support this framework for providing both forward and backward sector and enhance their competitive strength. linkage. References From the findings of the present study, we can 1. Anuradha, J (2014) -Problems and Prospects of recommend the following as measures/steps to assist Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) the MSMEs perform well to contribute its quota to in India in the Era of Globalization, Journal of economic development of the country. These are- Research in Business and Management, Vol. 2, provide the institutional credit, facilitate the market issue 6, pp. 20-27. assistance, allocation of raw materials and equipment, improvement in the techniques of production, facilitate 2. Annual Report 2010-11, 16-17, 17-18, 18-19 the professional education, removal of difficulties Ministry of MSMEs, Government of India. faced by MSMEs Besides, the govt. should provide 3. Boateng K, Sodem N & Nagaraju Y (2019): The reliable access to infrastructure like electricity, water, contribution of MSMEs to the Growth of the
40 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 Indian and Global Economy-Research Review 11. Pushpa S & Ramaswamy B (2017) -Role of International Journal of Multidisciplinary, Vol. 04, MSMEs in new India, Yojana, Vol.-61, pp. 41- Issue 3, pp. 254-262. 48. 4. Das M (2020) -Assam’s position in the Indi an 12. RBI Annual Report, 2019. MSME Sector: A Comparative Analysis, Journal 13. Saidapur S (2020) - Role of Small-Scale of Critical Review, Vol. 7, issue16, pp. 2833- Industries in Indian Economy- Third Concept, 2839. pp. 30-37. 5. Datt & Sundharam (2016)- Indian Economy, S. 14. Sharma S & Neog J (2017) -Role of Micro, Small Chand & Company Pvt. Ltd, New Delhi and Medium Enterprises in the Development of 6. Dhar, P. K (2017). -Indian Economy-Its Growing Entrepreneurship in Sonitpur District of Assam, Dimensions, Kalyani Publishers, Ludhiana. IOSR-JBM, Vol-19, Issue-9, pp. 24-29. 7. Kurukshetra (2018)-A Journal on Rural 15. Singh R, Verma O.P. & Anjum B (2012)- Small Development, Vol. 66, No. 12. Scale Industry: An Engine of Growth, Zenith 8. Nandeeswaraiah K & Ramana A (2019): Role International of Business Economics & and Performance of Micro Small and Medium Management Research, Vol. 2 Issue 5. Enterprises- Journal of Management, Vol. 6, Issue 16. Venkatesh S, Muthiah K (2012)- SMEs in India: 5, pp. 10-16. Importance and Contribution, Asian Journal of 9. Panda A (2017)-Empowering India’s MSME Management Research, Vol.2, Issue2, pp. 792- Sector, Yojana, Vol. 61, pp.1-7 796. 10. Puri V K, Misra S.K (2017). -Indian Economy, 17. Yojana (2017)-Micro, Small and Medium Himalaya Publishing House, New Delhi. Enterprises, November . Christian Missionaries in India in the 19th Century Palash Biswas* [In fact, the Indian Renaissance period has a special significance in Indian history and in the 19th century in the religious-social reform movements of India, Christian missionaries and missionaries have an important place among the propagators of Western civilization, who aspired to spread their religion among the Indians and they tried to accomplish this work through discourse, teaching, medicine, organization and service and indirectly contributed to the development of feelings of social awakening, equality and freedom. The present research paper analyzes the role of Christian missionaries in Indian society in the Renaissance movement of the 19th century.] ince the modern Indian social and religious Indians were inferior to self-confidence and self- reform movement has been in large part, the sacrifice. At the same time, foreign powers and Sresult of the reaction to the moral challenge of evangelists entered India. Indian was a fertile field Christianity and, expressed primarily in Christianity, for Christian missionaries who were successful in the response to the concept of the human person. asserting their religion in different parts of the eastern India was decadent in the 8th century. The erosion world. Indians could not stand in front of a new, and disintegration in religious life was manifesting in strong and enthusiastic society and culture. Rightly, a very shocking form. The popular Hindu religion they were overwhelmed by Western culture, due to was deprived of its moral and spiritual values. Society which there was a possibility of loss of Indian religion and religion were dominated by superstitions, and culture. In a letter to his father, Macaulay wrote hypocrisies, evils, and evil practices. The Indian that the Indian (Hindu) who received English society had become weak, infirm, helpless by being education is not really loyal to his religion. alienated from the truth religion propounded in the Christian denominations started coming to India from Upanishads, Gita etc. very ancient times. In the modern period, the first * Asst. Teacher, Jugal Kishore S.S. Sikshayatan (H.S.), Jesuit missionaries who arrived in India, used to do Aranghata, Nadia. the work of conversion in secret. The names of the
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 41 three sanghas are very notable among the missionary 1793 did not include a section related to the socio- associations in India. First came the mission of moral upliftment of Indians. Later, there was a Portugal in the 16th century, then a group of Italians significant change in the policy. As a result of the arrived in the 17th century and finally in the 18th century, missionaries from Denmark also started pressure of the Church, the British Parliament had preaching in India. Dutch also demonstrated special to promise to do first in the field of moral upliftment activism in the field of religion and politics while the of its subjects. Missionaries would assist them in this. French focused their attention on trade and politics. Visionary politicians considered it necessary to Missionaries were particularly active in South India. implement modern education and social reforms to But even after long efforts, he could not get special develop India’s markets. success. Portuguese missionary St. Francis Javier realized that the people here considered the preaching By the end of the 18th century the progress of to go to the asylum of Jesus the preaching of going Christianity was mainly the SPC of England. to the asylum of death. Nevertheless, Protestant missionaries from Denmark At the same time, among the earliest missionaries in and Germany carried out their missionary activities Bengal, Portugal Roman Catholic missionaries who in South India during that period. Following the were especially active in East Bengal, developed Charter Act of 1813, the number of missionaries Bengal prose with the aim of facilitating their increased rapidly. Along with European missionaries, conversion work - although their works on language American missionaries also started coming here and development were very short. Due to the impact, started being active. There was no need to obtain their historical importance was negligible. permission from the Company in 1833. They received significant assistance from the education policy Missionaries continued to work privately until 1813 formulated in 1835. Gradually Christian missionaries AD. In the last decade of the 18th century, William entered remote areas of India and through them Carey, Jeshua Mashman and William Ward made Western knowledge and ideas also spread in India. Sirampur (colony of Denmark) the centre of their Educational institutions, hospitals, orphanages, service religious activities. Gradually, his influence began to houses etc. were established for the promotion of spread to Calcutta. The atmosphere in India after religion. Education of the Bible was made compulsory the eighth decade of the 18th century was favourable in missionary schools. to the promotion of Christianity. The Bengal famine of 1770 AD, during which the greed of the tax The support of the Government of India was also collectors had made the leprosy a factor, provided a received by the missionaries. The rulers saw that suitable opportunity for the Christian missionaries to through Christianity, Indians could increase their faith work together with the moral degeneration of the and loyalty towards the empire and increase the local public, but for the Company’s policy and other popularity among the masses. Therefore, reasons, these missionaries did not make much special conversionists were encouraged in many ways and progress in the early days of Company rule in India. special concessions, promotions etc. were given to The British capitalists were more interested in their them to improve their economic condition. benefit than increasing the number of Christians in Missionaries also received help from soldiers, civilian this country. The Company neither encouraged officers. Governmental laws were also helpful to him modern education and social reforms nor did Christian and divine calamities also paved way for the fast evangelists. It adopted a policy of not interfering with propagation of Christianity. native traditions and religious customs. Missionaries Mangels, president of the Board of Directors, stated became apprehensive and had to face opposing stance. in the British Parliament in 1857 that fate had Indian trade and empire were feared to be endangered entrusted England with a vast empire of India, so by the promotion of missionaries. In spite of the great that the flag of Christianity would fly from one end pressure of the Caliphum Panth, the Charter Act of of India to the other with Vijayollas. An administrator
42 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 from Bombay called the role of missionaries in difficult to find Christians in the Christian world.” strengthening British rule in India more valuable than Nietzsche states that there was only one Christian in the services of officers, judges and governors. The the world and he climbed. Governor of Bengal, Sir Charles Elliot, praised the Although the British rulers were not superior in terms non-official and unaccounted work of the missionaries of character and conduct, some missionaries in justifying British power in India. presented excellent illustrations of religious integrity. But the pace of spread of Christianity was very slow For the promotion of religion, he learned Indian because only a small number of Hindus of high varna languages and inspired Indians to learn English. tended to convert to religion. The rigid reasons of Individuals like William Carey laid the foundation casteism, the law of property rights, the bonding of for English education. In 1801 Carey published Bangla joint family, and an uninterested reluctance to Grammar. Dictionary prepared. Marshman wrote the renounce their religion were the main reasons. Apart history of India. The Sirampur Missionpuris from this, the contemptuous attitude towards Indians established the press, although its original purpose and the attempt to create communal disharmony was was to publish religious literature, yet it had an also a hindrance in the work of preaching. Missionaries important contribution in the spread of knowledge. started condemning fearless Indian society and The establishment of the press encouraged journalism religions. The evil practices were prevalent in and also the development of literature. contemporary Indian society. Missionaries zealously launched a movement against Propagation of Christianity came into conflict with the evil practices of caste system, untouchability, child the tenets of Hinduism and Islam. Missionaries called marriage etc., which also awakened social Hindu memories vague, misleading and meaningless. consciousness among Indians, although initially Hinduism was dubbed as a Pandora’s box of terrible Christianity also succumbed to caste system and many atonement, futile and malefic rituals, and Hindu Hindu customs. Instances of discrimination of caste- learning was completely discreet. The missionaries based hegemony are also found among those who preached that ‘Hindus are idolaters of groups of take Christianity. Ultimately, the diverse work of the profane gods, their lord and stone deity is like a missionaries had a profound impact on Indian society demon, their doctrine is false, ritualistic humor, rite and culture. It was through Christianity that Indians of passage, Puranas concocted or hypocritical and first came into contact with Western civilization- hypocritical beliefs. Christian missionaries strongly culture, which influenced India’s social traditions, condemned the worship of Hindus, ethics, religion, art, literature, ideology, living, clothing, food, polytheism, behaviour towards caste women, etc. etc. Some missionaries’ ‘irrational attacks on Indian life Some historians are of the opinion that instead of and ideas were sometimes so inglorious and atrocious any newness coming from the influence of that in the first decade of the 19th century, the then Christianity, it helped to satisfy the already existing Governor General Lord Minto issued an order to seize theistic tendencies. The main reason for the attraction Christian propaganda on the grounds that’ The books of Christianity is the consistency of Jesus’ teachings were complemented by a fire like hell, but also by of important aspects of the oriental tradition. fiery fire, against an entire race of human beings, Impressed by the missionaries’ preaching work, a without any argument, because they believed in the large number of Indians were oriented towards religion they had received from their parents and it is Christianity and Western civilization and culture, and impossible to raise doubts in their psyche. Western began to hate their country, religion and culture. This scholars like Emerson and Nietzsche also condemned gave the missionaries an opportunity to demonstrate the misdeeds of Christian missionaries. Emerson said the superiority of their religion. Many books and small that “every Stoic (Bairagi) is a Stoic, but it is very
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 43 books related to Christianity were published in English the Hindus, except the downtrodden sections of Hindu and in many Indian languages which had a profound society, often opposed the efforts to propagate impact on the social reform of India - the moral Christianity. Instead of assuring the goodness of teachings propounded in the Angels to the human Christianity of Indians, the missionaries took mind towards the higher and sublime concept of a advantage of their poverty rather than promoting God – considered the awakener, who, without Christianity and their conversion, and thus blocked discrimination of caste, status and wealth, has the pace of its progress, considering only the number considered all beings as his subjects, who have shared of Christian believers as the criterion of its success. equally among all the change, despair, suffering and Conclusion death, who has given all his benevolent wealth to nature; has made everyone a partner and has given Since Christianity itself was in conflict with the new mankind the full capacity to fulfill various tasks science in the West (duality) and 17th, 18th and in towards his God, himself and his society. the 19th century, post-logic intelligence was steadily eroding Christian mythology. Most importantly, in As a result of missionary activism, a class of Indian the 19th century, scientific explorations in the field Christians flourished which, on the basis of education of geology, zoology, and later on in the field of dance, and political influence, was conscious of the superior etc., attacked the structure of Christianity with full situation. Its tendency was to initiate social mobility force and the historical review (criticism) of the towards the abolition of caste. On the other hand, scriptures smoothly undermined their authenticity. Indians (Hindus) also got the inspiration to explore Nevertheless, due to the activism of Christian the true nature of their religion. The Hinduism was missionaries, a class of Indian Christians was born in awakened as a result of the extreme antisocial India which was more aware on the strength of tendencies of the missionaries. A situation of conflict education and political influence. arose between Christianity and Hinduism. References The dormant soul of India was revived and this helped in starting the Indian Renaissance movement. 1. S.R. Desai, Social Background of Indian The attacks of Christian missionaries etc., began to Nationalism, 3rd ed., Bombay Popular Depot, be responded to appropriately. Swami Dayanand 1959. Saraswati, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Swami 2. Shailendra Prasad Panthari, Modern Indian Vivekananda, and Mrs. Anne Besant were prominent Renaissance, Swaraj Prakashan, 1994. among them. Swami Vivekananda surprised the 3. Sumit Sarkar, Writing Social History, Oxford world with the interpretation of Hinduism in a University Press, Delhi, 1997. conference held in Chicago in 1895. The “New York Herald” described him as the greatest man of the 4. Ravindra Kumar ‘Social History of Modern India, conference and said - how foolish it was to send a Granthilpi, New Delhi, 1997. preacher to improve such a knowledgeable country. 5. Vipin Chandra (Ed.): Modern India, Anamika He also warned the Christian and Western Indian Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd., New Delhi, 2000. culture and oriental culture. As a result of these efforts, a sense of pride and respect for the greatness 6. Veerakeshwar Prasad Singh: Indian National of their religion and culture started to develop in the Movement and Constitutional Development, Indians, as well as to remove the evil in them. Gyananda Publications, New Delhi, 2004. Overall, Christianity did not have a particular impact 7. Shekhar Badhopadhyay, From Plassey to on India. In Panikkar’s words, Christian missions Partition, Orient Publication Blackswon, new which were tolerated, not supported, did not succeed edition, 2013. in making any serious impression on Indian life. All
44 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 Rescue Packages for MSMEs during Lockdown Period Dr. Durga M. Mahapatra* & Prof. (Dr.) Sukanta K. Baral**
[Disruptions are a part and parcel of everyday life and business. Some of these disruptions are visible and change the course of business whereas some of them are not very visible; but if followed and if the business changes its course by itself then these can become new trend setters. “Undoubtedly, an integral part of the economy, the Micro Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSME) sector has been hit hard by the Covid Pandemic and the lockdown”. However, the Government measures to boost liquidity, larger repayment times to ease the cash crunch are helping and the recovery had been better to be expected. MSMEs and Small Business are the backbone of a resilient national economy. Further, innovation drives to ensure inclusive growth as “Atmanirbhar Bharat” will depend on their sustainability. According to Mediratta, Arvind (2020): “MSMEs account for 30 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in country like India, 40 per cent to 45 per cent of exports and employ around 114 million people, of which 30 per cent is workforce”. About 63 million MSMEs are engaged in the non-agricultural sector as they manufacture 8000 products, most of them micro-enterprises in the informal sector. (Karia, Vijay, 2020)] he SME sector serves as a backbone for the (MSMEs)”. The string, dynamic, innovative and entire Indian Economy. “The outbreak of the proactive policy response of The RBI and the Tcovid-19 pandemic followed by the lockdown Government went a long way to stabilize the system hit the MSMEs hard with manufacturing and sales (Chaudhary, Amitabh, 2021). coming to a standstill”. The Government of India The Report of Reserve Bank of India - 2020 stated and RBI are concerned and supporting the MSMEs. that UP has the highest number of MSMEs in the Schemes like Guaranteed Emergency Credit Line country and was fifth in generating Jobs in MSMEs, (GECL) and Emergency Credit Guarantees (ECG) ahead of states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat and offer funds to the MSMEs with nominal rates. The Tamil Nadu. Government of India has taken same Government also taking new initiative like (a) “Make strong measures to provide a liquidating line to in India”, (b) “Vocal for Local” and (c) MSMEs. “The Rs 3 lakh crore Collateral - free “Atmanirbhar Bharat”. The vocal for local campaign automatic loan, under the Emergency Credit Line will lead to structural strengthening of MSME units Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) was much needed relief and help them to enhance their brand identity. for the stressed businesses”. The Government of Atmanirbhar Bharat with other regular measures, if India has also setup five Task Forces to make small employment properly, will surely ensure long term scale businesses future ready with focus on critical sustainability for the engineering MSMEs of India areas (a) Technology (b) Quality and (c) Exports. (Saha, Irene, 2020). Keeping in view the need of robust solutions to help The “Atmanirbhar Bharat Scheme” of Government MSMEs survive in the post-Pandemic scenario, the of India launched in May, 2020 provided by special Central Government has introduced Goods and guaranteed credit support to those Micro, Small and Services Tax (GST) exemption for business with an Medium Enterprise (MSMEs) (Mehta, K.S., 2021). annual turnover of up to Rs 40 lakh and reduce Initially, the challenge for the banking sector was to number of tax slabs in GST. The micro credit scheme support customers and ensure that viable business “PM street vendor’s Atmanirbhar Nidhi survive. “The RBI facilitated this in multiple ways (PMSVANidhi) was launched in June 2020 to provide (a) moratoriums, (b) liquidating, (c) refinancing etc. credit to small entrepreneurs like street vendors and banks disbursed over Rs 1.58 trillion in emergency hawkers. The Government of India has also provided loans to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises easy and hassle-free access of Micro Units * Lecturer, PG Dept. of Commerce, Fakir Mohan Development and Re-finance Agency (MUDRA) Autonomous College, Odisha. loans by easing up the application and sanction ** Prof., Dept of Commerce, Indira Gandhi National processes. Tribal University, Amarkantak, MP.
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 45 The rapid advancement in new technologies will done to create competitiveness so as to enabling the disrupt the industry, re-organising structures and Indian products to compete with the Chinese products transforming competitive landscapes. India needs thereby helping reduction of dependence on Chinese more banks with adequate capital buffer to meet the goods. The year 2020 was devastating, especially as credit requirement of a $5 trillion economy by 2024- over 80 percent of the workforce in the country are 25 (funding on such a mammoth scale can’t be done in the unorganised sector. The Migrant workers with equity capital alone). In view of this, and trudging miles on foot become the heart tugging and considering that the Government wants to open up defining images of the year. The millions of Indian even PSBs to the private sector (look at the decision workers lost jobs, remained unemployed, sought to reduce its shareholding in six top PSUs to 51 per MNREGA opportunities in desperation as businesses cent), there is a dire need to expand the landscape of especially MSMEs, shutdown. potential investors. The involvement of large Layoffs swept across sectors from airlines to industrial houses could be of great help in this restaurants. The make-in-India drive will bring in endeavour. some fresh investments but one cannot bet big on it New definition of MSME sector deals with clubbing to create many jobs (Goyal, Malini, 2021). The of Manufacturing and Service sector. It is a significant pandemic year 2020 that caused disruptions as a impetus and the industries will get all the benefits as challenge, and led to disruption as a response through per new guidelines. “Henceforth, a micro unit with structural reforms across sectors that included up to (¹ 1 Crore) investment and (¹ 5 Crore) turnover agriculture, mining, coal, labor and most recently the will qualify limit, The investment up to (¹ 10 Crore) “Production-Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI)” for 10 as well as turnover up to (¹ 50 Crore) will be qualified sectors. “The best part of Atmanirbhar Bharat 3.0 as a small-scale unit, Further, the investment up to (¹ package is the extension of the Rs 3 trillion Emergency 20 Crore) and turnover up to (¹ 100 Crore) will qualify Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS)”. “It has as a medium scale enterprise as change driven in been extended till March 31, 2021”. “The repayment new definition as revised”. Moreover, the earlier, there period is being stretched from 4 years to 5 years was classification stated as per MSME development with a one moratorium”. “The scheme now covers Act.2006 between manufacturing enterprises. There companies with outstanding credit of Rs 500 crore in will be no classification and now both are one. 26 stressed sectors, which is identified by the K V Investment limit has also been enhanced with right Kamath Committee” (Bondyopadhyay, Tamal, direction. This is a great boost to MSME sector, 2020). which will get concessions from the financial “The Covid-19 pandemic has also accelerated the institutions and banks and the government of India. adoption of tech by Small and Medium Business The threshold for definition of MSME was revised (SMBs) in India”. “The SMBs include seller, delivery upwards, encouraging them through the and logistics partners, neighbourhood stores, “Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan” by helping local enterprises, developers, content creators and authors products become global or “Campaign for a Self- in India”. “The 2020 Amazon SMB Impact Report reliant India” (Kant, Amitabh, 2021). offers insights into the success of over 1 million SMBs After lockdown, MSMEs are struggling with liquidity that work with Amazon in India”. It is also enabling crunch. “The Emergency Credit Line Guarantee them to export made-in-India products globally. Scheme 2.0 (ECLGS 2.0) allows last mile NBFCs to Amazon’s “Global Selling Programme” is also provide quick help to small business to stabilize and helping to take local products globally. “Presently, restart their business operations”. “The ECLGS 2.0 70,000 Indian exporters selling millions of Made-in- will provide collateral free”. “The scheme will have India products worldwide across 15 International no ceiling on annual turnover, but the firms should Amazon websites”. Further, “Amazon Easy” is also have credit outstanding about Rs 50 crore and up to enabling assisted shopping for new to e-commerce Rs 500 crore as on Feb, 29, 2020” (Chaterjee, Dev, customers (Abrar, Peerzada, 2020). The “Make in 2020). India” initiative entails the potential of turning India into an International Manufacturing Powerhouse. For The Make-in-India concept and “Atamnirbhar instance, India has made significant strides in “Ease Bharat” was introduced with greater enthusiasm to of Doing Business” improving its ranking from 142 instill new growth potential in the services as well as in 2014-15 to 77 in 2019-20. manufacturing sector. This can be said to have been
46 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 E-Commerce companies like Amazon have internet. “India MART is the Country’s largest online complemented Government’s effort in not only business to business (B2B) market place with a meeting the needs of customers by safety delivering market share of 60 percent”. “The company operates essentials but also MSMEs which moved online to a product and price discovery platform, facilitating grow and expand their businesses during the interactions between suppliers and buyers”. “The pandemic. While much of the world locked down in platform is unique as it enables two-way interactions response to the pandemic, the internet remained open suppliers can post their listings and buyers can place enabling businesses, especially small businesses, with their request for quotations”. Further, less than 20 frugal resources and to expand their horizon to global percent of India’s MSMEs use the internet for markets in a way previously inconceivable through business (against 54 percent in US and 89 percent in China) (Upadhayaya, Yash, 2020). Table-1: stated the stimulus measures by the Government of India Sl.No. Name of the Scheme Amount 1 Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP) + 1,92,800 2 Atamnirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan 1.0 11,02,650 3 PMGKP Anna Yojana – extension of 5 Months from July-Nov 2020 82,911 4 Atamnirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan 2.0 73,000 5 Armanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan 3.0 2,65,080 6 RBI measures announced till October 31, 2020 12,71,200 Total 29,87,641
The Centre has also announced two stimulus packages References Atmanirbhar Bharar Yojana in May 2020 which amounted to 1. Abrar, Peerzada. (2020) “Amazon enables digitisation of 1.5 percent of GDP. The allocations that followed were such over 1 mn Small businesses in India”, Business Standard, as (a) MGNREGS is Rs.0.48 lakh crore for MGNREGS 21st December 2020. allocation, viability gap funding for social infrastructure. (b) 2. Bondyopadhyay, Tamal. (2020) “Stimulus 3.0: Credit Allocation of Rs.1.5 lakh crore for agricultural infra financing Guarantee Scheme Recast a Smart Move”, Buainess and animal husbandry. (c) the GARIB Kalyan package is Standard, 16th November 2020. Rs.1.93 lakh crore, including allocations to the health sector. 3. Chaterjee, Dev. (2020) “Emergency Credit Line 2.0 to (d) MUDRA Shishu loans Rs.3.1 lakh crore apart from free help India Inc. revive, expand”, Business Standard, 13th food grains to migrants. Further, (e) STIMULUS for MSMEs November 2020. is Rs.5.95 lakh crore, discoms, shadow banks and real estate. 4. Chaudhary, Amitabh (2021) “Banking in 2021- Winning And other (f) various Rs.8.01 lakh crore is related to Reserve beyond Covid”, Business Standard, 4th January 2021. Bank measures, including liquidity infusion. 5. Goyal, Malini. (2021) “Tough Job”, The Economic Times, Magazine, Dec 27- Jan 2, 2021, p.5. Conclusion 6. Kant, Amitabh. (2021) “Will give domestic manufacturing With “Atmanirbhar Bharat” aiming to create scale and capacity a fillip which is crucial for growth”, Times of India, 8th for Indian companies, reforms are a must to make India’s January 2021. enterprises globally competitive. The SME sector serves as a 7. Karia, Vijay (2020) “Sustainability assumes greater backbone for the entire Indian Economy. It is providing importance in the pandemic”, The Economic Times, 28th September 2020. employment to more than 11 crore individuals and contributing 8. Karia, Vijay. (2020) “Sustainability assumes greater 6% to the manufacturing GDP as well as contributing over 24 importance in the pandemic”, The Economic Times, 28th percent to the service GDP of the country. “The outbreak of September 2020. the Covid-19 pandemic followed by the lockdown hit the 9. Mediratta, Arvind. (2020) “For all things small and bunting”, MSMEs hard with manufacturing and sales coming to a The Economic Times, 9th December 2020. standstill”. The Government of India and RBI are concerned 10. Mehta, K.S. (2021) “Spin LLPs to Hear Richer Music”, and supporting the MSMEs. Schemes like Guaranteed The Economic Times, 4th January 2021. Emergency Credit Line (GECL) and Emergency Credit 11. MSME Dev. (Amendment) Bill 2018 Guarantees (ECG) offer funds to the MSMEs with nominal 12. Saha, Irene. (2020) “Re building The Economy”, Times of rates. The Government also taking new initiative like (a) Make India, 27th December 2020. in India, (b) Vocal for Local and (c) “Atmanirbhar Bharat”. 13. Upadhayaya, Yash (2020) “India MART appears set to The “Vocal for local” campaign will lead to structural gain from ME revival”, Business Standard, The Smart strengthening of MSME units and help them to enhance their Investor, 9th December 2020, p.10. brand identity and create a long-term sustainability for the 14. www.etrise.com/topmsmes. growth of MSMEs of India.
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 47 Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Education Dr. Kiran Bala*
[Today, the whole world is struggling with the COVID -19 pandemic crisis. It is seen as the biggest humanitarian crisis since the Second World War, this crisis has created a great challenge among all the national communities. All countries are feeling helpless in front of it. No side of human life is untouched by the effects of this global epidemic. The impact of this global epidemic has been more on the countries and communities which are already struggling for education, health, and other basic facilities. In these countries COVID -19 has affected the education system more globally. To face the crisis of epidemic, almost all the governments of the countries tried their own educational institutions closed and online teaching started but online learning couldn’t reach every one. The impact of covid-19 on the education of children, youngsters and adolescents can be understood in a wider context.] he global COVID-19 epidemic, which spread In the COVID-19 phase, a big challenge was faced from the city of Wuhan in China and after by the educational institutions for which time-friendly Tthat gradually COVID-19 griped the whole online learning has been a good option but it is also world. In the initial phase, almost all the countries certain that online learning cannot be a complete decided to close educational institutions. Under the option of classroom teaching because educational circumstances of COVID-19, online learning was seen institutions are the main means of socialization. The as a powerful medium and it was considered learning imparted by teachers changes the thoughts convenient to continue their studies at home. of children. Knowledge gained in the school increases Approximately 1.077 a billion learners are currently the logical power of the person, improve his affected by school closures due to the epidemic of personality and makes child to distinguish between 30 September 2020. According to UNICEF, lock right and wrong, practical and theoretical facts3. down affected about 61.6 percent of the world’s Impact on Children’s Education % 1 population . Because of COVID-19, 94% of the COVID-19 has created a crisis of education in front world’s students will be affected by the closure of of children. Due to the lockdown, the children were schools and other educational institutions, this effect imprisoned in the walls of the house and gradually 2 will be seen up to 10% in middle-income countries . and online teaching left a bad effect on the mental The impact of COVID-19 on the education of health of children. Sitting in an online classroom children, youth, and girls can be seen in different wearing uniforms for hours became boring for forms. Although COVID-19 has an impact on all children. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres areas, it is also true that its impact cannot be assessed warned that the epidemic has disrupted the education equally to everyone. The education sector has been system as rarely as before in history. By loss of badly affected due to COVID-19 in developing and education this generation will suffer for a long time. poor countries. This will affect 1.6 million children from 190 The education system, especially in rural areas, has countries. been affected more. Online education was seen as According to UNICEF figures, about 463 million an option in urban area, on the other hand, children children will be completely deprived from education in rural areas could not connect to online learning all over the world. The reason for this is the lack of because of unavailability of internet and smartphone. distance learning manual and lack of internet facility Psychosocial side effects have been also seen on in many families4. Dr. Karel Wairn states in her children from online learning. Now children are research that children are not the face of this epidemic excited about reopening of educational institutions in but still are among its biggest victims. They are facing many states, but parents are still not in favour of it difficulties due to social isolation that has an impact because of fear. on their emotional, physical, mental, and behavioural * Senior. Asst. Professor, Dept. of sociology, SSDPC activities5. P.G College, Roorkee.
48 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 COVID-19 had more impact on the children of decreases approximately 30%. In this way, girls’ displaced, migrants and refugees who are already education contributes for the development9. The facing many problems. It is difficult to continue the Right to Education Forum, along with the Centre for education of children due to the crisis of starvation, Budget and Policy Studies, Champions for Girls poverty and reduced income of parents. A new report Education, conducted a study in 5 states (Uttar by the United Nations High Commissioner for Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Telangana, Delhi) in which a Refugees, ‘Coming Together for Refugee Education’, survey of 3176 economically weaker sections families says that 77% of refugees are registered with 31 found that about 70% believed that they do not have percent in secondary and three percent in high school. sufficient means for livelihood. About 2 lakh refugees were able to get primary In such conditions, education especially girls’ education in India but the closure of the school due education, is in most dangerous situation. About 37% to the COVID-19 epidemic, they do not have digital of adolescent girls are not sure that they will be able equipment, internet or electricity, they do not have a to return to school. Girls from rural and economically 6 device so that they are unable to stay connected . weaker families are already under this range10. There In such a situation, the efforts made by the is already a widespread lack of awareness towards government, NGOs, local community and UNSCR the education of girls. COVID-19 made it even for sending these children to school in the last several harder. years can be unsuccessful. Children in rural areas Impact on Education of Youth are helping their parents due to the financial situation deteriorating, so the possibility of their return to school The COVID-19 epidemic has a bad effect on the is less. youth. It has a greater impact on the youth in the age group of 15 to 19. They are facing many challenges, Impact on the Education of Girls such as lack of jobs, pressure to quit studies, COVID-19 has affected the education of girls interruption etc., simultaneously. India has especially in rural areas. Due to loss of employment comparatively been more negatively impacted. During of parents, they are either engaged in household chores the financial and economic crisis, there is a possibility or helping parents or look after their younger siblings. of youths not getting jobs and being fired. It is clear In taking care, even if parents have the affordability from the facts obtained from the Ebola crisis that to educate and provide online means to their children, due to the epidemic, there was more pressure on they give preference to boys over girls which young women to quit their studies. If the income of increases the dropout rate. It is seen that this the households decreases due to the epidemic, then pressurizes parents to get their daughters married at in such a situation, the youth, especially in rural areas, early age. Institutions that were already working for leave their studies and start working to support their the girls’ education in COVID-19 phase, are also families. facing difficulties of funds. According to a study by the International Labour Campaigns for girls’ education which had reached a Organization, the epidemic of COVID-19 had already high level earlier have probably gone few years back. found 3 times higher unemployment rate among the UNESCO has said that in COVID-19 phase, the youth, and the coronavirus epidemic has worsened education of students around the world has been the conditions. According to a study done by the affected, it will have a greater impact on girls and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), 41 million youths number of drop-out girls will increase and the gender lost jobs in India alone due to the COVID-19 gap in education will be even deeper. Sexual abuse epidemic11. In India in terms of internet facilities is of adolescent girls, the risk of premature pregnancy also a major reason for education being disrupted and premature forced marriage will increase7. United during epidemic. According to the survey report Nations Population Fund estimates that more than released by the National Sample Survey of the 13 million girls will be married at an early age in the Government of India, today internet service is coming 10 years8. available in less than a quarter of the country12. Girls ‘education has a multifaceted effect on society. Although school colleges were opened in some states, Girl’s education affects child mortality and gender still online education is being promoted more. In the equality. The study has also proved that when the report of Prof. RC Kuhar Committee of the enrolment rate of girls in primary education increases University Grants Commission, UGC said that due 50%, then after 20 years, the child mortality rate to large differences in the current digital infrastructure
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 49 in India, the country has found it difficult to adopt unemployment, there is a need to implement the online learning mediums13. COVID-19 has not only Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme, which was adversely affected the economic and physical health proposed by Jean Druze. With this, it is necessary to of the country but has deprived it of its youth to take arrange remunerative work for the youth, so that the advantage of its power. In the last decade, the sociopsychological impact of COVID-19 can be economy got boosted in manufacturing, construction, reduced. trade, hotels and transport sectors, COVID-19 has There is an urgent need for the United Nations also affected these sectors badly. agencies as well as other local communities, local There is a need to increase government investment authorities, civil society together to step up their efforts in these sectors and help the young population. Indian in this direction. It will also have to be tried to minimize students pursuing higher education abroad, from the barriers to continuing education and reduce the scholarships some take education at the expense of gap in the availability of digital resources between their parents, also got affected. According to the different communities. United Nations report, as a result of the economic References consequences of the coronavirus, the crisis of leaving 1. https://hindi.news18.com/amp/news/education/ almost 2.4 crore students in their studies next year is impact-of-corona-on-education-3374949.html deepening. It is a matter of concern that about 91% of the students in low and middle-income countries 2. Dr Richa Raturi, Covid 19 mahamari ka bachho per 14 prabhav, In Dr Kiran Bala (Editor), COVID 19 are not currently getting the education . Pandemic Human Life, Pacific Books International, In conclusion, education can be a two-pronged and New Delhi,2020, p. 274 important aspect of a person’s life. In order to make 3. G.K Agrawal, Sociology, SBPD Publication, Agra, education accessible to everyone, efforts have been p. 159 made in almost all countries to increase the gross 4. Dr Richa Raturi, Covid-19 mahamari ka bachho per enrolment ratio in schools. Literacy of the youth has prabhav. In Dr Kiran Bala (Editor), COVID 19 also improved since 1990. Despite various efforts, Pandemic Human Life, Pacific Books International, the extreme situation of COVID-19 has created more New Delhi, 2020, p. 274 challenges in this path of education. There is no doubt 5. Dr. Richa Raturi, Covid 19 mahamari ka bachho per that COVID-19 has a bad effect on the education of prabhav, Dr. Kiran Bala (Editor), COVID-19 girls, youth and children. Education is the foundation Pandemic Human Life, Pacific Books International, of sustainable development. This approach requires New Delhi,2020, p.n.276 unprecedented efforts to mitigate the impact of 6. https://news.un.org/hi/audio/2020/09/1031312,23 COVID-19. COVID-19 is not over yet but it is coming feb,2021 out in its many forms, scientists are only guessing 7. https://www.livehindustan.com/career/story- about its nature. Although the process of vaccination unesco-says-over-154-crore-students-affected- has started in some countries of the world. globally-bycovid-19-coronavirus-lockdown- 3168384.html 23 February 2021 So far in India, 16 lakh people have been vaccinated 8. https://hindi.news18.com/amp/news/education/ for COVID-19. But the danger has not been over impact-of-corona-on-education-3374949.html23 yet, it is difficult to even guess how long we will get feb,2021 rid of COVID-19. In such a situation, people of civil 9. shodhgangotri.inflibnet.ac.in23 feb,2021 society need to make serious efforts for education otherwise we may have to face far-reaching 10. https://hindi.news18.com/amp/news/education/ impact-of-corona-on-education-3374949.html23 consequences, due to which there can be difficulty feb,2021 in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality 11. https://www.orfonline.org/hindi/research/covid-19- Education) and Goal Number 5(Gender Equality). yuva-peedhee-ke-liye-shiksha-va-rozagaar/23 Therefore, there is a need to make efforts at many feb,2021 levels for education. 12. Ibid There is a need to sensitize people for gender equality. 13. Ibid To connect drop out students, girls, youth to education 14.https://www.amarujala.com/columns/blog/ there is a need to search innovative ways and make coronavirus-impact-on-education- system-in-india- people aware of the benefits of education for girls, covid-19-effects-on-education-in-india23 feb,2021 especially in rural areas. To save the youth from
50 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 Awareness of Girl Students towards Family and Social Mobility Dr. Chinna Ashappa* [Women are integral part of our society. Social set up and any study of the society should involve the relevant issues concerning them. The contemporary Indian woman is both an integer and homemaker, and in order to perform both these functions efficiently and responsibly, she must be provided with at least a general education.] istorically, education of women in India was In his study, Liljander (1998) reveals the fact that influenced chiefly by religious and social giving up studies in higher education may be Hfactors. During early childhood, education considered a pivotal point where an educational career took place within the family. Children studied under may change course either in an upward or a the guidance of family elders. Girls generally were downward direction. Leaving an institution of higher taught all that was necessary for them to know, so learning without a degree is, in this connection, that they might properly discharge their domestic interpreted as downward mobility. The study also duties. Education in its many forms is a process of reveals that it is the status-oriented inheritors of the social mobility, by which a nation transforms itself societal elite who do best in the field of higher from what is the most important aspects of the education and its external and internal transfer market, evaluation and maintenance of the society and nation while those who start from weaker positions are at large. Education is the backbone of social distinctly less successful. development and the essence of initialization. Objectives of the Study Education & Mobility: Education is a process of G To study the socio-economic background of urban learning, as old as the human society. From the girl students. sociological perspective education is closely connected to other social institutions, like caste, religion, law, G To find out the influence of family roles on career. politics etc. G Role of education as a factor of caste and religion, Mobility: Movement or change in real time position, social mobility. whether it be physical or social. G Perception of girl students towards family and Social Mobility: The movement of an individual or progression. group from one social class or social structure to Methods and Techniques of the Study another. The topic of study will be Perception of Girl Students Family: The family is after calling the “basic social towards Family and Social Mobility. Area of study – institution” because of its important function of Davanagere city has a lot of opportunities for women procreation and socialization, and because it is formed and how their education. The data were gathered in some forms in all societies. through the use of structured questionnaires and oral Statement of The Problem interviews collected from select 250 Girl Student respondents that have been surveyed in Davanagere For the present study, topic of perception of Girl City. A purposive sampling technique has been Students Towards Family and Social Mobility has adopted. Data have been collected by conducting a been selected. Davanagere city has a lot of field survey of 250 sample respondents with the help opportunities for women and this study aims at of a well-structured interview schedule. 250 copies ascertaining as to how female education will have an of questionnaires were administered. The study impact on the family and their social mobility due to focuses on the role of education as a factor of social higher education. mobility, and to find out the impact of caste and Review of The Literature religion on social mobility, perception of girl students towards family and progression, background of the girl students etc. Data collected thus, had been * Head of the Dept P.G. Studies in Sociology, Govt. processed through SPSS software. Apart from First Grade College, Gurumitkal, Karnataka.
