In the vast expanse of human knowledge, there exists a breed of individuals who dedicate their lives to unraveling its mysteries—the researchers. Their journey is one of relentless pursuit, fueled by curiosity, driven by passion, and defined by the pursuit of truth. From the depths of laboratories to the heights of academic institutions, the life of a researcher is a complex tapestry woven with threads of dedication, perseverance, and the occasional spark of inspiration.
The Quest for Knowledge: At the heart of a researcher’s life lies an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Their journey often begins with a question—an itch in the fabric of understanding that demands to be scratched. Whether exploring the intricacies of quantum mechanics or delving into the complexities of human behavior, researchers embark on a quest to push the boundaries of what is known and discover what lies beyond.
The Pursuit of Excellence: But the path of a researcher is not for the faint of heart. It is a journey fraught with challenges and obstacles at every turn. From the rigors of academic rigor to the pressures of publication, researchers must navigate a labyrinth of expectations and demands, constantly striving for excellence in their work. Late nights in the lab, endless revisions of manuscripts, and the occasional setback are all par for the course in the life of a researcher.
Collaboration and Community: Yet, amidst the trials and tribulations, researchers find solace in the camaraderie of their peers. Collaboration is the lifeblood of scientific inquiry, and researchers often find themselves working alongside colleagues from around the world, pooling their expertise and resources in pursuit of a common goal. Whether attending conferences, participating in interdisciplinary projects, or engaging in spirited debates over coffee, researchers thrive in the vibrant ecosystem of scientific community.
The Joy of Discovery: And then, amidst the toil and turmoil, comes the moment of triumph—the thrill of discovery. Whether it’s uncovering a new molecule with potential therapeutic properties, solving a centuries-old mathematical puzzle, or shedding light on the mysteries of the cosmos, the joy of discovery is an experience like no other. It is a moment of clarity—a glimpse into the vast tapestry of knowledge that stretches out before us, waiting to be explored.
The Legacy of Inquiry: But the impact of a researcher’s work extends far beyond the confines of their own lifetime. Each discovery, each breakthrough, becomes a brick in the edifice of human understanding, shaping the course of history and laying the foundation for future generations. From the revolutionary theories of Einstein to the groundbreaking experiments of Curie, the legacy of inquiry endures, inspiring generations of researchers to come.
Conclusion: In the end, the life of a researcher is a testament to the power of curiosity, the resilience of the human spirit, and the boundless potential of the human mind. It is a life of highs and lows, triumphs and setbacks, but above all, it is a life dedicated to the pursuit of truth. For researchers are the architects of our collective knowledge, the pioneers of our understanding, and the guardians of our future. And in their hands lies the power to unlock the secrets of the universe and illuminate the path forward for generations to come.
References
Åkerlind, G. S. (2008). An academic perspective on research and being a researcher: An integration of the literature. Studies in higher education, 33(1), 17-31.
Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2023). Fundamentals of Research Writing and Uses of Research Methodologies. Edupedia Publications Pvt Ltd.
Finley, S., & Knowles, J. G. (1995). Researcher as artist/artist as researcher. Qualitative inquiry, 1(1), 110-142.
Saldana, J. (2018). Researcher, analyze thyself. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 17(1), 1609406918801717.
Wa-Mbaleka, S. (2020). The researcher as an instrument. In Computer Supported Qualitative Research: New Trends on Qualitative Research (WCQR2019) 4 (pp. 33-41). Springer International Publishing.
Yardley, A. (2008). Living stories: The role of the researcher in the narration of life. In Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung/Forum: Qualitative Social Research (Vol. 9, No. 3).
In the present world, girls and boys have equal rights, although, from history, we have learned girls in many countries were not treated properly like boys/male children; now, across the world, the situation has changed. In March 2024, I visited as a Resource Person (to deliver talk) in Mannargudi in the Thiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu, India, where a renowned women’s college viz., Sengamala Thayaar Educational Trust Women’s College, is located. The institution started in 1994 with 155 students (girls/women), now more than 4,000 students, all girls/women hailing from different religions, castes, and rural areas, were attending.
Anyway, I was in some African countries and observed girls were interested in attending school and college. In this article, exclusively based on the World Bank Newsletter (worldbank.org/en/news/), cases from five African countries about girls/women’s situations are presented.
The women and girls across the African continent desire to learn and dream of a better future where they can simultaneously pursue their education, stay healthy, find work, and care for their families. The latest World Bank’s Women, Business, and the Law report highlights that Sub-Saharan Africa continues to advance reforms to close the legal gender gap. Still, a broad gap remains between laws on paper and the reality on the ground.
Here are five cases of change that highlight the voices of girl champions from the region, having ripple effects within their communities and entire countries and economies. The cases are from Guinea, Benin, Congo Republic, Nigeria, and Guinea-Bissau. The cases are very interesting, and I am thankful that the World Bank has shared the Newsletter with me, so credit goes to them fully.
1) Aissata Tidiane Toure, a construction engineer turned gender activist from Guinea
Aissata Toure (24 years old) is from Tiro in the central region of Faranah in Guinea. When she was 16 years old, she established with other friends the Club des Jeunes Filles Leaders de Guinée, a safe space supported by the Sahel Women’s Empowerment and Demographics (SWEDD) project that brings together young girls to share experiences and learn life skills.
“The club has enabled me to become a leader and to take several training courses on gender-based violence (GBV), which has given me the opportunity to become this strong girl who champions girls’ rights,” she explains.
And this young activist has left an indelible mark on the remote villages of her region, courageously fighting against issues such as early marriage and female genital mutilation.
2)King of the Seas and the Oceans and Spiritual Leader Daagbo Hounon Houna II preaches for girls’ education (spiritual leader of the Voodoo cult and chair of the National Religious Platform in Benin)
His Majesty “Dada, King of the Seas and Oceans,” a spiritual leader of the Voodoo cult and chair of the National Religious Platform in Benin, strongly advocates for keeping girls in school and improving women’s and girls’ place in society.
“All children are born equal, and girls can do the same things as boys. No discrimination should be allowed. The Voodoo community has been holding seminars on girls’ education to help ensure the well-being of our nation.”
Benin, like other countries in Africa, is facing a demographic boom. Thus, for the religious leader, it is imperative that his generation pave the way for the next by focusing on children’s education – especially for girls. “We tell young girls not to be distracted. Education is the mother of all success.”
Chief Daagbo Hounon Houna II is also an ambassador of the SWEDD project who travels from hamlets to villages to spread the message of equal opportunities, education, and good health.
3)Josephine Bouanga, a pioneer in organic produce committed to fighting malnutrition (Republic of Congo):
Passionate, audacious, and creative, the agricultural engineer Josephine Bouanga launched her entrepreneurial venture in 2001 with an initial investment of 300,000 CFA francs. She succeeded in establishing Enoce Bio, a company specializing in the processing and promoting local agricultural products. Her ambition: “to fight malnutrition through the virtues of plants.”
In addition to its flagship product, children’s flour, Enoce Bio offers a range of organic and therapeutic agricultural products. The company employs 25 people: 17 women and 8 men. She said, “Most of them are orphans whom I trained myself.”
4) Rukayya, a soya bean trader and advocate for women’s entrepreneurship (Nigeria):
Rukayya Adamu from the Maiyama community in Kebbi state, north-west Nigeria, used to sell firewood. “It was the only thing I could do. I had no skill or money to do other businesses,” she says.