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 51 primary data, information and data had been collected to Buddhism. What prevails in the field of higher from wide variety of secondary resources like, education, particularly religious composition is newspaper clippings, data available on the internet nothing, but an extension of what prevails in the etc. society at large. Results and Discussions Figure 3: Perception regarding the need of Co- Present study has covered the aspects such as Education preference of jobs, preferred sector, preference to self-employment and support in choosing a job to better understand the role of occupational aspiration on the Perception of Girl Students towards Family and Social Mobility. Figure 1: Age of the Respondents
As mentioned above, the perception of co-education where 183 among the 250 have mentioned that co- education was important for all the respondents. Likewise, the same has been expressed with regard to the need for the girls’ schools and colleges in figure 3 in which the girls students expressed that there should be a co-education instead of an individual girls’ school and college. It further reveals that 67.2% were The above figure reveals that out of 250 sample more interested in co-education and 32.8% expressed respondents, a majority of (73.2 percent) of the that there is a requirement of girl’s school and college. respondents are in the age group of 21 to 23 years, The overall picture shows that the 168 of them were which may be considered as the most productive and very positive in co-education and were insisting on active part of one’s life. (18.8 percent) in the age that which may be due to a complex learning and group of 24-26 years who are a little late in joining liberal thinking. the post- graduation. However, about 6 (6.4 percent) Figure 4: Perception regarding Education and of the respondents are in their late twenties, who Decision Making could have completed other courses and delayed pursuing a Master level degree. Apparently, less than 2 (1.6) percent of the post-graduate students are elderly persons with the age group of 30 years and above. Figure 2: Religion of the Respondents
It becomes discernible from figure 4 that the value of the education has been making a great change in the social mobility which has made the respondents to understand the social mobility and social process in the society. Hence the perception regarding the values of school and college education has brought a wider change in understanding the society in larger As expected, 92 percent of the post-graduate students perspective. It also demonstrates a positive impact in are Hindus, 3.6 percent belonged to Muslims and this survey, which has indicated that the 214 2.4 percent were Christians and only 2 percent belong respondents among the 250 have said that they have
52 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 are acquainted with the society and have been the moderate feeling among the girl students in the understanding the social process. Hence, the 11.2% study reveals that caste made no difference and it were moderate on this perception and only 8 were of was the perception of caste that made no difference the opinion that they have had a lesser impact on of social mobility. The highest among the 250 i.e., understanding the society. 58 of them felt that caste perception was important Figure 5: Respondents’ Social Responsibility in the social process. Priority Figure 7: Respondents’ Social Responsibility Priority
The Perception of girl students towards family and The perception of girl students towards family and social social mobility in the figure 5 reveals about the post- mobility in the figure 7 reveals about the post education education and career development which was and career development which was important for the 95.2% which is 238 among the 250 respondents. This important for the 95.2% which is 238 among the shows that the employment was important for every girl 250 respondents. This shows that the employment in the study and the majority of them wanted to pursue was important for every girl in the study and the their employment opportunities after completion of majority of them wanted to pursue their employment their education. The study revealed that the only 12 opportunities after completion of their education. The among the 250 did not want to give much importance to study revealed that the only 12 among the 250 did career. not want to give much importance to career. Conclusion Figure 6: Perception regarding the need of the The study, perception of girl students towards family Girls School/College and social mobility” has been a unique experience for the women in the study area. Every country of this world has experienced it in one or the other way. Though the nature and scope of inequality differ from country to country and from time to time, but its existence is indisputable. The variation in inequality is mainly due to the country ‘s standard of living, educational level, culture, customs and traditions. Reference 1. Altekar, A.S., The Position of Women in Hindu Civilization, Motilal Banarsidas Publishers Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, 1962 Unlike gender or class inequality which attracts some 2. Ambarao, T, Uplaonkar, Occupational Aspirations of attention, caste discrimination has few takers. Even College Students, a study on Gulbarga College, more painful has been the use of “local justice. In Students, p. 49. this study, figure 6 shows that the caste perception 3. Augustine S. John (1962) (ed), The Indian Family in and feeling of belonging to a community was Transition, Vikas publishing House, New Delhi, moderate among the girls. The survey reveals that 1982. the caste feeling was reported by only 23.2% and it 4. Beteille, A., Inequality among men Basil Blackwell, was moderate which accounted for 68%, i.e., 170 Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 1977. among the 250 felt that caste was not so important 5. Blood Jr. O Robert, Marriage, Free Press of Glencoe, 1962. and 22 of them felt caste was less significant. Hence
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 53 Mapping Existentialism with Psychic Analysis in Diasporic Fiction of Divakaruni R.Rajmohan* Dr.L.D.Easter Raj Densingh**
[Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, the Indian American novelist has adeptly handled the existential situations of human life in her novels One Amazing Thing (2011) and The Vine of Desire(2002) chosen for this research. Existentialism opens an avenue to explore the prospects of the individual human life, occurrences of events, emotional stigma of men and women in a family set up, the impact of multi-cultural exposure in the life Indian immigrants settled in the US in the above stated novels of Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. She edifies how the discrepancies of human beliefs, practices and thought process gain a synchrony when the foundation of living itself is questioned in the novels One Amazing Thing (2011) and The Vine of Desire(2002). The existentialism observed these novels shall be mapped with positivism which arises from the individual discretion when caught in a trauma. The characters of Divakaruni in the above stated novels namely, Cameron, Jiang Mrs.Prichett, Malathi, Mangalam, Uma and Tariq exhibit their positivism while undergoing the trauma of being caught in an earthquake.] philosophy theory or approach which holds that, as there is no God or any other emphasizes the existence of the individuals transcendent force, the only way to counter this Aas a free and responsible agent to determine nothingness (and hence to find meaning in life) is by one’s own development through acts of the will is embracing existence. existentialism. The Oxford Dictionary defines Soren Kierkegaard is generally considered to have existentialism as “a system of leads made famous by been the first existentialist philosopher, though he did Jean Paul Sartre in the 1940s in which the world has not use the term existentialism. He proposed that no meaning and each person is alone and completely each individual – not society or religion- is solely responsible for their own actions, by which they make responsible for giving meaning to life and living it their own character.” From Urban dictionary passionately and sincerely, or “authentically”. existentialism in its purest form is any philosophy Existentialism in the broader sense is a 20th century which states that existence precedes essence; that is philosophy that is centered upon the analysis of to say, that there is no inherent purpose in life (though existence and of the way humans find themselves normally this is not carried through to nihilism.). It existing in the world. The notion is that humans exist also states that the physical world does not necessarily first and then each individual spends a lifetime precede the conscious state, as a conscious mind must changing their essence or nature. In simpler terms, find itself in a world to attain meaningful state. existentialism is a philosophy concerned with finding Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes self and the meaning of life through free will, choice, individual existence, freedom and choice. It is the and personal responsibility. The belief is that people view that humans define their own meaning in life, are searching to find out who and what they are and try to make rational decisions despite existing in throughout life as they make choices based on their an irrational universe. It focuses on the question of experiences, beliefs, and outlook. And personal human existence, and the feeling that there is no choices become unique without the necessity of an purpose or explanation at the core of existence. It objective form of truth. And existentialist believes * MA, B.Ed, Mphil, Assistant Professor, Department that a person should be forced to choose and be of English, Government Arts College, Peravurani, responsible without the help of laws, ethnic rules, or Thanjavur Dt, Tamilnadu. traditions. ** Assistant Professor of English, H.H. the Rajah’s Indian literature refers to literature created by Indian College (Autonomous), Pudukkottai, Tamilnadu, litterateurs. The Indian republic has authorized India.
54 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 twenty-two Indian languages. Those languages have misfortune undergoes a miscarriage. Her unborn baby an officially recognition. The earliest century works dies. Her life changes miserable and she detests her of Indian literature is observed to have been orally life. For a diversion she calls Sudha to America. transmitted without appropriate recorded evidences. Sudha also accepts her proposal and takes her Sanskrit literature begins with the verbal literature of daughter Dayita to America. In the second division, Chithra Banaerjee describes the drastic changes in the Rig Veda, a collection of holy hymns during the the lives of both the girls after undergoing enormous period 1500-1200 BCE. In the beginning of the 19th sufferings of their married lives. Towards the end century, chiefly during the peak of the British regime Banerjee shows how these girls overcome their fate. over this continent, Western literary models had The Mistress of Spices (1997) is a novel made into a extended an impact on Indian literature. Prose dialect movie where Aishwarya has starred as Tilo, the was invariably new style practiced on a major scale protagonist of the story. Tilotamma alias Tilo is a in Indian English Literature. Literary genres like novel shopkeeper who assumes the role of curing people’s and short story had been adopted by the Indian mental and physical illness by administering medicinal English writers. During this time, the English Literary and magical spices from her spice bazzar. She is an tradition got streamed into Indian style with an Indian immigrant of India who has settled in the USA. She touch. In fact, there was a noticeable recognition for helps clients assure their requirements and wishes by such Indian English writers. the spiritual properties of spices. Her life changes India exhibits a variety of languages. Some of them when she falls in love with a man named Raven who have common features and traces of similarities in is a native of America. Fatefully, she picks to pay no its phonological, morphological, syntactic realms of attention to the policy of her training in her chasing linguistic studies. The significant reason for this variety of romance and her choice to look out for clients is caused by people of discrepant religions and cultures outside her shop. This results in the spices inflicting dwelling in India. The writers of their respective punishment on her and which she cares concerning languages share their own experiences, thoughts and mainly. To save Raven from a new victim of the impact of their religious faith. India has vast number spices’ great magic, she uses a strategy to leave him of languages compared to other countries not only in after one last night where they make love. Afterwards, languages but also myriad cultural practices, religious she accepts the rebuke for disregarding the set of believes, castes and creeds. laws of her training, which outcome in the store is being ruined in an earthquake. She survives, and they Sister of My Heart (1999) is a novel in two parts. resolve and make a decision to aid reconstruct the First book comprises the twenty chapters, and second city. The film The Mistress of Spices (1997), is based book comprises twenty- two chapters. The prime on this novel, was released in 2005. This flim is division narrates the story of the cousins, Sudha and directed by Paul Mayeda Berges, with a script by Anju’s. Sudha is person of kind spirit who aspires Berges and his partner, British filmmaker Gurinder for her family delight. The main characters in the Chadha. The film stars Aishwarya and Dylan first lesson are Sudha, Anju, Ashok, Ramesh, and McDermott are acted in the main role in this film. Sunil. Because of the familial predicaments, Sudha and Anju decide to get married and settle peacefully The novel, Queen of Dreams (2004), Banerjee in their lives. Ashok was in love with Sudha. She Divakaruni uses a new, delightful story of also likes him and tries to elope with him but all are transformation that is as lyrical as it is dramatic. Rakhi, failed. She changes her mind and thinks about her a youthful artist and her separated mother live in family reputation. So, she marries Ramesh, who was Berleley, California. She is struggling to stay her live working in the Indian Railways. But her married life with her family and with a word to frighten transition. is not a happy one. Her mother is a dream teller, born with the ability to share and interpret the dreams of others, to predict Her mother in law instructs Sudha to abort her child and guide them through their fates. This gift of vision when the sex of her foetus gets determined as female. fascinates Rakhi. However, Rakhi isolates her from Sudha escapes the ruthless atrocity of aborting her her mother’s past in India and the dream world she child by taking refuge in her’s mother’s home. This inhabits. In fact, she longs for something to bring induced Ramesh to send divorce papers to sudha. them closer. Caught beneath the trouble of her On the other hand, Anju marries Sunil and enjoys a mother’s death, of her dream journals, which begin happy married life. She gets pregnant and by to open the long- closed entry to her past.
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 55 When Rakhi attempts to divine her characteristics, 2. Agrawal, Shuchi. “Reconstructing Woman’s knowing little of India but drawn inescapably into an Identity: Investigation into the Novels of Bharati occasionally hurting narration she is only just Mukherjee and Chithra Banerjee Divakaruni” discovering, her life is stunned by the latest horrors. Authorspress. New Delhi. 2015. In the wake of September 11, she and her friends must deal with dark new complexities about their 3. Bala, Suman. Fiction of Chitra Banerjee acculturation. Haunted by nightmares away from her Divakaruni Critical Response Delta Book World, imagination, she nonetheless finds unpredicted New World, 2016. blessings: the possibilities of new love and 4. Bharathi, C. Diaspora Allegiance Chitra understanding for her family. The amusing tales from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales depicted medieval times Banerjee Divakaruni’s Fiction Aadi Publications, light heartedly. With times sweeping transformations Jaipur, Thomson Press(India) Ltd. 2016. led the artist to take up seriously and thought- 5. Deshmukh, Pradnya. “Nationalism provoking issues; his signification responsibility. Transnationalism-Diasporic Experience in Bapsi Divakaruni’s One Amazing Thing illustrates one such Sidwa and Chithra Banerjee” Discovery concern through the earthquake. It is a natural disaster in the novel showing that how collectively man can Publishing House, New Delhi. 2013. fight inner violence and selfishness for common good. 6. Divakaruni, Chitra Banerjee. Sister of my Heart, Precisely stating, Existentialism in One Amazing Thomson Press(India) Ltd.1999 Thing (2011) and The Vine of Desire (2002) of Chitra 7. Divakaruni, Chitra Banerjee. The Mistress of Banerjee Divakaruni shows traces of individual positivism revealed through the individual discretion Spices Black Swan ed. 2005 in responding to their life events. The characters of 8. Hall, Stuart. “Cultural Identity and Diaspora.” the above stated novels are observed to attempt, Colonial Discourse and Post-Colonial Theory: G A self-exploration where they find their craving A Reader (eds.) Patrick Williams and Laura for love and affection. Chrisman. New York: Harvester Wheatshef, G An introspection to fix at least one amazing thing 1994: 392-403. Print. of their life. 9. Sushma, B. “Image of the New Woman in the G A life-style as it comes to them Fiction of Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni”Prestige G An identification of their expectations and illusions Books International, New Delhi. 2017. G Practice of a positivist existential perspective 10. Tiwari, Sandhya. “Displacement and Alienation especially at vulnerable predicaments of life. of Inidan Diaspora in the Select Works of Chithra Reference Divakaruni, Bharati Mukherji and Jhumpa Lahiri” 1. Agarwal, Beena. “Chithra Banerjee Divakaruni Research India Press. New Delhi. 2013. :A New Voice in Indian English Fiction” Authorspress, New Delhi. 2016.
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56 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 Community-based Rural Tourism in Maniram, Sikkim Arunima Karali*
[Community-based rural tourism (CBRT) emphasizes on safeguarding and capitalising local assets to ensure local benefit. CBRT is often affected by in-group heterogeneity and community politics. The number of studies scrutinizing how in-group community politics may affect the long-term success of a CBRT project is very limited. The present study attempts to unveil the community politics and the resultant episodic advancement of CBRT operation in Maniram, Sikkim. Here the CBRT initiative witnessed an upsurge in demand and popularity and then a final decline. 39 respondents reported that economic condition, geographical location, the political affiliation of stakeholders, and availability of alternative livelihood options, politics played by the state are some of the grounds for intra-community politics which led to the present life cycle of CBRT. The structure of operation gradually changed along with the utility of the resources which either faded away or morphed. CBRT businesses have a huge demonstrative imprint on the aspirant participants of Maniram. However, in the new rejuvenated destination, the operation is most likely to be individually operated.] ourism has been considered as a tool for 2. To ascertain how community politics might affect modernization since long, however after the the long-term sustainability of a CBRT initiative T1970s as a response to the negative impacts Study Area of international mass tourism and also with the advent of the sustainability concept in the 1990s’ more Maniram is a small, picturesque, community-run durable, alternative forms of tourism started emerging village tourism destination in South Sikkim, India and (Murphy, 1985). Community-based rural tourism one of the pioneers in this field which started its (CBRT) (Murphy, 1985) is a special form of journey in 2007 with an intention to offer a unique alternative tourism where tourism development and and rich experience of Tamang culture by unifying operation are somehow located, guided, managed and local villagers under one roof, a community-based controlled by local families and community members, tourism organization called ‘South Sikkim Maniram to safeguard as well as capitalise local natural and Village Homestay Tourism’ (SSMVHT). It was cultural assets (Murphy, 1985). bestowed with the title ‘best homestay tourism destination’ in 2013 for its excellent performance Despite stressing on altruistic aims, CBRT has been (Maniram Village Tourism Society and SSTDS Thank strongly criticized for many reasons. Factors of CM for Award, 2013). success and failure in the CBRT business remained the most debated academic issue in this field. In- Methodology group heterogeneity of a community and community The present work is a longitudinal study where the politics are some of the reasons for failure that have same 39 samples have been interviewed through 3 hardly been explored by scholars (Blackstock, 2005; phases of data gathering using a semi-structured Dodds et al., 2018). This theoretical dearth raises questionnaire in 2015, 2018, and 2020. inquiries regarding how in-group community politics Results and Discussion may affect the long-term success of a CBRT project. Dynamics of CBRT business in Maniram Thus, drawing on qualitative analysis of CBRT in Maniram, this study attempts to unveil the community Three phases of CBRT politics of a CBRT village with a temporal lens. The curve depicting the life cycle of CBRT in Objectives Maniram (Fig. 2) represents episodic progression of CBRT which is somehow analogous to the TALC 1. To reveal the dynamics of CBRT business in the model (Butler 2006). The popularity and demand of long run this CBRT first increased and reached a peak (or turning point) and then decreased rapidly with any * Research Scholar, Dept of Geography, Presidency progress of time. Between 2009 to 2015, Maniram University, Kolkata. hosted 35 groups of tourists which came down to
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 57 only 4 tourists from 2016 to 2018 and then got disseminating booking information, organising cultural reduced to zero in 2019 and 2020.This proves that programmes, allocation of homestay and tourists were despite having an altruistic drive CBRT business might controlled centrally by SSMVHT. Heads of SSMVHT not always be an equally benefiting and sustainable acted as impersonal spokesperson for the entire economic option in the long run. community. During the declining phase, a more Withdrawal of participation: dispersed structure appeared, with technologically sound young people as the centre of information Local involvement at every stage of CBRT dissemination. For instance, booking information was development is necessary for its long-term success no more circulated by heads of the CBTO but rather and sustenance (Scheyvens, 2002). In Maniram, the by two young technologically active villagers who initial responses were very supportive, within one used to handle the virtual promotional platforms like year (2007-2008) almost all villagers (21 households) the website of Maniram tourism. were the members of the local CBTO (SSMVHT) The ultimate gainer except the minors. This lasted up to 2015. Up to 2015, Maniram had a total of 10 state-sanctioned Although alternative forms of tourism are always homestays, a group of village women called ‘Aunty directed to ensure holistic development (Murphy Group’ and roughly 5 tour guides. But after that 1985), the long-term CBRT operation in Maniram people started withdrawing from CBRT at an alarming differs from the ideal. In rural areas the idea of rate. At the declining phase only 3 active homestay adopting tourism as a livelihood option diffuses from owners were left and no more separate tour guides. a central node, possibly a well exposed, The cultural group of women has been disintegrated. knowledgeable and enthusiastic person (Koh, 2002). Maniram is no exception. The pioneer was a well- Resource utilisation educated, well-travelled and politically active villager. During the initial stage, the old Maniram Tamang During the initial stage, locals who were affluent monastery and the old dilapidated ‘Stupa’s enough to bear the hefty initial costs, renovated, (commemorative Buddhist monuments) were the few redecorated and furnished parts of their houses and cultural resources available to offer to the tourists. started homestays in their own houses. Later in 2012, Only one motorable earthen (Kutcha) road connected 10 among them were sanctioned for state-aided Maniram with the major Namchi-Namthang road. homestays. From, 2012 to 2015, it was these 10 Tourists used this road to reach Maniram by car. homestay owners who enjoyed most of the revenue The rest of the houses within Maniram were generated from tourism as 70% of the total income connected with narrow walkable roads. From 2011 from tourism was dedicated to food and lodging. Even to 2013, motorable road, tourist footpath, a place for in the declining phase, only 3 homestay owners were meeting and reception, parking space, one gate with active, incidentally who were linked with some family symbols of local Tamang culture on it, rest shed, ties. open-air stages etc. were constructed with state aid. Among 12 applicants 10 were sanctioned state-aided This somewhat implies that even in CBRT business, homestays. After 2015, most of these resources were the relatively affluent families will have the advantage left unconsumed. 1 of the homestays was even given of participating in the business more readily over other on rent after 2018. community members. Apparently, the opportunity to participate as a homestay owner was limited to the Change in allocation system only elite and affluent families. Necessitous families From the dawn of the CBRT business, the homestay opted for low investment and low-income generating owners and tour guides agreed to a rotation-based roles like a tour guide, cultural performer (13% of allocation system because this was the only way to tourism revenue), or vegetable supplier (0.1% of the channelize equal revenue to all of them and avoid tourism revenue) to the homestays and eventually any type of intra-community conflict. There was a got trapped in a vicious cycle of small-investment secondary criterion to allocate tourist were, the and small income and in the long-run lost interest in availability-based allocation. However, with time, as tourism as a viable economic option. stakeholders were withdrawing, the availability-based system became more prominent. CBRT, model operation to consultant Change in structure of operation CBRT businesses have a huge demonstrative imprint on aspirant participation. However, in the new At the initial and flourishing stage, all the operations rejuvenated destination, the operation is most likely like revenue distribution, contacting tourists and to be individually operated. Aspirant stakeholders have
58 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 reported that they are more likely to consider to the centre of the village and already had experience SSMVHT and its members as ‘consultants’ as they of hosting some tourist groups before 2011. The state respect their year-long experience in this business has declined the application for 2 homestays in but will no longer consider CBRT as a business model. downhill without informing them about any Community politics satisfactory reason. This unequal scope for participation created by the states is another reason Mainstream tourism research has overlooked for intra-community conflict. community politics mainly because it needed thick ethnographic to examine that critical outlook (Belsky Politics of choice 2004, Hall 2003). The following are the major types Availability of alternative livelihood income has of community politics undertaken by stakeholders in always kept tourism as a secondary source of tourism. Maniram and has shaped the long-term course of From 2007 to 2012-13 almost all of the villagers had SSMVHT and its operations. considered tourism although not as the primary source The politics of scope: of income but as a vital source of income. After 2013, only 15 families continued to believe so. But after The major reason of declining participation in the 2015, the gravity of tourism businesses as a stern later years is lost faith in CBRT business from the source of income was gradually declining. The then majority of small and medium players (cultural younger generations, therefore, adopted some other performer, guides even some homestay owners). livelihood options especially government jobs (PTI, During 2007-08 interested homestay owners were 2019) and moved out of their village, leaving the asked by SSMVHT convert their own houses or a CBRT mainly to the older and less-educated villagers. part of it as a homestay. During the early stages, This out-migration of the young and educated labour mostly affluent families living in the uphill areas and force in tourism is also responsible for the decline. near the road were able to bear that hefty investment The declaration of ‘one family, one job’ by the state and finally they built homestays and successfully government in 2018 acted as a deathblow to the attracted the market towards them from 2009. So, CBRT in Maniram. from the very beginning affluent and educated players received better opportunities to partake in CBRT Politics of political affiliation business than the needy counterpart. Maniram has two homestays, one is never sanctioned Spatial politics another remained incomplete up to 2020. Respondents believe that they have been Maniram depicted a spatial tension camouflaged under discriminated for having a political inclination towards the seamless community operation. Some of the the opposition party. These villagers now carry respondents believe that tourism acted as a catalyst profound cynicism of CBRT. to exaggerate the already existing economic inequalities between people living uphill (affluent) and Conclusion downhill. Poor residents from downhill complained The case of Maniram depicts that even a community- that the state has declined their appeal for public based initiative although having an altruistic assistance to establish homestays stating that they motivation might go through waxing and waning. live away from the road and they don’t have attractive However, this decline could be overcome if a positive scenic beauty to offer to the tourists at and their demonstration effect is present. But a true positive rooms were also not at par to attract and demonstration effect can restore the faith in tourism accommodate tourists in it. as a livelihood option but not on the community-run These discriminations have created a spatial uphill- operation. Based on economic conditions, downhill tension. On the other hand, homestays geographical location, political affiliation stakeholders located at a distant place away from the main central may have their strategies to participate in CBRT. cluster of Maniram have also reported that being away Availability of alternative livelihood options, politics from the main cluster, tourists do not want to stay at played by the state are some of the external influences her place away from the rest of the group, limiting that also curves the community politics and her chance to equal benefit sharing. consequently the path of CBRT development and its Politics played by state impact on a region. This study has successfully examined community politics and the resultant During 2011-12, the government sanctioned dynamism in CBRT operation from a longitudinal homestays to 11 families who lived near roads, near perspective.
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 59 Reference 5. Hall, C.M., 2003. Politics and place: An analysis 1. Belsky, J. M. 1999. Misrepresenting Communities: of power in tourism communities. Tourism in The Politics of Community Based Rural Ecotourism destination communities, pp.99-114. in Gales Point Manatee, Belize 1. Rural sociology, 6. Koh, K. 2002. Explaining a community tourist scape: 64, 641-666. An entrepreneurism model. International journal 2. Blackstock, K. 2005. A critical look at community- of hospitality & tourism administration, 3, 29-62. based tourism. Community development journal, 40, 7. Maniram Village Tourism Society and SSTDS Thank 39-49. CM for Award 2013. [online] Namchi: Sikkim NOW. 3. Butler, R. 2006. The tourism area life cycle, Channel Available at:
60 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 market assets. Mutual funds, as a specific segment sector. New Government is striving hard to pass new of the international capital markets are witnessing constructive and productive bills in the parliament phenomenal growth on the positive sentiments of the and implement them in a faster manner to supplement market. and add positivity to the economy. Trustworthy promises by New Government Mandatory Risk Disclosure Newly instituted, Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) - Risk exists in all capital market investments. Mutual Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister funds are not an exception. The disclosure of the Shri Narendra Modi took its charge in May 2014 market risk in mutual fund investments is made with a historical record of majority seats at the Centre. mandatory by SEBI. The statement of risk in new It made trustworthy promises and created new fund offers state that ‘Past performance’ of the funds expectations in capital market. Investors are investing is not an indicator of the future performance. The in the capital markets with lot of conviction on the expression of the risk involved is a statutory disclosure financial assets believing in the “Economic in all mutual funds. However, it is also equally true Development Mantra” uttered by the new that historical returns provide a clear idea as to what Government. can be expected as the future returns. Investors Investors are sure that fulfilment of the promises invested substantially in equity funds which offered made would comprehensively transform the Indian 50 – 100% returns in the last fiscal. Inflow of economy and result in a new economic revolution. investments is higher in equity funds comparatively. Retail investments and mutual fund investments in Scope for planned investments the market are improving the corporate capital Investors who cannot predict the reversal patterns of formation coupled with foreign institutional investors the markets can invest systematically in the mutual (FII). Investors are desirous of an assured economic funds in a planned manner. This is called ‘Systematic development with social-friendly governance investment plan (SIP)’ in the mutual funds market. practices. With systematic and planned investments, investors Progressive economic policies will not be affected by massive ups and downs of Indian economy is evidencing a trend of falling rates the market prices. It helps in realizing normal market of inflation and hence showing the symptoms of a returns. rapid growth. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reduced How to make wise investments in mutual funds? bank rates by 0.25% two times in the last fiscal, As said earlier, volatilities, ups and downs in market which is expected to be reduced by another 0.5% in prices and NAVs of the mutual funds are quite the ongoing financial year. Industrial and corporate common and normal in capital markets. Following sectors demand a drop in the bank rates so that new tips help the investors in making intelligent entrepreneurial ventures can be taken up. investments in mutual funds – Decreasing bank rates are not only declining the i. Focus on future expected performance rather pressure of rising operating costs to the business than past performance sector, but also help consumers in accessing to ii. Historical performance should be analysed to consumer credit and enhance the levels of their life determine the NAVs at which investors should standard. These expectations of the business sector enter and exit market. on bank rates are boosting the investors’ confidence of future corporate financial performance. iii. Analyse how different mutual funds performed amidst similar uniform economic conditions. Coupled with these optimistic trends, new government, which assumed its role in May 2014, is iv. A comparative evaluation of different mutual into formulation of new laws to induce economy to funds helps in choosing the right funds for grow consistently and rapidly. Several plans and investment. policies such as raising of FDI limits in defence, v. Understand the positive and negative sentiments insurance, pension, infrastructure, etc, promotion of of the market to decide the price to enter and ‘Make in India’ campaign, reforms in real estate price to exit. sector, corporate law, labour laws, etc., have been vi. Initial phase of bull market is the best time to launched by the New government to usher the enter the market and beginning phase of the bear economic growth. market is the best time to exit. Favourable changes and amendments in old laws vii. Glance the portfolio of the fund to review the offered the new horizons of hopes in the business future prospects of its constituent investments.
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 61 viii. Evaluate the expertise and exposure levels and Domestic mutual fund players are playing a significant past performance of the fund managers of the role in the Indian capital market. selected mutual funds before investing in them. The very first month of the new financial year, i.e., ix. Track NAVs of the funds regularly. April-2015, has witnessed sky falling investments in x. Have a long-term perspective in the mutual fund the Indian mutual funds market. Let us hope that the investments. Don’t get upset by temporary ups same trend continues throughout the year and fiscal and downs of the market. ending expectations of the investors comes true. Conclusion Reference On the overall basis, broad macro-economic factors 1. www.amfiindia.com like Expected GDP Growth rate, corporate 2. www.valueresearchonline.com performance, employment levels, inflation, etc are 3. www.mutualfudsindia.com presently favourable for investment in the capital 4. www.sharekhan.com market on long-term basis. Mutual funds industry is transforming itself from a participant of the capital 5. Sharpe, W.F. (1966). Mutual Fund Performance. market into support to withhold the market pressures Journal of Business, 39, 119-138. like withdrawals of investments by dominant FIIs. 6. Sharpe, W.F. (1994). The Sharpe Ratio. Journal of Portfolio Management, 20, fall, 49-58. Sufferings of Riverbank Erosion-Induced Internally Displaced Persons of Laharighat, Assam Dr. Bipul Das* Mrs. Hemasri Devi** [Riverbank erosion is a serious problem of Assam affecting a huge population mostly after the great earthquake of 1950. It renders a number of homeless families whom we can categorize under the broad group of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). It creates threats to their lives and livelihood and pushes them to intense poverty. These IDPs hardly attain minimum living standard and faced multiple levels of insecurities and deprivations. Again, considering the case of Assam, Water Resources Department reveals that since 1950, 7.40% of the area of the State of Assam was eroded and between the year 2001 to 2006, 2839 villages with 119203 families were affected by riverbank erosion. Amongst severe erosion prone districts of Assam, Morigaon district is one of the vulnerable sites.] iverbank erosion is a natural process of erosion of bank with the most severe long-term impacts on human life, are found materials caused mostly by the active rivers and mainly along the Ganges and Brahmputra rivers (Das et.al, 2017: Rtributaries. “It is a geological concept which can be p. 73). Again, considering the case of Assam, Water Resources defined as a reduction in bank area or increase in channel length Department reveals that since 1950, 7.40% of the area of the and width due to some geomorphologic processes” (Dekaraja, State of Assam was eroded and between the year 2001 to 2019, p.7). It forced riparian people to move from their homes. 2006, 2839 villages with 119203 families were affected by Such displaced people are under the broad category of Internally riverbank erosion. Amongst severe erosion prone districts of Displaced Persons (IDPs). Talking about the case of IDPs in Assam, Morigaon district is one of the vulnerable sites, where South Asia, GIRD Report, 2020 released that riverbank erosion “10256.93 hectare land eroded between the years 1969 to also triggered displacement but data is hard to come by (GIRD, 2001. By the year 2016, the river Brahmaputra eroded 24 2020, p.47). Erosion had taken up their land permanently and villages from Laharighat, 27 villages from Bhuragaon and 13 subsequently in a country like India, they are deprived of villages from Mayong Revenue circle. The length of the eroded avenues of livelihood, shelter, educational and medical facilities, land in Morigaon district is 49.19 km from Mayong Revenue social and community support, etc. They hardly attained Circle in the west to Laharighat Revenue Circle in the east” minimum living standard and faced multiple levels of insecurities ((Nath and Medhi, .pp.77- 81). Besides, these figures, it is and deprivations. Brouwer, Aftab & Brander, (2006) reported worth mentioning that the riverbank erosion rendered thousands that People who live near riverbanks are often the victims of of people homeless in the said areas of Morigaon district. They bank erosion which threatens their personal safety and shelter are either staying in the makeshift huts on the riverbank or on as well as sources of their livelihoods (as cited in Das et.al, the embankments with great hardship (ibid. p.83). 2017: p. 73.). The worst examples of riverbank erosion in India, All these observations help the researchers to internalize the acute riverbank erosion problem faced by the displaced * Associate Professor, Department of Political population in Laharighat area of Morigaon district of Assam. Science, Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open As the displaced population suffers from severe socio-economic University, Guwahati, Assam losses, thus, they aspire for adequate attention from the authority ** Research Scholar, KKHSOU to address their socio-economic security prospects. The present
62 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 study has undertaken the case of displaced people of Sialmari it is difficult to trace out the IDPs in totality. During the field kachari gaon, under the Laharighat Revenue circle of Morigaon study the researcher has been able to trace out 23 families of district, Assam. Sialmari Kachari gaon in Dakshin Senimari gaon. All of them Objectives are muslim minority population. Out of those 75% families faced the burden of erosion 2 to 4 times. Regarding, their present The major objectives of the study are— location and land allocation, the affected families are in 1. To study the amount of land eroded in the study area government land without having pattas. Amongst them, those 2. To examine the sufferings of the riverbank erosion-induced families were able to manage their own land, now they have IDPs in the study area. facilities of government housing scheme (Pradhan Mantri Gramin Methodology: The resent research is based on both primary Awaas Yojana Scheme). But others are still in refugee like and secondary sources of data. Secondary data includes data situations as they have to manage in jhopris, and makeshift from government sources; published information from media, arrangements as per their capacities with plastic, hey, bamboos journals, books, e-contents etc. Again, primary data includes and other materials. All the families lost at an average rate 4 to field information collected through structured and unstructured 6 bighas or more land including their homestead and agricultural questionnaire, interview and observation from respondents of land, but now they are in utmost deplorable conditions. All the Lahorighat area of Morigaon district, Assam. The paper includes families are managing their shelter in almost one katha of qualitative analysis to interpret the realities and sufferings of the government land. They spoke out about their wealthy economic riverbank erosion-induced IDPs and indulge in narratives to conditions of pre-erosion period and expressed high carry on the results and findings of the study. dissatisfaction regarding their land holdings. The Study area Livelihood context of the IDPs To understand the plight of the riverbank erosion-induced IDPs, The respondents expressed their deep insecurity regarding the the study has undertaken the case of the displaced population livelihood opportunities in the Dakshin Senimari gaon. When of Sialmari Kachari gaon under Dhumkura Gaon Panchayat in they were in Sialmari Kachari gaon, their main income source Laharighat revenue circle of Morigaon district, Assam. Sialmari was agriculture. But after lost of their homestead as well as Kachari gaon has 110 households with 13.15% literacy rate as agricultural land, now they are daily wage earning labours. per the Census reports, 2011. It is situated 5 km away from the Against, per day’s work they are getting rupees 200 to 250. sub-district headquarter, Raja Gadhowa, Laharighat. But hardly they are managing 2 to 3 days work/per week. So, During the field study the researchers have been able to trace it is difficult for them to sustain their family. These situations out 23 families with 179 people of Sialmari Kachari gaon in hamper their child from getting education and other amenities Dakshin Senimari gaon. Their sufferings are qualitatively for dignified living. analyzed in the discussion to have a clear picture about plight of Shelter, sanitation and drinking water and question of hygiene the riverbank erosion-induced IDPs of the said area. 70% respondents are in kucha houses with single room. Only Results and Discussion 30% respondents said that they are getting facilities from Sufferings of the riverbank erosion-induced IDPs can be government housing scheme, yet in the forms of getting roofing analyzed from multiple dimensions. Their loss of land is the prime sheets, and Pucca posts. Other arrangements to construct their facet leading them to vulnerability and deprivation in many homes are made by their own. Regarding sanitation facilities respects. The researchers thus develop the discussion through too, 82% respondents are using kucca toilets. For drinking water, the following sub-points to have a clear picture about the affects they are directly consuming water from tube-wells. They have of riverbank erosion upon the lives and living of the people, no awareness about water filtration and hygienic sanitation mostly of Laharighat area of Morigaon district. facilities, and have not at all privacy as they are using common Riverbank erosion and population affected water source and toilets. As a result, they are often suffering Laharighat, Bhuragaon and Mayong, are the three main erosion from water borne diseases like diarrhea and here too they have affected revenue circles under Moriagon district. Only Laharighat reported of not having adequate medical facilities in their Primary circle lost a total of 37 villages due to riverbank erosion caused Health Care (PHE) centers. They hardly assess doctors in by the river Brahmaputra (Field Study report, Revenue Circle PHEs. Office, Laharighat), while talking about the Sialmari Kachari Education and Job Opportunities goan, the respondents said that they were shifted from the As per Census records 2011, Sialmari kachari gaon has 13.15% Sialmari Kachari gaon in 1991 to Chutiya gaon and again in literacy. Out of the respondents, there is only one Bachalor 2001 shifted from the Chutiya gaon to Dakshin Senimari gaon. degree holder and all others are below X standard. Among the Originally, there were around 1000 households comprises of forty year and above age category respondents, only 11% mostly Chutiya, Bodos, Kachari, Tiwa, Lalung tribes and a people are literate. Besides, they reported that riverbank erosion considerable portion was of Muslim population in the village. disturbed the education of their wards also as because their It is considerable that, neither the whole village was eroded in Primary school building too was eroded by the river a single phase, nor all the villagers had similar socio-economic Brahmaputra. It is also important that as the respondents faced conditions. Therefore, the economically capable families were erosion and displacement 2 to 4 times in their life, accordingly, already moved to safer places by looking at their shelter and that hampers their continuous education. Again, among the livelihood prospects. Only, the deplorable section is in respondents no one enrolled or even aware about the vocational embankments or in government land since last 30 years and and technical degrees, that may offer more job potentialities. aspiring for government assistance to start their fresh life. Hence, They are mostly engages as daily labours. The male members
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 63 of two of the respondent families are out of Morigaon and 1. As we usually found short term anti-erosion measures like working in construction sites of Arunachal Pradesh. In addition, embankments, spurs, dykes etc. and their results are also the displaced families are completely deprived from their earlier not satisfactory, thus, the study suggests for long term social and community support systems, which also lead them measures to check erosion. Here, the researcher appealed to another set of sufferings. that adequate planning is required and accordingly, area All these aspects reflect their day to day insecurity dimensions. specific anti-erosion measures should be undertaken to Therefore, the role of the state is important here to address control erosion. their issues. The question of compensatory justice here comes 2. Adequate resettlement and rehabilitation measures for the to the front. The respondents complained that they never have IDPs are of foremost requisite. Here, inter district adequate compensation like roofing sheets, monetary benefits resettlements can be offered where the affected district faces during the time of displacement. 73% respondents are attaining the problem of land shortage. Proper rehabilitation plan benefits of public distribution system. They have job cards but requires a detailed study about the occupational capabilities not at all getting the fruits of it. As they are in extreme socio- of the IDPs. So, by understanding the potentialities of the economic backwardness, they have human insecurity issues. IDPs, authority must prepare adequate rehabilitation Again, there is not any active involvement of civil society measures. organizations to support their sustenance. 3. While preparing the proposals and plan programmes for Break down of Social and Community support the IDPs, special attention should be given to special mechanisms categories of people such as single headed families, widows All displaced families are not of equal economic conditions in with small children, differently able sections etc. the pre-displaced phase. Certain families already moved to safer In the concluding lines, the study develops the fact that riverbank places before erosion. Only the down trodden families are still erosion-induced IDPs are facing unbearable burdens at multiple waiting for government assistance for their survival. It is levels. Their familial, social, community and cultural lives are significant that the social, cultural and community support dismantled by the process of riverbank erosion and displacement. mechanisms are the tools for the weaker sections to sustain. They hardly find adequate support from the authority to start The respondents of the study are fully deprived from this set of their new life with dignity and minimum standard of living. privileges. Their community assets like school, community halls, Practically, the aspects of social justice and compensatory namghar etc. are also washed away by the process of erosion. justice here played a crucial role. Compensation during the time All these aspects push them to impoverishment risk situations of displacement and in regards to starting their fresh life is utmost as their socio-cultural bondage was fully disintegrated during required step. Authority here should have a ground level analysis the process of displacement and resettlement. about the practical sufferings of the IDPs, so that IDPs can Suggestions and Conclusion attain minimum requirements to start their living. Questions of proper and continuous schooling of the displaced children, While examining the conditions of lives and living of the riverbank adequate medical care facilities for the needy sections should erosion-induced displaced persons, it is considerable that the be answered with utmost attention. NGO’s and civil society increasing number of IDPs can be stopped only when we have organizations too must work cordially with the administration the concrete measures to control the process of erosion. While to have better outcome. talking about Assam, the alluvial soil of bank of the river Brahmaputra is more vulnerable to erosion. In this regard, References “changes in a river course through erosion and deposition in its 1. Dekaraja, D.(n.d.).Chapter 1. In Riverbank Erosion and migration in alluvial plain is a natural process and cannot be stopped the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam: a case study of two districts. URL: http//hdl.handle.net/10603/254200. Retrieved on, 6 feb, 2021. permanently” (Borgahain, 2019). Government initiatives to p.7 check erosion are usually adhoc and insufficient in nature. 2. The Global Report on Internal Displacement, GIRD. (2020). Internal Practically the Water Resources Department of Assam, since Displacement Monitoring Centre and Norwegian Refugee Council, 1954, has been working on the areas like Construction of NRC. P.47. URL:www.internal-displacement.org>PDF Embankments and Flood walls, River Training and bank 1. 3. Das, T.K., Haldar, S.K., Sarkar, D., Borderon, M., Kienberger, S., protection works, anti-erosion and town protection works, Gupta, I.D., Kundu, S. and Sapir, D.G. (2017). Impact of Riverbank Erosion: A Case Study. In Australian Journal of Disaster and Trauma riverbank channelization with pro siltation device, drainage Studies. 21 (2), pp.73-81. PDF. URL: https://www.researchgate.net/ improvement/sluices, raised plaeforms, flood forecasting and publication/321823798__Case_Study. warning and flood zoning. All these measures are mostly 4. Water Resources Department, Government of Assam: Erosion addressing the issue of flood (Water Resources Department, Problem in Assam. URL:https://waterresources.assam.gov.in/ Government of Assam). However, we have hardly seen any portlets/flood-erosion-problems. Retrieved on 18/2/2021. concrete government initiatives to check erosion. Resultantly, 5. Nath, M. and Medhi, H. (n.d.). Bank Line Shift of river Brahmaputra the riverbank erosion-induced IDPs are not getting any concrete in Morigaon District, Assam (1996-2016). In Spectra, Journal of the School of Applied Sciences, USTM, URL.: www.ustm.ac.in>2020/ adjustments. As the resettlement and rehabilitation for the IDPs 02 PDF. Retrieved on 10/2/2021. is the prime issue, yet they are also not at all addressed properly. 6. Borgohain, D.J. (2019). Bank Erosion in the Brahmaputra Valley- Rehabilitation here means restoration of livelihood and Impact and Causes. In Northeast Now. URL: https://nenow.in/north- resettlement means allotment of land for homestead purpose. east-news/assam/bank-erosion-in-the-brahmputra-valley-impact- In case of the respondents, they are fully deprived of both the and-causes.html#:S :text=However%2C the basic reason for, and kinds. Hence, considering the criticalities of the issue, the shallow depth of water. Web on July 29th, 2019. researchers have been putting forward the following 7. Government of Assam, Water Resources Department. URL: https:/ /waterresources.assam.gov.in/portlets/flood-management. suggestions—
64 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 Socio – Religious Institutions Raja Doley* [In its connotation and in its implementation the concept of Dasoha apparently seems to be synonymous with the concept of Dana. According to Dr K. Ishwaran “Dasoha should not be confused with the traditional, Brahminical concepts of Dana and Datti. While the concept of gift was an either part of exchange transaction or part of exploitive process, Dasoha represents the principle of community sharing and cooperation. While gift is inherited and becomes part of private property, Dasoha cannot become private property. Its essence is to become socialized and communalized resource. This may seem close to modern concept of social and community property but it is also part of India’s populistic economic rationality based on sharing”.] he concept of Dasoha as understood and The concept of Dasoha as it is implemented in this followed by Sri Sharanabasava tradition is institution has under gone considerable changes. The Tsomething unique. This tradition cannot be basic concept of Trividha Dasoha as conceived by better explained than to quote one of the Dasoha the 12th century reformists was to serve the god in sutras composed by Poojya Dr Sharanabasavappa his three forms namely Guru, Linga, and Jangama. Appa. According to him. “Earning for the maintenance But according to the present concept as it is being of one-self is called livelihood, an Ideal is one who participated in the Maha Mane it serves the cause of shares his earning for the pleasure of others, but a all where the gods presence is felt. During the time Dasohi is one who shares his earning for the pleasure of Poojya Sri Doddappa Appa, the practice of of others as though offered to god Linga”. distribution of sanctified food was supplemented with “Dasoha stands for an assemblage of finest the diffusion of knowledge in the form of Jnana- constituents of human behaviour and virtue. It is Dasoha. compound of humility, service, understanding, love, This Maha Mane has a distinct tradition about self-abnegation whole range of virtues with which Dasoha. Where we witness the confluence of the we are familiar. It not only cures ills of society but traditional form of Dasoha mingled with the modern also enables the human spirit. It excels, because it concept. The traditional practice of distributing the sees god in Man and animals. It acknowledges his sanctified food or Prasad is continuing un interruptedly presence in all creation, glorifies him. for all those who visit the Dasoha Mahamane. Sharanbasaveshwara’s Dasoha Bhava is at once both ‘Imparting education is a highly enlightened acorn and oak of universal philosophy for Dasohabhava. Education enables all to satisfy the amelioration of Mankind. hunger of the spirit. The teacher should consider “Here in this Maha Dasoha Peetha of Sri students as sparks of Divinity, and teaching a child Sharanabasaveshwar it is a living and growing as a selfless and dedicated service to divinity. This tradition for the last two hundred years with an act of giving spiritual, intellectual and more unbroken continuity. It is a unique spiritual heritage enlightenment to the innocent children is an offering and tradition without a parallel anywhere. For eight of flowers of knowledge to god and is, in essence, a generations, the Dasoha heritage installed and Dasoha”. institutionalized by Sri Sharanabasaveshwara and Sri Teaching and learning for the sake of livelihood is Adi Doddappa Sharana has been a living and growing just an ordinary life. Teaching and learning, not only practice in this Maha Dasoha Peetha. It is a way of for the sake of livelihood, but also for the welfare of life and a living Philosophy. ‘It is a religion, ritual, others is good life. Teaching and learning not only philosophy, culture. And tradition for the last two for the sake of livelihood, but also for the welfare of hundred years’ according to Poojya Dr others. Thinking and serving god, is kayaka and Sharanabasavappa Appa, for eight generations the Dasoha philosophy of education.”6 Dasoha spirituals and cultural tradition has enjoyed Anubhava Mantapa was an institution conceived by its heyday”. Basaveshwara as a platform for exchange of mystic *Assistant Prof, Dept of History, R.G. Baruah College., experiences during the course of the socio-religious
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 65 revolution of the 12th century”. The admirers and would be more appropriate if it is rendered as “Work followers from far and near places came in numbers is worship”. to meet and to seek enlightenment from him. All the Shivasharanas of 12th century and of Meetings, assemblies, conferences and congregations subsequent period have upheld the basic concept were frequently held. Some of the meetings were of envisaged by Basaveshwara. Thus, the Veerasaiva a special character in which more advanced persons movement attached sanctity and dignity to the manual participated and discussed intricate philosophical and work and insisted on earning of one’s livelihood only spiritual themes. Out of such activities emerged a by means of one’s own physical labour. spiritual organization known as Anubhava Mantapa or the academy of mysticism Sri Sharanabasaveshwar Maha Dasoha Pitha has been This institution experienced reverses and set back in engaged in not only propagating this noble philosophy course of her history. The violent developments of sanctity and dignity of labour which has been found following the assassination of Bijjala in 1167 A.D. to be more relevant to modern times than ever before Almost disrupted this organization. In the 15th century but also in institutionalizing the concept. The concept there was again a cultural, literary, spiritual, and a of Dasoha which is the cardinal principle of Sri religious renaissance at the time of Proudha Deva Sharanbasaveshwar Maha Dasoha Pitha has no Raya of the sangama dynasty of Vijaya Nagar empire justification without the principle of Kayaka knitted when Anubhava Mantapa was revitalized in the form with it. The concept of Dasoha attains perfection of Sunya Sampadane. We again find the second phase only when it derives its sources though honestly of the renaissance of Anubhava Mantapa during the earned money or earned though Kayaka. presence century. Conclusion The Anubhava Mantapa revived under the auspices The aims and objectives, however sublime and noble of Sharanabasaveshwara Dasoha Maha Mane was may be, cannot be achieved without the process of started about 48 year’s back in the year 1963. Great institutionalization. The significance of scholars of eminence were invited to conduct institutionalizing the concepts and values was very discourses on various aspects of veerasaivism. The well realized by Sri Sharanabasaveshwara Maha special lecturers delivered by specially invited Mane from the beginning. The concept of Dasoha, renowned scholars from various universities have almost provided intellectual feast to the assembled Kayaka, nationalism, knowledge. spiritual experience audience. These lectures are in no way interior to did no longer remain abstract notions. They were any universities in India or abroad. Every year a new put into practice in the form of institutions and were theme or multiple of themes pertaining to veerasaiva taken to minds and hearts of people of all grades and religion and culture is selected for the conduct of the strata of the society. These institutions have lectures under the auspices of Anubhava Mantapa. crystallized the concepts of our ancient thinkers. They are undoubtedly some of the greatest contributions Thus, the Anubhava Mantapa with a noble mission of Jnana Dasoha, the dissemination of knowledge of Sri. Sharanabasaveshwara Maha Mane to the has been serving the society in a manner that has no culture of Karnataka in particular and Indian culture parallel. The Anubhava Mantapa is something like in general an open university. No other platform can better serve References the cause of the society and the nation as this 1. K. Ishwaran, Religion and Society among the Anubhava Mantapa has been doing. Lingayats of South India. P-62. One of the three basic principles which secured a 2. M.R. Sakhare, History and Philosophy of distinct position for veerasaivism in the family of Lingayat Religion, P – 146. religious sects of India is the principle of Kayaka, two others being Dasoha and Prasada. The three 3. Poojya Dr. Sharanbasavappa Appa. Maha Dasoha principles are inter-connected with each other. Kayaka sutragalu, P – 49. literary means the manual work. But according to 4. Poojya Dr. Sharanabasavappa Appa foreword to veerasaiva concept it has been endowed with the M.V. Kamats, The pursuit of excellence. sanctity of religious observance. In one of vachanas 5. C.N. Hirematha, Light Divine, PP. 95, 96. Sri Basaveshwara has stated “Kayakave Kailasa” which means salvation through human labour. It
66 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 Occupational Health Hazards of Working Women in the Unorganized Sector in Bangalore City -A Sociological study Dr.Jyoti.K.* he study explicitly concerns with the problems engage themselves in manual labour. Building and prospects of unorganized working class construction, road construction like lit roads, Metro Tcan hardly ignore the historical aspect of rail tracks have attracted a huge exodus of women working class in general. Work emphatically occupies from neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil a central place in the life of individuals in particular Nadu and Northern parts of Karnataka. source of lively hood no matter what the nature of Beedi Workers work is all about. Origin and development of the working class has been inextricably interwoven with Beedi workers constitute another major chunk of what Karl Marx termed the ‘mode of production’ of unorganized labour in Bangalore city. The work is economic goods and services which in turn determines carried out predominantly by women most of the the superstructure and the stunner stunt of human time at the place of their living. Being poor and socially society. As a result, it took different shape. educationally backward they live in slums or in highly congested lanes and bylanes of certain localities in Unorganized Labour in Bangalore City Bangalore city. Bereft of basic amenities at the place Women workers have been drawn from lower socio- of their living they are exposed to highly economic strata and the majority of them are in the environmentally degraded conditions. High risk age-group of 18 to 35 years. They have been exposed groups of alcoholic and HIV patient live in those areas. to all kinds of exploitation; economic, sexual, Women who involve themselves become increasingly emotional and social to mention a few. They are not vulnerable to a wide-range of health risks. allowed to join unions and the unions in the organized sector have all along at best shown only a lip Agarbatti Workers sympathy. It is only belatedly they made their pressure felt among the unorganized workers.Working Agarbatti is the category of the sample. Predominantly condition is poor and pathetic they get no canteen women workers who carry rolling of the stick from facilities, educational facilities to their children, no the raw material supply by the contractors most of transport and medical facilities. Most of them at work them are illiterate who come from lower middle class. There are no rules regulating neither working situation have been extremely vulnerable to accidents condition, nor payment of wages they get paid to often resulting in injury to life, limb and thus pushing stick role rupees ranging from 15 to 20 rupees per their families into starvation,malnutrition and under day average single women earn about 40 to 50 rupees. nutrition. Most of them live in the outskirts of the city nearby Women Construction workers slums or in slums. Bangalore’s booming industry employs hundreds of Review of the Literature such migrant labourers from neighboring Hosur and Mohammed Khaiser Ahmed (1997), the silk industry Dharmapuri, and the drought-hit districts of Bidar, occupies a paramount place in the Karnataka’s Gulbarga and Raichur. The city also woos skilled economy from the point of view of employment artisans from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and potential, income generation, and poverty alleviation Orissa. According to a conservative estimate, there and export earnings. are 5 lakh construction workers in the city, with 30- Objective of the study 40 percent of them being migrant workers. Another 1. To evaluate the present scenario of the informal most visible and highly scattered workers are the sector industry as a cottage industry and the socio- construction workers bulk of whom are rural economic condition of the women workers of the migrants. Being unskilled, semiskilled most of them general. 2. To find out the present problems of the women * Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, working and to access if the co-operative ruling Davangere University, Davanagere.
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 67 could become profitable and at the same time less in the workplace, in the family and in the society. exploitative in the system. Most often, the women’s work remains invisible, but 3. To study on occupational health problems of it contributes a major portion to the world economy. working women in the unorganized Sector Occupational health problems of women as seen Data source from a gender perspective Data collected both from primary and secondary Basically hazards posed by physical, chemical and sources. Primary sources, mainly include collection biological agents in the workplace are similar for male of data through field survey for some case studies. and female workers but the following factors have to Secondary data include data from the Bangalore be remembered for women workers. Women on an statistical handbooks, Census Report onGovernment average, have a smaller stature and have less physical of India, Economic Survey Report and Other strength; their vital capacity is 11% less; their information regarding this industry and labourers hemoglobin is app. 20% less; their skin area is larger were collected from the census of India, Labour, as compared to circulating volume; they have a larger Welfare Department of Indi a and Karnataka body fat content. They have lower heat tolerance Government and also the several books and journals. and greater cold tolerance. Woman’s unique Methodology reproductive function exposes her unborn child to The statistical methodology consists of field survey workplace hazards. Women shoulder additional by systemic stratified sampling with the help of the burden of household work, care of children and social questionnaire and secondary data collect from census responsibilities. report, Labour Commission and this various books Occupational stress is one of the major problems from and journals related to unorganized women a gender perspective. Studies from developing workers.The cartographic methodology consists of countries show that sources of stress in women’s lives preparing thematic maps on the basis of data and are more diverse and diffuse than those experienced representation of statistical data in several diagrams by men. A number of factors cause stress among for analysis. working women. These include: Women and work a. Multiple overlapping roles as housewives, mothers It is a fact that all women work. They perform dual and workers, especially when such rules are roles of production and reproduction. Their work physically and mentally demanding with little goes unrecognized because they do a variety of jobs satisfaction, monetary gain or social rewards; daily which does not fit into any specific b. Types of job repetitive and monotonous jobs with ‘occupation’. Most of them are involved in the little control over work pace and methods, piece arduous household work. Although women work for rate system and job insecurity all lead to stress; longer hours and contribute substantially to family c. Sexual harassment: This is often faced by women income, they are not perceived as workers by either in almost all types of occupations except when the women themselves or data collecting agencies they occupy top level jobs. It is widely believed and the government. To understand the issue of that employers show a preference for women only occupational health problems of women, it is when they are prepared to accept lower wages, necessary to make a detailed study of the women’s are expected to be more docile and submissive; work in terms of the actual activity undertaken, the hours of work and the extent of remuneration d. Shift work: In certain occupations, such as received.The so-called housewife is already doing a telephone operators who do different shifts single shift. If a woman also works outside home, including night shifts, interfere with family she is consistently working a double shift. When responsibilities causes lot of stress. children or family members are ill, she does three Musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic issues shifts day after day. On an average, women work much longer hours than men. According to The heavy manual labour performed by malnourished International Labour Organization (ILO), 2/3rd of women often under subhuman working and living the working hours around the world are worked by conditions, cause a number of health problems of women because of the combination of various roles which musculoskeletal problems are one of the
68 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 commonest problems of women in the unorganized ranging from immune suppression, teratogenicity, sector.. Repetitive trauma is often the cause of a hormonal disruptions and even endometriosis. variety of musculoskeletal and neurologic disorders Occupational and Environmental Health of WomenIn in women. Work related musculoskeletal disorders 1973, WHO defined the Scope and of the neck and shoulders and upper limbs are also known as cumulative trauma disorders (CTD). Extent of Occupational Health Programmes as Evidences from a number of studies suggest that all follows: these disorders principally result from; constrained 1. To identify and bring under control at the working posture, monotonous and repetitive work workplace all chemical, physical, mechanical, and psychological stress. Even in mechanical jobs, biological and psychological agents that are known most of the tools, machines and workstations have to be or suspected to be hazardous. been designed for an average male and are unsuitable for women from an ergonomic angle. 2. To ensure that physical and mental demands Reproductive health hazards imposed on people at work by their respective jobs are properly matched with their individual Many chemicals pose hazards to the embryo, technical, physiological and psychological especially during This has led to son the employment capabilities, needs and limitations. of women in various hazardous processes under various legislation (e.g. Factories act,1984.)Exposure 3. To provide effective measures to protect those to volatile organic solvents, dusts and pesticides and who are especially vulnerable to adverse working VDT (Video display terminal) no ionizing radiation conditions and also to raise their level of resistance. has been found to be associated with increased risk Headaches presented the highest percentage as a of infertility in women. This could be due to result of the effect of dust, smoke, odor etc. Eye interference with ovulation, fertilization or irritation (88%) Skin allergy (62%), Fatigue (79%), implantation. Difficulty in breathing (85%), fever (52%), were Exposure to solvents increases the risk of spontaneous reported in the survey. This may be due to the fine abortions and there is sufficient evidence of an dust particles and other sources while making agarbatti association between exposure to toluene, methylene at the site. Exposure to smoke particles can reduce chloride, tetrachloroethylene, petroleum ether, xylene, the ability to breathe and reduce resistance to diseases. formaldehyde, paint thinners and reproductive Those with more exposure to the dust, smoke odor, disorders. Women exposed to toluene have reported etc. affect more than other results in reduction in a greater frequency of menstrual dysfunction, lung function. including irregular cycles and spontaneous abortions. Occupational dust exposures (wood and agriculture Bibliography based) have also been associated with adverse 1. Bagchi, Y and Mukhopadhyay, A (1996): Child pregnancy outcome. It is not definite whether it is Labour in Bidi Industry Murshidabad District in due to the preservatives such as pesticides or other West Bengal. School of Women Studies, Jadavpur agents like pentachlorophenol, creosote, University, Calcutta. formaldehyde, chromium, arsenic, etc. Aflatoxins, one of the commonest found in agricultural grain dusts 2. Berman, J. (1996). Footloose Labour: Working are known dermatogens. in the Indian Informal Economy, Cambridge University Press. Cambridge. Pesticides 3. Bhatt, Ela (1994), ‘The Unprotected Labour’. The Maternal occupational pesticide exposures have been Indian Journal of Labour Economics, Vol.37, identified as a risk factor for stillbirth. Organ chlorine, No.3, July-Sept., pp.437-440. pesticides, polyhalogenated biphenyls and chlorophenoxy herbicides such as 2, 4-D have been 4. Bonnet, F, J. Figneiredo and G. Standing (2003), found to be teratogenic. DDT has estrogenic ‘A Family of Decent Work Indexes’. International properties. Dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls have Labour Review, 142 (2): pp.213-38. been shown to create a variety of reproductive effects
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 69 Androcentric Inferences in BapsiSidhwa’s Novels Yasmine I* Dr.P.Malathy** [Bapsi Sidhwa a well-known Pakistani feminist writer occupies an attractive position among her reading public. Her novels consist of social messages. This paper traces how the culture of Pakistan is made up of Androcentric perspectives with the reference to the Pakistani women’s life. Women’s positions are debated in all her novels. The main motif of her works is to show the steady growth of women’s identity. This paper is an analysis of the androcentric culture and its impact on women’s identity. The female protagonists in her novels struggle with this culture to find their identity. Her first and foremost novel The Crow Eater depicts the dependent life of a Parsi wife who spends her life under this male viewed culture. Next, The Pakistani Bride projects the story of a woman who was suppressed by the unfair male dominant culture. Sidhwa’s famous novel The Ice-candy Man is the novel which reveals the Partition of India-Pakistan and its impact especially on society and women.] iterary fiction plays a vital role to modify the Research says that in ancient times, the history of thought process of the society. It depicts the replacement of the goddess with the god is an Lproportionate goodness and evil of people important point to analyze this male centered culture. who constitute the society in which they live in. There Judaism and Christianity are the great religions during are the discrepant customs and practices observed 7thand 5th century B.C. These religions consider in the world with respect to the geographical setup. women as evil by which the men community will Similar to any other literature Pakistani literature also face misfortune. Even the holy Bible defines man mirrors its society, custom, practice and beliefs. as “God created man in his own image, in the image Modern literature constitutes Pakistani literature too. of God he created him” (Genesis 1:27) and woman BapsiSidhwa, a renowned writer of Pakistan has as “The Man said, “This is now the bone of my contributed a lot to literature. She conceptualized bone and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called as India -Pakistan partition and its plight on women, woman”. These definitions create a great impact suppression of women, and so on. Her novels reflect on the entire human race about the subservience of her optimistic approach towards life. This paper women by birth. Religion beholds a female as an deals with the study of her novels from an entity born to serve male. The main story of Adam Androcentric purview. and Eve which makes Milton to write his great epic Androcentricism in Sidhwa’s Novels Paradise Lost, contains thetheme as “Of man’s first disobedience”. When Adam and Eve were The concept of Androcentricism was first used by misguided and manipulated by the serpent to eat Charlotte Perkins Gilman in 20th century. She the fruit of knowledge, the serpent chose Eve as published a book titled, The Man-Made World or itsfirst person to kindle curiosity. The choice of Our Androcentric Culture”in which she had stated, serpent reveals that women are weaker than men. “Women a sort of accompaniment and subordinate Then the ancient Greeks are considered as the assistant……what we are born into and grow up founders of western civilization. Even in ancient with… we assume to be the order of nature…..was Greektradition misogyny has shaped the conception in great part only -male nature”(Bem 41). According of women of the present day. It was recorded by to her the whole world is influenced by the male the poet Hesiod in the story of Pandora. In Greek and their views. This vision is naturally created in mythology, Pandora was the first woman on earth the minds of the humans during their birth itself. created by Zeus in order to punish Prometheus for stealing fire from heaven. When she was married to * PhD (PT) Scholar, LRG Government Arts College Prometheus’ brother, she was given a box which for Women, Tirupur. was warned never to open. In curiosity she opened ** Assistant Professor, Government Arts College the box and all the sins and diseases imprisoned (Autonomous), Coimbatore.
70 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 therein. So, this story reveals that woman is But the women of both the countries are pushed to responsible for the fallacy of the entire humanity the terrible condition. Through Lenny’s narration from the celestial state. From the history it is clear the low status of women is revealed. Another that the women are always considered as the important character in this novel is Ayah (Shantha) subordinate or others in this androcentric world. a beautiful young caretaker of Lenny. She is abused This view was realistically portrayed in the novels by the mobs in the communal riot. Her peaceful life of Sidhwa. was changed into hell because of the thought of the BapsiSidhwa’s novel depicts the male centered male character Ice-candy Man. He is the hero as world and its impact on women in the present well as the villain of the novel. The androcentrism scenario. This view focuses not only on the destroys the identity of the female characters. differentiation in the behavior of females but also in Lenny as a polio affected girl wants to become like all the fields like law, politics, education, religion, her Godmother, the most powerful female character family, arts, games, crime, punishment, economics. in the novel who has lot of influences. Lenny’s dream The androcentric culture leads women to lose their of education is shattered by the educated male identity. Sidhwa’s novels reflect the sayings of character Dr. Col. Bharucha as he says “She is doing Gilman “To the man, the whole world was his world; fine without school….she doesn’t need to become because he was male; and the whole world of woman a professor…..she’ll marry – have children-lead a was the home; because she was female” (Gilman carefree, happy life” (Sidhwa 15). Though a man 6). As per Gilman’s view Sidhwa depicts both the can have his higher education, or he works in a worlds with intense thoughts and actions. good designation his thoughts always reflects the Sidhwa’s first novel The Crow Eaters (1978) shows androcentric culture. As Gilman says “ To be a the story of Parsi businessman named woman was to be ignorant, uneducated; to be wise, FaredoonJunglewalla. He has seven children. His educated, was to be a man.”(Gilman 46). For Lenny wife Putli and his mother-in-law Jerbanoo are education is interrupted not because she is lame subordinates to him. He wants these two ladies to but because she was a woman. Lenny frequently perform every duty according to his wish. These thinks about the interlude of going happily to school, ladies engage themselves largely on domestic work. playing with friends, writing letter to friends. But Sidhwa’s female characters stand as the same as her happiness stopped due her androcentric Gilman’s statement that “In large generalization, the surrounding. This male view supports the view in women of the world cook and wash, sweep and Edward Clarke’s book named Sex in Education in dust, sew and mend for the men” (Gilman 10). which it reflects “the antifeminist belief that higher Freddy’s wife Putli is devoted and fulfills herself in education is not a suitable activity for a household works. Other female characters also play woman”(Bem 10). Lenny as a narrator moves from a dedicated role in the novel. When Tanya got one stage to another i.e. childhood to adolescence. married toBilly, Freddy’s son, he said that “Don’t During this journey, she understands the changes look so directly into men’s eyes…. Men taking place in the life of women because of their misunderstand, they get bad ideas’’ (Sidhwa 246). dominating views. She comes to know that marriage Billy, Freddy and other male characters dominate paly an utmost importance in their life. Independence their female companions because they are the and self-identity are meant only for men. Women followers of this andocentric culture since their should lead a subordinate life under men. birth. For them patriarchy is their birthright. As a lame child Lenny cherishes her mother’s love The Ice-Candy Man, the novel of Sidhwa portrays and her father’s protection but the entire story of the theme of India-Pakistan Partition and its plight Ayah and Ice-candy Man destroys all her conception on women. The protagonist of this novel is Lenny towards self-identity. The incident which reveals the who was affected by polio. This character is the cruel nature of men, when Ayah is abducted by the reflection of Sidhwa herself because as a polio communal mobs, Ice-candy Man beloved of Ayah affected girl, she witnessed the communal riots of allows them to seduce her. Because when he happens India-Pakistan partition. During this communal riot to get the train in Lahore station, the train arrives many of them lose their own land and belongings. from Gurdaspur does not carry passengers but the
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 71 dead bodies and chopped breast of Muslim women. ideal wife is reflected in the words of Mushtaq as This barbaric scene makes him lose his sanity. For “A wife was a symbol of status, the embodiment of him now Ayah is another community girl not her a man’s honour…”(Sidhwa 138). As per this culture beloved. So, he led other mobs to seduce her. She marriages are taking ownership of women. It’s not loses herself. Ice-candy Man after this brutal incident a mutual understanding between two hearts it’s just he married Ayah. He changes her name as Mumtaz like selling property. Sidhwa describes this mentality and makes her live in Hira-Mandi the place for of men through Sakhi as he says “you are my prostitution. Without concerning Ayah’s state of woman! I’ll teach you to obey me!”(Sidhwa 72- mind, he decides everything from an androcentric 73). purview. The insignificance of women emotions Sidhwa’s novelsedify the androcentric culture from a man’s view point is revealed.Only the explicitly. The survival of the women in this world emotions of male play a crucial role in deciding is based on the way in which they are led by men. what to do. Here communal riots of partition are As said by the words of Indira Bhatt in “The witnessed only through men. Pakistani Bride: From Fantasy to Reality” that Sidhwa’s inspiring novel is The Pakistani Bride “Women the world over, through the ages, asked because she changed the climax of the story into a to be murdered, beaten up, bullied and disinherited. positive tone. This is the novel which depicts the It was an immutable law of nature” (Kapadia 152). true story of a young bride who gets married to a The nature here is the nature created by male to tribal man because to fulfil her father’s wish. But subordinate women. that marriage doesn’t stand for long due to the brutal The novel based on the film by Sidhwa is Water. behavior of her husband. So, she escapes from that Deepa Mehta is the filmmaker of this plot. In this place but her in-laws locate her and her husband plot Sidhwa tries to find a solution for the deprived murders her by hacking her and throwing her body position of Widow. Our androcentric culture creates parts in the river. Sidhwa changes this end and allows the subservient life of Widow. In this novel the her to escape in her fiction to lead a happy life. impact of this male centered view is shown through Zaitoon, heroine of the novel, lives a subordinate the lifecycle of eight-year-old girl Chuiya who life from her childhood. Her father Qasim adopts becomes widow and sends her to widow Ashram her when they meet in the railway station of Lahore to spend the rest of her life with other widows. during the partition of India and Pakistan. Zaitoon’s Chuiya gets married when she is in the childhood parents died in that riot and Qasim adopts her stage only because of Somanth, father of Chuiya. because he sees the reflection of her own daughter Without considering his child’s welfare he arranged who died of smallpox. Then they both started their her marriage with 40 years old Harilal. After the death new life in Lahore. Qasim shares the beauty of the of this Hiralal, they sendChuiya to Ashram. There mountains in Kohistani, his native. He tells Zaitoon she explores herself by asking many feministic should get married to a young man from Kohistani. questions towards this androcentric world. She asks Sidhwa writes of Zaitoon’s state of mind as “her another widow Shakunthala that “Didi, where is the young, romantic imagination flowered into fantasies house for the men widows?” (Sidhwa 97). Chuiya of a region where men were heroic, proud, and represents the whole community of women, who incorruptible,….these men tall and light skinned struggles for their self-identity. were gods”(Sidhwa 90).Zaitoon’s mind and heart Conclusion is ruled by Qasim. To fulfil his dreams, he compels her to sacrifice her life. “ Marriages were the high Sidhwa’s novels give a clear picture of the points in the life of the women”(Sidhwa 88) androcentric culture juxtaposed with the subservience of women all over the world. Her The Pakistani Bride, is Sidhwa’s novel that depicts novels depict the androcentric norms and the culture the androcentric culture through Qasim,Shaki and of South Asian societies. All the female characters his oppression in the life of Zaitoon, when Zaitoon reflect the cruel impact of this view. All the gets married to Sakhi, a young tribe who is known protagonist’s struggle due to this view. Sidhwaas a for his arrogant nature, her peaceful life changes feminist allows her protagonists to regain their will into hell. The androcentric perspectives about an
72 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 besides overtly enunciating that both the genders ed.R.K. Dhawan and N Kapadia. New Delhi: have equal importance in playing their roles of Prestige,1996. androcentric domination and subservient work 6. Dhawan, R.K., Kapadia.Ed. TheNovels of execution. BapsiSidhwa. New Delhi: Prestige,1996. References 7. Bem, Sandra. The lenses of Gender. London: 1. Sidhwa, Bapsi. The Crow Eaters. New Delhi: Yale University.1993. Penguin,1978. 8. Gilman, Charlotte. Our Androcentric Culture, 2. Sidhwa, Bapsi. The Pakistani Or The Man Made World.India:Lector House Bride.London:Futura, 1983. LLP. 2018. 3. Sidhwa, Bapsi. The Ice-Candy-Man. New Delhi: 9. Beauvoir, Simon. The Second Penguin,1989. Sex.London:Vintage.2011. 4. Sidhwa, Bapsi. Water. Milkweed Editions,2006. 10. Nayar K Pramod. From Text to Theory. New Delhi: Viva Books.2018. 5. Bhatt, Indira. “The Pakistani Bride: From Fantasy to Realit”, TheNovels of BapsiSidhwa,
India-Australia Relations Dr.Anil Kumar B Halu* [Relationship between India and Australia which had maintained a low profile for the past three decades. While examining political interaction, it also deals with economic ties and defence and security cooperation between the two countries.]
ndia and Australia have been strategic partners Bilateral ties, which had hitherto been constrained since 2009. The bilateral relationship between both by slow progress owing to some reasons, received a Ithe countries has evolved in recent years, and fillip in the wake of Australian Prime Minister Tony both share strong political, economic, and commu- Abbott’s visit to India in September 2014 and the nity ties, which further strengthen relations. recent visit of Indian Prime Minister to Australia, India and Australia have a lot in common, as both thereby, scripting a new moment in India-Australia are Westminster-style secular, multicultural democ- ties putting to rest the fitful gestures of drawing closer racies. Growing people-to-people ties, including an in the past. increasing Indian diaspora in Australia as well as In- Political Interactions dian students choosing Australia for higher educa- The high-level exchange of visits of leaders between tion, tourism, sports etc, have played a significant the two countries has been instrumental in cementing role in further strengthening relations between the the friendly relations between the two countries. While two countries. there has been a regular exchange of visits at Over the decades, this relationship has grown in Ministerial level, bilateral visits at Head of strength and importance, especially in the aftermath Government/Head of State level have been limited. of India’s economic reforms in the nineties and has From the Australian side, Prime Minister John made rapid strides in all areas - trade, energy and Howard visited India in July 2000 and again in March mining, science & technology, information 2006. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd visited India in technology, education and defence. November 2009, when it was agreed to take the relationship to the level of a strategic partnership. * Assistant Professor, HOD, PG Coordinator, Dept of The then Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard paid Pol.Sci, & Dean Academic (UG) Deputy Controller a state visit to visit India from 15-17 October, 2012, of Exams, Govt College (Autonomous) Kalaburagi.