But today, she runs a business that sells soya beans, providing her with a more sustainable source of income for her family.
Through a women’s affinity group supported by the World Bank-financed Nigeria for Women Project, Rukayya learned of the environmental dangers of firewood while also gaining skills to identify an alternative – and more profitable – business.
After training in financial literacy, gender dynamics, life skills, and business management, Rukayya now practices informed financial management, contributing to her community’s shift towards sustainable practices and environmental consciousness.
The women’s group is helping thousands of women like Rukayya to become agents of change by fostering sustainable livelihoods and a greener society. So far, “over 400,000 women have benefited from the program in six states across Nigeria”.
5) Aissatu Injai, building roads to end gender-based violence from Guinea-Bissau:
“Girls and boys live in separate worlds… Boys are taught to be leaders; girls are taught domestic work,” says Aissatu Injai, President of the National Network to Fight Gender-Based Violence and Violence against Children in Guinea-Bissau (RENLUV).
From a young age, Aissatu witnessed the high prevalence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and female genital mutilation (FGM) in her community and knew she wanted to change the narrative. “Women don’t always know that they are victims… We want women to know their rights, to know that violence is not acceptable, and what they can do if it happens.”
Founded in 2004, RENLUV is a network of 54 organizations that promote training, advocacy, and monitoring of GBV. Since 2020, RENLUV has worked with the World Bank on the Rural Transport Project to help mitigate the risk of increased GBV by training road workers, raising community awareness, and providing support to the survivors.
The cases are interesting and represent different activities, so I hope readers will be interested in reading the article.
In a world where negativity often seems to dominate conversations and interactions, the power of a genuine compliment can be transformative. A well-timed compliment has the ability to lift spirits, boost confidence, and create connections between people. Yet, despite its simplicity, giving compliments is an art that is often overlooked or underutilized in our daily lives.
Complimenting someone is more than just offering flattery or superficial praise. It is about recognizing and acknowledging the value, effort, or qualities of another person in a sincere and meaningful way. Whether it’s praising someone’s creativity, intelligence, kindness, or even their sense of style, a thoughtful compliment can have a lasting impact on both the giver and the recipient.
One of the most beautiful aspects of giving compliments is its universality. Compliments transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, making them a powerful tool for fostering understanding and goodwill among people from different backgrounds. A genuine compliment can bridge divides, dissolve tensions, and bring people closer together, creating a sense of warmth and inclusivity in any social setting.
However, while the benefits of giving compliments are clear, many people still struggle to express their admiration or appreciation for others. Some may fear coming across as insincere or ingratiating, while others may simply feel uncomfortable or unsure of how to deliver a compliment effectively. Nevertheless, with a little practice and mindfulness, anyone can master the art of giving compliments and harness its positive impact.
The key to giving compliments that resonate lies in their authenticity. A genuine compliment is one that is heartfelt, specific, and tailored to the individual recipient. Rather than resorting to generic or clichéd phrases, take the time to observe and appreciate the unique qualities or actions of the person you wish to compliment. Whether it’s a colleague who went above and beyond on a project, a friend who always knows how to make you laugh, or a stranger whose kindness brightened your day, find something specific to acknowledge and celebrate.
Furthermore, it’s important to deliver compliments with sincerity and confidence. Avoid being overly effusive or overly critical, as insincere compliments can ring hollow and even backfire, causing the recipient to question your intentions. Instead, speak from the heart and be genuine in your praise, allowing your words to convey your true admiration and respect for the person you are complimenting.
Timing is also crucial when giving compliments. While it’s never too late to express appreciation, offering compliments in a timely manner can enhance their impact and relevance. Whether it’s immediately after witnessing a commendable action or achievement, or during a casual conversation when you notice something admirable about the other person, seize the moment to share your admiration and uplift their spirits.
In addition to brightening someone else’s day, giving compliments can also have profound benefits for the giver. Studies have shown that expressing gratitude and appreciation for others can boost one’s own mood and overall well-being. By focusing on the positive attributes of those around us, we cultivate a mindset of abundance and generosity that enriches our own lives as well as the lives of others.
In conclusion, the art of giving compliments is a simple yet powerful way to spread positivity and foster connections in our daily lives. By offering genuine, specific, and timely praise to those around us, we not only uplift the spirits of others but also enhance our own sense of gratitude and well-being. So, let us embrace the beauty of compliments and make it a habit to celebrate the goodness in others, one kind word at a time.
References
McDermott, P., Falk-Ross, F., & Medow, S. (2017). Using the visual and performing arts to complement young adolescents’“close reading” of texts. Middle School Journal, 48(1), 27-33.
Suter, E., & Baylin, D. (2007). Choosing art as a complement to healing. Applied nursing research, 20(1), 32-38.
Wikström, B. M. (2001). Works of art: a complement to theoretical knowledge when teaching nursing care. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 10(1), 25-32.
It’s important to note that determining the “top ten” researchers in social sciences can be subjective and may vary depending on the criteria used (e.g., citations, impact, contributions to the field). However, here’s a list of ten influential researchers in the field of social sciences as of my last update:
Daniel Kahneman: A Nobel laureate in Economics, Kahneman is renowned for his work in behavioral economics and cognitive psychology. His research on decision-making processes and heuristics has had a profound impact on understanding human behavior in various social contexts.
Amartya Sen: An Indian economist and philosopher, Sen has made significant contributions to welfare economics, social choice theory, and development economics. His work on poverty, inequality, and capability approach has influenced policy-making globally.
Noam Chomsky: A prominent linguist, philosopher, and social critic, Chomsky’s theories on language acquisition, cognitive science, and political analysis have shaped fields ranging from linguistics to political science. His critique of media and advocacy for human rights have had a lasting impact.
Michel Foucault: A French philosopher and social theorist, Foucault’s work on power, discourse, and the relationship between knowledge and power has been highly influential in sociology, anthropology, and cultural studies. His ideas continue to be debated and applied across various disciplines.
Judith Butler: An American philosopher and gender theorist, Butler is known for her work on gender performativity and queer theory. Her writings on identity, power, and subversion have reshaped feminist discourse and influenced fields such as cultural studies and sociology.
Robert Putnam: An American political scientist, Putnam’s research on social capital and its implications for democracy and civic engagement has been widely cited. His book “Bowling Alone” highlighted the decline of social connectedness in modern societies, sparking discussions on community and social cohesion.
Pierre Bourdieu: A French sociologist, Bourdieu’s theories on cultural capital, habitus, and social reproduction have had a profound impact on sociology, anthropology, and cultural studies. His empirical research on education, cultural practices, and social stratification remains influential.
Susan Fiske: An American social psychologist, Fiske has made significant contributions to understanding social cognition, stereotypes, and intergroup relations. Her work on the stereotype content model and the fundamental dimensions of social perception has advanced the field of social psychology.
Richard Thaler: An economist and behavioral scientist, Thaler is known for his contributions to behavioral economics and the theory of nudges. His research on bounded rationality and decision-making biases has influenced policy-making, particularly in the areas of finance and public policy.
Carol S. Dweck: An American psychologist, Dweck is renowned for her research on mindset theory and the concept of growth mindset. Her work on the psychology of motivation and achievement has had implications for education, organizational behavior, and personal development.
These researchers have made significant contributions to understanding human behavior, society, and culture, shaping the landscape of social sciences and influencing various fields within it.
Firstly, thank you for choosing mine to read 🙂 (Do play the audio because it adds up to my reading)
Myself, Lawvanyaa Rajan and I’m so happy to share my unsaid kind story of my life.Throughout my schooling,I have been good at academics okay leave that part but I love make friends in my life.I actually try hard to maintain those friendship at my level best
Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) play a crucial role in empowering women and improving their economic status within society. These organizations, often rooted in local communities and driven by a commitment to social change, employ various strategies to address the multifaceted challenges faced by women. Through advocacy, capacity building, and the provision of support services, CBOs contribute significantly to enhancing women’s economic opportunities and fostering socio-economic development at the grassroots level.
CBOs are entities formed and operated by members of a community to address specific needs or issues affecting their locality. They operate at the grassroots level and are deeply embedded within the communities they serve. CBOs may focus on a wide range of areas, including education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and economic empowerment. In the context of improving the economic status of women, CBOs often undertake initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, skill development, access to financial resources, and advocacy for women’s rights.
Promoting Entrepreneurship and Skill Development
One of the primary ways CBOs support women’s economic empowerment is by promoting entrepreneurship and providing skill development opportunities. These organizations offer training programs, workshops, and mentorship initiatives aimed at equipping women with the knowledge and skills necessary to start and manage their businesses successfully. By imparting skills in areas such as financial management, marketing, and product development, CBOs enable women to establish sustainable livelihoods and generate income for themselves and their families.
Access to Financial Resources
Access to financial resources is often cited as a significant barrier to women’s economic empowerment. CBOs address this challenge by facilitating access to microfinance, small loans, and savings programs tailored to the needs of women entrepreneurs. Through partnerships with financial institutions or the establishment of community-managed funds, CBOs create avenues for women to secure capital for their businesses or investment in income-generating activities. By democratizing access to finance, these organizations enable women to overcome economic barriers and pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations.
Advocacy and Policy Influence
CBOs play a vital role in advocating for policies and programs that promote gender equality and women’s economic empowerment at the local, national, and international levels. Through grassroots mobilization, awareness campaigns, and lobbying efforts, these organizations raise awareness about the challenges faced by women in accessing economic opportunities and advocate for policy reforms that address systemic barriers. By amplifying the voices of women and advocating for gender-responsive policies, CBOs contribute to creating an enabling environment for women’s economic participation and advancement.
Creating Support Networks and Social Capital
In addition to providing tangible resources and services, CBOs create support networks and foster social capital among women within communities. By facilitating peer learning, networking events, and support groups, these organizations create spaces where women can share experiences, exchange ideas, and access emotional support. These networks not only enhance women’s confidence and self-efficacy but also serve as platforms for collective action and solidarity, strengthening the social fabric of communities and promoting women’s empowerment.
Case Study: The Role of a Women’s Cooperative in Rural India
In rural India, the Mahila Samiti (Women’s Cooperative) serves as a prime example of a CBO dedicated to improving the economic status of women. Established in a small village, the Mahila Samiti provides training in traditional handicrafts such as weaving and embroidery to local women. Through skill development workshops and access to markets facilitated by the cooperative, women are able to earn supplementary income from their craftwork, thereby contributing to their household finances. Moreover, the Mahila Samiti advocates for better access to credit for women entrepreneurs and lobbies local authorities for infrastructure improvements that benefit women, such as access to clean water and electricity. By empowering women economically and fostering community solidarity, the Mahila Samiti exemplifies the transformative impact of CBOs in promoting women’s economic empowerment and community development.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Community-Based Organizations play a vital role in empowering women and improving their economic status within society. Through a combination of entrepreneurship promotion, skill development, access to financial resources, advocacy, and community mobilization, CBOs contribute to creating an enabling environment for women’s economic participation and advancement. By investing in women’s empowerment, these organizations not only enhance the economic well-being of individuals and families but also contribute to the social and economic development of communities as a whole. As champions of gender equality and social justice, CBOs serve as catalysts for positive change, driving sustainable development and inclusive growth at the grassroots level.
References
Arcand, J. L., & Fafchamps, M. (2012). Matching in community-based organizations. Journal of Development Economics, 98(2), 203-219.
Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2023). Fate of Slums of Bhopal-A Tale of Struggle and Resilience. Think India Journal, 26(4), 12-18.
Dehalwar, K., & Singh, J. (2016). Challenges and strategies for the improvement of water management in Bhopal. European Scientific Journal, 12(2).
Norris, K. C., Brusuelas, R., Jones, L., Miranda, J., Duru, O. K., & Mangione, C. M. (2007). Partnering with community-based organizations. Ethnicity & Disease, 17, 27-32.
Sharma, S. N. (2014). Participatory Planning in Plan Preparation. BookCountry.
Walker, E. T., & McCarthy, J. D. (2010). Legitimacy, strategy, and resources in the survival of community-based organizations. Social problems, 57(3), 315-340.
Wilson, M. G., Lavis, J. N., & Guta, A. (2012). Community-based organizations in the health sector: a scoping review. Health research policy and systems, 10, 1-9.
In the realm of academia, maintaining academic integrity is paramount. Plagiarism, the act of using someone else’s work without proper acknowledgment, undermines the very foundation of scholarly pursuits. To combat this issue, various plagiarism checking services have emerged, offering scholars the means to ensure their work is original and properly cited. In this article, we’ll explore some prominent plagiarism checking services, focusing on Turnitin and others, to understand their features, functionalities, and effectiveness in maintaining academic integrity.
Turnitin: Turnitin is perhaps one of the most widely recognized plagiarism detection services in academia. It offers a comprehensive platform for educators and students alike to check the originality of academic papers and assignments. Turnitin employs an extensive database of academic content, including journals, publications, and student submissions, to compare the submitted work against.
Key Features:
Database: Turnitin boasts a vast repository of academic content, making it adept at identifying similarities between submitted work and existing sources.
Originality Reports: Users receive detailed reports highlighting any instances of potential plagiarism, along with similarity percentages and links to the original sources.
Feedback and Grading: Educators can provide feedback directly within Turnitin’s interface, facilitating a streamlined grading process while addressing plagiarism concerns.
Integration: Turnitin integrates seamlessly with learning management systems (LMS), making it convenient for educators to incorporate plagiarism checks into their courses.
Limitations:
Subscription-based: Turnitin typically requires a subscription, which may present a financial barrier for individual scholars or institutions with limited budgets.
False Positives: Like any automated system, Turnitin may occasionally flag instances as plagiarism incorrectly, necessitating manual review and verification.
Other Plagiarism Checking Services: While Turnitin is a prominent player in the field, several other plagiarism checking services offer similar functionalities. Some notable alternatives include:
Grammarly: While primarily known as a grammar checking tool, Grammarly also offers plagiarism detection features. It scans text against a vast database of web pages and academic papers to identify potential instances of plagiarism.
Copyscape: Popular among website owners and content creators, Copyscape specializes in detecting duplicate content on the web. While not as comprehensive as Turnitin for academic purposes, it can still be useful for verifying originality.
Plagscan: Plagscan offers a user-friendly interface and customizable settings for plagiarism detection. It allows users to upload documents directly or check web content by entering URLs.
Choosing the Right Tool: Selecting the most suitable plagiarism checking service depends on various factors, including budget, specific requirements, and integration capabilities with existing systems. While Turnitin remains a top choice for academic institutions, alternative services like Grammarly and Copyscape offer valuable features for individual scholars and content creators.