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 73 which culminated into signing of four MOUs between three months of Modi government assuming charge. the two countries, namely, cooperation in Wool and The Australian Prime Minister’s urgency in signing Woollen Products; Student Mobility and Welfare; the much-stalled uranium deal with India was perhaps Civil Space Science, Technology and Education; and a sign that he was willing to take the initiative to cooperation between Skills Australia and the National make India-Australia ties meaningful. Skill Development Corporation of India. India and Australia co-operate in various multilateral Australia participated in the IOR-ARC Council of fora. Australia supports India’s candidature in an Ministers’ meeting held in Gurgaon, India on 2 expanded UN Security Council. Both India and November 2012. India’s then Foreign Minister Salman Australia are members of the G-20, Commonwealth, Khurshid visited Perth in end October/beginning IORA, ASEAN Regional Forum, Asia Pacific November 2013 for FMFD and IORA meets. Partnership on Climate and Clean Development, and have participated in the East Asia Summits. Both The Australian Trade Minister Craig Emerson visited countries have also been cooperating as members of India to co-chair the 14th Australia-India Joint the Five Interested Parties (FIP) in the WTO context. Ministerial Commission (JMC) held on 28 January Australia is an important player in APEC and supports 2013 at New Delhi. Australian Trade Minister India’s membership of the organisation. discussed trade and investment relationship between Economic Relations the two countries, as well as global issues such as food security, poverty alleviation and trade Economic interaction between India and Australia is liberalization. Both sides also reviewed the progress gradually picking up the momentum and in the wake on the CECA negotiations between our two countries. of recent highest level exchange of visits of the prime ministers of the two countries, a fresh boost in A delegation led by Sachin Pilot, MoS (IC) for economic relations is expected to take place. Corporate Affairs visited Australia between 3-8 June In 2012-13, Australia’s trade in goods and services 2013. Dr. M. Pallam Raju, Minister for HRD, visited with India stood at A$ 16.50(US$17.68) billion with Australia for the Annual Education Ministers’ Indian exports of goods amounting to A$ 3.38 Dialogue in July 2013. Beni Prasad Verma, Minister (US$3.59) billion. Australia’s exports of goods to India for Steel visited Australia in end January 2014. India’s were to the tune of A$ 13.27(US$14.09) billion. then Finance Minister P Chidambaram visited However, Australia’s exports of goods to India had Australia on the eve of G20 Finance Ministers and declined by an annual average of nearly 11 percent Central Bank Governors meet in February 2014. over the past three years. The Australian Prime Minister, Tony Abbott’s visit This period was also characterized by drop in India’s to India in early September 2014 set the tone for ranking among Australia’s export destinations from infusing vitality into the bilateral relationship. This fourth to fifth. India’s exports of goods and services visit was utilized to sign a bilateral nuclear safeguards to Australia had increased by an annual average of 9 agreement, thereby, paving the way for Australia to percent over the past 3 years. India’s main exports sell India uranium. to Australia are gems and jewellery, machinery and Recent visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi textiles while our major imports are non-monetary has proved instrumental in further expanding the scope gold, coal, copper, crude and fertilizers. of bilateral cooperation to several fields. Prime India is Australia’s largest export market for gold and Minister Modi has wooed Australian investors to chickpeas, second largest market for coal and copper India, saying the environment that is prevailing in the ores and third largest market for lead and wool. Four country is “welcoming” and easy to do business, products – coal, non-monetary gold, copper ores & besides having transparent and predictable policies. concentrates and petroleum –accounted for over 80 Besides, the political leadership in both the countries percent of India’s imports from Australia, with coal has underscored the significance of each other and and gold being the dominant imports in 2012-13. therefore the exchange of visits at the highest level India’s major exports to Australia in 2012-13 were has commenced in the wake of the present Australian pearls and gems, jewellery, medicaments and Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s visit to India within passenger motor vehicles.
74 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 The India-Australia Joint Ministerial Commission, work together and with others to create environment established in 1989, has held fourteen meetings, the and culture that promotes the currency of co- last one held in New Delhi on 30 January 2013. existence and cooperation; in which all nations, small Negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic and big, abide by international law and norms, even Cooperation Agreement (CECA) are already when they have bitter disputes. We should collaborate underway. In the aftermath of recent visit of the more on maintaining maritime security. We should Indian Prime Minister to Australia, the economic work together on the seas and collaborate in relations between the two countries are likely to international forums. And, we should work for a witness upsurge, especially in terms of increased universal respect for international law and global investment bilaterally. norms.” Recent years have witnessed significant expansion Conclusion of defence cooperation between India and Australia. Both the countries have signed a MoU on Defence Australia’s geostrategic location being at the heart of Cooperation as well as a Joint Declaration on Security the Asia-Pacific and the Indian Ocean region Co-operation. There are frequent exchanges of visits augments its strategic importance for India. Australia including at the level of Service Chiefs, regular Naval, can be a major partner in every area of India’s national Air Force and Army Talks; joint naval exercises; priority, including infrastructure, skills, education, regular exchanges at each other’s training institutes agriculture energy, manufacturing, finance and and seminars. technology. India’s high trajectory of growth can be the answer to Australia’s search for new economic The Australian Defence Minister Stephen Smith opportunities and its desire for a more diversified visited India in December 2011 for Defence Ministers’ global economic engagement. Dialogue. Subsequently, on June 4-5, 2013 India’s then Defence Minister A. K. Antony paid the first Significance of India for Australia was aptly summed by the then Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith ever official visit by an Indian Defence Minister to in his key note address in September 2008 at the Australia and in the talks with Australian Defence University of Western Australia: “It is under- Minister Stephen Smith, the two Ministers recognised appreciated that Perth and Chennai are closer to each the rapid progress made in Defence relations through other than Sydney is to Seoul, to Shanghai, or to the framework of bilateral talks. Tokyo…As the world sees the potential of an Asian/ In addition to annual summits, India and Australia Pacific century unfolds, Australia sees India at the will have meetings of foreign and defence ministers, heart of this historic shift in political and economic senior diplomats, service chiefs, Track 1.5 dialogues, influence.” separate consultations on East Asia, regular maritime References exercises and high-level dialogue on counter- 1. Amitabh Matto, “Down Under up and Above on terrorism, maritime security and cyber security. PM’s Agenda”, The Tribune, 23 November 2014. During the course of his recent visit to Australia, the 2. Debabrata Das, “India-Australia N-deal: devil is Indian Prime and his Australian counterpart have in the deal”, The Hindu Business Line, 15 agreed on a landmark framework for security September 2014. cooperation across the spectrum in defence, cyber 3. Editorial, “New energy in India-Australia ties will and maritime security and combating terrorism, boost local economies”, Hindustan Times, 20 including the threats posed by foreign fighters joining November 2014. extremists groups. 4. PTI, “Tony Abbott in India, nuke deal likely on Prime Minister Modi in his speech to a joint session agenda”, The Hindu, 9 September 2014. of Australian Parliament while making a pointed 6. Sourabh Gupta, “A new vision for Australia-India reference to the need for expanding security relations”, East Asia Forum, 24 November cooperation and deepening international partnerships 2014. in the region, said: “But, what we do need is to
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 75 Dalit Women Recognition: A Critical Study of Bama’s Karukku Ashwini L. Gaddad* [Bama, one of the first Dalit women writers, enunciates the ideas, aspirations and anxieties, hopes and fears, past and present of her society. This paper attempts to explain the existential predicament of the dalit women and the protagonist’s struggle against patriarchy as depicted in Bama’s Karukku. Empowering them through education and employment and by taking pride in their identity. This paper highlights the issues like oppression as well as gender and caste discrimination in the life of Dalit women.] he term ‘Dalit’ literally means ‘oppressed’ and Ambedkar period, Dalit women used literature as a is used to refer to a marginalized group of weapon to counter the mainstream feminist writing. T“untouchable” casteless sects who have A renowned first Dalit woman writer, Faustina Bama’s historically suffered exploitation, subjugation and intrusion in Dalit literary discourse in the early 1990s oppression in Indian society. For centuries, in made a significant contribution in the arena of gender mainstream Indian Dalit feminism, untouchability is and caste intersections in the lives of the Dalits. She considered to be the greatest evil in society subjected redefined ‘woman’ from the political perspective of to contempt and injustice. Exploitation and oppression a dalit. Her works foreground the cursed lives of of weaker sects by the stronger is as old as mankind Dalit women, oppressed on the basis of their caste itself. Dalit Literature broadly delineates their as well as gender by the aristocratic class. Dalit consciousness, experiences as well as their anguish. Literature challenges the upper caste ideologies and The plight of Dalit women in Indian society is horrible delve into the neglected aspects of life. She feels that as they are oppressed on the basis of class, gender for the better survival of women empowerment it is and caste. All women are victims of a particular kind essential to eradicate inequality and untouchability, of exploitation on account of their womanhood. In by empowering them through education and dalit community, each and every women has to employment and by taking pride in their identity. survive under the dual power of caste and patriarchy. “All women in the world are second class citizens. Challapalli Swaroopa Rani States. For Dalit women, the problem is grave. Their dalit “It has a long time for Dalit women to overcome identity gives them a different set of problems. They their oppression, as Dalits and put to creative use the experience a total lack of social status; they are not gains of social and literary movements. There are of even considered dignified human beings. My stories course common issues that bind Dalit men and are based on these aspects of dalit culture...The hard women, like untouchability and caste oppression. But labor they have to do all their lives. Other problems women also suffer from patriarchal oppression.” are the same for all women. The Dalits particular The powerful entry of Dalit Literature on the literary caste...more agony and hard labor can be attributed scenario in Maharashtra in the 1960s was followed to them. Dalit women have put up with a triple by increasing Dalit women writings especially oppression, based on class, caste and gender. They autobiographical narratives in the 1980s which was die in order to live.” inspired by Ambedkarite thought. A detailed study of Bama’s novel Karukku (1992) depicts the exact way dalit feminist writing reveals a tale of endless miseries, to explore the sufferings of Dalit women and inhuman victimization and shocking gender subversive strategies to overcome the oppression they discrimination but in the modern era, dalit is a symbol are going through. ‘Karukku’ means Palmyra leaves of change, revolution and resistance. In the Post- with their searing edges on both sides, like a double edged sword. Here, Karukku symbolises the desperate urge to break these unjust social bonds. In * Assistant Professor, Department of English, Govt First Grade College, Humanabad, Bidar. this autobiography, Bama tries to discover the identity
76 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 of being a ‘Dalit woman’. A central section of the this and her longing to grab that packet and pollute it narrative in Karukku is presented through the eyes with her dalit hands throw light at the malicious system of a Dalit girl child where the author/ narrator relate of caste divide. Bama has an ambivalent attitude her experiences as an eleven-year-old girl. The novel towards Christianity. mainly focuses on two essential facets namely caste She explores how violence and discrimination against and gender that cause pain in Bama’s life. A Dalit women is legitimised and institutionalised by continuous quest for self is the prime concern that is state, family, church and upper caste communities. depicted in karukku. She is full of grief when she observes how Dalits are Further in the novel, Bama discusses the issue of treated within church where they are forced to render identity crisis. Patriarchal society considers women menial service, shouted at, and branded as uncultured as unworthy and have always engaged in the task of creatures, not amenable to improvement. (Bama 21) constructing and deconstructing identity. This form Karukku depicts the denial of dalits singing in the of discrimination based on identity is similar to racism. church choir and the formation of separate schools As Simon de Beauvoir states: for all sections in the same campus levelled on the “It is civilization as a whole that produces this basis of caste. Further in karukku, Bama portrays the creature, intermediate between male and eunuch, prejudice showed by the warden sister to the dalit which is described as feminine”. children “these people get nothing to eat at home; It was emphasized that sexual oppression, economic they come here and they grow fat” (Bama 19) When exploitation, and socio- cultural subjugation are the she sees these things, she thinks of her own people sources of unequal gender relations. It is the living in misery, taking in only gruel all the time. As a patriarchal division that defines woman as a result of her humiliating experiences as a Dalit, Bama marginalized being. According to Bama, “Dalit life is realises that through the right type of education the excruciatingly painful, charred by experiences”. whole community of Dalit can be empowered and Experiences solely presides over the writings in Dalit they can regain self-dignity and respect. Bama passes Literature making authenticity as its prime hallmark. through many emotional encounters and experiences. Karukku, is not only a testimony on Bama’s life but Bama ends the novel with a positive note appealing also the life of Dalits as a whole which unfolds the for the change and better life of a dalit women in various problems that are responsible for the various fields that includes sex, caste and gender suffering of the Dalits. discrimination, equal opportunities for employment, “The driving forces that shaped this book are many: educational rights etc. She further says that dalit events that occurred during many stages of my life, women are now challenging their oppressors like the cutting me like Karukku and making me bleed; unjust double edged Karukku. Dalit women’s are denied social structures that plunged me into ignorance and voice thus withering away at the margins of such left me trapped and suffocating; my own desperate literature. Bama’s feminist writings has done justice urge to break, throw away and destroy these bonds; to the plight of dalit women by not only encouraging and when the chains were shattered into fragments, them rather spreading the consciousness so that the the blood that was spilt then; all these, taken together.” dalit woman themselves can stand up for their own rights. Dalits in the 21st century still have to undergo Caste uses gender to construct caste status, power casteist oppression even though caste discrimination relations and cultural differences and thereby has been declared as an offence under the law. Bama oppressing lower caste women. Since childhood is very optimistic and hopeful of the fact that the Bama was aware about untouchability as she saw century old historical neglect, alienation, humiliation, the act of handing over the sweets using a string to hatred, shame, bondage and misery of dalit women an upper class person by a dalit elder and this was a would convert into overall freedom and upliftment painful reminder of her caste. Bama’s anger against for a better future. Therefore, Dalit Literature intends
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 77 to bring a change in the existing norms that is 3. Bama. “Dalit Literature”. Trans. M. dominated by inequalities on the basis of caste and Vijayalakshmi, 1999. gender. Bama has left the major responsibility of 4. Bama, Karukku, trans. Lakshmi Holmström, formulating her vision in searching their true identity Chennai: Macmillan, 2000. Subsequent references to the community itself. are to this edition and will be cited in the text. References 5. Limbale, S., Towards an Aesthetics of Dalit 1. Bama, “Author’s Preface,” Karukku. Trans. Literature: History, Controversies and Lakshmi Holmstrom. (Chennai: MacMillan, 1992) Considerations. Trans. A. Mukherjee. Hyderabad: 2. Lakshmi Holmstrom, “Introduction,” Karukku. Orient Longman, 2004. By Bama. Trans. Lakshmi Holmstrom (Chennai: Macmillan India, 2000.
Impact of Covid-19 on Indian Economy Dr. Sharanappa Saidapur*
he impact of Corona virus pandemic Countries have been downgraded during this on India has been largely disruptive in terms period). On 26 May, CRISIL announced that this T of economic activity as well as loss of will perhaps be India’s worst recession since human lives. Almost all the sectors have been Independence. State Bank of India research adversely affected as domestic demand and exports estimates a contraction of over 40 percent in the sharply plummeted with some notable exceptions GDP in Q1. The contraction will not be uniform, where high growth was observed. The economic rather it will differ according to various parameters impact of the 2020 corona virus pandemic in such as State and sector. On 1 September 2020, India has been largely disruptive. India’s growth in the Ministry of Statistics released the GDP figures the fourth quarter of the fiscal year 2020 went down for Q1 (April to June) FY21, which showed a to 3.1 percent according to the Ministry of Statistics. contraction of 24 percent as compared to the same The Chief Economic Adviser to the Government period the year before. of India said that this drop is mainly due to the The economic impact of covid-19 is very disturbing. corona virus pandemic effect on the Indian No one has been escaped from the spread of its ill economy. Notably India had also been witnessing effects. Economics of about 100 plus Countries a pre-pandemic slowdown, and according to have been destroyed out of which some of them the World Bank, the current pandemic has have asked for monetary help from International “magnified pre-existing risks to India’s economic Monetary Fund. Business across the world namely outlook”. hospitality, entertainment, aviation etc have been a The World Bank and rating agencies had initially major negative impact. Various sports events such revised India’s growth for Financial Year 2021 with as IPL and Olympics have been postponed. the lowest figures India has seen in three decades Schools and colleges have been closed. The virus since India’s economic liberalization in the 1990s. has also disrupted the functioning of various online However, after the announcement of the economic giants such as Amazon, Countries such as USA, package in mid-May, India’s GDP estimates were Italy and Spain which are suffering the most since downgraded even more too negative figures, their death toll is very high. signaling a deep recession (The ratings of over 30 India’s economy contracted by 23.9 percent in the * Asst. professor of economics, Govt. first Grade first quarter of 2020-21.According to the Reserve college, chittapur, Gulbarga University, Kalaburagi. Bank of India (RBI) the Indian economy will further
78 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 contract by 10 percent in the July-September on the other, thus leading to a collapse in economic quarter. This is technically defined as a recession activity. However, lockdown and social distancing by economists. India is in an economic recession are the only cost-effective tools available to prevent for the first time in its Independent history. the spread of COVID-19. Governments are learning India is in a recession means very little to the average by doing, as it was in the case of success of Indian. The headline numbers too matter little to containment strategy in India, the economic risks most people. The average Indian women feels of closing the economy remain nonetheless. economic despair when her older child has lost his Similarly, flattering the caseload curve is critical for job or when her younger one cannot find a job economy at large, but it comes with an economic despite her impressive educational qualification she cost. sees the pall of gloom when many workshops in In another report entitled‘COVID-19 and the world her town are closed or when truck remain idle or of work the: impact and policy responses’ by when train do not run or when restaurant do not International Labour Organization are well have customers. explained.It was explained that the crisis has already Objectives of the Paper transformed into an economic and labour market shock, impacting not only supply (production of The main objectives of the paper are as follows: goods and services) but also demand (consumption 1. To understand the level of impact of Covid on and investment). International Monetary Fund’s the Indian economy (IMF) chief said that, ‘World is faced with 2. To review the various dimensions of economic extraordinary uncertainty about the depth and activity during pandemic. duration of this crisis, and it was the worst economic 3. To analyze the hurdles of growth in Indian fallout since the Great Depression’. The IMF economy. estimated the external financing needs for emerging 4. To give suggestions for the improvement of markets and developing economies in trillions of economy. dollars. India too is groaning under the yoke of the pandemic and as per news reports in Economic Methodology Times published on 23 March 2020, the economists This paper is based on secondary sources. The are pegging the cost of the COVID-19 lockdown published data collected from books, journals, at US$120 billion or 4 per cent of the GDP. magazines, government reports, and Census report There is a big shift in the world economic market and news papers. This paper has been adopted and the share market has witnessed crashes day by descriptive as well as analytical way. day. Factories, Restaurants, pubs, Markets, Flight, Discussion and Analysis super markets, maals, Universities and Colleges etc Present Paper discusses the different dimensions were shut down. Fear of corona virus has limited of impacts of COVID-19 on Indian economy such the movement of the individuals. People were not as health, wealth, poverty, employment, trade, even going to buy the daily essentials and these all industry, agriculture and MSMEs. were some where impacting the economy of the Impact of Covid-19 on various sectors world as a whole. The organization of economic co-operation and development (OECD) reveals that This COVID-19 pandemic affected the they have cut their expectation for global growth to manufacturing and the services sector—hospitality, 2.4 percent from 2.9 percent and warns that it could tours and travels, healthcare, retail, banks, hotels, fall as low as 1.5 percent. real estate, education, health, IT, recreation, media and others. The economic stress has started and India faces a huge decline in government revenue will grow rapidly. While lockdown and social and growth of the income for at least two quarters distancing result in productivity loss on the one as the corona virus hits economic activity of the hand, they cause a sharp decline in demand for Country as a whole. A fall in investor sentiment goods and services by the consumers in the market impacts privatization plans, government and
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 79 industry. The lockdown in India will have a sizeable associated with the construction companies and impact on the economy mainly on consumption daily wage earners. Travel restrictions and which is the biggest component of GDP. India’s quarantines affecting hundreds of millions of total electronic imports is equal to 45 percent that people have left Indian factories short of labour are of china. Around one third of machinery and almost parts-just-in time supply chains and triggering sales two fifths of organic chemicals that India purchases warnings across technology, automotive consumer come from China. For automotive parts and goods, pharmaceutical and other industries. fertilizer china’s share in India’s import is more than Thousands of people lost their jobs due to the 25 percent. Around 65 to 70 percent of active slowing economy in 2018-19 and 2019-20. pharmaceutical ingredients and around 90 percent Unemployment had reached a 45 year high. Then of certain mobile phones come from China to India. in March 2020, COVID-19 struck India and a total According to a report released by the world Bank, national lockdown was announced. By one while India’s stock Markets rose during the estimate, more than 2 crore people lost their jobs pandemic and the very rich became even richer, the during the lockdown. They included all kinds of number of people who are poor in India(with jobs-regular salaried, non-contractual, casual, daily incomes of $2 or less a day) is estimated to have wage, and self employment. When jobs were lost, increased by 75 million. This accounts for nearly incomes were lost too. Millions of people found 60 percent of the global increase in poverty and that they did not have a roof over their heads and hunger. money to feed their families. In any Country, the ultimate economic test is, are Impacts on Global Trade and Supply Chain there sufficient jobs, incomes and livelihoods for all in the workforce.The single biggest challenge Covid-19 has disrupted global supply chains and confronting India today is job. When people are this is generating spillover effects throughout poor, hungry and desperate, any job will be a different levels of suppliers networks Global trade blessing. The job that requires hard, manual work in 2020 will fall in every region of the world and will and pays the lowest daily wage is the work provided affect all sectors of the economy. This will impact under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Countries that are strong exporters (no output for Guarantee Act(MGNREGA) scheme. During the their local companies), but also those that are seven month lockdown period, there were 11 crore importers (lack of raw materials). The World Trade people who asked for work under MGNREGA. Organization (WTO) expects global trade to fall to That is 20 times more than the total number of 32 percent this year due to the corona virus persons employed by all the companies listed on pandemic. the stock exchange. The only meaningful conversion Developing Countries like India has more fragile about the economy that we ought to have is how to economic and social fabric and the present situation recover the jobs that were lost and create new well- will create more suffering for the unorganized sectors paying jobs. and migrant labour. Borrowing the words of former Affects on Restaurants Services RBI governor C. Rangrajan “Government of India must provide life line to business extend of loans The National Restaurant Association of India and tax waivers to small business and the self (NRAI), which represents 5, 00,000 plus restaurants employed to retain staff give direct support to across the Country, has advised its members to severely affected industries and provide more funds shut down dine in operations. This will impact to States, tax waivers to household etc. operations of thousands of dine-in restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes. By extension, food delivery plot Affects of MGNREGA forms such as swingy and zomato that are by itself The labour sectors under the MGNREGA 2005 are functioning have also taken a big hit. Craders on worst impacted as they are not provided jobs due swing and zomato have dropped 60 percent amid to lockdown, most of the labour sectors are the pandemic.
80 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 Affects on Food and Agriculture “Small and Medium scale firms are still staring at The Food and Agriculture sector contributes the the uncertainty promulgated by the devastating highest in GDP i.e. 16.5% and 43% to the pandemic induced lockdown. Unfortunately, employment sector. The major portion of the food MSMEs which did not have existing loans or were processing sector deals with dairy (29%) edible oil not classified as NPAs (Non Performing Assets) (32%) , and cereals (10%). India also stands weren’t qualified to benefit from the government’s number one is spices products at a global scenario. Rs. 20 lakhs crore relief package. Affects on MSMES The hike in fuel prices was an additional burden. The operating cost of MSMEs has gone up by 30% This sector contributes 30% to 35% of the GDP, as a consequence of the recent hike in fuel prices. showing a bifurcation of micro (99%), small (0.52%) and medium (0.01%) enterprises. If we see Despite drastic disruptions followed by the the territorial distribution of MSMES, it shows 49% lockdown and economic slowdown, some from rural and 51% from the semi urban and urban enterprises could overcome some supply chain areas. There are 75 millions is facing closure of bottlenecks and be able to bring back some these units because of shortage of labour. normalcy in the last couple of quarters. However, if there is a second wave, the MSME apple cart would Pandemic exposed State MSMEs to a bouquet be upset beyond recovery and repair. Not of Miseries withstanding the challenges and current The Pandemic brought lockdown and an circumstances MSMEs in the state are hopeful that unproductive year was like a violent storm followed things will turn close to normalcy y 2022. by an uneasy calm for about 10 lakh medium, small A few sectors like defence and aerospace were and micro enterprises (MSMEs) in Karnataka that seeing some recovery while many other industries, employ around 60 lakh people. Most of these have mostly due to price hike in commodities and raw seen a total destruction of their supply chain. With materials are yet to get back on growth track. Other revenue streams dry up and labour force returning sectors which not picked up yet included garments to their hometowns, they faced huge cash crunchy. and textiles. Micro enterprises were left to operate at sub-optimal Digital Acceleration levels; many had a hand to mouth existence and On the positive side, the pandemic ushered in digital were unable to purchase raw materials or pay wages. acceleration, which probably would not have Meeting overheads/operational costs became a happened in the next 10 years. A large number of daunting task for most MSMEs as banks refused MSMEs were able to catch up with online and digital them credit. But what was worse was that most race in the last one year. schemes and relief packages by the Union and State governments came with riders and restrictive MSMEs built a substantial online presence for clauses. themselves. As a result, their customer touch points have dramatically increased. To an extent, this digital A year after, cases rising again, Karnataka’s once advancement brought in some amount of comfort vibrant MEME ecosystem tells a different story: and confidence to the MEME ecosystem. In thousands of micro business has gone down the addition to this, many micro and small enterprises drain, hundreds of small business are still fighting innovated their business and repurposed their for survival while only a small number of medium production centers to make essential commodities and large scale enterprises have managed to survive. and items. The business needs government support without Suggestions riders so that relief packages become more real, Some of the important suggestions are as follows: meaningful and inclusive. The government should 1. Universalization of health system in India. support the MSME sector by offering direct cash benefits instead of pushing them under the debt 2. Government should spend 3 percent GDP on trap by compelling them to borrow. health sector.
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 81 3. Government must enhance the purchasing power resources have been diverted to meeting the never- of people. experienced-before crisis. There is a multi-sectoral 4. Government should implement the universal basic impact of the virus as the economic activities of income of people. nations have slowed down. What is astonishing and worth noting is an alarm bell which was rung in 5. Government Create the safety net for the 2019 by the World Health Organization (WHO) economy. about the world’s inability to fight a global Conclusion pandemic. A 2019 joint report from the WHO and The Covid-19 epidemic is the first and foremost the World Bank estimated the impact of such a human disaster in 2020. More than 200 Countries pandemic at 2.2 per cent to 4.8 per cent of global and territories have confirmed effective medical GDP. That prediction seems to have come true, as cases, caused by corona virus declared a pandemic we see the world getting engulfed by this crisis. by the World Health Organization. A year ago, all However, every crisis brings about a unique Indians were startled to be locked in. And shocked opportunity to rethink on the path undertaken for too that millions had to break out of the ‘Lakshman the development of a human being, community and Rekha’ for shelter, food and even water to drink. society. The COVID-19 pandemic has a clear The Novel Corona virus pandemic had exposed message for the Indian economy to adopt the precariousness of their lives, relief was rushed sustainable developmental models, which are based for them, and vows taken that when the pandemic on self-reliance, inclusive frameworks and are passes, we must build back better and create a new environment friendly. more resilient and more just economy. References In the Country’s march to a $ 5 trillion economy, 1. Mini Tejaswi (2021)”Pandemic Exposed State the Indian governments and its advisers are keen to MSMEs to a bouquet of miseries, The Hindu recover the many lost quarters of GDP growth. dated: 28.03, 2021, P.5. Have they lost sight of how poorly India’s economic 2. P.Chidambaram and Praveen Chakravarty (2020) growth has been serving its citizens. In this way some of worst example quoted for the worst “Jobs, Exports and the trade Pacts link”, The economy. Such as the Global Hunger Index which Hindu, November 26, P.05. places India 94 amongst 107 Countries. The WHR20 3. Arun Mair(2020) “Fixing the Rules of the Happiness Report released in March 2021 by the Economy”, The Hindu, November 5,P.05. UN sustainable Development solutions Network 4. Ibid (2021) India does not Shine When only some compares citizens own perception of their well- gleam, The Hindu, March 31, P.05. being in 153 countries. According to the report, Indian citizens are amongst the least happy in the 5. Monika Chaudhry and etl.(2020) “Effects of world: India ranks a very low 144.Therefore; Indian COVID-19 on Economy in India: Some citizens themselves do not know what is happening Reflections for Policy and Progremme”, Journal in India. New ways must be adopted to create a Health Management, Sage new post-pandemic normal. Sadly the old ways are Publication,,Delhi,Vol.22,Issue.2 PP.169-180. returning. The government is back to chasing its $5 6. Retrieved:https://www.google.com/search?q= trillion GDP target wealth creators (large companies impact+of+covid+19+on+indian+economy and wealthy individuals) are being touted as the %2Bsage+publication&sxsrf, dated: 7-04-2021. solution of growth. 7. Economic Survey 2020 Key Indicators, The outbreak of COVID-19 has impacted nations Government of India. in an enormous way, especially the nationwide lockdowns which have brought social and 8. International Labour Organization (2020) economic life to a standstill. A world which forever COVID-19 and the World of Work, Impact and buzzed with activities has fallen silent and all the Policy response,ILO.
82 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 Empowerment of Women in India Mr.Shivaraj* Dr.Vikramsingh**
[Women empowerment refers to increasing the spiritual, political, social, educational, gender or economic strength of individuals and communities of women. Women are an integral part of every economy. All round development and harmonious growth of a nation would be possible only when women are considered as equal partners in progress with men. Women’s empowerment in India is heavily dependent on many different variables that include geographical location (urban / rural) educational status social status (caste and class) and age. Policies on Women’s empowerment exist at the national, state and local (Panchayat) levels in many sectors, including health, education, economic opportunities, gender based violence and political participation. Women empowerment enables autonomy and control over their lives. The empowered women become agents of their own development, able to exercise choices to set their own agenda and be strong enough to challenge their subordinate position in the society. The main objective of the paper is to know the importance, types and various schemes of empowerment and suggestions.] he empowerment of women has become which includes a chance to change discriminatory one of the most important concerns of gender norms of the past. Further, there is the potential T21st century but practically women contribution of women’s economic empowerment to empowerment is still an illusion of reality. strategic development goals and new economic Empowerment of women is essentially the process prospects for women, building on their new economic of upliftment of economic, social and political status roles acquired during the conflict. Women’s economic of women, the traditionally underprivileged ones in empowerment is one of the most important factors the society. We observe in our day to day life how contributing to equality between women and men. women become victimized by various social evils. Meaning of Empowerment Women Empowerment is the vital instrument to CARE defines women’s economic empowerment as expand women’s ability to have resources and to make the process by which women increase their right strategic life choices. It is the process of guarding to economic resources and power to make decisions them against all forms of violence. The study is based that benefit themselves, their families and their on purely from secondary sources. Women of India communities. are relatively disempowered and they enjoy somewhat lower status than that of men in spite of many efforts Reviews undertaken by Government. It is found that According to Sen and Batliwala (2000) :it leads acceptance of unequal gender norms by women to a growing intrinsic capability- greater self are still prevailing in the society. confidence, and an inner transformation of one’s Removing and overcoming many of the barriers to consciousness that enables one to overcome women’s economic empowerment will require external barrier. This view mainly emphasizes on structural change within social institutions to two important aspects. Firstly, it is a power to achieve actively promote gender equality and women’s desired goals but not a power over others. Secondly, rights. In contexts of conflict and post-conflict, the idea of empowerment is more applicable to challenges for women’s economic empowerment those who are powerless- whether they are male deepen. There is often an increased awareness of or female, or group of individuals, class or caste. the opportunities for women’s economic Though concept of empowerment is not specific to empowerment in times of conflict and post-conflict, women, yet it is unique in that and it cuts across all types of class and caste and also within families and households (Malhotra et al, 2002). Women * Guest faculty, Department of Economics, Gulbarga empowerment is also defined as a change in the University, P.G centre Yeragera Raichur. context of a women’s life, which enables her increased ** Lecturer Govt.PU.College,Galag Tq:Deodurga capacity for leading a fulfilling human life. It gets Dist:Raichur Karnataka.
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 83 reflected both in external qualities (viz. health, entitlement to, or control over, resources can be an mobility, education and awareness, status in the important means of improving the welfare of family, participation in decision making, and also at households in rural areas. Studies have repeatedly the level of material security) and internal qualities shown that earnings of adult women were (viz. self awareness and self proportionately more important m poor families than confidence) [Human Development in South Asia among better off efforts to raise the women’s income (2000) as quoted by Mathew (2003). are critical for the provision of quality food for infants Objectives and children. Evidence shows that children are 1. To know the Importance of women nutritionally better off in households headed by empowerment in India women. This is largely because women headed households have more control over income and the 3. To know the types of women empowerment resources controlled by women are more likely to be 4. To know the various schemes meant for women better allocated for food expenditure than male- empowerment headed households (Meier 2000 227). 5. Suggestions Types of women empowerment Methodology Social Empowerment The data is collected from secondary sources like Social Empowerment refers to the enabling force that Books, Journals, Internet and Newspapers etc. strengthens women’s social relations and their position Empowerment is a key concept in the discourse on in social structures. Social empowerment addresses promoting civic engagement. Empowerment of the social discriminations existing in the society based women is a necessity for the development of a society, on disability, race, ethnicity, religion, or gender. since it enhances both the quality and the quantity of Empowerment as a methodology is often associated human resources available for with feminism. Broadly put, the term empowerment development. Empowerment is one of the main procedural concerns when addressing human rights is defined as “a multi-dimensional social process that and development. helps people gain control over their own lives. It is a process that fosters power in people for use in their Importance of Women’s Empowerment own lives, their communities and in their society, by Different economists, empowerment practitioners acting on issues they define as important”. have expressed the need for women’s empowerment Educational Empowerment Women constitute half of the population in India We cannot afford to keep them out of mainstream “Traditional concepts recognize higher education as development It is pointed out that, 30-35 per cent of an instrument of personal development. It helps in the Indian rural households were headed by women growing an individual’s intellectual horizons, wellbeing and thus most of the cases the households depended and potential for empowerment” (The Kurukshetra, exclusively on females’ income Even where there September 2012, p. 25). It is considered as the single are male earnings, women earnings constitute a major most important instrument of sociopolitical and part of the income of the household (Lalitha economic transformation. But the picture of women’s 1998).The poor is the household, the greater is the educational empowerment is not rosy in India. “The dependence on women’s productivity Enhancing the recently released United Nations Development Report economic productivity is an important strategy of 2011 ranked India 134 out of 187 countries” (The improving the welfare of 60 million Indian households Kurukshetra, September 2012, p. 32). Without proper living below the poverty line There is a significant education to all children including girls, gender gap between women’s, potential and actual empowerment is not possible. productivity, especially m rural areas The productivity Table.1 gap of the poor women is much wider than that of Literacy rate in India (in percentage) economically better off Therefore, women will gain proportionately more, if the investment allocation is Years Persons Males Females shifted in their favour (Urvashi 1995) In India, it is 1981 36.2 46.9 24.8 found that increasing women’s income and 1991 52.1 63.9 39.2
84 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 9. Hostels for working women. 2001 62.38 76.0 54.0 10. Ujjawala (2007). 2011 74 82.1 65.46 11. Working Women’s Forum Source: Census of india-2011 12. Mahila Samridhi Yojana (MSY) October,1993. Observing the above table, we come to know that at 13. Swa Shakti Group. no point could the literacy rate of women match that of men. As a result, even after 65 years of 14. Indira Priyadarahini Yojana. independence, women occupy a secondary position 15. Beti padao beti bacho yojana. in our social hierarchy. In spite of being aware of her Suggestions position, women can’t transform the situation due to More importance should be given to the following lack of education. Hence, women’s empowerment G can’t be achieved until we give importance to Providing equal opportunities in Education, women’s education. employment and etc Economic Empowerment G Various skill development and training programmes for women Economic empowerment is the crying need of this hour. “Wage employment means economic power” G Legal, regulatory and policy framework (Elliott, 2008, p. 86). Through employment women G Removal of gender disparities earn money and it enables women and girls to become Conclusion ‘bread earners’, contributing members of households with a strong sense of their own economic “When women move forward the family moves, the independence. “Economic empowerment is a village moves and the nation moves”. It is essential powerful tool against poverty” Economic as their thought and their value systems lead the empowerment gains through equal work development of a good family, good society and opportunities, equal organizational benefits, equal ultimately a good nation the best way of treatments and equal working environment. empowerment is perhaps through inducting women Political Empowerment in the mainstream of development. Participation of women in the political field and in Reference various decision-making bodies is an important tool 1. Asis Kumar Senapati (Nov-2019):Socio-economic for empowerment. The participation of women at all Empowerment of Women Through Micro- levels of governance structures is the highest need of entrepreneurship: Evidence from Odisha, India this hour for women’s actual empowerment. International journal of Rural Management Government schemes for women empowerment 2. Bright, Pritom Singh (2010): Competition Refresher, Government of India implemented various poverty New Delhi. alleviation and rural development programmes. 3. Hasnain, Nadeem (2004): Indian Society and Culture, These programmes have special components for Jawahar Publishers and Distributors, New Delhi. women empowerment 4. Keshab Chandra Mandal (2006): “Concept and Types 1. Mahila Samakhya being implemented in about of Women Empowerment “International Forum of 9000 villages. Teaching and Studies Vol. 9 No. 2 2013 17,Midnapore, West Bengal, India 2. Scheme for Gender Budgeting (XI Plan). 5. M Thanikaivel (Dec-2018): “Economic 3. SIDBI’s Mahila Udyam Nidhi Mahila Vikas Empowerment of Women in India” International Nidhi. journal of Technical Research and Science. 4. National Mission for Empowerment of 6. Nayak, Purusottam & Mahanta, Bidisha (2009): Women. “Women Empowerment in India,” MPRA 5. Rastria Mahila Kosh (RMK) 1992-1993 Paper 12685, University Library of Munich, Germany. 6. Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescence Girls (RGSEAG) (2010). 7. Rouf Ahmad Bhat (2015): Role of Education in the Empowerment of Women in India, Journal of 7. Support to Training and Employment Education and Practice ISSN 2222-288X (Online) Programme for Women(STEP). Vol.6, No.10, 2015. 8. Integrated Child Protection scheme (ICPS) 8. Upadhyay Reecha: “Women’s Empowerment in India (2009-2010). . an Analytical Overview” The Asia Foundation. THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 85 The Sacred Lineage: Clan and Cult in Meitei Society Dr. Rena Laisram* Dr. D. L. Haokip**
[The centrality of lineage in understanding tribal-based societies has been well recognized in scholarly works across various disciplines.In the context of the Meiteis inhabiting the Manipur valley, the values of kinship find expression in the social organization, the ‘sacred lineage’ having a pervasive influence on ancestor cult. Although Vaisnavism was declared the state religion in the 18th century CE, the seven clans that form the Meitei society continue to bind the society together as a community. An attempt is made here to critically examine Meitei clan organization as reflected in the local ancient texts called Puyas. The discussion focuses on the social organisation and patterns of ancestor cult in pre-Hindu period of Manipur history. The sacred lineage to which every member of the community is believed to be a part of, is maintained through performance of various rituals throughout the year which is still noticed in the contemporary society.] he centrality of lineage in understanding tribal- principalities under Nongda Lairen Pakhangba (33- based societies has been well recognized in 154 CE), who belonged to the Ningthouja salai scholarly works across various disciplines (clan).4 There were seven clans that formed the T 1 [Tylor: 1871; Jevons: 1896; Gluckman: 1962]. The confederacy, viz; Ningthouja, Angom, Khuman, studies explain that in traditional societies, the lineage Luwang, Khaba-nganba, Moirang and Sarang- is a significant entity in considerations of purity and Leishangthem.5 The tradition as recorded in the pollution at birth, marriage, death and many other Puyas6 show a clear attempt at systematization of occasions in life.2 Lineal relationships of clan the different clan principalities in different periods of members and the structure of power within the larger Manipur history. Myths and legends attempted to kinship groups are articulated through rituals explain the origin and interconnection of the clans. performed throughout the year. The family is viewed In describing the origin of the seven salais, the Puyas as a cohesive group of the living and the dead; their reveal that all the clans trace their roots to the Ultimate unity being enforced by veneration of ancestors. As Parents, Taoroinai and Atingkok.7 The Thiren Layat such, ancestor worship is at the core of religious Puya also assert that all the clans descended from practices in many countries including Africa, China, one family, being born of the same lai (god).8 The Japan, Malaysia, and Polynesia. In the context of Divine Ancestor of Ancestors who is also known as the Meiteis inhabiting the Manipur3 valley, the values Sidaba Mapu9 is said to have revealed his true self of kinship find expression in the social organization, through his two sons, viz; Pakhangba and Sanamahi. the ‘sacred lineage’ having a pervasive influence on Pakhangba was made the ancestral deity of the royal ancestor cult. Although Vaisnavism was declared the family and became the first king of the unified state religion in the 18th century CE, the seven clans confederacy.10 Sanamahi came to be venerated as a that form the Meitei society continue to bind the household god; the south-west corner of every Meitei society together as a community. An attempt is made home being reserved for his shrine known as here to critically examine Meitei clan organization as Sanamahi Kachin. reflected in the local ancient texts called Puyas. It The Functionalist School argue that religious will also give an insight into the intricate relationships organization is inseparably connected with social between clans and cult which has sustained the social structure, because it arises out of it and justifies it.11 organization even in contemporary Manipur society. Among the Meiteis, the confederacy which was based The erstwhile kingdom of Manipur was formed as a on the clan system consisted of a number of sageis result of the amalgamation of several independent (sub-clans). Gangmumei Kabui12 explains that a clan was originally an ethnic group speaking a distinct * Associate Professor Department of History, Gauhati dialect, occupying a territory and having an University. autonomous principality under a ruler who was both ** Assistante Professor, Department of History, a political chieftain and head of the clan. Each Gauhati University.