Conclusion: In the pursuit of academic excellence, maintaining integrity and originality in scholarly work is non-negotiable. Plagiarism checking services play a crucial role in upholding these standards by providing scholars with the means to verify the originality of their work and ensure proper attribution to sources. Whether it’s Turnitin, Grammarly, or another tool, leveraging these services empowers scholars to contribute to knowledge dissemination ethically and responsibly in the academic community.
References
Chandere, V., Satish, S., & Lakshminarayanan, R. (2021). Online plagiarism detection tools in the digital age: a review. Annals of the Romanian Society for Cell Biology, 7110-7119.
Chuda, D., & Navrat, P. (2010). Support for checking plagiarism in e-learning. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2(2), 3140-3144.
Geravand, S., & Ahmadi, M. (2014). An efficient and scalable plagiarism checking system using bloom filters. Computers & Electrical Engineering, 40(6), 1789-1800.
Naik, R. R., Landge, M. B., & Mahender, C. N. (2015). A review on plagiarism detection tools. International Journal of Computer Applications, 125(11).
Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment, allowing you to better manage them.
Physical Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity can release endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Exercise also helps reduce stress and anxiety.
Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding excessive alcohol and caffeine intake can all contribute to better emotional regulation.
Seeking Support: Talking to friends, family members, or a therapist about your feelings can provide validation, support, and perspective.
Creative Outlets: Engaging in creative activities like painting, writing, or playing music can be therapeutic and help channel negative emotions into something constructive.
Setting Boundaries: Learning to say no and setting boundaries in your personal and professional life can help prevent feelings of overwhelm and resentment.
Positive Self-Talk: Practice replacing negative self-talk with positive affirmations and realistic perspectives.
Gratitude Practice: Keeping a gratitude journal or simply taking time each day to reflect on things you’re grateful for can shift your focus away from negativity.
Taking Breaks: Sometimes, taking a break from the source of negative feelings, whether it’s work, social media, or other stressors, can give you the space you need to recharge and gain perspective.
Professional Help: If negative feelings persist or interfere with your daily functioning, seeking help from a mental health professional can provide personalized support and treatment.
Remember that coping strategies are personal, and it’s essential to find what works best for you. It’s also okay to seek help when needed and to prioritize your mental health.
Caste and class systems are both social hierarchies that exist in different societies around the world. While they may share some similarities, there are key differences between the two concepts.
S. No. Caste. Class. 1. Membership of a cast is hereditary and no amount or struggle and change it. A person is placed class by virtue of his acquisition of education, wealth or other achievement. 2. There is no social mobility. Social mobility is possible, i.e. it is possible to improve social status. 3. Members are normally not conscious of their social status. Members are generally conscious of their social status. 4. Caste system expects members of follow certain customs, folkways, rituals etc. Social class has no prescribed customs rituals and folkways. 5. Inter-caste marriage is not possible, because it will earn wrath of society. Marriage between two individuals belonging to different classes is possible without earning displeasure of the society.
Caste System:
Based on Birth: Caste system is primarily based on birth. Individuals are born into a specific caste, and their social status is determined by the caste they are born into. This system is often hereditary, meaning one’s caste is passed down from generation to generation.
Social Stratification: Caste system divides society into rigid hierarchical groups, with each caste having its own rights, duties, and privileges. Movement between castes is traditionally very limited, if not impossible.
Occupational Specialization: Caste system often dictates one’s occupation based on their caste. Certain occupations are associated with specific castes, and individuals are expected to adhere to these traditional roles.
Social Interaction: Social interaction between different castes may be restricted or regulated. Inter-caste marriage and socialization are often discouraged or prohibited.
Basis of Discrimination: Discrimination and prejudice are inherent in the caste system. Individuals belonging to lower castes often face social stigma, inequality, and limited opportunities compared to those in higher castes.
Class System:
Based on Economic Factors: Class system is primarily based on economic factors such as wealth, income, and occupation. While birth may play a role, it is not the sole determinant of one’s class status.
Social Mobility: Unlike the caste system, class system allows for more fluid social mobility. Individuals can move up or down the social ladder based on their achievements, education, and economic success.
Occupational Flexibility: In a class system, individuals have more freedom to choose their occupation based on their skills, education, and interests. There are no strict restrictions based on one’s class background.
Social Interaction: Social interaction between different classes is more common and less regulated compared to the caste system. Inter-class marriages and socialization are generally accepted.
Basis of Discrimination: Discrimination in a class system is often based on economic inequality rather than strict social hierarchy. While class-based discrimination exists, it is generally less rigid and pervasive compared to caste-based discrimination.
Here’s a comparative table based on parameters comparing the caste and class systems:
Parameters
Caste System
Class System
Basis
Birth
Economic factors (wealth, income, occupation)
Social Stratification
Rigid hierarchical groups
Fluid social stratification
Social Mobility
Limited, if not impossible
More fluid, allows for upward or downward mobility
Occupational Specialization
Occupations assigned based on caste
Occupational flexibility based on skills and interests
Social Interaction
Restricted or regulated
More common and less regulated
Basis of Discrimination
Inherent, based on caste
Based on economic inequality
This table provides a succinct comparison between the caste and class systems across various parameters, highlighting their fundamental differences in social organization, mobility, and basis of discrimination.
Conclusion:
In summary, while both caste and class systems are forms of social stratification, they differ significantly in terms of their basis, rigidity, mobility, and basis of discrimination. Caste system is based on birth, rigid hierarchy, and limited social mobility, whereas class system is based on economic factors, allows for more social mobility, and is characterized by less rigid social boundaries. Understanding these differences is crucial for comprehending the social dynamics and inequalities present in various societies.
References
Bose, N. K. (1965). Class and caste. Economic Weekly, 17(35), 1337-1340.
Davis, A., Gardner, B. B., & Gardner, M. R. (2009). Deep South: A social anthropological study of caste and class. Univ of South Carolina Press.
D’Souza, V. S. (1967). Caste and class: A reinterpretation. Journal of Asian and African studies, 2(3), 192.
Dehalwar, K. Understanding the Dynamics of Peri-Urban Areas: Navigating the Interface Between Urban and Rural Realms.
Kosambi, D. D. (1944). Caste and class in India. Science & Society, 243-249.
Mukherjee, R. (1999). Caste in itself, caste and class, or caste in class. Economic and political weekly, 1759-1761.
Sharma, S. N. (Ed.). (2016). New perspectives in sociology and allied fields. EduPedia Publications (P) Ltd.
NGOs can also be classified based on their legal structure, constitution, and mandates. The legal framework under which an NGO operates can influence its organizational structure, funding sources, and activities. Here are different types of NGOs based on their constitution and legal mandates:
Constitution: Typically informal, with a focus on community-driven initiatives.
Legal Mandate: Often registered at the local level, emphasizing community development and engagement.
Nonprofit Organizations:
Constitution: Governed by a board of directors or trustees.
Legal Mandate: Registered under specific nonprofit or charity laws, with a focus on serving the public good.
Trusts:
Constitution: Governed by a trust deed that outlines the objectives and management structure.
Legal Mandate: Operates as a legal entity, managed by trustees for charitable or beneficial purposes.
Foundations:
Constitution: Governed by a foundation charter or constitution.
Legal Mandate: Typically established for philanthropic purposes, with a focus on grantmaking and supporting charitable causes.
Associations:
Constitution: Governed by articles of association or bylaws.
Legal Mandate: Formed by individuals or organizations with common interests to achieve specific social, cultural, or economic goals.
Cooperatives:
Constitution: Governed by cooperative bylaws.
Legal Mandate: Formed by individuals with shared economic goals, emphasizing democratic ownership and control.
International NGOs (INGOs):
Constitution: Governed by international agreements or charters.
Legal Mandate: Operates across borders, often registered under the laws of the country where they are headquartered or established.
Advocacy Organizations:
Constitution: Emphasizes advocacy goals in its founding documents.
Legal Mandate: Focuses on influencing policies and legislation to promote specific causes or interests.
Social Enterprises:
Constitution: May take various legal forms, often incorporating both profit and social impact goals.
Legal Mandate: Balances financial sustainability with social or environmental impact, operating for a dual bottom line.
Professional Associations:
Constitution: Governed by bylaws or articles of association.
Legal Mandate: Represents the interests of professionals in a specific field, often providing support, standards, and advocacy.
Religious NGOs:
Constitution: Guided by religious principles or doctrines.
Legal Mandate: Operates based on religious beliefs, providing charitable services and community support.
Government-Organized NGOs (GONGOs):
Constitution: May resemble an NGO but is initiated or controlled by a government entity.
Legal Mandate: Works in collaboration with or under the influence of the government, often to implement specific programs or policies.
Here’s a table with examples of NGOs across various sectors based on their areas of focus:
Type of NGO
Examples
Human Rights NGOs
Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch
Environmental NGOs
Greenpeace, World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
Health NGOs
Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), Partners In Health
Development NGOs
Oxfam, CARE International
Education NGOs
Teach For All, Room to Read
Emergency Relief NGOs
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Médecins du Monde (Doctors of the World)
Gender and Women’s Rights NGOs
UN Women, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF)
Animal Rights NGOs
PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), World Animal Protection
Cultural NGOs
UNESCO, National Trust for Historic Preservation
Advocacy and Lobbying NGOs
Transparency International, Human Rights Campaign
Research and Policy NGOs
Brookings Institution, Center for Global Development
Social Services NGOs
Save the Children, International Rescue Committee
Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)
Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), Kibera Community Development Agenda (KCODA)
Nonprofit Organizations
The Salvation Army, Médecins du Monde (Doctors of the World)
Trusts
Tata Trusts, Ford Foundation
Foundations
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation
Associations
American Cancer Society, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
Cooperatives
Fair Trade Certified, Organic Valley
International NGOs (INGOs)
World Food Programme (WFP), Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders)
Advocacy Organizations
Human Rights Campaign, Greenpeace
Social Enterprises
Grameen Bank, TOMS Shoes
Professional Associations
American Bar Association, World Medical Association
Religious NGOs
World Vision, Islamic Relief Worldwide
Government-Organized NGOs (GONGOs)
China Association for NGO Cooperation (CANGO), Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO)
Please note that the list is not exhaustive, and there are many more NGOs globally, each contributing to different causes and sectors.
Understanding the legal structure and mandates of NGOs is crucial for effective governance, accountability, and compliance with local regulations. The specific legal framework can vary significantly from country to country, shaping the way NGOs operate and fulfill their missions.
References
Bebbington, A. J., Hickey, S., & Mitlin, D. C. (Eds.). (2008). Can NGOs make a difference?: the challenge of development alternatives. Bloomsbury Publishing.
Clarke, G. (1998). Non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) and politics in the developing world. Political studies, 46(1), 36-52.
Dehalwar, K. The Slums of Bhopal: A Tale of Struggle and Resilience.
Ebrahim, A. (2003). Accountability in practice: Mechanisms for NGOs. World development, 31(5), 813-829.
Mercer, C. (2002). NGOs, civil society and democratization: a critical review of the literature. Progress in development studies, 2(1), 5-22.
Mitlin, D., Hickey, S., & Bebbington, A. (2007). Reclaiming development? NGOs and the challenge of alternatives. World development, 35(10), 1699-1720.
Raustiala, K. (1997). States, NGOs, and international environmental institutions. International Studies Quarterly, 41(4), 719-740.
Sharma, S. N. (2014). Fate of Rural Sanitation Scheme. International Journal of Research (IJR), 1(2).
Sharma, S. N. The Complex Reality of Delhi’s Slums: A Closer Look at Urban Informality.
Social structure refers to the complex framework of relationships and institutions that shape human societies. It encompasses various elements such as social institutions, hierarchies, norms, roles, and values. Social control, on the other hand, is the set of mechanisms, strategies, and institutions that regulate individual and collective behavior within a society. Together, they play a pivotal role in maintaining order and stability. This essay delves into the intricacies of social structure and social control, providing a comprehensive analysis supported by charts and graphs.
Social Structure:
Social Institutions: Social institutions form the backbone of social structure. These include family, education, economy, religion, and government. Each institution has a specific role in shaping individuals’ behaviors and interactions within the society.
Figure 1: Distribution of Influence among Social Institutions.
The chart above illustrates the relative influence of different social institutions. It indicates that education and family play crucial roles in shaping individuals during their formative years.
Social Hierarchies: Social hierarchies are systems of ranking and categorization that determine the distribution of power, resources, and prestige in a society. Hierarchies can be based on factors such as wealth, race, gender, and education._
Graph 1: Distribution of Wealth in a Social Hierarchy_The graph above demonstrates the unequal distribution of wealth in a hypothetical society, highlighting the disparities that can arise within social hierarchies.
Norms and Roles: Norms are societal expectations that dictate acceptable behavior, while roles are the expected behaviors associated with a particular status or position. These elements contribute to the cohesion and functioning of social structures._
Social Control:
Formal Mechanisms: Formal mechanisms of social control involve established institutions and laws. Governments, legal systems, and law enforcement agencies are examples of formal mechanisms that regulate behavior through explicit rules.The bar graph depicts the effectiveness of formal mechanisms in maintaining social order. It suggests that legal systems are more effective than other formal mechanisms in curbing deviant behavior.
Informal Mechanisms: Informal mechanisms operate through social interactions, norms, and values. Peer pressure, social expectations, and informal sanctions are examples of these mechanisms.The line graph demonstrates the influence of informal mechanisms over time, indicating that social expectations and informal sanctions play a significant role in shaping individual behavior.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, social structure and social control are interconnected components that define the dynamics of human societies. The charts and graphs presented in this essay provide visual insights into the complexity and functionality of these concepts. Understanding social structure and social control is crucial for creating informed policies and fostering societies that prioritize equity, justice, and stability.
References
Horwitz, A. V. (1990). The logic of social control. Springer Science & Business Media.
Nadel, S. F. (2013). The theory of social structure (Vol. 8). Routledge.
Ross, E. A. (1896). Social control. American Journal of Sociology, 1(5), 513-535.
Sharma, S. N. (2015). Introduction to Sociology. Journal for Studies in Management and Planning, 1(8), 32-36.
Stinchcombe, A. L. (2013). Social structure and organizations1. In Handbook of organizations (RLE: Organizations) (pp. 142-193). Routledge.
The study of the sociological aspects of space and place, particularly in the context of human culture, is a rich and multidimensional field of inquiry. Understanding how individuals and societies interact with and shape their physical environments sheds light on the complex interplay between social structures, cultural values, and spatial contexts. When it comes to space, sociologists examine both physical spaces, such as urban areas, rural landscapes, and built environments, as well as conceptual spaces, such as virtual communities and social networks. Meanwhile, place refers to the subjective and socially constructed meanings attached to specific locations, which can influence identity, social relations, and behavior.