86 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 member of the clan group was drawn together for that this was not the earliest form of family. Puyas co-operative observance of ancestral rituals and this such as Chada Laihui record the genealogy of Meitei has reinforced the internal solidarity of the group kings from the mother’s side, which may indicate themselves. The Meiteis use two terms frequently in the importance attached to women at least till the their social introduction among themselves: yek, the crystallization of the salais, after which patriarchal name of the salai and yumnak, the name of the sagei. characteriostics became more pronounced. Yet, A phungga (hearth) represents a family and is the although the genealogy of the salais is maintained smallest social unit. The social relationships, marital in matrilineal descent till the arrival of the heads of customs and behaviour of one individual towards each salai, there is not enough evidence to suggest another are all governed by kinship rules. Further, all that the Meitei society had a matrilineal set-up. This animate and inanimate objects are associated with the clans in one form or another which is evident system of the Meiteis is akin to the Chinese pattern through the importance attached in the sacred rituals. of kinship relations which places the relationship of 13 These interlinkages are attempts to bring about a sense father and son above everything else. All other of unity and common affinity not only among the relationships are regarded as extensions of the father- members of the social groups, but their entire son relationship or supplementary to it. It may be worldview. Therefore, the parent-child relationship worthwhile to mention that the Cheitharol Kumbaba or the ancestor-descendant linkage is also built into i.e. the state chronicle, a very important source for the terms of address to the lais. For example, the study record the genealogy of the Meitei kings Pakhangba is referred to as ipudhou (grandfather), from the father’s side. The strong desire for male Sanamahi as panthou (father) and Leimaren and other descendants among the Meiteis led to adoption of goddesses as ima or palem (mother). male children. When a son-in-law is adopted, it is There are many kinship terms which express the referred to as ya-ong-inba and he assumes the precise kind of relationship between two individuals. responsibility of a son for all practical purposes, In the Meitei society terms vary according to age, although he does not have legal or ritual rights. generational rank, sex of the person in relation to The male superiority in the Meitei society is best whom relationship is determined and sex of the exemplified by the role that he plays in family rituals. kinsmen. It is possible that once the relationship It is the son who performs the main rites in the funeral between individuals is established, Meiteis will refer rites of the parents, and also in the annual ancestor to each other by the kinship term of, for instance, worship. The position of the Piba or head of the brother (tada), sister (iche), uncle (khura), mother sagei is naturally taken over by the eldest son of the (ima) with or without their proper names. The Piba, after his demise. He conducts the rituals hierarchically organized groups and genealogical ties performed in honour of the respective sagei. He also also served the social purpose of claiming legitimacy officiates as a priest in case he is conversant with at the level of the clan as Sagei Piba, or the head of the intricacies involved in the worship. The rituals the kingdom as the king. The head of each clan had are otherwise conducted by the specialized priests the responsibility of maintaining the lineage records known as Maibas. Significant as the office of the and the state royal chronicle maintained the record Piba is, the Pandit Loisang (College of Priests) of the dynasty. The Meitei community has today many attached to the royal palace scrutinizes the eligibility Puyas dealing with lineages and this can be categorized for a being a Piba in accordance with prescribed into three groups, viz; record of sagei as in rules. A person cannot occupy the status of a Piba if Thokchomlon, record of a salai such as in he happens to be the son of a widow or a divorcee Khumanlon, and the record of all salais as in Sanggai or if he marries a divorcee or a widow. The person Phammang. It may be noted that the worship of will also be disqualified from occupying the position ancestors must have necessitated the recording of if he marries any individual outside the salai system lineage and descent of each clan as it formed the eg., the Lois who are considered to be of low status core feature of the religious belief system. in society. It may be mentioned that besides this fairly The basis of Meitei kinship is patriliny. It is difficult strong gender bias, females have prominent socio- to ascertain when exactly the Meiteis began to adopt religious roles, both as ritual specialists called Maibis the patrilineal pattern of society. It is, however, certain and also as deities in the Meitei pantheon. In a
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 87 patrilineal social set up, Meitei women stand as a than the other way round.15 In the Phungga Apokpa collective body, and act as a moral backing to men. Khurumba a family worships its immediate ancestors The role of a Meitei women as direct participant in without the participation of anyone else outside the the economic activities and the ritual status of the phungga (hearth) group. The food offered to the priestess in the core of the religious system are two apokpas in this ritual can be consumed only by the unusual features in a primarily male-oriented society. members of the phungga. Community rituals as public The Meitei worldview accords importance to nine rituals are aimed at ancestor veneration beyond the 16 Laibungthous (divine youths) and seven Lainuras family. Unlike private rituals, the public rituals (divine girls) who were said to have been brought recount the creation myths, fixing a past to safeguard forth by the Ultimate Father to assist Him in creation the present. The community festivals are more of the universe. The nine divine youths are also known elaborate and therefore, have the space to as Umanglais and the proliferation of lineages over accomodate diverse aspects of the worldview. Further, the years have resulted in the present list of about they involve greater number of people which serves four hundred Umanglais. In contextualizing the the purpose of these recreations better. Periodic pantheon of ancestors, it must be understood that festivals in these locations share the expression of the religious system of the Meiteis place death as a the whole clan or lineage groups whereby it serves certain determinant and essential condition for as a unifying force which links individual homes with attaining ancestorhood. Yet, an individual attains this a larger socio-religious group. In reclaiming the public status when he dies, not only because he is dead, but space as arena for sacred performance there is an because he leaves behind a legitimate successor. Death opportunity to intergrate the place, property and as an event in an individual’s life promotes the heritage, which in turn creates identity- of a 17 relationship of descendant-ancestor to a plane community. technically different but theoretically similar to that The Lai Haraoba literally meaning ‘pleasing of the which existed before the event. The rites and rituals gods’ mirrors the pre-Hindu religious worldview and bring the ancestors into direct communication with enshrines some of the earliest historical traditions of 14 the worshippers. The Meiteis attach prime the Meiteis.18 The festival reflects the creation of the importance to the sanctity of communal life cosmos, and, both men and women participate in amounting to adoration of blood kinship and the rituals. The ritual dance draws its significance observance of social rules. In a largely agricultural community, the traditional religion drew its support from the fact that through it the people are from such institutions as the family of related continuously reminded of the creation of the universe household or the village as an organizational unit. and mankind - the need to express their gratefulness The community rituals create an occasion for to the creators. The purpose of public festivals such remembering and paying homage and partaking a as the Lai Haraoba also indicates an obvious attempt symbolic meal with the deceased ancestors, inclusing to assimilate social groups under one overarching those who have no descendants and thus could not canopy of the state. The purpose of participation by perform the function at the family level. The rites members of all social groups in re-enacting the and rituals are intended to ward off any misfortune creation myth is a ritualized reminder of a and secure or augment the co-operation of the fundamental order that derives from a common origin Umanglais in promoting the happiness and peace of or ancestry. The four types of Lai Haraoba celebrated the individual and the community at large. in the sacred sites of Kanglei, Chakpa, Kakching and Apokpa Khurumba (apokpa: ancestor; khurumba: to Moirang are symbolic of the participation of the whole bow before, to pay respect to and to pray to) is Meitei community. essentially a family affair and by extension also relates to the community’s gods. It is worthwhile to mention In a tribal-based society such as that of the Meiteis, that the family is a comparatively late institution in clan identities are strong and the ancestor cult only the history of society, and therefore, it is probable strengthens it. In the early period of Meitei history, that the family imitated the community’s rituals rather the main interest of the erstwhile kingdom was to
88 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 keep the clan groups united, without submerging their Manipur: Past and Present. Vol.1. Delhi: Mittal identities. The Ningthouja clan emerged as most Publications. p. 147. prominent in the struggle for supremacy among the 6. The Puyas are not uniform in the recording of clans and succeeded in projecting as the first among the number and names of the salais. The diversity equals. The initiative of integrating the disparate clan of the traditions indicates the independent status groups was done through the creation of a pantheon, of the principalities. The Puyas which are which was diverse, accommodating the deities of the codifications of the oral traditions must have been clans, and also converging on at least two universal recorded from independent sources. deities, cutting across clan loyalties. Concern with 7. Bhagya Singh Yengkhoiba. Ed. 1988. Leithak the family as a unit of production, reproduction, Leikharon. Imphal 2nd Edition. pp. 79-82. distribution and consumption was, and for that matter still is, a valid emphasis in sustaining the society. The 8. N. Ibochouba. Ed. 1981. Thiren Layat. Imphal. intricate relationship between clan and cult among p. 32. the Meiteis provides a meaning for life and acts as a 9. M. Laimit and L. Iboyaima. Ed. 1982. Wakolol source of social cohesion. Thus, even after Hilel Thilel Amailon Pukok Puya. Imphal. p. Vaisnavism was declared the state religion of Manipur 49. by the 18th century CE, ancestor worship runs as a 10. Y. Bhagya Meitei. Ed. 1988. Sakok Lamlen live undercurrent in sustaining the social organization Ahanba Amasung Meihouron. Imphal. pp. 4-6. which gives them a sense of security and cultural 11. Emile Durkheim. Tr. J. W. Swain 1965. The identity. Elementary Forms of the Religious Life. References New York: The Free Press. Emile Durkheim’s 1. E.B. Tylor. 1871. Primitive Culture. Vols 1&2. seminal work is considered as the foundation of London: John Murray; F.B. Jevons. 1896. An Functionalist Theory. Introduction to the History of Religion. 12. Gangmumei Kabui. 1991. History of Manipur London: Macmillan; Max Gluckman. 1962. (Pre-Colonial Period). Vol. I. New Delhi: Essays on the Ritual of Social Relations. National Publishing House. p. 10. Manchester: Manchester University Press. 13. Francis L.K. Hsu. Under the Ancestor’s Shadow. 2. A.M. Shah. 1993. Lineage and Change in a Stanford: Stanford University Press. pp. 56-57. Gujarat Village. In Patricia Uberoi. Family, Kinship and Marriage in India. Delhi: Oxford 14. M. Fortes. 1976. An Introductory Commentary. University Press. p. 145. In. William H. Newell. Ancestors. The Hague, 3. Manipur joined the Indian Union in 1949 and Paris: Modern Publishers. p.10. attained statehood in 1972. 15. Frank B. Jevons, 1985. The History of Religion. 4. Pandit N. Khelchandra Singh reveals that the Delhi: Orient Publications. Reprint. p. 188. word Meitei which has come to be referred to 16. Rena Laisram. 2009. Early Meitei History: the people of the Manipur valley was originally Religion, Society and the Manipur Puyas. New applied only to the Ningthoujas. After the Delhi: Akansha Publishing House. formation of the confederacy of the salais and 17. See Joseph F. Mali. 2003. Mythistory: The the subjugation by the Ningthoujas, the word Making of a Modern Historiography. Chicago: Meitei became the common nomenclature for all University of Chicago Press. the people of the valley of Manipur. 18. S.N. Parratt and J. Parratt. 1997. The Pleasing 5. Konsam Manikchand. The Evolution of the Meitei of the Gods: Meitei Lai Haraoba. New Delhi: State: A Confederacy through the Last Two Vikas Publishing House. p. vii. Millenia. In Naorem Sanajaoba Ed. 1988.
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 89 India-Bangladesh Ties: A new neighbourhood model Priyanka Dubey*
[The article investigates Indian government’s neighbourhood policy towards its immediate neighbour and India–Bangladesh ties. India faces serious challenges in its neighbourhood. This article also attempts to explore the recent developments in India-Bangladesh relations under PM Narendra Modi’s and Sheikh Hasina regime. This article clearly indicates that India-Bangladesh relation has got new momentum after adopting new neighbourhood policy and many issues were resolve between both the nations. New Delhi needs to look at its neighbourhood beyond the China factor, however, resolve domestic problems and address economic challenges. The renewed impetus towards India’s neighbourhood in the region under the Narendra Modi led government has been discussed in detail. It is argued that India’s recent neighbourhood practices such as strengthening bilateral ties, diplomatic engagements, sub-regionalism, elements of continuity or change and their applicability to establishing peace in the region has made a great impact in the region. Significant developments have been made over three key thematic areas during PM Modi’s government in India. These are; dispute resolution, cooperation and connectivity. It finds that there are a number of untapped potentials that need to be explored and be exploited. It is of greater interest for both India and Bangladesh to foster the bilateral relations based on mutual understanding, respect and reciprocity no matter which regime remains in power both in Dhaka.] n 2014, New Delhi has been striving hard to be expressed after decades of waiting for LBA achieve for India the great power status by ratification with Bangladesh, upholding the judgement Iconsolidating its dominant position in South Asia of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in favour and expanding its reach in the Indian Ocean. There of Bangladesh, India’s pre-eminent contributions in have been many successes when it comes to foreign Nepal’s post-earthquake rescue operations, invitation policy of India in general. Over the years, India has to Modi’s oath-taking ceremony to heads of states of struggled to forge strong neighbourhood relations neighbouring nations and his official visits to all despite its geographical proximity and historical, neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, religious, economic, ethnic and cultural linkages with Nepal and Sri Lanka during the first year of becoming neighbouring states especially with India. As the Indian Prime Minister (Kashem and Islam 2016). Bangladesh government has no distinct strategy towards has become a key nation for regional initiatives in Bangladesh, a new neighbourhood strategy of Indian South Asia, such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and government towards Bangladesh can be addressed Nepal (BBIN) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for under the wider context of ‘Neighbourhood First Multi-Sectoral Technological and Economic Policy’ (NFP). The NFP offers a new scope for Corporation (BIMSTEC). Moreover, connectivity revitalizing India’s diplomatic ties with neighbours and growth of India’s north-eastern states are prime amid South Asian Association for Regional concern in domestic strategies of Indian government Cooperation (SAARC)’s deadlocked situation. As P.M that will be encouraged by Bangladesh like it act as a of India said that India is going to intensify catalyst. In New Delhi a conference on India- geographical connectivity and collaboration among Bangladesh ties were held wherein Ajit Doval, India’s Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal and this plan National Security Advisor, identified Bangladesh as has a natural reason (The Hindu, 2015). In addition, most important neighbour of India (Haidar& Habib, Sushma Swaraj, India’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, 2015). Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India’s Foreign assert that ‘foreign policy starts at our boundary, and Secretary adequately argued that it is only in rightly so, we have undertake a ‘neighbourhood first’ Bangladesh case where the neighbourhood first policy strategy from the beginning of our term (Kashem has achieved acceptable results (The Hindu, 2017a). and Islam, 2016). India’s seriousness about NFP may The Indian PM’S influential visit to Bangladesh on 6 * Research Scholar, Department of Political Science, June 2015 achieved greater heights in the relations University of Jammu, Jammu. between Delhi and Dhaka. Twenty-two treaties have
90 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 been inked and renewed on multifaceted matters Ratification of LBA including connectivity, power, security and trade One of the New Delhi major achievements against anticipated to yield results in the future. Moreover, Bangladesh is the ratification of the LBA, the 70- the Delhi-Dhaka relationship was significantly year old border conflict. In Indo-Bangladesh relations promoted by the official visit to Bangladesh in August LBA ratification has always been a big issue. 2014 made by India’s Minister of State for External Geographically, India-Bangladesh shares border of Affairs and on the Bangladesh side, Bangladesh’s about 4,096 kilometres and an undecided area of about President Abdul Hamid’s state visit to India in 6 kilometres. It should be noted that while LBA gained December 2014 was important in optimising bilateral momentum during Manmohan Singh’s official trip to ties. It was Bangladesh’s president first visit to India Dhaka in September 2011, ratification collapsed in ever since independence. Moreover, the visit made the parliament due to disagreements among Indian to India in April 2017 by Bangladesh’s Prime Minister opposition parties, mainly BJP. During recent BJP Sheikh Hasina helped to improve the Indo- government, even though there was few initial Bangladesh’s relationship to the succeeding level. obstacles, the LBA ratification bill was approved With 22 accords inked by both nations on various without any dispute in Rajya Sabha then by Lok Sabha. sectors such as energy cooperation and connectivity All 331 Lok Sabha members voted in favour of LBA matters and a further 14 private investment accords, during the 100 Constitutional Amendment, that this visit was unique in every way to strengthen resulted after four decades of Indira-Mujib Treaty mutual relations (The Hindi, 2017b). In addition to (Gupta, 2015). The LBA ratification has resolved the the above stated visits by the Heads of Nations, the 3 sensitive problems of India-Bangladesh relations, third and fourth meetings between India and that is,.(i) Near about 162 enclaves on the boundary Bangladesh Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) of India-Bangladesh were exchanged; (ii) the assigned at the level of foreign ministers were also demarcation of a new frontier of 6.5 kilometres; and significant in promoting mutual relations. A broader (iv) the interchange of adverse holdings in each other’s number of considerations were defined and territories (Ali, 2015). addressed during the third JCC meeting in September Resolution of Maritime Boundary 2014, in particular security, connectivity, technical assistance, renewable energy, socio-cultural On 7 July 2014, the Permanent Court of Arbitration cooperation etc. Moreover, at the fourth meeting of (PCA), based in Hague, issued its judgement on the JCC in October 2017, both representatives maritime boundary of two nations in the Bay of Bengal highlighted the problems related to connectivity, in favour of Bangladesh and against India. Bangladesh financial and development cooperation among the determined to follow international arbitration at the two nations. Sushma Swaraj, in the fourth JCC PCA in 2009 under the conditions of the United meeting, intended to address all the irritants of India- Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to settle Bangladesh relations, even though she has not the long-standing sea boundary disputes. In their specify any issue(The Hindi, 2017c). In particular, submissions to the PCA, while India claimed a it is the government of BJP that has induced Mamata boundary based on the equidistance principle, Banerjee, West Bengal’s chief minister, to ratify LBA Bangladesh demanded the boundary based on equity. which expresses New Delhi enthusiasm for Bangladesh’s claim was logical as boundary based on deepening Indo-Bangladesh ties. After reviewing the the equidistance principle can make Bangladesh a recent events, three key themes emerged in India- “zone-locked” state by the maritime zones of India Bangladesh ties throughout NDA regime:1. Dispute and Myanmar. Resolution,2. Cooperation and 3. Connectivity. The PCA acknowledged Bangladesh’s line of argument and latest developments in India – Bangladesh relationship handed over 19,467 square kilometres of the total of will be mentioned under these concepts in the 25,602 square kilometres (approximately 80%) of the subsequent section. controversial coastal region to Bangladesh. However, India welcomed the decision of PCA which contributed Dispute Resolution: Two key disputes between to resolving the decades-long sea boundary dispute India-Bangladesh, namely, LBA and Maritime between two neighbouring states. Bangladeshi Foreign Boundary, has peacefully been resolved during NDA Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali rightly contended government in India and AL government in that “We applaud India for its readiness to resolve Bangladesh. this issue peacefully by lawful methods and for its
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 91 acceptance of judgement of Tribunal” (Reuters, with Bangladesh to invest US$ 5.5 billion. It is worth 2014). In a statement, India’s Ministry of External noting that this can be Bangladesh’s biggest foreign Affairs claimed that “Settling the maritime boundaries direct investment. During the 4th meeting of the JCC, would further strengthen mutual trust and goodwill Sushma Swaraj and the Indian representatives, inked between India and Bangladesh by bringing a long- two MoUs, first for the establishment of a ‘common standing problem to conclusion” (Reuters, 2014). facility centre’ for small and medium-sized firms in India’s embracing of the verdict is a clear Khulna and second for the export of high-speed diesel demonstration of newly formed BJP government’s to Bangladesh. It is projected to improve the Southern emphasis on straitening bilateral relations with part of Bangladesh’s economy. (The Hindu, 2017c). immediate neighbours. Power Cooperation Cooperation: India–Bangladesh cooperation over India-Bangladesh’s power cooperation has gained new economy, power, maritime, education and political momentum during NDA government in recent time. issue (i.e. political prisoners’ extradition) has reached India is presently exporting about 500 MW of a new height after Modi came to power. electricity to Bangladesh with a motive to alleviating Economic Cooperation the power scarcity of energy-starved Bangladesh. The Within New Delhi foreign policy towards Bangladesh, decision to supply extra 600 MW of electricity to economic cooperation was visible. The bilateral trade Bangladesh by 2017 was taken at the 9th meeting of between Bangladesh and India increased significantly India-Bangladesh Joint Steering Committee on Power between 2004 and 2017, from nearly US$ 1.6 billion Cooperation in Dhaka in May 2015. Out Of this 600 to US$ 6.8 billion. Another significant feature of MW, 500 MW of electricity will come from West economic cooperation is the enhancement of India’s Bengal whereas the remaining 100 MW from the line of credit worth about USD 8 billion for Palatana power project in Tripura will be supply (The Bangladesh. Thus according to Sushma Swaraj that Daily Star, 2015a, 15 May). And as stated in the totally, so far India has extended three lines of credit previous segment, the extra 4,600 MW of electricity to Bangladesh amounting to USD 8 billion. This has will be added to Bangladesh’s national grid with the to be the immense development aid which India has construction of two additional power plant. As per made available to any nation in the world” (The the MoU, Reliance Power Limited will invest US$ 3 Hindu, 2017c). But Bangladesh has always suffered billion to established a power plant of liquefied natural from an acute deficit in trade with India since gas having a capacity to generate 3,000 MW whereas independence, and this difference in trade among two the investment of US$ 2.5 billion for the development nations has only intensified over the years . of coal power plant having capability to produce Bangladesh’s trade difference is 6.12 billion US 1600 MW will be made by Adani Power Limted .(The dollars in 2017. The MoU was also inked to create Daily Star, 2015b, 7 June). Construction of a new two special economic zones for Indian firms in electricity grid from Bangladesh side among India’s Bheramara and Mongla, Bangladesh, to enhance north-east states, Bangladesh will be reconsidered . Indian investment in Bangladesh, in particular. As per The Daily Star, once set up, India will transfer Eventually, in the near future, these economic zones 6,000 MW of electricity from Assam to Bihar via will perform as a propel to foster economic relations Dinajpur by using Bangladesh’s soil’ (The Daily Star, between India–Bangladesh. Contrary to this, the 2015a). Indian government has declared that it will offer 50 Coastal Shipping and Maritime Cooperation acres of land in Gujrat to construct a warehouse for In 2015, India – Bangladesh signed a project proposal Bangladeshi enterprises to facilitate shipping of and two separate coastal shipping cooperation pacts Bangladeshi apparel to retail shops throughout India with a view to reducing the trade costs. This (The Daily Star, 2015c). The warehouse is assumed agreement is believed to facilitate coastal shipping in to provide annually an export worth US$ 1 billion to India, as shipping costs can be reduced by almost Bangladesh. The investment of India in Bangladesh two-thirds using Bangladesh’s Chittagong and Mongla have significantly enhanced during this time. As for ports. Sincethe immediate entry to Bangladesh port, example, for the construction of two power plants the total shipping time for Indian cargo ships can having the capacity of producing 4,600 MW of power further drop significantly (Hindustan Times, 2015, 7 by Adani Power Limited and Reliance Power Limited, June). As per Modi, ‘The accord on coastal shipping the two Indian power companies have inked MoU would enhance mutual trade. The Indian Economic
92 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 zone would attract Indian investment in Bangladesh’ Physical Connectivity (The Hindu, 2015). The announcement by the Government of India has already experienced the ‘Mumbai Attack’ Bangladesh to authorise India to utilize its land for because of an infringement of maritime security. the movement of cargo and passengers to the North Maritime cooperation is therefore a critical topic for East can be considered as a vital step by Bangladesh India as well as Bangladesh in this era of globalisation to improve ties among India and Bangladesh to the and connectivity. The world witnessed the signing of next level. In the tenure of Modi visit to Dhaka in a maritime cooperation agreement between India and June 2015, the transit provision was inked by him Bangladesh, called ‘Blue Economy and Maritime and formally commenced on June 16, 2016. The Cooperation in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean’ during Modi’s visit to Dhaka. transit provision has halved the distance between Kolkata and Agartala from 1600 kilometres to 800 Cooperation over Education and Training kilometers and lowered the transit expenditure from The augmentation of educational exchange, training, US $67 to US $35 per tonne, with a transit charge and cooperation among India and Bangladesh is also of $192.25 per tonne. On the Indian side, evidenced during Modi tenure. Recently, India’s commitment on the part of Modi governments to government declared it would invest 35 corer involve with Bangladesh via rail, road and waterway Bangladeshi Taka in the next 5 years offering connectivity may be depicted by steps such as the scholarships to Freedom Fighters’ descendants. This introduction of direct bus services between Kolkata scholarship will be awarded to two thousand students each year. During Modi’s visit to Bangladesh in June – Dhaka – Agartala and Dhaka – Guwahati – Shillong 2015 two MoU’s was inked, one among the and the mobilisation of a 15-kilometer long wide University of Dhaka and the Council of Science and gauge rail line among Agartala and Akhura. Industrial Research (CSIR) of India for collective Subsequently, the distance between Agartala and oceanography study in the Bay of Bengal, and another Kolkata will be reduced to 515 km from 1650 km. among Rajshahi University and Jamia Millia Islamia The Indian government approved Rs.1000 Crore in University of India for educational cooperation. July 2015 to materialize the rail line project. This Offering training for the development of human direct rail link is thought to encourage greater socio- resources is a key feature of relations between Indo- economic relations among both nations (NDTV, Bangladesh that achieved a new milestone. The Indian 2015, 26 July). In addition, to promote road Government has initiated a training program for connectivity the historic Motor Vehicle Agreement bureaucrats of Bangladesh and the officers of law (MVA) was inked among Bangladesh, Bhutan, India enforcement organizations. (The Economic Times, and Nepal (BBIN). 2015, 7 May). Socio-cultural Connectivity Political Prisoners Extradition New Delhi has embraced the cultural exchange Progress on the extradition of political prisoners was initiative in order to improve the cultural relations demonstrated after Modi came to power. Since October 2013, the extradition agreement is among India and Bangladesh for the period of 2015– enforceable among India and Bangladesh , it has 2017. (Kashem and Islam, 2016); Since January attained new progress during Modi’s time that will be 2015, ‘Maitree Express’ has commenced an extra helped by deportation of Indian Separatist leader Chief round trip between Kolkata–Dhaka–Kolkata which Anup Chetia to Indian authorities in November 2015, at present moves three times a week. Moreover, with after nearly two decades. As in return, Indian mutual accord, both governments have authorised authorities also transferred Nur Hossain to Dhaka, three ‘haats’ border to improve their bilateral ties. against whom the charge of killing of seven persons All these programs are thought to be crucial in long- was imposed in the sensational Narayanganj case. term development of people-to-people connections. The implementation of the extradition treaty is thought Conclusion to strengthen Indo-Bangladesh security relations. India and Bangladesh have scripted a golden chapter Connectivity: Connectivity, both physical and socio of bilateral ties, and given new dimension and direction cultural, has clearly manifested in New Delhi policy towards Bangladesh. to their partnership due to increasing trust between
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 93 the two nations. While challenging the popular 6. NDTV. (2015, July 26). Rs 1,000Crore perception, it is asserted that even though BJP is in Approved for India-Bangladesh Rail Link. power now, India– Bangladesh relationship has Retrieved 8 reached a new height. In fact, the peaceful resolution 7. December 2017; http://www.ndtv.com/india- of the long-standing maritime dispute and the news/rs1-000-croreapproved-for-india- ratification of the historic LBA is expected to bangladesh-rail-link-1200728 strengthen the India–Bangladesh relations in the foreseeable future. However, there are still some 8. Reuters. (2014, July 7). UPDATE 1-U.N. tribunal challenges between two nations like water dispute, rules for Bangladesh in sea border dispute with non-tariff barriers, Rampal power plant and regional India.Retrieved 8 December 2017;https:// Rohingya issue, alleged illegal migration of www.reuters.com/article/bangladeshindia- Bangladeshis to India and border killings which needs seaborder-idUSL4N0PJ39L20140708 to be addressed carefully for a sustainable friendly 9. The Daily Star. (2015c, June 12). India agrees relation and establish a win-win situation. Last but to give BGMEA land to build warehouse. not least, in this age of growing interdependence and Retrieved 8 December 2017; http:// sharing, there is no alternative but to strengthen www.thedailystar.net/business/indiaagrees-give- Bangladesh–India relations. Therefore, consistency bgmea-land-build-warehouse-95719 in Indo–Bangladesh friendly relations needs to be 10 The Daily Star. (2015b, June 7). Bangladesh maintained no matter which regime remains in power power projects: Reliance, Adani to invest $5.5b. both in Dhaka and Delhi. Retrieved 8 December 2017; http:// References www.thedailystar.net/frontpage/relianceadani- 1. Ali, S.M. (2015, June 4). Modi’s forthcoming invest-55b-93286 visit: A watershed moment for our bilateral ties. 11. The Economic Times. (2015, May 7). Over 1,500 The Daily Star, Retrieved 8 December 2017; Bangladesh civil servants to get training in India. http://www.thedailystar.net/oped/politics/ 12. The Hindu. (2015, June 6). Text of Prime watershed-moment-our-bilateral-ties91639 Minister Modi’s statement to media in the Joint 2. Gupta, S. (2015, May 8). Parliament puts seal press briefing with Bangladesh Prime Minister of approval on LBA. The Hindu, Retrieved 8 Sheikh Hasina. Retrieved 8 December 2017, December 2017;http://www.thehindu.com/ http://www.thehindu.com/news/resources/prime- todays-paper/tpnational/parliament-puts-seal-of- minister-narendra-modis-twodaybangladeshvisit/ approval onlba/article7182518.ece article7289468.ece 3. Haidar, S. & Habib, H. (2015, 27 May). Modi 13. The Hindu. (2017a, April 8). Delhi, Dhaka to sign key agreements on Dhaka visit. The Hindu. exchange 22 deals. Retrieved 14 May 2018; http:/ Retrieved 8 December 2017; http:// /www.thehindu.com/news/national/delhidhaka- www.thehindu.com/news/national/narendra- exchange-22-deals/article17894933.ece modi-visit-to-dhaka-modi-to-sign-keyagreements/ 14. The Hindu. (2017b, April 11). India assures article7248902.ece Bangladesh on Teesta water sharing, as the two 4. Hindustan Times. (2017b, September 24). New countries broad base ties. Retrieved 14 May plea in SC seeks deportation of illegal Rohingya 2018; http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/ migrants from India. Retrieved 8 December 2017; transformative-visit/article17913764.ece http://www.hindustantimes.com/indianews/new- 15. The Hindu. (2017c, October 24). Neighbours plea-in-sc-seeks-deported-of-illegalrohingya- first,Bangladesh foremost: Sushma Swaraj. migrantsfromindia/story LQfnZYyut Retrieved QMxMLctN.html 14 May 2018; http://www.thehindu.com/news/ 5. Kashem, M. A. & Islam, M. S. (2016). Narendra national/neighbours-first-bangladesh-foremost- Modi’s Bangladesh Policy and India–Bangladesh sushmaswaraj/article19907839.ece Relations: Challenges and Possible Policy Responses. India Quarterly,72(3), 250–267.
94 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 A Perspective View of Fiscal Health Analysis of Tamilnadu Co- Operative Sugar Industries S.P. Karthik* [In the last few years, Tamilnadu has made a phenomenal success with respect to sugar production. High yield per hectare of sugar cane, a higher concentration of sucrose, high recovery rate and long crushing season allowed Tamilnadu to achieve the highest yield of 9.53 tonnes of sugar per hectare in India. As a result of these incentives, the state has emerged as the third-largest sugar producer, producing more than nine percent of India’s overall sugar production. This paper attempts to analyse the problems faced by the Tamilnadu Sugar Co-operative industry in order to identify the reasons inhibiting its productivity and profitability.] he sugar industries are playing a crucial role in In India, a large number of sugar mills were launched Tamilnadu next to the textile industry. It assists hospitals, schools and colleges for the promotion of Twith expanding the economy of the state and rural areas. The sugar industry has likewise associated makes employment opportunities both directly and making benefit of sugar complexes by manufacturing indirectly in rural areas; especially they are engaged sugar, bio-electricity, bio-ethanol, bio-manure and in the cultivation, harvesting, transport of cane and chemical, paper and sub-division and cogeneration other services. plants. Production of sugar is a downstream The growth and performance of the sugar mills in movement of agriculture, in this manner diversifying India are great and they are essentially identified with both agricultural and industrial economies ensuring the government policies as well. The national and value addition. In this way, the development of the global scenario in terms of production and sugar industry in India is an essential factor for the improvement in innovation also stimulated the growth elevation of socio-economic life in India. Situated in factor in India. The development of co-operative and the rural area’s sugar industry has given the most public sector sugar mills after Independence set up effective instrument carrying progressive trends in great execution. After Independence, under the five- rural areas. India was the second-biggest producer year plans, an orderly structure of ownership, location, of sugar next to Brazil in the world. India’s offer on control and licensing had developed. Normally sugar the world production of sugar was 21.53 percent in policy grows to decide each part of the sugar industry 2016-2017. The world and country-wise breaks up in ongoing decades of sugar production (in Tonnes) are as given below in Table 1; Table 1: Sugar Production of the World, Brazil and India S. No. Year World Brazil India Contribution Contribution by Brazil (%) by India (%) 1 2011-2012 11,53,67,460 3,76,61,070 1,91,76,996 32.64 16.62 2 2012-2013 12,67,07,593 3,64,91,837 2,58,49,248 28.80 20.40 3 2013-2014 13,53,13,923 3,84,88,623 2,68,57,253 28.44 19.85 4 2014-2015 13,36,83,438 3,73,14,081 2,29,71,000 27.91 17.18 5 2015-2016 13,69,30,575 3,55,29,957 2,60,28,000 25.95 19.01 6 2016-2017 13,40,70,920 3,42,44,695 2,88,71,000 25.54 21.53 7 2017-2018 13,27,13,337 3,89,86,890 2,47,94,000 29.38 18.68
* Guest Lecturer, P.G. Department of Commerce, Source: Hand Book of Statistics 2017-2018, Indian Government Arts College, (Affiliated to Madurai Sugar Mills Association, New Delhi. Kamaraj University, Madurai, Melur, Tamilnadu.