In the realm of space exploration and the culture of space, several key sociological aspects emerge:
Identity and Belonging: Human beings have an innate tendency to form attachments to particular places, which contribute to their sense of identity and belonging. In the context of space exploration, astronauts often experience a profound shift in their sense of place and belonging as they journey beyond Earth’s atmosphere. The experience of viewing Earth from space, often referred to as the “overview effect,” can lead to a heightened awareness of the interconnectedness of all life and a reevaluation of one’s place in the universe.
Social Organization and Community: The culture of space encompasses a diverse array of communities, including scientists, engineers, astronauts, policymakers, and enthusiasts, who are united by their interest in exploring and understanding the cosmos. These communities often develop unique norms, practices, and rituals that reflect their shared values and objectives. For example, mission control centers serve as hubs of activity and coordination during space missions, embodying principles of teamwork, precision, and collaboration.
Power and Inequality: As with any human endeavor, the exploration of space is shaped by power dynamics and inequalities. Historically, space exploration has been dominated by a handful of powerful nations and organizations, leading to questions of access, representation, and equity. Efforts to democratize access to space, such as the rise of commercial spaceflight and the growing interest in international collaboration, highlight ongoing debates about who gets to participate in shaping humanity’s future in space.
Cultural Representation and Imagery: The portrayal of space in popular culture, media, and art plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions and attitudes towards space exploration. From science fiction novels and films to iconic images of astronauts walking on the moon, cultural representations of space often reflect broader social anxieties, aspirations, and imaginaries. These representations can influence public support for space exploration and shape the collective imagination of what lies beyond our planet.
Ethics and Responsibility: As humanity ventures further into space, questions of ethics and responsibility become increasingly salient. Issues such as environmental sustainability, planetary protection, and the potential impact of space activities on indigenous communities raise complex moral dilemmas that require careful consideration and dialogue. Sociologists play a crucial role in facilitating conversations about the ethical dimensions of space exploration and advocating for principles of social justice and environmental stewardship.
Overall, the culture of space offers a fascinating lens through which to explore the intersections of society, technology, and the cosmos. By examining the sociological aspects of space and place, we can gain deeper insights into the ways in which human beings navigate and shape their environments, both on Earth and beyond.
References
Artiles, A. (2003). Special education’s changing identity: Paradoxes and dilemmas in views of culture and space. Harvard educational review, 73(2), 164-202.
Agarwal, S., & Sharma, S. N. Universal Design to Ensure Equitable Society. International Journal of Engineering and Technical Research (IJETR), 1.
Bonnemaison, J. (2005). Culture and space: Conceiving a new cultural geography. Bloomsbury Publishing.
Grossberg, L. (2002). The space of culture, the power of space. In The postcolonial question (pp. 169-186). Routledge.
Gupta, A., & Ferguson, J. (2008). Beyond ‘culture’: space, identity, and the politics of difference. In The cultural geography reader (pp. 72-79). Routledge.
Sharma, S. N. (2014). Urban forms in planning and design. International Journal of Research, 1(1), 7-16.
The University Grants Commission (UGC), one of the statutory organizations, is a key player in maintaining the quality of education across Indian institutions.
Right from evaluating teaching-learning practices to bringing innovations in the field of education, UGC introduces various schemes from time to time for quality assurance.
Continuing the chain of building transformative educational setup, UGC has introduced the “Academic Bank of Credits” (ABC). It helps faculty to manage & check the credits earned by students.
Before we get into details, let us understand the main objectives of ABC…
To promote student-centric education
Focus on learner-friendly teaching approaches
Implement an inter-disciplinary approach
Allow students to learn the best courses of their interest
Enable students to learn at their own pace
Keeping these objectives in mind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) and the Academic Bank of Credits is a vital part of the policy.
What is the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC)?
Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) is a virtual/digital storehouse that contains the information of the credits earned by individual students throughout their learning journey. It will enable students to open their accounts and give multiple options for entering and leaving colleges or universities. There will be “multiple exits” & “multiple entries” points during the higher education tenure & credits will be transferred through the ABC seamlessly.
ABC can be considered as an authentic reference to check the credit record of any student at any given point in time. Thus, the concept of ABC is fuel to boost the efficiency of faculty and help students embrace a multi-disciplinary educational approach. The idea is to make students “skillful professionals” and help their overall growth.
In a crux, the Academic Bank of Credits will be a game-changer in transforming Indian education to a great extent.
Functions of Academic Bank of Credit (ABC)
The Academic Bank will be accountable for opening, closing, and validating the academic accounts of students.
It will carry out tasks such as credit accumulation, credit verification, credit transfer/redemption of students.
The courses include online and distance mode courses offered by the government and institutes.
The validity of these academic credits earned by students will be up to seven years and students can redeem these credits.
The credits can be redeemed and students can seek admission directly in the second year at any university.
The validity will be up to seven years, hence, students will have to rejoin within seven years.
Importance of Academic Bank of Credit (ABC)
Increases the student’s freedom in choosing their courses and academics.
Enables the student to drop out in any year and then exchange the credits earned so far with a certificate/diploma if they are eligible.
They can redeem the credits and rejoin the same or any other institute in the future and continue their education.
The institutes cannot keep the students in the courses against their will to earn money
How does the Academic Bank of Credits Work?
As I mentioned to you earlier, the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) would act as a reference point for faculty to check the credit records of students. The students need to follow the given guidelines to be a part of the ABC.
#1: Opening The ABC Account
First and foremost, the students need to open an Academic Bank Account.
They might require details like their name, address, certificates, course details, etc to create the ABC account.
A unique ID & password will be created from where students can log in at any given point to check their earned credits.
As per the courses, a credit structure will be created by the Government.
When a student pursues any course and clears exams, credits will be automatically awarded to them. Institutions need to fill out the details and upload the deposits in the students’ Academic Credit Bank’s account on the digital portal.
#3: Evaluation & Verification Of Credits
Any kind of credit evaluation & verification will be carried out by the Academic Credit Bank at regular intervals.
If students want to transfer the credits, they need to approach the ABC for further process.
It will help in regulating the processes with ultimate authenticity.
Online & offline – both types of courses are included in the scheme. Some of the important ones include National Schemes such as–
NPTEL
SWAYAM
V-LAB
Thus, the ABC will cover almost all types of courses including distance learning courses to help students of every possible stream.
#5: Credit’s Validity
The credits earned by students will be valid for seven years.
However, the validity of credits is subject to change depending on the type of courses or disciplines.
In such instances, ABC will provide the details of the exceptions to students.
Even if a student takes a break or is not able to continue their education, they may redeem the earned credits in the future within the time limit of seven years.
Expected Impact of ABC on Educational System
The UGC expects a positive impact that will be brought via the practice of the ABC in the upcoming years. HEIs who participate in the scheme will be highly benefited due to the smooth management of credits.
The inter-disciplinary & multi-disciplinary approach is the need of the hour. With the Academic Credit Bank, HEIs will be able to help students learn subjects of their choice and become “skill-oriented” graduates.
Gawas, N. M., Naik, G. R., & Kapdi, G. Academic Bank of Credits (ABC): A Big Fish in a Big Pond. Anand Bihari, 152.
Mandale, K., & Killedar, S. (2023). Benefits of the Academic Bank of Credits ABC According to New Education Policy NEP 2020. PRARUP PUBLICATION A/p. Hatkanangale, Tal. Hatkanangale Dist. Kolhapur-416 004 (Maharashtra), 23-28.
Naveen, H. M. (2021). Establishment and Operation of Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) in Higher Education. International Journal of Engineering Applied Science and Technology, 6(5), 166-169.
Sharma, S. N., & Dehalwar, K. (2023). Council of Planning for Promoting Planning Education and Planning Professionals. Journal of Planning Education and Research, 43(4), 748-749.
Vashistha, N., Dhiman, A., Grima, S., & Kiran, S. (2022). National academic credit bank: Need of times. In Edutech enabled teaching (pp. 201-216). Chapman and Hall/CRC.
One of the primary qualifications sought by employers in Dubai is a relevant educational background.
While the specific requirements may vary depending on the industry and job role, having a bachelor’s degree is often considered a minimum standard.
Certain professions may necessitate advanced degrees or specialized certifications.
For instance, roles in finance and engineering typically require a bachelor’s degree in the respective field, while positions in healthcare may require specific medical qualifications recognized by the relevant authorities in Dubai.
Professional Certifications
In certain industries, possessing specific professional certifications can significantly enhance a candidate’s employability.
For example, individuals seeking employment in the fields of finance may benefit from certifications such as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Similarly, professionals in the IT sector may find certifications like Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or Project Management Professional (PMP) to be valuable assets on their resumes.
Job aspirants should research industry-specific certifications relevant to their desired roles and consider obtaining them to boost their credentials.
Given Dubai’s multicultural environment and the prevalence of English as the business language, proficiency in English is typically a prerequisite for many job opportunities.
In addition to English, proficiency in Arabic or other languages commonly spoken in the region can be advantageous, particularly for roles that involve interaction with local clients or stakeholders.
Job aspirants are encouraged to demonstrate their language skills through standardized tests such as the IELTS or TOEFL, especially if English is not their first language.
Relevant Experience
Employers in Dubai place a high value on practical experience and skills relevant to the job role.
While entry-level positions may be available for fresh graduates, mid-level and senior roles often require a certain number of years of experience in a similar role or industry.
Candidates with a proven track record of success, demonstrated through previous employment, internships, or projects, are more likely to stand out to recruiters.
Visa and Work Permit
Before applying for jobs in Dubai, it’s essential for job aspirants to understand the visa and work permit requirements.
Non-citizens of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) typically require a valid work visa sponsored by a registered employer in Dubai.
The process of obtaining a work visa involves several steps, including medical tests, background checks, and documentation verification.
Job seekers should ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria for obtaining a work visa before committing to any employment opportunities.
Cultural Awareness and Adaptability
In addition to technical qualifications, employers in Dubai often seek candidates who demonstrate cultural awareness and adaptability.
Dubai’s workforce comprises individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, and employers value candidates who can navigate cultural differences and work effectively in a multicultural environment.
Demonstrating an understanding of local customs, norms, and business etiquette can enhance a candidate’s appeal to potential employers.
Networking and Professionalism
As with any job market, networking plays a crucial role in securing employment opportunities in Dubai.
Job aspirants are encouraged to leverage professional networking platforms, attend industry events, and connect with professionals working in their desired field.
Building a strong professional network can provide valuable insights, referrals, and job leads.
Additionally, maintaining a professional demeanour throughout the job search process, from submitting applications to attending interviews, is essential for creating a positive impression on prospective employers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Dubai offers a wealth of opportunities for job aspirants, securing employment in the city requires careful consideration of the essential qualifications and requirements.
By obtaining the necessary educational qualifications, gaining relevant experience, acquiring professional certifications, understanding visa regulations, demonstrating cultural awareness, and networking effectively, job seekers can enhance their chances of success in Dubai’s dynamic job market.
With determination, preparation, and the right qualifications, aspiring professionals can embark on fulfilling careers in one of the world’s most exciting cities.
References
Buckley, M. (2012). From Kerala to Dubai and back again: Construction migrants and the global economic crisis. Geoforum, 43(2), 250-259.
Lodhi, A. S., & Sharma, S. N. Contemporary Trends in Commerce-The Rise of Ecommerce Industries.
Varrel, A. (2020). A job in Dubai and an apartment in Bangalore: Transnational dynamics of migrant property in globalizing cities. City, 24(5-6), 818-829.
This research paper provides a thorough examination of the application of microsimulation models in the analysis of traffic accidents. Microsimulation has emerged as a powerful tool for studying complex traffic scenarios, allowing researchers to simulate individual vehicle movements and interactions in a realistic environment. The paper begins with an overview of the current state of traffic accident analysis and the role of microsimulation in enhancing our understanding of contributing factors and potential mitigation strategies.
Introduction
Background Traffic accidents remain a significant public safety concern, leading to injuries, fatalities, and economic losses worldwide. Understanding the dynamics of traffic flow and identifying key factors contributing to accidents are crucial for developing effective safety measures.
Microsimulation is a modeling technique used in traffic engineering and transportation planning to simulate the movement of individual vehicles within a traffic network. It provides a detailed and realistic representation of traffic flow, allowing for a more in-depth analysis of various factors, including traffic accidents. Here’s how microsimulation can be applied to traffic accident analysis:
Data Input:
Road Network Data: Start by inputting detailed information about the road network, including geometry, lane configurations, intersections, traffic signals, and signage.
Vehicle Characteristics: Include data on different types of vehicles, their sizes, speeds, acceleration, and deceleration characteristics.
Driver Behavior: Incorporate realistic driver behavior models, considering factors like speed choice, lane-changing behavior, and response to traffic signals.
Model Calibration:
Adjust the simulation parameters to match real-world conditions. This may involve fine-tuning vehicle behaviors, traffic signal timings, and other factors to ensure that the simulation accurately reflects observed traffic patterns.
Incident Scenarios:
Introduce accident scenarios into the simulation. This could involve specifying the location, type, and severity of potential accidents.
Model various accident types, such as rear-end collisions, side collisions, and intersection-related incidents.
Emergency Response:
Simulate the response of emergency services to accidents. Evaluate how the presence of emergency vehicles affects traffic flow and the overall impact on the transportation system.
Safety Analysis:
Analyze the simulated data to identify potential safety issues and risk factors. Evaluate parameters such as vehicle speeds, traffic density, and conflict points to assess the likelihood of accidents.
Countermeasure Evaluation:
Test the effectiveness of different safety countermeasures within the simulation. This could include changes to road geometry, traffic signal timings, signage improvements, or the implementation of intelligent transportation systems (ITS).
Scenario Testing:
Conduct scenario testing to explore “what-if” situations. For example, assess the impact of increased traffic volume, changes in road design, or the implementation of new traffic management strategies on accident rates.
Visualization and Reporting:
Use the simulation results to generate visualizations and reports. This can help communicate findings to stakeholders, policymakers, and the public.
Historically, traffic accident analysis has relied on statistical methods, crash reports, and macroscopic traffic models. While these methods provide valuable insights, they often lack the granularity needed to capture individual vehicle interactions and dynamic behaviors.
Microsimulation tools such as VISSIM, AIMSUN, and PARAMICS are commonly used for these purposes. These tools allow for a dynamic and detailed analysis of traffic behavior, enabling transportation professionals to make informed decisions to improve safety on road networks.
Summary of Findings Microsimulation models offer a valuable tool for in-depth traffic accident analysis, providing detailed insights into individual vehicle behaviors and interactions.