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 95 Sugarcane is grown in nine states of India. It agricultural population in these nine states through incorporates Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, direct and indirect employment. Adequately, every Maharashtra, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh farmer contributes to the production of 2.90 MT per and Tamilnadu. The sugar industry takes under annum. A summary of the Indian sugar industry is consideration an expected 12 percent of the given in Table 2. Table 2: Operation of Indian Sugar Industry S. No. Particulars Crushing Season 2011- 2012- 2013- 2014- 2015- 2016- 2017- 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 1 Number of Sugar Mills 507 529 526 509 538 526 493 in Operation 2 Cane Acreage 4,885 5,106 5,279 5,341 5,307 5,284 4,945 (‘000 Hectares) 3 Sugarcane Production 3,424 3,538 3,545 3,456 3,668 3,369 3,036 (Lakh Tonnes) 4 Cane Crushed(Lakh 2,398 2,398 2,398 2,398 2,398 2,398 2,398 Tonnes) 5 Sugar Production 24,394 24,394 24,394 24,394 24,394 24,394 24,394 (‘000 Tonnes) 6 Molasses Production 10,970 11,824 11,744 10,882 12,482 10,837 9,026 (‘000 Tonnes) 7 Recovery Percent 10.17 10.25 10.03 10.23 10.37 10.62 10.45
Source: Hand Book of Statistics 2017-2018, Indian different states in India and abroad also. The Sugar Mills Association, New Delhi. presentation of the review of literature enables the Growth of Co-Operative Sugar Mills researcher to know the research gap that exists in a particular area of study. The growth of the Indian sugar industry in a sorted out way had its started, when the Government of Amarender A. Reddy (2011), Sugar and Cane Pricing India passed the Industrial Policy Resolution on 6th in India, told that “Sugar and cane prices in India are April, 1948, followed by the Industrial Act, 1956, highly regulated as a result of free-market prices in wherein the principle of co-operation was assigned India are showing a rising trend with high volatility. an important role in the country’s economic There was a chance for a long time ago runs a development, especially for industries based on deficiency of sugar in global markets because of the agricultural production, for example, sugarcane. redirection of stick to deliver ethanol and decrease of Under this policy, the Government of India began residential help as submitted under the WTO system. offering preference to the licensing of new sugar Smothered Minimum Support Price (MSP), factories in the co-operative sector. This policy was stagnation in the profitability of the stick, out of date re-emphasized in all the resulting Industrial Policy advances and low limit usage obstructed the long haul Resolutions made by the Government until the point of view. delicensing of the sugar industry in 1998. The Busenna, Pesala and Vadlamudi, Ramesh (2011) in particular licensing policy was for the most part liable their paper, “Technical efficiency of sugar factories for the quick improvement of the sugar industry in in West Godavari district” have dissected the India. specialized productivity of four sugar processing plants Review of Literature in the West Godavari area for a time of twenty years from 1985-1986 to 2005-2006 and expressed that The researcher referred to several related and allied high effectiveness is significant for the endurance of studies to collect the review of literature on the an industrial facility. productivity and financial health analysis of sugar Gupta Anand (2011) in his study on “Financial industries in the state of Tamilnadu likewise in Performance of Public Enterprises in India: A Case
96 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 Study of Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Limited” Period of the Study has taken a gander at the budgetary exhibition of the The present study covers 10 years, starting from the biggest open venture in the manure segment, financial year 2008-2009 to 2017-2018. The co- Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited (RCFL) operative sugar mills annual audit report will be to comprehend what afflicts it. accessible for the following two years from the end Research GAP of the financial year. Because of this issue in the The accompanying research gaps are identified by present research study spread the audited annual the researcher for the present Study. report from 2008-2009 to 2017-2018. The period is viewed as adequate to analyze the productivity and 1. The financial health of sugar relating to the state financial health analysis of the co-operative sugar level is lacking. industries. 2. The examinations identified with the impacts of Hypothesis the maintenance of sugar in revenue were not considered in the past studies. This study is based on the formulation of the following null hypotheses. The validity of them has been tested Significance of the Study with the available data through appropriate analysis. The sugarcane producers can have a vital link 1. There is no significant difference among the groups between themselves and the industry as their welfare of the selected co-operative sugar mills in respect and industry’s progress are interdependent. The sugar of profits. industry has lots of potential and can become one of the significant contributors to the overall economic 2. There is no significant difference in the economies growth of the country. A high degree of financial of scale of operations between the groups of the performance in this industry is indispensable. To selected co-operative sugar mills in Tamilnadu. ensure a high degree of financial performance an 3. There is no significant difference in the scale of overall coordinated effort from the government, operating cycles between the groups of the selected farmers and sugar mills are necessary. co-operative sugar mills in Tamilnadu. Objectives of the Study Research Methodology The following are the objectives of the present study. The present study fully based on the secondary data. 1. To evaluate the profitability of the selected co- They are collected from the Annual reports of operative sugar industry. Tamilnadu Co-operative Sugar Industries, audited report of concern sugar mills, journals, books and 2. To measure the financial health of the co-operative websites. The purpose of this study is to examine sugar industry. and evaluate the profitability, liquidity, long term 3. To identify the factors influencing financial health solvency position and efficiency in asset consumption conditions. of sugar companies under study and to offer findings 4. To suggest suitable measures for the development and suggestions to improve the financial position of of co-operative sugar industries. sugar companies. Scope of the Study The tool used for the study includes Motaal’s Comprehensive Test Z – Score Ratio, Ratio Analysis, The study is conducted during the financial year Trend Analysis, Comparative Financial statement, between 2008-2009 and 2017-2018. Likewise, the Common Size statement, and Correlation and to study covers only the co-operative sugar mills of understand the actual financial position, trend Tamilnadu have been decided for the study to assess projection made to projected for the following the effectiveness of production and sales and other forthcoming years based on the actual position. financial parameters. The shown patterns may differ from year to year as the pattern of investments and Sources of Data borrowings contrast. The study becomes more The study is analytical and it’s based on secondary meaningful as it covers a longer period i.e. 10 years. data. The secondary data have been collected from The study will throw light on the operational audited annual reports of the selected co-operative inefficiencies and other inadequacies if any and sugar mills, trade and technical journals, books, suggest suitable remedial strategies for their magazines, newspapers, publications of various sustenance and development. associations connected with the sugar industry like
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 97 the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA), South They have to sustain their growth in the years to Indian Sugar Mills Association (SISMA), public come. records, statistics, historical documents, websites and Group - II category co-operative sugar mills that have other sources of published information. recorded the scale of operations (crushing capacity Tools of Analysis between 2,000 and 3,000 TCD) have shown positive The secondary data collected from the audited annual growth rates in terms of the value of production and reports of the selected co-operative sugar mills ltd. value of sales except for Madurantakam co-operative have been regrouped and tabulated wherever sugar mills ltd. during the study period. These co- necessary. These data have been analyzed by using operative sugar mills have adequate opportunities for different kinds of tools like ratio analysis, mean, enlarging their business like the co-operative sugar standard deviations, coefficient of variance, mills of the group - I. Sustained efforts in identifying correlation, multiple regressions, multiple correlations, the right marketing avenues and in expanding t-test, simple growth rate, compound growth rate, operations are the major strategies needed by these linear equation, polynomial equation and Altman’s Z co-operative sugar mills. score analysis. The ratio analysis has been applied Among group - III category co-operative sugar mills, to analyze the liquidity, activity and profitability of which have posted lower scale of operations (crushing the chosen sugar mills. The ratio is an expression of capacity less than 2,000 TCD) during the study the relationship between two quantitative data. period, these co-operative sugar mills have recorded Limitations of the Study low performance in terms of the value of production G The present study is based on the audited annual and the value of sales with low positive growth rates reports of co-operative sugar mills. Hence it is in linear equation, polynomial equation models and only post mortem of the financial statements. CGRs. They have to enlarge their scale of operations through the expansion of production facilities and G The figures taken from the financial reports for improving their operational efficiencies. Further, the investigation were historic. The time these co-operative sugar mills must work for estimation of cash is not considered. establishing networks with buyer agencies to support G This may lead to a marginal statistical error. their operations. These measures will help them to However, due care is taken to keep a degree of put themselves on a high growth trajectory is achieved error within limits. by group - I and group - II co-operative sugar mills. Analysis and Discussion Thus, the first hypothesis stating that there is a The researcher attempted to evaluate the productivity significant difference among the groups of the co- and financial health analysis of Tamilnadu co- operative sugar mills in respect of the value of operative sugar industries which were vouched and production and the value of sales. That is the group verified by applying suitable statistical tools through - I category co-operative sugar mills recorded high hypothesis testing. The summary of major analytical positive growth in value of production and value of findings along with suitable suggestions has given a sales except for The Kallakurichi - I co-operative fresh fill up to the sugar mills. sugar mills ltd. (negative CGR in sales) whereas group - II category co-operative sugar mills recorded Production and Sales moderate growth except for Madurantakam co- Group - I category co-operative sugar mills which operative sugar mills ltd. (negative CGR in sales) and are known for their economies of scale of operations Group - III category co-operative sugar mills recorded (crushing capacity more than 3,000 TCD), witnessed low growth. robust growth rates in the value of production and sales as measured in linear equation, polynomial Profitability Analysis equation models and CGRs except for The In terms of the gross profit percentages all, co- Kallakurichi - I co-operative sugar mills ltd. during operative sugar mills in the group - I, the group - II the study period. These co-operative sugar mills have and group - III categories have equally performed increased their operational efficiencies both in the moderate and economies of the level of operations mobilization of resources and inputs and in identifying do not have any most important impact on gross profit. the right avenues of marketing when opportunities opened up through the global market for sugars. Concerning net profit percentages, group - I category co-operative sugar mills have recorded net losses in
98 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 all the years during the study period. And the lower creditors took a major share in Tirupattur co-operative scale of operations affected them to negative average sugar mills ltd., Kethandapatti, Vellore District. net profit percentages. The group - II category co- Thus, the hypothesis states that co-operative sugar operative sugar mills incurred losses when the values mills endowed with better economies of scale of of sales were inadequate. They have to improve operations will be using retained earnings or funds their sales for improving profitability percentages. from operations for the expansion of business had Group - III category co-operative sugar mills suffered been proved as in group - I and group - II co-operative net losses in most of the year due to the low volume sugar mills (except Madurantakam co-operative sugar of sales coupled with higher interest and establishment mill ltd.). And the group - III co-operative sugar charges. Adequate controls in prime costs and mills which suffered due to the low scale of operations establishment charges are needed by these co- had to depend on external sources or borrowings to operative sugar mills to improve their fortunes. sustain their operations also prove the hypothesis. Considering the financial health analysis through Altman’s Z score model of the co-operative sugar Management of Working Capital mills, all three groups of co-operative sugar mills Among the group - I category co-operative sugar indicates their weak financial status which below the mills, The Kallakurichi - I sugar co-operative mills bankruptcy level of ‘1.80’. They ought to try in ltd. had a net raw material cycle with an average of improving themselves to secure high ‘Z’ scores 129.90 days, the conversion of a cycle an average of exceeding ‘2.63’ and the sound financial status in 3.50 days and also this co-operative sugar mill the following years by the way of promoting sales recorded the turnover of working capital ratios from volumes, better liquidity and sustained earnings. a low of 0.95 to a high of 3.15 with an average of Thus, the hypothesis states that there is no significant 1.79. And another co-operative sugar mill of M.R. difference among the groups of the selected sugar Krishnamurthy co-operative sugar mills ltd. has mills in respect of profits. That is the group - I, the recorded the lower storage cycle with an average of group - II and group - III co-operative mills recorded 151.40 days and also the lowest collection cycle with the mixed results in gross profit ratio and negative an average of 38.60 days, therefore the effective dues net profit ratio. collection mechanism should be evolved by this co- operative sugar mills. And also this co-operative sugar Fund Flow Analysis mill posted a turnover of working capital ratios from The two co-operative sugar mills in the group - I a low of 1.37 to a high of 4.74 with an average of category generated a major part of its financial 2.74. resources from its operations (net profits and reserves) In respect of group - II category co-operative sugar and used the funds in current assets for further growth mills, The National co-operative sugar mills ltd. had of the operations. The strategy yielded positive results a storage cycle in days with an average of 131.50 in maximizing the returns more than five years out days, also posted the lower collection cycle in days of ten years during the study period. with an average of 27.50 days and also recorded the Among the group - II co-operative sugar mills that turnover of working capital ratio was 6.33 with C.V. have shown a moderate scale of operations, both of percent of 121.73. them have managed the resources quite effectively. Madurantakam co-operative sugar mills ltd. recorded Both co-operative sugar mills have generated the net raw material cycle in days with an average of substantial funds from their operations and depending 127.50 days gets the conversion cycle for only one on external borrowings. In respect of uses, they spent day in all the years of the study period. This co- in expanding the current assets to support the growth operative sugar mill posted a shorter duration in this of operations. respect. It was possible due to its efficiency in The co-operative sugar mills in the group - III suffered reducing the stocks of work in progress. And also from a high scale of operations. Both co-operative the co-operative sugar mill posted the total operating sugar mills under the group - III have generated cycle in days with an average of 108.70 days. substantial funds from its operations and depending Among the group - III category co-operative sugar on external borrowings. In respect of uses of the mills, The Dharmapuri District co-operative sugar funds, discharging of fixed liabilities as well current mills ltd. posted the higher net raw material cycle liabilities namely working capital loans and sundry with an average of 104.60 days, also recorded the
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 99 lowest collection cycle with an average of 94.20 days development effort on sugarcane is taken. So, the and also posted the turnover of working capital ratio Government should initiate to improve the sugar average of 1.74 and C.V. percent of 167.98. cultivation where yields, sugar cane and sugar are to Thus, the hypothesis stating that there is a significant be improved substantially. difference among the groups of the selected co- operative sugar mills in respect to the scale of References operating cycles. 1. Archar, S.H., Financial Management, John Suggestions Wiley & Sons, New York, 2008. This study has narrated the ways of encouragement 2. Choudary, S.B., Analysis of Company Financial to sugar cane growers for maximum supply of sugar Statements, Asian Publishing House, New Delhi, cane to the concerned Sugar Mills in order to crush 2014. more sugar cane and maximum sugar production, through which the sugar mills can earn an optimum 3. Cuvan Ward, S., Principles of Financial level of profit. In this way following suggestion for Management, McGraw Hill Book Company, the betterment of function of Cooperative sugar New York, 2013. industry in Tamil Nadu is given. 4. Khan, M.Y., Jain, P.K., Financial Management G The Government of India and State Governments Text Problems, and Cases, Tata McGraw Hill should come forward to create a Quality and publishing company limited, New Delhi, 2010. Performance Monitoring Committee (QPMC) 5. Kuchal, S.C., Financial Management, Chaitanya consisting of representatives from both Publishing House, Allahabad, 2007. Governments, managements of Co-Operative Sugar Mills, local farmers and employees to take 6. Kulkarni, P.V., Satya Prasad B.G., Financial collective decision an efficient performance of Co- Management, Himalaya Publishing House, Operative Sugar Mills. Mumbai, 2005. G The authority of Co-operative sugar mills should 7. Macmillan, Financial Management, Indian take necessary step to equip with modern Institute of Banking and Finance, 2009. instruments such co-generation plant and high pressure boiler for improving the operational 8. Periaswamy, P., Financial Management, 3rd efficiency of these mils. Edition, Vijay Nicole Imprints Pvt. Ltd., Chennai, 2011. G The Government should have a Pro-active Import or Export Policy in order to ensure reasonable 9. Prasanna Chandra, Financial Management sugar prices so that sustainable cane prices are Theory and Practice, 7th Edition, Tata McGraw- paid to the farmers. Hill Publishing Company Ltd., New Delhi, 2009. G Co-operative sugar mills should be allowed to 10 Rama Gopal, CA. C., Financial Management function independently without any intervention Text Cum suggested and Sews, New Age of both central and state Governments, especially International (P) Limited Publishers, New Delhi, in purchase and sell either sugar cane or sugar, 2009. fixing the price of sugar and its by-products and maintaining mills. 11 Ravi, M., Kishore, Management Accounting, Taxmann Publications, New Delhi, 2006. Conclusion The increase of profitability in the co-operative sugar 12. Srivastava, RM., Financial Management and industry, it is mandatory to reduce the cost of Policy, Himalaya publishing house, Mumbai, cultivation and improving the productivity per unit, 2007. which is possible through new research innovations, 13.Sudhindra Bhat, Financial Management technological interventions, and mechanization. It Principal and Practice, Excel Books, New will be effective if an efficient research and Delhi, 2007.
100 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 Cause Related Marketing (CRM) – A Subset of CSR Simranjit Kaur* & Dr Amardeep K. Ahluwalia**
[As the globalization of markets is advancing at a rapid pace, it is becoming increasingly difficult for companies to differentiate and space out their brands from competitors by conventional and predictable attributes, such as price and quality. Even so, consumer expectations from businesses have been growing, so much so that they are socially aware, brand literate and all time vigilant about business activities. In order to become meaningful entities, brands need to be associated with some representative and symbolic values, such as altruism and civic mindedness.] growing number of firms have realized the Corporate Social Responsibility, commonly termed importance of social alliances and are entering as CSR depicts “good citizenship behaviour”. Ainto commercial and social partnerships with According to the United Nation’s Industrial non-profits organizations to achieve their business Development Organization, “CSR is a concept and social objectives. In the light of this, they are whereby organizations incorporate public and designing and developing various Corporate Social ecological issues in their business functions and Responsibility (CSR) programs. The business communications with their stakeholders”. According organizations manifest their CSR through different to the definition of Angelidis and Ibrahim (1993), modes. Under the umbrella of CSR, one of the CSR is “corporate social actions whose purpose is to emerging modes, known as Cause Related Marketing satisfy social needs”. Enderle and Tavis (1998) define (CRM) has started receiving special interest among CSR as “the policy and practice of a corporation’s many Indian business organizations. social involvement over and beyond its legal obligations for the benefit of the society at large”. CRM is one of the growing marketing tools which aim to connect social contribution to product sales. Vanhamme et al. (2012) and Kotler and Lee (2005) It is based on “profit motivated giving”. It is emerging believe that CSR is a general term for organizations as an increasingly popular means of improving “doing good” and covers their deliberate participation marketing associations with customers, equally for in sensitive issues like health and safety at work, human resource management, education, economic the sponsoring company and for the sponsored cause. development, relations with stakeholders (e.g., The main objectives of CRM programs are projected consumers, suppliers, local communities), to improve corporate performance and help worthy environmental protection etc. causes wherein the fund raising for the cause are allied with the purchase of the firm’s products and/ Cause related marketing, a subset of corporate social or services, in which the companies associate their responsibility is a powerful tool to achieve social commercial activities with charitable causes in order change, since it is operationalized through principles to gain publicity, increase sales, and attain other of management and applications of marketing. As a important business objectives. type of Corporate Social Responsibility, CRM has received the interest of specific corporations. For a CRM is a captivating concept in which a social cause long time, the CSR practices have been the focal and a product are intertwined which results in a point of many big corporate giants like Tata, Godrej mutually beneficial partnership for both the company and Mahindra & Mahindra etc., when CRM was not and the cause promoted. Marketing efforts are made even a buzzword. to sell both the cause and the product. Adkins (1999) As CSR adoption has become vital and crucial for claimed that this tool puts the organization in a win- the long-term success of business firms, gradually win situation in the society as it produces the they are embracing their social responsibilities in a organization as a good corporate citizen. very sophisticated manner. CRM as a marketing strategy is developing in an environment of increasing * Asst Prof., University Business School, GNDU, consumer interest in corporate social responsibility. Amritsar. CSR is a holistic approach comprising a range and ** Associate Prof., Dept of Business Management, variety of social accountability assignments being GNDU Regional Campus, Gurdaspur.
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 101 taken up in different forms. Indian companies like return are also dependent upon the society for their ITC, HUL, Tata, P&G, Infosys and others have sustenance and resources. incorporated the CSR practices in their business In India, CSR has been observed as a philanthropic strategy in such a way that they are truly functioning activity. Companies are providing information about hard to work for social, economic and environmental their CSR actions on their websites and CSR reports. betterment of the economy. They are identifying the The Company Law Act of 2013 has laid a 2 per cent areas where people and government needs assistance of average net profit of last 3 years to be mandatorily and these resourceful business houses can lend a spent on CSR by companies having a net worth of helping hand. Rs 5 billion or more or turnover of Rs 10 billion or For instance, ITC contributes towards rural more or net profit of Rs 50 billion or more. development and specifically extends support to the CRM is emerging as one of the essential components farmers in order to improve the living standards of in the portfolio of ways that companies exercise in rural communities. Some of the CSR initiatives of order to contribute as well as gain from their adjacent ITC include E-Choupal Ecosystem, Afforestation communities. In communicating social marketing, Programme, Watershed Development Programme, CRM is a visible activity to demonstrate corporate Sustainable Agriculture, Solid Waste Management, social responsibility whilst at the same time building Women Empowerment etc. At the same time ITC is the business. The recognition, growth and success also executing long term strategic CRM campaigns like “Boond Se Sagar”, making meaningful of CRM in today’s marketplace indicates an emerging contribution towards water conservation. trend – a trend that acknowledges that the growth of business organizations and serving of public interest On every purchase of ITC Ashirwad products, Rs.5 can be jointly and mutually beneficial, wherein the per kg of sales is contributed towards the cause. brand helps the cause and at the same time the cause Another such campaign is “Let’s put India first”, on helps the brand. the sale of every 4 notebooks of ITC Classmate brand, Rs one is donated towards the social cause of Although CRM stems out from CSR activities of a rural children education. corporation, it is different in terms of its objectives Numerous firms since a long time have realized that and approach. CSR is a very wide concept containing CSR and business objectives can have a range of activities. The ways in which a company complementary rather than conflicting goals, and can organize and implement CSR are diverse. The therefore, can be pursued at the same time. Such six main types of CSR, according to Kotler (2005) campaigns are now a popular marketing tool and are are corporate cause promotions, corporate social used in many countries around the world. The rise marketing, corporate philanthropy, community of CRM activities and its continuous growth among volunteering, socially responsible business practices the corporations is due to its positive outcomes and and cause related marketing. CSR allows an sharing of mutual benefits available to all the parties’ organization to support social problems or help concerned. Whether it is the customers, the public, economic issues directly or indirectly while CRM, in the media or the government agencies, the companies real sense, leads to the support of a cause contingent are being continuously assessed on their performance upon consumer involvement in the exchange process. and impact on the outside world. CSR includes activities which are performed by the As the concept of consumerism becomes more robust, corporations as a part of delivering social obligations expectations of consumers and society from business while CRM is something which is marketed by the firms becomes more demanding. Therefore, the corporations to enhance their sales. CSR aims only organizations have to continuously follow some at giving back to the society whereas CRM aims at measures to improve their corporate visibility in the giving as well as receiving something in return from eyes of their stakeholders. The business organizations the society. CRM is an effective technique of are aware that their success is directly linked to the demonstrating, communicating and leveraging the fulfilment and prosperity of public needs. Certainly, practice of CSR as it makes the CSR efforts of a the business and the community, in which it operates, business more visible and comprehensible to a are closely interlinked and share a mutually dependent common man. CRM holds the potential to make a relationship. positive difference to the community, the cause, the The society relies on business organizations for the consumers and the businesses. satisfaction of its needs and these organizations in
102 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 Teaching Effectiveness of Self-Regulated Learning Strategies on Self-Efficacy of 8th Class Students GH. Nabi Dar* [This research work focused on self-motivation of student with self-regulated learning strategies on self- efficacy. The investigator carried on two objectives for the present study like to study mean scores of self- regulated learning strategies in experimental and control groups and to study mean scores of self-efficacy in experimental and control groups. The sample for the present study consisted of 30 students were randomly selected by cluster method and divided into two groups like experimental as well as control group. This study is an experimental in nature with a pre- and post-test research design. Out of a total middle schools of district budgam only some girls’ schools were selected divided into experimental and control groups were formulated based on mean, SD.and t-test were computed for the analysis of the data. For the data collection measurement tools consisted of questionnaires on self-regulated learning, and self-efficacy that were executed as a pre-test in both groups. After which, only the experimental group was administered training in self- regulated learning strategies for one month. The null hypotheses of the study “There will be no significant difference belonging to mean scores of self-regulated learning strategies and self-efficacy in experimental and control groups stands rejected. The results showed the training of self-regulated learning strategies produced a significant positive difference in self-efficacy levels in experimental groups.] here has been an extraordinary change in the that the individual feels commendable, solid and idea of instructive brain research over the most autonomous. Further, these students can choose, set Trecent three decades, to such an extent that up and make proficient learning conditions (Pintrich these days, self-directed learning has become a 2000, Schunk and Ertmer 2000, Wigfield 1994, as significant focal point of research (Pintrich 2000, cited by Walters 2003).Moreover, self-directed Reynolds and Miller 2003 were cited by Torrano students have diverse intellectual methodologies - like Montalvo and Gonzalez Torres 2004). In spite of redundancy and practice and elaboration and the fact that the term ‘self-guideline’ is synonymized association - which they can undoubtedly use for with words, for example, discretion, self-control and better cognizance and improvement of memory in self-heading, different definitions exist for a similar doing their school work (Alexander, Graham and which have emerged from the diverse hypothetical Harris 1998, Weinstein and Mayer 1986, as cited by ideas existing on self-directed learning. Self-managed Walters 2003). During the underlying long periods of learning is characterized as the ability of dynamic subjective change in instructive brain research, for cooperation in the taking in process from the view example during the ’70s and ’80s, look into was purpose of metacognition, inspiration and conduct basically centered around psychological factors, for (Zimmerman 1986, 1989). Self-controlled students example, handling data, subjective styles, learning have abilities from the point of view of metacognitive procedures, earlier information and thinking forms. information and expertise to coordinate their During the 1980s and 1990s, broad research was psychological procedures toward accomplishment and done in the field of inspirational factors – self-idea, individual objectives. convictions, attributions, points, and so on. All in all, They set out on arranging, self-review, self-controlling it tends to be said that countless examinations in the and self-assessment in the various phases of their field of instructive brain science have been learning. From the viewpoint of inspiration, this sort experienced to perceive how self-managed learning of adapting incredibly helps in the improvement of can bring about more elevated levels of instructive appropriate versatile convictions and perspectives in accomplishment in understudies and encourage the field of training, particularly in things like, learning (Lin and Chen1995, Pintrich 1999, inclination in doing school work, exertion, Zimmerman and Martinez-Pons 1986, 1980). determination and so forth., and results in the way A few specialists of instructive brain research in the field of self-directed learning, as, Boakaertz (1999) * Research Scholar, School of Education, DAVV, and so on., stand joined on this point albeit much Indore, MP.
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 103 research has been done as of late on self-managed assignments or in prevailing in scholarly exercises. learning – particularly on learning styles and the Information aggregated have indicated that subjective parts of learning forms less consideration understudies with high self-adequacy take part in their has been paid to the job of self regulated learning as schoolwork meta-subjectively, show determination a many-sided and solid build in different topics, in carrying out their responsibilities, along these lines similar to inspiration and passionate procedures. As bringing about more elevated levels of it were, most research has been constrained to meta- accomplishment. (Pajares 1986, Schunk 1980, intellectual control frameworks and little investigation Pintrich and de Groot 1990). has been done on other control frameworks, for Self-regulated Learning and Self-efficacy (review) example, persuasive, activity, enthusiastic controls Ongoing exploration in the field of self-controlled and different themes identified with arrangement of learning has likewise stressed the significance of the self and target conduct (Rozendaal, Minneart and job of self-adequacy ideas as an inspirational variable Boakaertz, 2005). of self-managed learning. The investigations of Consequently, the present research is centered around Schunk (2000), Schunk and Orthomer (2000) and the hypothesis of self-directed learning and Zimmerman (2001) have demonstrated the positive inspirational viewpoints like. 1098 Jahanshir impact of scholarly self-adequacy convictions on the Tavakolizadeh and Soghra Ebrahimi-Qavam/ procedure of self-guideline. In another examination Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 29 (2011) done in 1990, Schunk, has demonstrated that 1096 – 1104 Jahanshir Tavakolizadeh/Procedia – objective accomplishment alongside an elevated level Social and Behavioral Sciences 00 (2011) 000–000 of self-viability brings about the determination of new self-viability, so as to advance further comprehension testing objectives. There has been a significant of the hypothetical elements of self-directed learning. relationship among self-adequacy, scholarly With respect to self-controlled learning, Shonkoff and accomplishment and self-managed learning in some Philips (2000) have characterized self-guideline as different explores (Mohammad Yari, 2004; Dalir the ability of the youngster to oversee physical Abdinia, 2008). activities, enthusiastic administration and upkeep of Zimmerman, Bandura and Martinez-Pons (1992) consideration and focus; and they accept the have demonstrated that while the self-adequacy of improvement of self-guideline is the reason for early the understudies for self-directed learning is a solid youth development and is obvious in all parts of indicator of scholastic accomplishment, their self- conduct. Bandura (2005) likewise accepts that self- viability for scholarly accomplishment is an indicator guideline is related to a development in wellbeing of definite evaluations and self-guideline objectives. and is of exceptional significance in wellbeing control. Schunk has represented (1994) that powerful self- The idea of self-adequacy returns to the decisions of guideline is related with higher scholarly self-adequacy the person with respect to their abilities in making a of understudies. Besides, as indicated by the specific showing or in adjusting to a specific perspectives on Schunk and Martinez-Pons (1990) circumstance. Studies have discovered that a low understudies with a higher self-viability for the most degree of self-adequacy was connected to bring down part participate in self-managed learning. Studies have degrees of physical cleanliness, in various people additionally shown self-guideline in understudies isn’t (Brekke at al, 2001; Sarker, Ali and Whooley, 2007; just identified with their self-viability on fulfillment Thomson, Riazi and Hobart, 2004; and Stretton et al of their undertakings, yet in addition to properties 2000). picked up in learning endeavors. Jahanshir The consequences of concentrates further show that Tavakolizadeh and Soghra Ebrahimi-Qavam/ low self-viability is likewise identified with various Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 29 (2011) parts of mental cleanliness of people (Ehrenberg, Cox 1096 – 1104 1099 Jahanshir Tavakolizadeh/Procedia and Koopman, 1991; Karademas and Kalantzi-Azizi, – Social and Behavioral Sciences 00 (2011) 000– 2004; Judgge et al, 2002; and Eliss et al, 2008). In 000 One of the compelling methodologies for developing self-adequacy is through preparing. Self- perspective on the equivalent, an expansion in self- directed realizing, that has gotten one of the adequacy can decidedly impact the person’s tomahawks of instructive exercises, is a well-known psychological and physical wellbeing. Convictions in subject in the field of the instructive brain science. self-adequacy have additionally been successful factors in scholastic advancement in school-goers and Research has demonstrated that school understudies can proclaim later abilities in finishing doled out work expanded after they had been shown self-
104 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 managed learning procedures (Butler 1998, Neilans and is made up of 23 questions-17 of which evaluate and Israel 1981, O’Malley 1987), and understudies general efficacy. In the present research, the reliability who had been shown self-controlled learning coefficient for self-efficacy was determined by the techniques turned out to be progressively self-directed Cronbach’s alpha Method (0.65). (Travers and Sheckley 2000). Considering the Results and Discussion referenced hypothetical premise and the reliance of self-directed learning on self-viability, the present In order to proving the effectuality of training in self- research has been experienced to address this regulated learning strategies on self-efficacy in middle- significant inquiry that can the educating of self- school girls. The investigator used the Motivated controlled learning have a significant impact on self - Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (Pintrich & De adequacy. Groot 1990), and the Self-efficacy Questionnaire (Sherer et al 1982) and to compare mean scores of Objectives of the study girls with mean, standard deviation and t-test was G To study difference between mean scores of self- calculated and results have been presents in the bellow regulated learning strategies in experimental and table control groups. Table 1 G To study difference between mean scores of self- To study difference between mean scores of self- efficacy in experimental and control groups. regulated learning strategies in experimental and control Hypotheses of the study groups. G There will be no significant difference belonging to Groups N Mean SD Df t- Signifi mean scores of self-regulated learning strategies in value cance experimental and control groups. Experi 15 23.91 15.80 28 2.71 Signi G There will be no significant difference belonging to mental ficant mean scores of self-efficacy in experimental and Control 15 8.06 6.79 control groups. *significant at 0.05 level of significance Method From the above table it has been found that the mean The sample for the present study consisted of 30 and SD of experimental group were found to be students were randomly selected by cluster method 23.91with SD 15.80 while that of control group was and divided into two groups like experimental as well to be found 8.06 with SD 6.79 and df is 28 The t- as control group. This study is an experimental in value was found to be 2.71 which is significant at nature with a pre- and post-test research design. Out 0.05 level of significance. Therefore, the null of a total middle schools of district budgam only some hypothesis of the study “There will be no significant girls’ schools were selected divided into experimental difference belonging to mean scores of self-regulated and control groups were formulated based on mean, learning strategies in experimental and control groups” SD.and t-test were computed for the analysis of the stands rejected. therefore, there is meaningful data. For the data collection measurement tools difference between differential means of self-regulated consisted of questionnaires on self-regulated learning, strategies in the experimental and control group. and self-efficacy that were executed as a pre-test in both groups. After which, only the experimental group Table 2 was administered training in self-regulated learning To study difference between mean scores of self- strategies for one month. efficacy in experimental and control groups. Measures Groups N Mean SD Df t- Signifi value cance The data collection with the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (Pintrich & De Groot 1990), Experi 15 13.05 14.66 28 2.47 Signi and the Self-efficacy Questionnaire (Sherer et al mental ficant 1982). The Pintrich & De Groot self-regulated control 15 0.30 5.40 learning scale consists of 47 Items. The reliability coefficient for the self-regulated learning questionnaire *significant at 0.05 level of significance of the present study was defined as 0.82 using the From the above table 2 it has been found that the Cronbach’s alpha method. The self-efficacy mean and SD of experimental group were found to questionnaire was prepared by Sherer et al in 1982
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 105 be 13.05 with SD 14.66 while that of control group school students in Tehran. Unpublished master’s was to be found 0.30 with SD 5.40 and df is 28 The Thesis.Tehran university. t-value was found to be 2.47, which is significant at 5. Ehrenberg MF, Cox DN, Koopman RF (1991) The 0.05 level of significance. Therefore, the null relationship between self-efficacy and depression hypothesis of the study “There will be no significant in adolescents. Adolescence. 102361-74. difference belonging to mean scores of self-efficacy 6. Lin, C. S., and Chen, B. L. (1995). A study is to in experimental and control groups” stands rejected. investigate the relationship between junior high therefore, there is meaningful difference between students’ self-regulated learning factors and learning differential means of self-efficacy in the experimental performance and the effects of self-regulated teaching strategy on reading comprehension. and control groups. Journal of Educational Psychology 28, 15-58. Finding of the study 7. Mohammadyari, ghasem (2005). Relationship According to the outcomes appeared above in the among motivation of school achievement, self- tables, the educating of self-regulated learning regulated learning strategies and self-efficacy and procedures had been significantly positive increment school achievement in 3td grade high school students in Tehran. Unpublished master’s Thesis. Allameh in self-efficacy among students. the discoveries are Tabatabaei university. connected with shanks inquire about (1990) which states that training in the techniques of self-regulated 8. Pintrich, P. R. (1999). The role of motivation in promoting and sustaining self-regulated learning. learning affects the people self-efficacy. In addition, International Journal of Educational Research. 31, I additionally read with the investigations of 459-470. Zimmerman, Bandura, Martinez-Pons (1992), Dalir 9. Pintrich, P.R. & De Groot, E. (1990). Motivational Abdinia (1999) and Mohammadyari (2005) in which and self-regulated components of classroom a relationship has been found between self-efficacy academic performance. Journal of Educational and self-regulated learning .Shank (1989) and Psychology. 82, 33–40. Zimmerman and Martinez-Pons (1991) accept that 10. Rozendaal, J.S; Minaert A; and Boekaerts (2005).The self-regulated in understudies is identified with their influence of teacher perceived administration of view of self-efficacy accomplished from great errand self-regulated learning on student’s motivation and consummation. Besides, as indicated by Boufard, information . Learning and Insruction.15, 141-1 Bouchard, Parent and Larivec (1991) and 11. Schunk, D. H. & Zimmerman, B. J. (1994). Self- Zimmerman (1989), effective self-regulated while regulation of learning and performance: Issues and doing schoolwork is identified with an appropriate Educational application. Lawrence Erlbaum sentiment of self-efficacy in learning. Thinking about Associates. the referenced above, the consequences of this 12. Shonkoff, J., & D. Phillips, Eds. (2000). from exploration reasons that self-regulated learning neurons to neighborhoods: The science of early techniques can cause an ascent in the self-efficacy childhood development. A report of the National Research Councilor Washington, DC: National of understudies. Academies Press. References 13. Torrano Montalvo, F., Gonzalez Torres. (2003). Self- 1. Alborzi, S., Samani, S., (1999). comparison regulation learning current and future direction. motivational believes and self-regulated strategies Electronic Journal of Research in Educational for learning among girl and boy students of … center Psychology 2, 1-34. in Shiraz. Journal of humanistic and social 14. Wolters. Christopher A. (2003) Regulation of sciences of Shiraz university. motivation: Evaluating an underemphasized aspect 2. Amadi, Ali (2008). Effect of teaching of self- of self-regulated learning. Educational regulated learning on conceptual thinking of 4th Psychologist. 38, 189-205... grade primary school students in Marvdasht city. 15. Zimmerman, B J. & Martinez-Pons, M. (1988). Unpublished master’s Thesis. Allameh Tabatabaei Construct Validation of a strategy model of student university. self-regulated learning. Journal of Educational 3. Bandura, A (2005) the primacy of self-regulation in Psychology. 80, 284-290. health promotion. Applied Psychology: an 16. Zimmerman, B J., Bandura. A., & Martinez-Pons, M. international review. 54(2), 245- 254 (1992). Self-motivation for academic attainment: 4. Dalir Abdinia, M (1999). Relationship of self- The role of self-efficacy beliefs and personal goal efficacy, goal orientation, self-regulation learning setting. American Educational Research Journal. and school achievement in 3td grade junior-high 29, 663-676
106 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 Growth and Instability of Area, Production and Yield of Onion in India
Dr. Babasaheb Kacharu Wani* [The study investigated the decadal change, compound annual growth and instability of area, production and yield of onion in India. Study is based on secondary data of 40 years (1987-2018) which is extracted from agriculture statistic at a glance, 2019. The average, standard deviation, co-efficient of variance, compound growth rate and instability techniques were used to study the decadal change, growth and instability in area, production and yield of onion. Findings of the study indicated that area of onion cultivation doubled within the period of 20 years (1978-1999). Instability analysis revealed that instability in area and production of onion was interrelated to each other as higher the area result of higher the production. It noticed that higher instability in all three dimensions was found during the period of 1999- 2008. CAGR results noticed that area, production and yield growth rate of area, production and yield was 20.23, 28.26 and 6.86 percent per annum respectively.]
griculture is the backbone of Indian economy the amount of 2985.37 crore. India stood second rank and has a prime role in development. It in global onion market, with about 15 percent share Aprovides livelihood to more than 58 percent in the global exports. India is exporting onions mainly of the labour force (Agriculture Statistics at a Glance, to Bangladesh, Malaysia, Gulf countries, Far East 2019). India has seventh largest country in the world countries, Nepal and Sri Lanka. in term of area and having varied geographical Onion is cultivate in all the states in India, the key condition. Physigraphy and climate of India is producing states are Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, favorable for various horticulture crops. Among the Karnataka, Bihar, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh horticulture crop Onion is one of the vegetable and which together constitute around 79 percent of the commercial crop (Meena, L.K. et al., 2013). It plays area and 80 percent production in the country. an important role in human diet and medicinal values Maharashtra is the first biggest player in both area (Mishra, P. et al, 2013). It improved the taste and (39.53 percent) and production (38.06 percent) of flavor of food. It is also used as a salad. It is grown onion (Agricultural statistic at a glance, 2019). India and consumed widely across the world. India is the produces all three red, yellow and white varieties of second largest producer of onion next to China with onion and it cultivated in all three seasons’ viz., rainy an area of 1.28 million hectares and production of kharif, late kharif (winter) and rabi (summer). 23.26 million tons (2017-18). India, constitute 22.92 Sowing of rainy kharif is during the month of percent share of the total world production. Compared February to April in Southern part of country while to the major onion producing countries, India’s onion in Maharashtra and other parts takes place during production is lower as 12.30 Mt/ha, while Turkey month of May to June. Late kharif is in August to have 30.3 Mt/ha followed by Brazil 23.1 Mt/ha and September and Rabi is in month of October to China 22 Mt/ha (Research Report, 2012-13). Onion November (Immanuelraj, T.K. et al, 2014). The is highly export oriented crop and earn foreign demand of onion is almost constant throughout the currency for the country. Area, production and year and availability of onion is only 7 to 8 months. productivity of onion (Kappa, K., 2014) (Meena, Some time prices of onion shoot up because of poor L.K., et al, 2016) largely govern by market price and storage facilities and mismanagement of government farmers design. Sometime government has ban on export policy. Availability of storage facility plays an export of onion because of fluctuation in production, important role in managing the onion price in the demand and prices (Kulkarni, B.S., et al, 2012). country (Saxena, R. and Ramesh, C., 2017). The According to DGCIS Annual Export report, 2018-19 volatile market price and erratic weather is the major India exported onion of about 19,02,326.65 MT with determinants of fluctuation in onion production. Thus, * Dept. of Geography, Arts, Commerce and Science from food, labour and economic point of view, onion College, Satral, Tal. Rahuri Dist. Ahmednagar. is the important crop. Keeping in view the importance
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 107 of this crop, the present study has been undertaken increased from beginning of study and it was doubled to find out the current scenario, decadal change, within the period of 20 years (1978-1999). Production growth rate and instability of area, production and of onion determined by farmer’s design which is yield of onion. depend on market prices that emerged in the previous Objectives season. Higher prices leads to higher production for the next season and lower prices leads to lower 1. To study the compound annual growth rate of production for the next season (Fatih, H., 2018). Onion area, production and yield of onion. production faced year to year fluctuation. It has 2. To examine the instability of area, production and adverse effect on exports and reputation of India as yield of onion. a global supplier in international market (Ramesh, C. Data base and Methodology et al., 2011). In some years production is too short The study was based on secondary data. The study to fulfill the domestic need that time country had to used annual data of area, production and yield of go for import. During the period 1978-79 to 1898-99 onion over the period of 1978 to 2018. The data production of onion gradual increased with area under were collected from annual report of Agricultural onion expansion. In this period area under onion Statistics at a Glance 2019, which was published by cultivation increased more than doubled from 0.21 Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare million hectares to 0.47 million hectares and Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Government production also more than doubled. It means that at of India. The whole period of data was divided into the initial stage area and production of onion takes four decades viz. 1979-1988, 1989-1998, 1999-2008 21 year period to make doubled. During the period and 2009-2018. The analysis has done decade wise 1978-79 to 2002-2003 yield level remained constant as well as whole period i.e. 1979-2018. Arithmetic between 100 to 110 quintals per hectors. From the mean technique was used for the study of decadal year 2003-2004, area, production and yield recorded growth of area, production and yield of onion. exponential growth. The rate of doubling of area and Compound annual growth rates technique was used production is only five year. (2003-2004 to 2008- to study the growth in area, production and yield of 2009). After 2009-2010, all three dimensions of onion. Co-efficient of variation technique has been production has sharply increased. In the year 2017- applied to study the instability in area, production 18, yield was tremendous increased about 1800 and yield of onion. quintals per hectare. The main reason behind this is the improvement in farming system and the Compound annual growth rate commercial attitude of the farmers. Following formula has been applied for computing Figure 1: Area, production and yield of onion in the compound annual growth rate in percentage: India (1978-79 to 2017-18) CGAR = (End Value/Start Value)^(1/Years) -1x100 Instability analysis (Co-efficient of variation %): To measure the magnitude of variability of area, production and productivity the coefficient of variation was computed by using following formula: Standard Deviation Co-efficient of variance (CV) % = ______x 100 Mean Results and Discussion Scenario of area, production and yield of onion The trends in area, production and yield of onion since 1978-78 to 2017-18 are presented in Figure 1. Area under onion cultivation was continuously
108 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 Mean and decadal change of area, production and production of onion Table 1: Mean and decadal change of area, production and yield of onion in India Area Production Yield Period Million Decadal Million Decadal Quintals/ Decadal Hectares change Tonnes change ha change 1979-1988 0.27 — 2.73 — 103 — 1989-1998 0.37 0.10 3.86 1.13 105 2.91 1999-2008 0.57 0.21 7.10 3.24 120 14.38 2009-2018 1.15 0.58 19.00 11.90 164 44.53
Overall (1979-2018) 0.59 0.32 8.18 5.44 123 20.50 Source: Compiled by researcher (2009-2018) mean value of area, production and yield Table 1 revealed that mean value of area and has sharply increased compared to previous three production and yield of onion were continuously decades. During the period of investigation mean increased from first decade (1979-1988) to fourth value of production was increased more as compare decade (2009-2018). During the period of to area and yield. The changing pattern of area, investigation mean area was increased by 0.32 million production and yield was showed that the farmers of hectares while mean production was increased by India were growing more onion because it is high 5.44 million tonnes. Similarly mean yield increased earning crop as compare to other vegetable crops. by 20.50 quintals/ha. In the last decade of study Instability of area, production and yield of onion in India Table 2: Coefficient of variation of area, production and yield of onion in India Period Coefficient of variation (%) area Production Yield 1979-1988 9.07 10.79 4.23 1989-1998 15.09 16.51 5.98 1999-2008 24.76 41.25 15.92 2009-2018 14.79 19.44 7.57 Overall (1979-2018) 61.83 84.72 22.41 Source: Compiled by researcher 1988) for area, production and productivity with 9.07, 10.79 and 4.23 percent as compared to the rest of Table 2 revealed that highest instability was recorded decades and overall period. Instability analysis during the overall period (1979-2018) with respect revealed that instability in area and production of to area, production and yield 61.83 percent, 84.72 onion was interrelated to each other as higher the percent and 22.41 percent respectively as compared area gives higher the production. However, instability to each decade. Variability in area, production and in yield depends on may be weather condition, yield of onion were continuously increased up to third availability of irrigation and modern agricultural decade afterward it goes down. However, higher technology (Mishra, P. et al, 2013). instability in all three dimensions was found during the decade 1999-2008. In this decade area, production Compound annual growth rate of area, production and yield instability recorded 24.76 percent, 41.25 and yield of onion in India percent and 15.92 percent respectively. The co- Table 3: Compound annual growth rate of area, efficient of variation was lowest in first decade (1978- production and yield of onion in India
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 109 Compound Growth Rate (%) Period Area Production Yield 1979-1988 3.25 3.31 0.41 1989-1998 5.11 6.32 1.26 1999-2008 6.03 11.90 5.63 2009-2018 5.78 7.59 1.63 Overall (1979-2018) 20.23 28.26 6.86 Source: Compiled by researcher high yielding verities which is grown in regional agro Compound Annual Growth Rates (CAGR) of area, climatic condition. production and yield of onion for a period of four References decades (1978-79 to 2017-18) were calculated and 1. Agricultural Statistics at a Glance, (2019). Government of the results are presented in the Table 3. Table revealed Government of India Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers that the area under onion cultivation has increased Welfare Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers by 3.25 percent in the first decade (1979-88) to a Welfare Directorate of Economics and Statistics high of 6.03 percent per annum in third decade (1999- 2. Fatih, Hanci (2018). A Comprehensive Overview of Onion Production: Worldwide and Turkey, Journal of Agriculture 2008). Production of onion recorded highest and Veterinary Science, 11(9):17-27 compound growth rate during the third decade (1999- 3. Immanuelraj T K, Dastagiri M. B. and Sajesh V. K., (2014). 2008) that was 11.90 percent per annum. During the Growth and Instability of Onion Production in Maharashtra, fourth decade (2009-2018) compound annual growth India, Journal of Global Economics, 2(1):1-4. rate of production was declined as compare to 4. Kappa, Kondal (2014).Growth Rate of Area, Production previous decade it was 7.59 percent per annum. The and Productivity of Onion Crop in Andhra Pradesh, Indian yield of onion recorded significant growth up to third Journal of Applied Research, 4(3):1-6. decade (1999-2008) afterward it was declined that 5. Kulkarni, B. S., Patil, S.M. and Ramchandra, V. A. (2012). was 1.63 percent per annum. The compound annual Growth trends in area, production and export of onion from India -An economic analysis. Internat. J. Com.& Bus. growth in area, production and yield during overall Manage, 5(2): 159-163. period was found to be 20.23, 28.26 and 6.86 percent 6. Lokesh Kumar Meena, Shoji lal Bairwa, Meera Kumari per annum respectively. and M.K. Wadhwani (2016), Performance of Onion in Bihar Conclusion - An economic analysis, Economic Affairs, 61(2): 299-304. 7. Meena, L.K., Sen, C. and Bairwa, S. L., Jhajharia and The study stated that growth and instability of area, Raghuwanshi, N.K. (2013). Economics of Garlic Production production and yield of onion during the last four in Baran District of Rajasthan; Break Even Analysis, Asian decade. During the first decade area under onion Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development 3(10): 697- cultivation increase at the compound annual growth 701. rate of 3.25 percent per annum while an increase in 8. Mishra P, Sarkar C, Vishwajith KP, Dhekale BS, Sahu PK. yield was at slow pace at rate of 0.41 percent per (2013). Instability and forecasting using ARIMA model in area, production and productivity of onion in India. Journal annum. All three damnation recorded highest of Crop and Weed, 9(2):96–101. compound growth and instability during the third 9. Ramesh Chand, S. S. Raju, Sanjeev Garg and Lal Mani decade. In the fourth decade area, production and Pandy, (2011). Instability and Regional Variation in Indian yield growth declined compare to previous decade. Agriculture, Policy Paper 26, Published by National Centre There is urgent need to enhance area and production for Agricultural Economics and Policy Research New Delhi by applying modern agricultural technology as well 10. Research Report, (2013). Trends in Marketing and Export as enlarge skill of farmers. There is need to increase of Onion in India, National Institute of Agricultural Marketing (NIAM) Jaipur, Rajasthan yield of onion for fulfill the huge domestic demand. 11. Saxena, Raka, and Ramesh Chand. (2017). Understanding To overcome this problem government take initiative, the Recurring Onion Price Shocks: Revelations from give subsidy for construction of better storage facility Production-Trade-Price Linkages. Policy Paper 33, ICAR- and provide high yielding seeds to the onion growers. National Institute of Agricultural Economics and Policy Also government can establish research lab to develop Research (NIAP), New Delhi.
110 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 A study on Creativity and Academic Performance of Upper Primary School Students Manash Protim Neog* Dr. Sima Kalita** [Creativity is the act of turning new and imaginative ideas into reality. It is characterized by the ability to perceive the world in new ways, to find hidden patterns, to make connections between seemingly unrelated phenomena and to generate solution. Creativity enhances the quality of life as well as every aspect of life. It is of utmost importance in life and in education sector right from pre-schools up to higher level of education. It has been observed that the school programme are often not geared to give due place to educational and environmental experiences which are conducive to the development of creative potentialities amongst the children. Creativity refers to having inventive, productive and imaginative qualities. A creative person is able to link the existing information with new information in a productive way. Many a times, the development of the society depends on the creative children. Achievement is the process of achieving something; it means a work is done in a successful manner with due effort or skill. Academic Performance describes academic outcomes that indicate the extent to which a student has achieved their learning objectives, goals etc. ] reativity is the act of turning new and is the gifted ability of human beings in thinking, imaginative ideas into reality. It is inference, and problem solving and product Ccharacterized by the ability to perceive the development. world in new ways, to find hidden patterns, to make Components of creativity connections between seemingly unrelated phenomena Creativity is one of the most essential traits that every and to generate solution in a novel way. Creativity employer desire while hiring an employee. There are denotes a talent for unique combination or unusual four components of creativity. association of ideas. From a managerial perspective, creativity is the conceiving of original and unique Background alternatives to the solution of existing problems. One We live in an increasingly complex world that demands of the pioneers in the research of creativity, Baron individuals who can develop sophisticated creative (1968 ) opined that “Creativity is the essence of solutions to the increasingly complex problems facing making pre-existing objects and elements as new one”. communities and schools (Thurlings, Evers, & The field of creativity studies has roots in the 1950s Vermulen,2015). Research in creativity has , 1940s and 1930s.Domain differences were encompasses numerous disciplines. Consequently, examined in the 1930s(Patrick,1935.1937.) and within education, the importance of creativity is now Social criteria of creativity relying on consensual widely recognized as an essential 21st century skill. agreement go back at least to 1950(Stein, (Donovan, Green& Mason, 2014; Rotherham 1953).Guildford(1950) is often credited with &Willingham, 2010.). In National Education Policy publishing the first compelling argument that creativity 2020, of India also has given creativity its due space can be studied scientifically. Creativity is often defined giving importance to creativity in education sector. in three ways : creativity as the final product , Several studies were conducted in various aspects of creativity as a creative process, and creativity as part creativity throughout the globe. Naderi et al. (2009) of the social system. According to Guilford (1950), Found creativity as low predictor of academic “Creativity sometimes refers to creativity potential, performance whereas Gralewski & Karwowski sometimes to creative production and sometimes to (2012) found significant relationship between the two creative productivity”. Therefore it can be said that variables. Surapuramath. (2014) found that there is creativity is the ability or capacity of a person to slightly positive relationship between creativity and discover and explore new areas to create or produce academic achievement of secondary school a new idea, theory and object including the students.Zhang,Ren, & Deng (2020) found that there rearrangement or reshaping of what already exist. It was a positive relationship between creativity and * Research ScholarAssistant Professor, Department of academic achievement and also found that a positive Education, Gauhati University. significant difference between girl and boy primary
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 111 school students toward creativity and academic iii. Upper primary school students: Students studying performance. Chandrasekara & Kappagoda (2019) at class VIII were considered as upper primary found that students who have the characteristics of school students. the adventure creative talent are having higher Area of the Study performance level in both academic activities and extracurricular activities. Rani (2016) found that there Jorhat is one of the administrative districts of Assam exists a significant difference in creativity between situated in the central part of the Brahmaputra valley. boys and girls in senior secondary school students. The district is bounded by Lakhimpur district on Baer & Kaufman (2008)’s study revealed that there north, Nagaland state on the south, Sivsagor on the is a consistent lack of gender differences both in east and Golaghat on the west. The total area of creativity test scores and in creative accomplishments Jorhat district is 2,851 Sq. kilometer. It has two of boys and girls. Dutta & Chetia also (2018) found subdivisions namely Titabor and Jorhat. Literacy rate that there was no significant mean difference on of Jorhat district is 83.42%. This district of Assam creativity between boys and girls.Results of different has a rich cultural heritage. No study related to studies are found to be inconclusive. Therefore, it creativity at the upper primary school level till date, was felt imperative to study creativity and academic was done in Jorhat district. Therefore, Jorhat block, performance in Jorhat district of Assam, India. of this particular administrative district of Assam, India was selected as the study area of the present study. Need and Significance of the Study Objectives Today’s competitive world requires a competitive brain for which creativity is the most important factor. i. To find out the various dimensions of creativity It has been observed that the school programme are (Fluency, Flexibility and Originality) of the upper often not geared to give creativity its due place in Primary School students of Jorhat Block of Jorhat educational sector. If children with creative ability District. are identified in schools in the childhood stage, the ii. To compare the various dimensions of creativity holistic development of children is possible. of the boys and girls. Literature review has shown the relationship between iii. To enquire if there exists any significant gender creative potential and academic performance of the difference in academic performance due to students. Therefore, school has to take care of the creativity. creativity of every child right from the childhood. In iv. To find out the relationship between creativity the upper primary level, the students step in the and academic performance of upper primary adolescent period and every aspect of development school students. is at its top, in this stage. Therefore, it was felt Hypotheses important to study the creativity of upper primary school students more particularly the students of class HO1: There exists no significant gender difference VIII. From the review of literature, it has been found between the various dimensions of creativity . that there was a research gap in the field of creativity HO2: There exists no significant gender difference in India in general and the in the state of Assam in in academic performance of lower primary school particular. Therefore, it was felt imperative to conduct students due to creativity. a study on creativity and to see its relation with the Ho3: There is no significant relationship between academic performance of the sample students. creativity and academic performance of upper primary Operational definitions of the key terms school students . i. Creativity: In this study, the creativity refers to Design of the Study the fluency, flexibility and originality of the class The present study used descriptive research study in VIII students of Jorhat block. Here creativity was order to obtain data related to different variables and assessed with the help of standardized scale by also to observe the relationship between different Baqer Mehdi. variables. In the present study respondents consisted ii. Academic performance: Academic performance of the students studying in the class VIII at the upper refers to the internal and external assessment of primary level. Here, an attempt was made to see the class VIII students of Jorhat block. Here relationship between creativity and academic academic performance was assessed with the help performance of the students and also to find out the of a self-prepared academic performance test.
112 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 gender difference between male and female students It was a cross sectional study conducted with the in creativity. lower primary school students. Data were collected Method within October 2019 to January 2020. Students of both genders were included. Students were explained In the present study, descriptive survey method has with the purpose of the study and assured that their been used. responses would be kept confidential. At first the Population and Sample personal data were collected through the Personal All the students of upper primary level, of Jorhat Data Sheet and then Baqer Mehdi’s Verbal Creativity block of Jorhat district were the population of the scale was administered. At last the Academic study. Performance Test was given to the students. Table 1. Distribution of Sample Statistical Techniques used for data analysis Gender Boys Girls Total Data was analysed with the help of SPSS version 25 using Percentage analysis, Mean ,Standard 80 80 160 Deviation,‘t’ test and ?2 (Chi square) test . Table 1 has shown the sample distribution on the Results, Analysis and Discussion basis of gender. After collection the data were analyzed systematically. 80 boys and 80 girls were selected randomly from 4 Table 3. Mean score of Various Dimensions of primary schools of Jorhat Block, under Jorhat district creativity of Upper Primary school Students of Assam. Dimensions Number of Mean Sampling Technique students In this study Simple Random sampling technique was Fluency 160 19.13 used. Here Random Number Table was used for sample selection. Flexibility 160 18.66 Variable Originality 160 13.36 In this study, independent and dependent variables Table 3 has been shown that mean fluency score of were used. upper primary school students of Jorhat block was Table 2. Variables of the Study ahead of the mean scores of flexibility and originality. Independent Variable Dependent Variable Low Creativity Creativity Academic performance The above table has depicted that the significant value was greater than 0.05 level. This leads to acceptance of null hypothesis Ho3. Such result has indicated Sources of Data that the creativity and academic performance was a. Primary sources not related in case of the sample upper primary school Here the data collected through the scale of students. creativity and academic performance test The present study has revealed that creativity and represented the primary sources of data. academic performance was not related in case of b. Secondary sources upper primary school students of Jorhat block of Data collected from various Published Govt reports, Jorhat district. It has also revealed significant gender journals, Books, Dissertation etc. acted as the difference in creativity. However, this study revealed secondary sources of data. that no significant gender difference existed in academic performance of upper primary school Tools used for Data Collection students due to creativity in the study area. Several i. Personal data sheet. studies have consensus with the present study. Naderi, ii. Baqer Mehdi’s Verbal Creativity scale has been Abdullah, Aizan & Kumar (2009) had found creativity used in the study. as a low predictor of academic performance. Balgiu & Adir (2013) also found that there exists no relation iii. Self-constructed academic performance test. Here between various dimensions of creativity and content validity was tested. academic performance. Whereas many studies had Procedure confrontation with the findings of the present study.
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 113 Nami et al. (2014) found a positive a significant 7. Thurlings, M., Evers,A.T.,Vermeulen,M. relationship between creativity and academic (2015).Toward a model of teachers’ innovative performance of students. Studies of Surapuramath behaviour: A literature review. Review of (2014)found slightly positive relationship between Educational Research,85,430-471. creativity and academic achievement .This study has 8. Donovan,L., Green, T.D., Mason, confrontation in findings related to gender difference C.(2014).Examining the 21st century classroom : and creativity also with the present study and it stated Developing an innovation configuration map. Journal of Educational Computing Research ,50, that there is no significant difference in creativity 161-178. between boys and girls .Findings of Dutta & 9. Rotherham,A.J.Willingham,D.T.(2010).”21st Chetia(2018)’s study also has no consensus with the Century “Skills: Not new, but worthy challenge. findings of present study. Gralewski & Karwowski American Educator ,Spring,17-20 (2012)’s study also has confrontation with the present 10. Naderi H. , Abdullah R. , Aizan , Sharir J., Kumar study. V.(2009). Creativity , age and gender as predictors Limitations of the study of academic Achievement among undergraduate No study is free from limitations. Some inherent students .Journal of American Science, 5(5),101- 112 limitations of the present study are listed here. The sample size of the present study was not very large. 11. Gralewski J., Karwowski M.(2012).Creativity and Had it been done with a large sample taking students School Grades: A case from Poland .Thinking Skills from more than one blocks the result would have and Creativity, 7(3),198-208 been more dependable. As the sample size was not 12. Surapuramath, A.K. (2014). A Study of relationship very large and area of the study was small, the findings between creativity and academic achievement of of the present study cannot be generalized to the secondary school pupils. International Journal of Social Science, 3, 305-309. entire population of Jorhat district , Assam , India. 13. Zhang,W. Ren,P & Deng,L.(2020). Gender Conclusions Differences in the Creativity -Academic Many researchers have conducted studies taking Achievement relationship: A study from China. The creativity as an independent variable or dependent Journal of creative behaviour , 54(3), 725-732. variable. In the present study creativity was taken as 14. Chandrasekara , PGRB & Kappagoda , an independent variable and it has no association with UWMRSSCB(2019). Impact of Creativity towards academic performance of the sample students. performance of undergraduates of Rajarata Regarding gender difference and creativity, it is naïve University of Sri Lanka. International Journal of to say one gender is more creative than the other Scientific and research publications ,9(11), 787- one. The current study has established gender 802. difference in creativity. If good environment and 15. Rani , S. (2016). A study of creativity among senior proper stimulation is provided to the students there secondary school students in relation to their socio- is every possibility that every child will come out as economic status .Scholarly research journal for creative individual. interdisciplinary studies ,4(27), 3151-3157. 16. Baer J. & Kaufman J.C. (2008). Gender Differences References in Creativity .The Journal of Creative Behaviour , 1. Baron, F.X. (1968). Creativity and Personal 42(2), 321-332. Freedom. New York: Van Nostrand. 17. Dutta J. & Chetia P.(2018) .A Study on Creativity of 2. Patrick, C. (1935). Creative Thoughts in poets. Secondary school students in Lakhimpur and Archives of Psychology, 26,1-74 Sonitpur Districts of Assam. journal of humanities 3. Patrick, C. (1937). Scientific Thought in Artists. and social science , 5(9),11-17. Journal of Psychology, 5,55-83 18. Balgiu B.A. & Adir Victor (2013) .Creativity Tasks 4. Patrick, C. (1938). Scientific Thought. Journal of and Academic Achievement : a study on Romanian Psychology,5,55-83 Politechnica Undergraduate students .Procedia – 5. Stein, M.I. (1953). Creativity and Culture. Journal Social and Behavioural Sciences ,116, 924-928 of Psychology, 36,31-322 19. Nami Y., Marsooli H.& Ashouri M.(2014). The 6. Guildford. (1950). Creativity. American relationship between creativity and academic Psychologists, 5,444-454 achievement. Social and Behavioural Sciences, 114,36-39
114 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 Assessing the Impact of Covid 19 – Major Stressors and Stress Management Strategies
CA. Kamakshi Mehta* Dr. Shikha Sharma**
[The recent outbreak of COVID – 19, corona virus of the SARS family, is a respiratory disease highly infectious in nature. With its epic center at Wuhan a province in China. Covid pandemic has transformed personal, professional, business and organizational lives as it has brought in a global stand still. The deadly virus has not only taken up the lives of the humans but also has put stigma on the lives of living people as well. The global community wide spread of the virus has severally impacted the global and mental health of the country’s economic and public health. The present study puts forth the major coping strategies like meditation, financial assistance from the government etc. which can be used to combat these stressors which are an outcome of the terrorizing COVID – 19 infection.]
he year 2020 “red carpeted” a deadly virus Research Methodology the “COVID -19”. The new year eve, 31st of Published articles concerning mental health related TDecember 2019 saw an outbreak of a new to the COVID-19 outbreak and other previous global corona virus from the SARS family which spread infections have been considered and reviewed. among humans in the Wuhan province of China. The Literature review virus has since then not only terrorized China but also has shaken the whole world to the very core. The current outbreak of the corona virus infection The intensity of the spread and its lethality has been has proved to a highly infectious disease and has updated continuously by various agencies including been marked as deadly due to the extreme intensity the national, international health agencies and the of its spreading capability. It is an undisputed fact global media. Currently all governments and health that every country is putting their best foot forward agencies are only concerned with the impact of this to fight the deadly monster. Despite all the efforts deadly virus on the physical health of the humans. taken by the countries to counteract the spreading of The mental and psychological impacts have till now the virus, there is still a major gap in the strategies to been totally ignored. A respiratory syndrome due to be taken up in dealing with the mental stress issues. pneumonia has put Wuhan (China) in the spotlight The various measures taken to contain the virus have since December 2019 (Li et al, 2020). The study has included the strategies of lockdown and isolation have linked the origin of the virus to the sea food wholesale paved a way to major mental health problems market in Huanan (Y. Chen, Liu & Guo, 2020). The including high level of stress, depression, frustration, researcher has detailed in his paper the measures taken insomnia, anger and fear. The high level of by the Chinese authorities who include the closing of uncertainty regarding the economy, job stability, the markets, rapid health measures, intensive checking treatment costs also have collectively made a major (N. Chen, Zhou, et al., 2020). dent in the psychological strength of the public. Objectives The study laid specific impact on the fact that the health care providers should lay emphasis on health 1. To study of major stressors of COVID - 19 on disorders arising from not only on the physical but the humans. also the neurological symptoms (Jeong et al, 2016). 2. To recommend strategies to combat these The research has advocated that a mental health stressors. support plan and minimum 6 months follow up should be provided to all patients who have been kept in isolation for treatment (Lin et al, 2007).The health * Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, care workers, the medical staff, the law enforcement Amity University, Haryana. agencies are all under massive risk of mental stress ** Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, resulting psychiatric disorders. They are the people Amity University, Haryana.
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 115 who are the front runners in this fight against the economy has resulted in lowering of interest rates by virus and thus highly prone to stress and depression the banks thus resulting in the lowering of their income (Lee et al, 2018). The study has focused on the extent which is further threatening their financial survival. of penetration of the Post-traumatic stress disorder It is very evident that the stress has stressed all groups (PTSD) in the society due to the COVID 19 virus. irrespective of their age, gender or socio – economic The researcher has concluded that the outbreak has status. An analysis by different researchers have resulted in a direct increase of approx. 7 % in the revealed that the categories, based on age cases of major depression. The factors that increase discrimination, having been impacted the maximum the risk of stress have been highlighted by the study are the children and the elderly people. as follows the lower socio and economic status, interpersonal conflicts, extensive use of social media Impact of COVID-19 on children news etc (Heather Mowbray, The age group from one to 16 are said to be the part 2020). The findings of the research suggested that of the luckiest age group as they are not burden with the conflicting information that is received during the the complexities of life. They live their life in most lockdown period results in much higher and acute carefree environment far away from financial burdens stress levels. The users who were involved in heavy and societal issues. But the stressful environment usage of social media platforms tend to experience surrounding them due to the higher levels of stress. Thus, the researcher has COVID impact has confused and stressed them recommended monitoring of social medias so as to without them understanding how to overcome them. exercise control on media exposure to misleading The elders are so involved in dealing with their own information (Purgato et al., 2018). The fear of stress levels that they tend to ignore the mental issues uncertainty leads to increase in the level of anxiety of their children thus making the issues worse. Since of both the persons effected and not effected by the youngsters are totally confused as they fail to disease of situation. The intense public fear results in understand what is so serious and deadly about discrimination among the society members another variety of cough and cold. They feel grounded (Mowbray,2020). as if they have been punished and the irony is that Major Stressors of COVID -19 they don’t know why. Again, if someone from their family has been infected by the virus it becomes very An inherent characteristic of human nature is to fear difficult for them to handle. Both the younger and the unknown and the uncertain. The intense level of older children may resort to anger and irritability to uncertainty of the future has resulted in the highest showcase their dissent on their being locked away degree of stress, fear and concern. These reactions from their friends and their playgrounds. Parents may are very natural and everyone at whichever age level fail to give them the right amount of emotional is experiencing the heat of the situation. The children security as they themselves are going through so are getting frustrated as they are not able to understand much of stress. This mishandling of the children the gravity of the situation which has deprived them emotions may result in a major negative impact on from all out door games. The youth is frustrated with the children mental state. the lock down as they feel disconnected from the social life and their friends. They are also unsure of Parents and elders can easily address this situation their future as their career is yet to start and the and prevent their children from going into depression economy is heading into a headlong collision with and frustration. All that the children need is the love global recession. The middle age group is stressed and attention from their parents and elders. They with the economy going down, the lockdown resulting just want to feel wanted and responsible and this can into an accelerated move towards recession. The be easily done by explaining them the situation in a insecurity relating to job stability, salary cuts or simple way, giving them some responsibilities, keeping business and industry heading towards closures due them busy with some creative work. to lock down. The fast-paced move of business loans Impact of COVID -19 on the elderly turning into Nonperforming assets due to non- The age group of 60 and above have already entered payment of loans resulting from loss of business. that phase in life where they feel left out and Last but not the least our senior citizens are under unwanted. They become more and more insecure immense fear of survival as their main source of and feel like a burden to their family members. This income is interest on their savings. The falling age group witness an already increasing health issues
116 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 and to top it all they deal with the insecurity and fear i.e. how this deadly virus has changed the created an of contracting Corona virus. The media and the health environment of uncertainty among all the age groups organisations day in and day out stress the fact that of the society. Humans feel uncertain about their the death numbers are higher in this age group due to future as children feel stress regarding their education corona. The mental pressure and stress have already and elder have their own serious issues regarding passed the danger levels. Their children are busy with financial stability and health concerns. The present handling their own financial and mental insecurities study also puts forth the strategies which can be that they totally forget that the elders in their family adapted to overcome these stressors like mediation, are much more vulnerable to this stress. This can be socialising through web, financial assistance etc. resolved by giving them more time and care. Making Although this pandemic has many cons to it but on them aware that they are not unwanted and burden the brighter side it has also taught us sustainable ways to the family. of along with spending more time with family. Strategies for coping stress: Recommendations References WHO has taken the present and future predicted 1. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/ impact of the virus and its remedial measures very novel-coronavirus-2019/ seriously? It is issuing advisories with directives for the dealing with the critical situation. It is continuously 2. Jeong, H., Yim, H. W., Song, Y.-J., Ki, M., Min, monitoring the situation over the countries together J.-A., Cho, J., Chae, J.-H. (2016). Mental health with the respective national status of people isolated due to Middle East authorities. The organisation is offering its valuable Respiratory Syndrome. Epidemiology and Health. insights on the tools and techniques to handle the 3. Lee, S. M., Kang, W. S., Cho, A.-R., Kim, T., issues. Park, J. K. (2018). Psychological impact of the Dr Hans Kluge, director WHO, has highlighted that 2015 MERS outbreak on hospital workers and the best way to fight this mental stress, resulting from quarantined haemodialysis patients. the measures implemented to contain the virus, is Comprehensive Psychiatry. stay connected with the society even by following 4. Lin, C.-Y., Peng, Y.-C., Wu, Y.-H., Chang, J., the rules of social distancing. The mental stress levels Chan, C.-H., Yang, D.-Y. (2007). The can be grounded by feeling wanted and making others psychological effect of severe acute respiratory feel the same. Everyone should try and connect and syndrome on emergency department staff. check on each other through calls, video chats, Emergency Medicine Journal. messaging etc. The best method to fight our fears is 5. Purgato, Marianna & Gross, Alden & Betancourt, to acknowledge them and discuss them instead of ignoring them and letting them become a mental Theresa& Bolton, Paul & Bonetto, Chiara & burden. Gastaldon, Chiara & Gordon, James & O’callaghan, Paul & Papola, Davide & Peltonen, Special efforts should be directed towards the Kirsi & Punamäki, Raija-Leena & Richards, individuals who have been infected or whose families Justin & Staples, Julie & Unterhitzenberger, have been infected. Special care should take for Johanna & Ommeren, Mark & Jong, Joop & dealing with stress of law enforcers and health care Jordans, Mark & Tol, Wietse & Barbui, Corrado. professionals. Studies related to mental health patients (2018). of COVID 19 are very few but various researchers have, highlighted the possibility of predicting the 6. Mowbray, H. (2020). In Beijing, coronavirus causes and consequences of the stress on mental 2019-nCoV has created a siege mentality. British health. The researcher has laid emphasis on the Medical Journal, 2020, 368. recommendation that the issues related to increasing 7. Zhu, N., Zhang, D., Wang, W., Li, X., Yang, B., mental health problems can be resolved by community Song, J., Zhao, X., Huang, B., Shi, W., Lu, R., interventions and support both financial and 8. Niu, P., Zhan, F., Ma, X., Wang, D., Xu, W., psychological (Purgato et al., 2018). Wu, G., Gao, G. F., Tan, W. (2020). A novel Conclusion coronavirus from patients with pneumonia in The present study presents all the possible causes of China, 2019. stress due the pandemic on the all the ages of humans
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 117 Education System: Problems and Reforms Dr. Mridusmita Devi* ince independence India has been formulated Statement of the Problem numerous of state policy for education for the Even after several education-policies which have been Sstudents belongs to school, college and formulated and implemented at various educational university. During Rajiv Gandhi regime a new levels e.g. primary, middle, secondary and senior education policy has formulated and executed in the secondary level; the standard of education is not in schools at different educational and executed in the accordance with the present changing scenario. During school at different educational hierarchy. Every year 80s and 90s and the recent decade, a considerable the central and the state governments spent millions socio-economic changes have been taken place at a of rupees for conducting seminars, conferences and global level. There is considerable change in demand symposiums at college, university, national and of job-oriented education. international levels. It has been observed that the As we have observed that the indigenous and millions of rupees have been spent on research and multinational companies have a demand for the development for making a considerable improvement personnel who possess professional qualification in our educational system. rather than stereo-type degree or diploma which has The scholars and the professionals belong to different almost zero value for employment orientation. On streams have been throwing an adequate light on the other hand, the number government jobs various problematic areas of the educational system generation capacity is decreasing day by day in the and planning. On the basis of their findings, they changing scenario. Except few services, a suggest some of strong points for ameliorating the considerable number of services rendered, are education-system at different school levels e.g. replaced by the private sector. As a result, the services primary levels, middle levels and secondary and the become more efficient and responsive for the public. senior secondary levels. As a result, these innovative Same is the case of the agencies which act as catalytic techniques are implemented at different school levels factor for urbanization and industrialization. Large and indicate some of strong points and weak points. numbers of real estate companies are coming up for They also throw some of light on the opportunities developing residential and industrial estates in various as well as the threats, which includes internal threats pockets in India. As a result, large number of as well as the external threats. ‘positions’ are created for job-oriented professionals. Present paper is expected to suggest some of Various studies carried out by different educational innovative methods and techniques which may be institutions indicate their various findings on the proved conducive to ameliorate the existing educational planning and their implementation. It has educational system to a considerable extent. There been observed that the muslim dominated areas have may be some of experiments, which may throw an experienced a heavy drop-out rates for the girls at a adequate light on various problematic areas of primary and secondary levels. In this connection, curriculum, teachers-student relationships, teacher- there are several studies which indicate a strong students ratio, teaching methods, narrowing the gap prejudices against the girls education. It is the ‘mind- between theory and practice of school education, the set’ of the parents, who always prove a ‘wet blanket’ quality of education through TQM (Total Quality for the girl’s education. Secondly, the poverty which Management), so that the educational system may become an other hurdle for higher drop-out especially be developed as ‘productive thoroughly’. among those who have low income. That is why, every child who goes to school, tend to earn to meet * Assistant Professor, Department of Education the expenses of their families rather than attending Pragiyotish College,. their classes in the school.
118 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 In the rural society, where the girl child is often Privatization has led to made the education, more engaged with her primary job to entertain her younger costly, than that of previous years. As a result only brother/sister. In this situation, she is often neglect ‘well off’ families are in a position to afford this ‘costly her studies at the cost of her domestic tasks. This education’. And rest of the economically and the type of tendency has given rise to dropping out the depressed sections of the society, send their children children during primary educational level even. The either in the ordinary schools or in the government situation of drop-out among ST/SC and OBC is schools. Though Hon’ble Supreme Court has given worsen as compare to general castes. The situation the direction for making reservation of 25 per cent in the rural areas is also worsen than that of urban for the economically weaker section of society, but it areas. has not been executed effectively, by the public / The other problems related to curriculum of the private schools. It is the plight, faced by the needy syllabi, is generally out dated. It is more theoretical and deserving students. rather than practical, as a result; it is least utilized in Opening of large number of open universities and its application for the development for the students. institutions has led to increasing a sizable numerical It leads to lop-sided development. The stereo-type strength of ‘degree selling’ centres. As a result, they of education does not contribute any thing for all provide degree only without considering the quality round personality development. of education services, rendered by them. The teachers, especially belong to government The private institutions are exploiting the students schools, do not bother much about the student. They along with their parents. They are also exploiting the are least responsive to the students activities and their teachers too. They are paying very low salary as actions taken in and outside the schools. They are compare to the government institutions. As a result, almost indifferent from the “extra-curricular activities” it becomes very difficult to survive on this salary. done by the students, resulted in indiscipline among The second living effect of low salary is the the students, especially in the rural areas. The recruitment of less qualified teachers for their school. teacher’s ‘indifferent attitude’ is solo responsible for As a result, the teachers do not meet the requisite deteriorating the student’s conditions. And ultimately standard of educational services rendered. it has lead to student’s unrest. It is all, because of The teachers belong to government schools often faulty educational system. indulge in extra duties which are allotted from time The semester system which has been introduced in to time. As a result, the teachers do not have full some of the states at school level, did not achieve time to pay their attention towards the students. For the desired result. The semester system has affected examples election duty, census duty, preparation of the ‘numerous system’ of the students who have votes during elections. As a result they work under never been indulged in regular studies. As a result, stress of undue work pressure, loaded from time to they often take the help from the cheap notes and time. guide for getting through the examinations. It has The faulty reservation policy has left some of pit been observed that the students score better marks, falls on the part of the deserving students belong to but failed to acquire ‘indepth’ knowledge of their higher castes, but having a poor economic conditions. subjects. In this system, only superficial knowledge They are often neglected on faulty reservation policy. is gained by the students. Secondly, no doubt, there is fast growth of Recently a haphazard growth of private institutions infrastructure in the schools e.g. modern lab; are focusing on ‘profitability’ rather than quality computer labs, sports infrastructure etc. It has been education. The high level of privatization has led to observed that the schools often suffer with constant neglecting the requisite standard of education. As a power cut, especially in the rural areas. As a result, result, large number of schools and other institutions this infrastructure facilities merely prove a ‘while are coming up without looking into the ‘Quality of elephant’. Closely associated with this problem, is Education’. This ‘blind race’ is steadily declining the the misappropriation of education funds by the required standard of education. administrative officials, resulted in unproductive expenditure on education.
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 119 Methodology forms or sending their application for jobs, which In order to prevent the ‘drop-out’ problem from the they do not know…what to do? schools, especially from the rural areas, a systematic There should be ‘demand-drive’ approach in survey is to be conducted, so that the real cause may educational system. This policy may be formulated be discovered for this problem. In order to change at the apex level. A periodic feed back should be the ‘mind set’ of the parents, there should be special given from the grass-root level, so that the creation team, who should make a personal contact to the of jobs should be in accordance with the demand families, who send their children, especially girl generated by different sectors. students to the schools. After diagnosis the root cause By introduction of semester system has not been of drop-out problem, especially in the rural areas, a successful to a greater extent. In order to make the substitute or alternative remedy should be included semester system, successful a ‘time management’ in the strategy, so that the parents may find out an technique should be employed on the teachers and alternative for entertaining/playing with their younger the students, so that the syllabus may be finished brother/sisters. Sending the small children in the within prescribed time. For performing this task, crèche, is one of effective remedy which can be experts and professional should be invited to the proved conductive to prevent ‘drop-out’ the students schools, so that an effective strategies may be chalk from the schools. out to solve the ‘time management problem’ in the Closely associated with the problem with the school schools. A ‘doing by learning’ method can be proved going children, who belong to poor and depressed conducive to ‘time management’ for the students. class, who often indulge in collecting papers on the Only then the semester system can be successful at dump ground and do petty-works for helping their a school level. There should be SWOT analysis of parents. In this case, some of public/private funding semester system and report should be submitted at is very essential for supporting those parents, who state headquarters. take the economic help from their children. These Recently a steady growth in tuition fee, especially in families should be helped from some of funding the public schools and other esteemed institution has agencies, so that their children may find an adequate been increased by manifold. In order to curb this time for their school. practice, there should be executive and administrative For this preventive measure, a periodic monitoring is control on the fee, so that the depressed and the very essential, so that the children, belong to middle class people can be approachable to these depressed class / caste way get the opportunity to go institutions. Secondly, the direction given by Hon’ble to their schools. Secondly, the poor and illiterate Supreme Court should be executed, without any parents should be acknowledged the significance and further delay. A strict vigilant of the government importance of education for their children. machinery can play a significant role for executing The syllabus of the curriculum for the students should the apex court order in the schools throughout India. be up-dated periodically. In addition to theoretical In order to vigil the functioning of the government past of the syllabus of different subjects, more schools, especially in the rural areas, more power emphasis should be given to the practical and applied should be developed to the local self governments aspects of the subject, so that the students may learn and the panchayati raj institutions like Gram the applicability of their subjects. Panchayat, Block Samiti and the Zila Parishad, so There should be job-oriented courses. More that the government teacher may realize their duty professional types of courses should be introduce at for the students. In this connection, there should be senior secondary level, so that the students may catch a multiple control on the functioning of government the right direction at their initial stage. It has been schools, eg. the control of public representatives as observed that the students, especially from the rural well as the administrative control at different areas, fail to know the right direction of their career. administrative hierarchy, so that the functioning of Often they waste their valuable time by filling the the schools may be more responsive to the community as well as the administrative official itself.
120 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 To make the government teachers more efficient, different education related projects, multiple there should be periodic feedback from the students responsiveness, constant vigil by the different and the public representatives. There should be a controlling authorities are some of innovative methods provision for rewards as well for punishment, who neglect the teaching etc. In this connection, various to make the educational system more healthier, prizes should be introduced at different levels. efficient and result oriented. Only then, we shall be Recently, Haryana government has taken a right step in a position to attain the ‘total quality’ in our in this direction. The public representative will write educational system. the annual confidential reports of the teachers, who Conclusion teach within the territorial jurisdiction of their Gram Panchayat. This policy should be implemented in Since pre and post independence, various education throughout India too. reforms have been put forwarded by the In order to improve the quality education in the educationists, administrators and policy makers. government schools, there should be PPP policy Every reform is characterized by some of salient which can be proved conducive to raise the standard characteristics and shown fruitful results. On the other of education in the government schools. However, hand, the education system becomes obsolete with the PPP (Public Private Partnership) is widely the changing scenario. It is, therefore, require an practised for developing the infrastructure like roads, innovative methods with demand derive approach, express highways and SEZ project, same can be very so that the educational system may become more successful in enhancing the educational standard of job oriented and responsive to the local conditions. government schools, especially in the rural areas too. In order to attaining the total quality management Along with the public private partnership, the focus (TQM) position for education development, it should be given to TQM (Total quality Management) requires a research and development at different of education too. In this context, there should be educational hierarchy. periodic ‘Capacity Building Programme’ at different References levels. There should be periodic assessment of the 1. Aggarwal Y.P.(2003), “Quality Concerns in teachers, head teachers along with their student, so Primary Education in Primary: Where is the that every parameters of education may attain the Problem?” National Institute of Educational qualitative position and may prove best to achieve Planning and Administration, New Delhi the desired results. 2. Ahearn, F. L., Bolan, R. S. and Burke, E. (1975), Apart from above mentioned improvement programs, “A social action approach for planning education there should be exchange programme too. This in social work”, Journal of Education for Social practice is practised in ‘Jawahar Navodaya Vidiyalaya’ Work, 11 (3). these days. Same policy should be adopted in 3. Bajpai Nirupam and Sangeeta Goyal (2004), provincial government school too. Only then, we shall “Primary Education in India: Quality and be in a position to achieve the desired results on Coverage Issues”, CGSD Working Paper No. 11, sustainable basis. Working Papers Series, Center on Globalization Hence, it is obvious that these reforms can be and Sustainable Development successful, only then when policy formulation and 4. Bisno, H. and Cox, F. (1997), “Social work execution are effectively implemented conform with education: Catching up with the present and the the local conditions. It also includes elimination of future”, Journal of Social Work Education, 33 (2), duplicacy, judicious use of funds, undertaking of 373-387.
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 121 Human Rights: Custodial Violence Jyotshna Hazarika*
uman rights violations occur when actions monitor abuses of human rights (e.g. Amnesty by state (or non-state) actors abuse, ignore, International, the International Rehabilitation Council Hor deny basic human rights (including civil, for Torture Victims) report widespread use condoned political, cultural, social, and economic rights). by states in many regions of the world. Amnesty Furthermore, violations of human rights can occur International estimates that at least 81 world when any state or non-state actor breaches any part governments currently practice torture, some of them of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights openly. The term ‘torture’ has been defined only in (UDHR) or other international human rights or three instruments, namely the declaration on the humanitarian law. In regard to human rights violations Protection of all persons from being subjected to of United Nations laws, Article 39 of the United torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment Nations Charter designates the UN Security Council or punishment of 1975, the convention against torture (or an appointed authority) as the only tribunal that and other cruel, in-human or degrading treatment or may determine UN human rights violations. punishment of 1984 and the international convention They are endowed with reason and conscience and on the suppression and punishment of the crime of should act towards one another in a spirit of Aparthied of 1973. brotherhood’. As per the article 3, everyone has the According to Art. 14 of the Convention against Torture right to life, liberty and security of person. The right and other cruel, in-human or degrading treatment or to life describes the essential right to live, particularly punishment, the term “torture” means : (1) The that a human being has the right not to be killed by intentional infliction of severe pain or suffering, another human being. As per the article 5, no one whether physical or mental upon a person; (2) The shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or infliction of pains or sufferings is caused for the degrading treatment or punishment. Thus these purpose of; (a) obtaining information or a confession articles give strength to humanitarian rights. from him or a third person; or (b) intimidating or Among custodial violence torture is the most heinous coercing him or a third person; (c) for any reason crime on humanity. Though we have various based on discrimination of any kind; The information provisions to curb torture in police custody but or a confession should be such as to lead to the despite these torturing has become routine work in punishment for an act which he or third person has police and judicial custody. committed or is suspected of having committed; and Such pain or suffering is inflicted by or at the Torture is prohibited under international law and the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of domestic laws of most countries in the 21st century. a public official or other person acting in an official It is considered to be a violation of human rights, capacity; however; Such pain or suffering does not and is declared to be unacceptable by Article 5 of include pain or suffering arising only from, the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. inherentance or incidental to lawful sanctions. Signatories of the Third Geneva Convention and Fourth Geneva Convention officially agree not to In this way “torture” “constitutes an aggravated and torture prisoners in armed conflicts. Torture is also deliberate form of cruel, inhuman or degrading prohibited by the United Nations Convention Against treatment or punishment.” Torture as such is not only torture, which has been ratified by 147 states. an offence to human dignity but also constitutes “as a denial of the purposes of the charter of the United National and international legal prohibitions on torture Nations and as a violation of the purposes of human derive from a consensus that torture and similar ill- rights and fundamental freedom proclaimed in the treatment are immoral, as well as impractical. Despite Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other these international conventions, organizations that international human rights instrument. Art. 21 of the Constitution of India, no person can be deprived of * Asst. Prof., Dept of Pol.Sci, Devicharan Baruah Girls his life or personal liberty except according to College, Jorhat.
122 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 procedure established by law. This means that a Commissions in States and human rights courts for person can be deprived of his life or personal liberty better protection of human rights and for matters provided his deprivation was brought about in connected therewith or incidental thereto. To replace accordance with the procedure prescribed by law. this ordinance the Protection of Human Rights Bill, There are some of the constitutional safeguards 1993 was introduced in the Lok Sabha. The provided to a person with a view to protect his Protection of Human Rights Bill, 1993 was passed personal liberty against any unjustified assault by the by both the houses of Parliament received the assent State. In tune with the constitutional guarantee a of the President on 8th January, 1994 and became number of statutory provisions also seek to protect the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 (10 of personal liberty, dignity and basic human rights of 1994). the citizens. Chapter V of the Criminal Procedure Despite the protections and safeguards provided under Code, 1973 deals with the powers of arrest of person the Constitution of India and despite the passage of and the safeguards, which are to be followed by the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the problem police to protect the interest of the arrested person. of arbitrary arrest and custodial violence are prevalent Section 41, Criminal Procedure Code confers powers throughout the country. on any police officer to arrest a person under the A report by the Asian Centre for Human Rights circumstances specified therein without any order or (ACHR) has brought into sharp focus the issue of warrant of arrest from a Magistrate. Section 46 custodial deaths again. According to the report, provides the method and manner of arrest. Under “Torture in India 2011”, four custodial deaths this section no formality is necessary while arresting occurred daily over the past decade. a person. A total 14,231 persons died in police and judicial Under S. 49, the police are not permitted to use more custody in India from 2001 to 2010—1,504 deaths restraint than is necessary to prevent the escape of in police custody and 12,727 in judicial—according the person. Section 50 enjoins every police officer to the cases submitted to the National Human Rights arresting any person without warrant to communicate Commission (NHRC). to him the full paticulars of the offence for which he During the ten-year period, Maharashtra recorded is arrested and the grounds for such arrest. The police the highest number of deaths in police custody with officer is further enjoined to inform the person 250 deaths, followed by Uttar Pradesh (174), Gujarat arrested that he is entitled to be released on bail and (134), Andhra Pradesh (109), West Bengal (98) and he may arrange for sureties in the event of his arrest Tamil Nadu (95). “Though Maharashtra has a total for a non-bailable offence. Section 56 contains a population of 112 million in comparison to 199 million mandatory provision requiring the police officer in Uttar Pradesh, according to 2011 census, the fact making an arrest without warrant producing the that 76 more persons were killed in police custody in arrested person before a Magistrate without Maharashtra shows that torture is more rampant in unnecessary delay and S. 57 echoes Cl. (2) of Art. Maharashtra than Uttar Pradesh,” Suhas Chakma, 22 of the Constitution of India. There are some other director of the ACHR, pointed out. provisions also like Ss. 53, 54 and 167, which are “A large majority of these deaths are a direct aimed at affording procedural safeguards to a person consequence of custodial torture. These deaths reflect arrested by the police. Whenever,a person dies in only a fraction of the problem as not all deaths in custody of the police, S.167 requires the Magistrate police custody and prisons are reported to the NHRC. to hold an enquiry into the cause of the death. Denial of medical facilities and sub-human conditions However, in spite of the constitutional and statutory in jails is another reason for the alarming figures. provisions aimed at safeguarding the personal liberty The NHRC has framed guidelines for reporting all and life of a citizen, growing incidents of the torture deaths and cases of custodial deaths, whether natural and deaths in police custody have been a disturbing or otherwise, within 24 hours of their occurrence, factors. and also prepares reports to ascertain any foul play The President of India promulgated the Protection by the police and government officials. Besides, as of Human Rights Ordinance, 1993 under Article 123 per Section 176 of the Criminal Procedure Code, the of the Constitution of India on 28th September, 1993 district administration is required to conduct to provide for the constitution of a National Human mandatory judicial enquiry into cases of death, Rights Commission, State Human Rights disappearance or rape of an inmate and conduct a
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 123 thorough medical examination within 24 hours in case allegedly forced by police to file an attempt to rape of any death. The district administration has the sole case in Burdwan, West Bengal. The girl went to the authority to register such cases and order enquiries. Burdwan Town police station to file a case after she However, these norms are brazenly flouted with was molested by a person on 10 august 2010. actual number of cases never reported to the NCHR, However, the police allegedly forced her to file a which is not empowered to take punitive action against rape case and sent for a medical test against her wish. offenders. The girl’s relatives alleged that unable to bear the Despite repeated efforts by activists, including those humiliation by the police, she took the extreme step. of NHRC, India has not ratified the United Nations The right to a fair trial has been defined in numerous Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman regional and international human rights instruments. or Degrading Treatment or Punishment although it is It is one of the most extensive human rights and all a signatory since October 1997. Consequently, laws international human rights instruments enshrine it in have not been modified accordingly to hold more than one article. The right to a fair trial is one perpetrators accountable. of the most litigated human rights and substantial case law has been established on the interpretation The Bill is the first step towards ratification of the of this human right. UN Convention, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1975. Human Rights organizations such as Amnesty Ratification of the convention requires enabling International and the Human Rights Watch (HRW) legislation that would be necessary to give effect to have condemned human rights abuses in Kashmir the Articles of the Convention. The ACHR has called by Indians such as “extra-judicial executions”, upon the government to enact the Bill without any “disappearances”, and torture; the “Armed Forces dilution, and recommended to the NHRC to suggest Special Powers Act”, which “provides impunity for prosecution of guilty public officials in cases in which human rights abuses and fuels cycles of violence. compensation has been recommended. It has been found that more than half of the prisoners On 9 March 2010, Mr Ajay Maken, then Minster of of the country are detained without adequate evidence. State in the Ministry of Home ffairs, Government of Unlike in other democratic countries, the investigation India stated in the Lok Sabha that the National in India generally commence with the arrest of the HumanRights Commission registered 39 cases of rape accused. As the judicial system is understaffed and from judicial and police custodyfrom 2006 to 2010 sluggish, it is not uncommon to find innocent civilians up to 28 February 2010. These included 9 cases, languishing in jail for many years. For instance, the including 2in judicial custody and 7 in police custody, Bombay high court in September 2009 asked the in 2006-2007; 17 cases, including 2 injudicial custody Maharashtra government to pay Rs 1 lakh as and 15 in police custody, in 2007-2008; 7 cases, compensation to a 40-year-old man who languished including 2 injudicial custody and 5 in police custody, in prison for over 10 years for a crime he didn’t in 2008-2009; and 6 cases, including 1 in judicial commit. custody and 5 in police custody in 2009-2010 up to To curb custodial violence we need various reform 28 February 2010. movements within our system like giving training of In another incident in July 2010, a woman humanitarian values to police officer, providing Chandrawati (name changed) was subjected to torture adequate psychological environment to prisoners, at a Mahila Thana (Women Police Station) in adequate medical facilities to prisoners and financial Moradabad district, Uttar Pradesh. In her complaint aid to their families, to maintain proper cleanliness, to the police, the victim stated that shewas taken to sanitation within prison avoid overcrowded prison, the police station for questioning, illegally detained fair justice and immediate justice because delayed for seven days and tortured. The victim was hanged means justice denied. upside down from the ceiling and beatenwith a cane. References The police also poured petrol and chilly powder in 1. Human Rights and Custodial Death by V.K her private parts.She was released with threats. Signs Krishna Iyer of torture were found during medical checkup. 2. Four custodial death tahalka.docx (Internet) The Deputy Inspector of Police ordered an enquiry. 3. Torture in India 2011, Asian Centre for Human On 11 August 2010, Miss Maman Das (19 years), a Rights Class XII student, committed suicide after being
124 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 Encouraging Women Participation in Government Policies for Women Empowerment in Assam Mrs. Kalpana Borah* [In underdeveloped and developing nations, women empowerment is regarded as an important topic for discussion because the development that is estimated cannot be achieved unless they achieve gender equality by empowering their women Dr,Agnihotri(2018).The political empowerment of women is considered to be essential to make democracy truly successful. The government of India has taken possible steps to encourage women in this regard. In order to encourage women various schemes are introduced by the Government of India. This survey research investigated awareness of women regarding several scheme of Government of India in Assam. The main objective of this study is to encourage women participation in government policies for the empowerment of women.] ccording to 2011 Census, women of India and political participation. Empowerment of women constitute half of the total population Phukan is much debated subject and it has gained a new A(2012).Though the Constitution of India, thrust and motion after the introduction of the one especially Article 14, 15, and 16 guarantees absence third reservations of seats for women in local self of discrimination on the grounds of sex, race, religion governments. Dr. Gogoi Kamal, Dr. Saikia Dipen etc, Directive Principles of State Policy guarantee (2013) it is fact that without the active participation that women should get equal rights and privileges of woman in the governmental activities democracy like men, and Parliament has also enacted various cannot become successful. The Government of India laws giving equal rights to women in marriage, has taken necessary steps to encourage women in divorce, property etc. Still women are not well this regard. Jain Devaki (1998) Empowerment of represented in political, social and economic life as women has become the slogan of the Government per their strength. In underdeveloped and developing of India. The Government of India introduced a nations, women empowerment is regarded as an number of schemes in order to empower women in important topic for discussion because the the country as well as Government of Assam also development they desire cannot be achieved unless launched several schemes to empower women of they achieve gender equality by empowering their Assam. This survey research investigated awareness women. Desai, A.R.(1978): of women on several schemes launched by The political empowerment of women refers to their Government of India and for the present study 148 rights to control political decisions, active participation women selected from the selected blocks of in governmental policies and schemes and improving Biswanath district of Assam. The main objective of their political as well as socio-economic status. Sahay this study is to study the level of education of the (1998) Women empowerment means promoting women of Naduar and Chaiduar blocks and their women in their socio-economic and political awareness about the different schemes of development, providing them equal opportunities of Government. employment, education, political and economic Objective of the study development and allowing them to socialize, rights and freedom that were denied before. It is the process The main objectives of this study are: which empowers women to know that they could 1. To study the level of education of the women also achieve their aspirations as the men and help community of Biswanath District Assam. them to do that. Empowerment of women, particularly 2. To examine whether the women of the Biswanath women in the rural areas has become an important District Assam become aware of governmental issue in the field of balanced development with social schemes and policies. justice. Methodology The 73rd Amendment to the Constitution of India is a mile stone in the history of women empowerment In the present study, primary and secondary data are collected for discussion. Primary data are collected * Assistant Professor, Dept. of Political Science, with direct face to face interactions; schedules and Chaiduar College,Gohpur, Biwanath,.
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 125 quaternaries are used for indirect oral investigation, gaining of knowledge regarding schemes/policies will and data also collected by local reports. The study is help in their empowerment. also based on secondary data. The necessary data Data analysis and Interpretation about the role of Government policies and schemes collected from various published and unpublished Objective-1: To study the level of education of the sources and official records, books, journals, internet women community of Biswanath. sources and related topics. Sample survey techniques Educational qualification plays an important role in are used in collection of primary data. For the present women empowerment .Women with good academic study simple random sampling is used. In the present qualification can acquire knowledge quickly as study a questionnaire was applied on 148 women compared to other who have less educational from the selected blocks of Biswanath district of qualification. Assam. In this study, 148 samples have been taken Interpretation with the help of simple random technique. Out of Out of 58 respondents of Naduar block, 09 are below which 58 from Naduar and 90 from Chaiduar blocks. the 20 age group and among them 03 are illiterate, 5 Study Area have attained up to the primary level school,1 woman Biswanath, is an administrative district in the state of has passed HSLC and none of them has passed HS Assam in India. It is one of the newly created districts and graduate.20 women are between the age group in the year with 2015 Logitude 92o16/ E and 93o43/ of 20-30 and out of 20 ,5 are illiterate,7 of them E and Latitude 26o30/N and 27o01/N Internet, have attained up to the primary level of education, 4 (biswanath.gov.in). It is situated in the northern bank of them have passed HSLC and 2 of them have passed of the Brahmaputra river. The district is created HS, 2 women are found graduate. Out of 16 respondents between the age group of 30-40, 3 are amalgamating Gohpur and most part of Biswanath illiterate, 5 have attained up to the primary level sub-division on earlier Sonitpur district. The district school, 3 among them have passed HSLC, 2 of them is bounded by Arunachal Pradesh on the north, The have passed HS and 3 women are found graduate. Brahmaputra river on the south, Lakhimpur district 13 women are above the age of 40 and out of 13 ,4 on the east and Sonitpur district on the west. The are illiterate,5 of them have attained up to the primary administrative headquarter is located at Biswanath level of education, 3 of them have passed HSLC and chariali. Total area of the district is 1,100km2. Total 1 of them have passed HS, no women are found population of the district is 612,491(according to 2011 graduate census). There are 8 Development block, 76 Gaon In Chaiduar block, out of 90 respondents 24 are below panchayat. the 20 age group and among them 4 are illiterate, 9 Result and Discussion have attained up to the primary level school,5 woman In order to empower women the Government of has passed HSLC 6 of them has passed HS and none Assam introduces a large number of schemes with of them are graduate.19 women are between the the hopes that women would be able to achieve their age group of 20-30 and out of 19 ,2 are illiterate,7 of due position. The Government aims to strengthen them have attained up to the primary level of the process to promote all round development of education, 4 of them have passed HSLC and 3 of women. To achieve the ultimate goal of empowering them have passed HS, 3 women are found graduate. women and ensuring, the scheme “National Mission Out of 27 respondents between the age group of 30- for Empowerment of Women (NMEW)” has been 40, 3 are illiterate, 6 have attained up to the primary envisaged. For the present study some important level school,3 5 among them have passed HSLC, 6 schemes have been taken into account; Janani of them have passed HS and 7 women are found Suraksha Yogana; Majoni, Moromi, Mamata, graduate. 20 women are above the age of 40 and out Mamomi, Indira Miri Universal Widow Pension of 20, 7 are illiterate, 5 of them have attained up to Scheme, Assam Gyan Dipika Scheme, Assam Wage the primary level of education, 4 of them have passed Ciompensation Scheme For Pregnant Women In Tea HSLC and 3 of them have passed HS and only 1 Garden, etc. are worth mentioning in this regard. It woman is found graduate. is remarkable to note that these schemes/ policies Objective -2: To examine whether the women of the are for welfare of the women community, so they Biswanath District, Assam are aware of some must know about these policies and schemes. The governmental schemes and policies.
126 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 Interpretation 6. In our study it is observed that the women of Out of 58 correspondents in Naduar block 33 women Chaiduar block are more aware of the schemes are aware of Janani Suraksha Yojona, 34 women in comparison to the other two blocks. have knowledge about MAJONI scheme, out of 58, Conclusion 36 respondents have knowledge about the scheme The main purpose of this study is to make women of MOROMI, when we asked the respondents about active in governmental policies and programmes. This the MAMATA scheme which was launched by study reveals that there is a close relationship between Government of Assam, a majority of women 34 level of education and political participation. Education replied positively, 33 women replied positively about is a weapon which helps everyone to understand the MAMONI scheme. But it must be noted that governmental policies and helps to take active about the new schemes which were launched by participation in political activities. Empowerment of Government of Assam recently, the respondents have women through participation of governmental scheme less knowledge regarding these schemes. therefore becomes the motto of the Government of In the Chaiduar Block , it is observed that maximum India. The Government of Assam also takes necessary numbers of women are aware of different schemes step to empower women section. The Government launched by Government. 75 women have knowledge of Assam has already launched a number of schemes about JSY, 80 respondents replied positively about to empower women. From the present study it can MAJONI scheme, 79 of them have knowledge about be said that the women of our society are on the way MAMATA Scheme, out of 90 women 77 respondents of empowerment. The active participation of women have knowledge about MAMONI scheme. But in is in various schemes and policies has reflected the fact noted that, respondents have less knowledge about in our study the newly launched schemes. References Findings 1. Dr.Agnihotri,Rashmi Rani,Prof. Dr.Malipatil, The major findings of this study found are as follows:- K.S.(2018): ‘A study on role on 1. The present study reveals that most of the women Government policies for women of our study are aware of various schemes Empowerment’pp-54-58 introduced by the Government of Assam. But it 2. Dr. Gogoi,Kamal, Dr.Dipen Saikia(2013): can be said that in a democratic nation it is necessary to make to aware 100% people about ‘political participation of rural women in each and every policies/schemes of the North East India’, publication cell, Moridhal Government. It is observed that in our study area college, Assam people come to know about the various schemes. 3. Devaki Jain.(1998)Participation of women in 2. In a democratic state the government has to take panchayati Raj every possible step for the welfare of the people. 4. Desai,A.R.(1978):Rural Sociology in India,(5th In this context the Assam government has also edition)popular publications,New Delhi. formulated different policies/schemes for the 5. Prof. Phukan Girin, (2012): ‘Participation of welfare of the people. Rural women in politics in Northeast India’, 3. From the present study it can be said that the pp.-1-9 women of our society are on the way of 6. Sahay,Sushama(1998): Women and empowerment. The active participation of women in various schemes and policies has reflected the Empowerment, Discovery publishing H o u s e , fact in our study. New Delhi 4. In our study it is also observed that with the 7. Education News (2019): Assam Education increase of level of education their awareness of Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma girl education various schemes increases, except the schemes in india which are launched recently. 8. https://sarkariyojana.com/assam/ 5. The highest number of literate women are found in the Chaiduar block.
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 127 Role of Small Scale Industries & Tourism in Rural Development in Majuli with Special Reference to Pottery Making Industry Jayanta Kr Dutta* Dr. Bijoy Krishna Nath**
[Rural development may be defined as a process of developing and utilizing natural and human resources, technologies, infrastructural facilities, organizations and government policies to encourage and speed up economic growth in rural areas, to provide jobs and to improve the standard of living. Small scale industries play a significant role in rural development. Majuli is a Treasure Island of various small scale industries which take an important role for mobilization of natural resources by creating employability as well as engagement to the rural poor. These industries not only give the identity of its own community but also give the special identity of Majuli among the world communities. There is a chain linkage among rural development, small scale industries and tourism development. The paper aims to deal with the role and importance of small scale industries specially the pottery making industries in Majuli in case of employability nd tourism development. The study was based mainly on primary data collected through purposive sampling and statified random sampling techniques.] ural development has various dimensions like life towards self-sustenance (Singh, S.P.Planning and economic, social and agricultural scenario but management for rural development). Rit is mainly for the development of the Small scale industries and tourism contribute agricultural sector, which is widely believed to provide significantly to the economic development of any area the main impetus not only for reducing poverty and in particular and national in general. In today’s worlds, hunger but also for ensuring food security for all. tourism is an important socio-economic activity which According to World Bank in its sector policy paper now recognized as an industry generating a number on rural development defined “rural development as of social and economic benefits. It is also promotes strategy designed to improve the economic and social national integration and international understanding, conditions of life of a specific group of people - the helps in promoting infrastructure, creates employment rural poor”, which involves extending the benefits of opportunity and augments foreign exchange earnings. development to the poorest among those who seek a Rural tourism, the latest addition in tourist industry livelihood in the rural areas. The rural development is “economic development of rural community” is nothing but the management of human development through the mobilization of “natural and cultural and the orientation of technological and institutional potential” which form the basis of rural tourism. Being change in such a manner as to improve knowledge a new concept covers all those aspects of travel and living standards in rural areas. In a broader term, whereby people learn about each other’s ways of rural development may be defined as a process of life and thought. It signifies the tourist interest in the developing and utilizing natural and human resources, customs of the indigenous and exotic people. It is a technologies, infra-structural facilities, institutions and new kind of tourism as differ from general tourism, organizations and government policies and programs which focuses directly under local people. Rural to encourage and speed up economic growth in rural tourism development is community based, areas, to provide jobs and to improve the quality of participatory and designed to improve the economic and social well-being of local villagers in addition to * Department of Economics, Moridhal College, the concerned institutional, physical and socio-cultural Dhemaji. environment. It also pin-points the need for careful ** Department of Geography, Moridhal College, planning to the project, the integrity of sites and Dhemaji.
128 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 mobilized minimize harmful and maximization of “Majull”) 707 families engaged in weaving industry employability. Before going to commercialization of and have declared a “Sericulture village” accumulating rural tourism, we endeavour to satisfy its obligation 150 villages. The artistic uniqueness of “Gamossa”, towards local villagers and their culture. “Chaddar”, “Ribi-Gaseng”, “Mibogalok”, “Mirizim” Objectives made by tribal and non-tribal women have attract the tourist of nation and abroad. The main objectives of the paper are as follows: Musk making industry a. To evaluate the role of Pottery industries in rural development in Majuli. Musk culture is a rich traditional culture of Chamaguri Satra. But now it expands to other Satras also. This b. To highlight the some special features of Pottery culture represents a kind of brilliant exposure to the industries in Majuli. tourist. A musk of Rawana made by Dr. Krishna Methodology Goswami have preserved in Culcutta museum and The present study was based on primary data. The he presidential award on this culture. This is a culture primary data was collected from Majuli which is of special community like Mahanta and Goswami. selected as the universe of study. The required primary Boat making industry data was collected from the sample household through The Kumar Kalita community of Salmara, the personal interview with the well schedule bhakata of Kamalabari Satra and Missing community questionnaire. Total sample size of present study was of Borganya are much expert in masking boat. As a 100. Moreover through stratified random sampling flood prone and flood hazard area boat are very techniques, fifty(50) tourist respondents were essential as the means of communication during flood selected(25 from each category) very purposively season. This industry only fulfills the demand of home from the both domestic and foreign tourist to fulfill subdivision, The Kumar Kalita community, specially the required of sample study. make big boat for exporting their product of pottery Different Small Scale Industries in Majuli to different parts of the states. Majuli is a treasure island of various cultures, rich in Roles of Pottery industry in the rural development case of some rural based small scale industries. These in Majuli industries not only give the identity of its own Pottery making industry takes an important role in community but also give the special identity of Majuli rural economy of Majuli. Pottery making industry is among the world communities. These are the main the main occupation of KumarKalita (MOBC) earning sources of some indigenous communities of community of Chinatoli and Salmora area. This the island. They have been doing it traditionally industry gives the engagement of 580 families out of generation after generation. 675 in said area and also gives the means of livelihood Bamboo and Cane based industries to 5000 people. The pottery making industry of Apart from the rich culture heritage, the Satras Salmora and Chinatoli areas fulfill the 40% of the possess a handful of artist, skillful in making fans total demand of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The made of cane and slandering bamboo. The handicrafts average income of each family engaged here is Rs. of Satras like Auniati and Natun Kmalabari have a 20,000/- per year. worldwide acclamation. The raw materials for pottery industry are special Weaving industry type mud locally known as ‘Kumar mati’, sand and Weaving culture of these Assamese women of the firewood (which are available in char and chapari island deserve immense popularity even in the area). The items of pottery industry of Salmora are international level. Weaving industry is main “Tekeli, Kalaha, Nadia, Udhan, Mothia, Gosa, Doi occupation of 80% tribal women (Missing, Deori). Tekeli, Anwa Tekeli, Molacharu, Matichaki, Coin According to a government report (cited from Preserver, Toys, Tub” etc. They produce the above
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 129 products in three times in a year known as “Khep”. for investment, locally available raw material is (mud These are: and firewood) give immense scope to develop pottery G Ahu khep (from May to August) industries easily in every family. G Sali Khep (from November to March) Natural hazards like flood and river-bank erosion and backwardness of basic transport system, lack of G Besa Khep (from March to April) government aid and training are main drawbacks of The products of first two are exchanged with their unsustainable development of small scale commodity and the rest is for earning money. From industry. In Majull if government and social the above circumstances one should easily imagine organization extend their hands both in financially the role of pottery industry in rural economy of and administratively to upgrade the industry then they Majuli. It also highlights the opportunities to develop will get opportunities to expand their business and tourism infrastructure on the basis the industry to get scope to give a new dimension which can be create more employability. easily attract the tourist and create more employability. All the villagers of the sample area are belongs to Some special features of pottery industry Kumar Kalita community. The occupation of the Pottery making industry is the main occupation 580 sample households can be classified into agricultural families out of 675 in Salmora area. At present this labour, pottery maker, government service holder, industry gives engagement to 5000 people. business man, boat maker and other categories. The present study find out that the people who are engaged Only Kumar Kalita community has been producing in agriculture have occupied only 2 percent, 85 percent pottery as a means of engagement and employability. belongs to pottery industry worker, 5 percent belongs The Pottery product of Salmora can fulfil the 34% to business holder, 2 percent belongs to boat making demand of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. category, government employee and others categories occupied 3 percent each. The Pottery producers have to collect raw materials The total population of the 100 sample household is in a certain period for the hole year as it is very 400. The average member of per family is 4.8.In difficult to collect these at flood time. case of engagement, 408 per sons get engagement in One Pottery producer has to do very hard labour pottery industry, 24 persons engaged in business, 9.6 both in producing and exporting system, but the persons get engaged in agriculture sector whereas in market value of pottery is not satisfactory. government service sector and others category give engagement of 14.4 persons in each. As a flood prone and very river bank area the transport system is very worse except boat transport. Salmora area is situated by the bank of the river Brahmaputra, as pottery producer use it as the main There are so many possibilities to create employability transportation system to export the products. Seventy and engagement in this industry specially, for Kumar five percent (75%) pottery product export by community by providing well infrastructure. navigable river like the Brahmaputra and its The cooperation of government officials, SHGs and tributaries, twenty percent (20%) are export by only NGOs is not satisfactory as the pottery producer faced muscle power. Regarding market, the household difficulties in case of getting financial aid from reliable respondents opine that they get profits from Assam sources. and Arunachal Pradesh. In Assam, specially Sibsagar, As a world biggest river Island, nerve centre of Jorhat, Dibrugarh. Tinsukia, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Assamese culture, typical biodiversity, multicolor Narayanpur, Nagaon and Tezpur etc. are main market indigenous culture, Majuli get a significant important places which are easily connected by boat transport. in the nation and international level. So, there is a According to the majority of the respondents the opportunity to develop tourist industry to create more pottery producer has to do hard work both in employabillty. producing and exporting purposes. Due to low capital
130 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 Conclusion resources by which ultimately would help in The educated and conscious people, NGOs and GOs improving quality of life in rural as well as flood and have responsibility to highlight the appropriate forward erosion affected areas of Majuli. and backward linkage in a constructive way for better Reference upliftment of the rural poor of Majull. Some 1. Sing. S.P: Planning and Management for Rural organizations like khadi and village industries Development. commission, small scale industry, Ministry of Taxtile, Handicraft/Handloom etc. should develop the 2. Nath, B.K (2015): Effects of Flood and Erosion traditional industries of Majull by cluster method for on Socio-Cultural and Economic conditions of mobilize the human resource and local natural the people of Majuli Sub-Division, Jorhat District, resources. Cluster approach has the advantage of Assam , An Unpublished PhD Thesis, Dibrugarh bringing in economies of scales as well as developing University back-ward and forward linkages. 3. Nath, B.K (2012): “ Potentiality of Rural & For effective management of small scale industry Ecotourism for Rural Development in Majuli Sub- largely depends upon community organization like Division of Jorhat district, Assam, UGC SHGs where emphasis could be laid on participatory Sponsored MRP submitted to UGC(NERO) management system and sustainable method. The 4. Nath, B.K.: “Flood & Erosion Hazards of Majul member of the group could be made in change of the and its Impact on Human Ecology: A Case Study efforts and drive to develop the small scale industries of Kaniarjan and Botiamari Areas: A Geographical of Majuli and provision on economic rewarding to Perspective”, M. Phil, Dissertation (2009). the successful practitioner may be made so as to motivate the grassroots level community organization 5. Saikia, Budheswar: (Ed. 1998): “Souvenir” A in generating on economic stake in the development Comprehensive Volume published on the of traditional small scale industries of Majuli. Occasion of Silver Jubilee of Majuli A.H.C. High School. Atmosphere encouraging community participation through SHGS/NGOs and GOs has to be created 6. Majull Suraksha Samity: “Save Majuli the Centre where access to information, knowledge on specific of Vaishnavite Art & Culture (Approach Paper) field may be ensuring through the government and 7. Reception Committee of Symposium (1999):” A non government machinery. The SHGs may be Report on Majuli”. trained appropriately analyze and understand 8. Majuli Suraksha Samity. Guwahati: “The Problem regarding well infrastructure for production and export of Flood & Erosion in Maiuli Island (Seminar of the industrial product according to take up suitable Paper). environment in consolation with the local NGOs and 9. Executive Engineer, E&D Division: “Problem of government officials. The members of SHGs may Majuli Island upto October 1999” (A Report). be sensitized by the facilitating agencies and the government officials to explore the possibilities to 10. Saikia Debajit: “Some Demographic Features of better development of these industries. They also Maiuli Island. An Article Published in Majuli. are given responsibilities of maintaining price and 11. Hazarika, Ananda (1989): “Majuli: Prospect of market under special distribution system. SHGs also Tourism Development. An Article. may inspire to interact with bank, GOs and NGOs to 12. Mahanta, Prasanta Kr.. (Ed.): “Majuli”. initiate various help measures taken up by the Central 13. Ministry of Rural Development in India. (July. and State Governments. These efforts would ensure 2004): Kurukhetra, A Journal of Rural the profitable development of small scale industries Development. in Majuli. By providing these steps that can effectively guarantee the integrity of mankind and local natural
THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 131 132 THIRD CONCEPT, MAY-JUNE 2021 DELHI POSTAL REGN. NO. DL (ND) - 11/6026/2021-22-2023 R.N.I. NO. 45898/87 POSTED AT LPC Delhi RMS Delhi-110006. ON 7/8 EVERY MONTH Date of Publication : 5 -6 - 2021
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