Implications for Traffic Safety The findings of this research have implications for the development of targeted traffic safety measures, considering the specific dynamics identified through microsimulation.
Recommendations for Future Research Future research should explore additional applications of microsimulation in different traffic scenarios and investigate advancements in model accuracy and computational efficiency.
References
Astarita, V., Giofré, V., Guido, G., & Vitale, A. (2011). Investigating road safety issues through a microsimulation model. Procedia-social and behavioral sciences, 20, 226-235.
Goh, K. C., Currie, G., Sarvi, M., & Logan, D. (2014). Experimental microsimulation modeling of road safety impacts of bus priority. Transportation Research Record, 2402(1), 9-18.
Guido, G., Astarita, V., Giofré, V., & Vitale, A. (2011). Safety performance measures: a comparison between microsimulation and observational data. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 20, 217-225.
Shahdah, U., Saccomanno, F., & Persaud, B. (2015). Application of traffic microsimulation for evaluating safety performance of urban signalized intersections. Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies, 60, 96-104.
Sharma, S. N., & Singh, D. (2023). Understanding mid-block traffic analysis: A crucial tool for road safety. Think India Journal, 26(3), 5-9.
Xin, W., Hourdos, J., & Michalopoulos, P. (2008). Enhanced Micro-simulation models for accurate safety assessment of traffic management ITS Solutions.
Sociological theories provide frameworks for understanding various aspects of society, including social behavior, institutions, and relationships. Here’s a list of some prominent sociological theories:
Structural Functionalism: This theory views society as a complex system composed of interrelated parts that function together to maintain stability and order. It emphasizes the importance of social institutions in maintaining social cohesion.
Conflict Theory: Conflict theory posits that society is characterized by inequality and competition for limited resources. It focuses on power dynamics, social stratification, and how these lead to conflict and social change.
Symbolic Interactionism: This theory explores how individuals interact through symbols (e.g., language, gestures) to create and interpret meaning in social interactions. It emphasizes the subjective interpretation of symbols and the role of communication in shaping social behavior.
Social Exchange Theory: Social exchange theory examines social interactions as transactions involving rewards and costs. It suggests that individuals engage in behavior that maximizes rewards and minimizes costs, leading to the formation and maintenance of relationships.
Rational Choice Theory: This theory applies principles of rational decision-making to social phenomena, suggesting that individuals make choices that maximize their self-interest. It examines how individuals weigh alternatives and make decisions in various social contexts.
Feminist Theory: Feminist theory focuses on the social, political, and economic inequality between genders. It explores how gender roles, stereotypes, and power dynamics shape social institutions and interactions, advocating for gender equality and social justice.
Critical Theory: Critical theory examines society through a lens of critique, questioning the underlying structures and power dynamics that produce social inequalities and injustices. It aims to challenge dominant ideologies and promote social transformation.
Post-structuralism: Post-structuralist theories deconstruct traditional notions of social reality, emphasizing the fluidity and multiplicity of meanings. They critique the idea of fixed identities and challenge binary oppositions, such as male/female or self/other.
Postmodernism: Postmodernist theories reject the idea of objective truth and question the grand narratives of modernity. They emphasize the fragmented nature of contemporary society and the proliferation of diverse perspectives and cultural influences.
Phenomenology: Phenomenological theories focus on the subjective experiences of individuals and how they perceive and interpret the social world. They emphasize the importance of understanding social phenomena from the perspective of those involved.
These are just a few examples of the diverse range of sociological theories that researchers use to analyze and interpret social phenomena.
References
Merton, R. K. (1945). Sociological theory. American Journal of Sociology, 50(6), 462-473.
Parsons, T. (2010). Essays in sociological theory. Simon and Schuster.
Ritzer, G., & Stepnisky, J. (2017). Sociological theory. Sage publications.
SHARMA, S. N. (2015). Introduction to Sociology. Journal for Studies in Management and Planning, 1(8), 32-36.
Sharma, S. N. (2016). Introduction to Sociology. New Perspectives in Sociology and Allied Fields, 1.
Turner, J. H. (2012). Contemporary sociological theory.
Travel Time and Delay Studies are crucial techniques in transport planning, providing valuable insights into the efficiency, reliability, and performance of transportation systems. These studies aim to quantify the time required for individuals or goods to travel between different locations, identify delays, and understand the factors contributing to congestion. Here is a detailed overview of this technique:
Assess the performance of transportation networks, including roadways, public transit, and other modes of transport.
Identify areas of congestion, bottlenecks, and critical points where delays are most likely to occur.
Capacity Analysis:
Determine the capacity of roads and intersections by analyzing the relationship between traffic volume and travel time.
Identify potential over-capacity or under-capacity issues and propose solutions.
Traffic Flow Dynamics:
Understand the dynamics of traffic flow, including peak hours, directional patterns, and variations in travel speeds.
Analyze the impact of signal timings, road geometry, and other infrastructure elements on traffic behavior.
Identification of Bottlenecks:
Locate specific points in the transportation network where congestion regularly occurs.
Evaluate the causes of bottlenecks, such as intersections, merging lanes, or insufficient road capacity.
Mode Comparison:
Compare travel times and delays across different transportation modes (e.g., private cars, public transit, walking, cycling) to identify mode preferences.
Assess the effectiveness of multimodal transportation strategies.
Methodology of Travel Time and Delay Studies:
Data Collection:
Use various data sources, including manual traffic counts, automated traffic surveillance systems, and GPS tracking.
Collect data on travel times, speeds, and delays at different points within the transportation network.
Sampling Techniques:
Employ random or systematic sampling to ensure representative data collection.
Consider peak and off-peak periods to capture variations in travel time and delay patterns.
GPS and Mobile Apps:
Utilize GPS data from vehicles and mobile applications to track real-time travel routes and speeds.
Analyze the data to understand travel time variability and identify areas with recurrent delays.
Incident Analysis:
Investigate the impact of incidents such as accidents, road closures, or construction on travel times and delays.
Quantify the duration and severity of disruptions caused by incidents.
Congestion Metrics:
Calculate congestion indices, such as the Travel Time Index (TTI) or the Planning Time Index (PTI), to quantify delays and provide a measure of reliability.
Use these metrics to compare congestion levels over time and across different locations.
GIS and Spatial Analysis:
Map travel times and delays spatially using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools.
Identify spatial patterns, hotspots, and areas with consistent travel time challenges.
Regression Analysis:
Employ regression models to identify relationships between travel times, delays, and various contributing factors such as traffic volume, road geometry, and signal timings.
Applications of Travel Time and Delay Studies:
Transportation Planning and Policy:
Inform the development of transportation policies and infrastructure projects based on identified bottlenecks and congestion points.
Assess the impact of proposed changes on travel times and delays.
Traffic Management Strategies:
Optimize signal timings, lane configurations, and other traffic management strategies to reduce delays.
Implement dynamic traffic management systems that respond to real-time conditions.
Infrastructure Investment Decisions:
Guide decisions on infrastructure investments by prioritizing projects that address key congestion points.
Justify the need for capacity expansions or alternative transportation modes.
Public Communication:
Provide real-time travel information to the public, helping users make informed decisions and potentially influencing travel behavior.
Communicate planned road closures or construction activities to minimize disruptions.
In summary, Travel Time and Delay Studies play a crucial role in understanding the performance of transportation systems, guiding infrastructure investments, and implementing effective traffic management strategies. The data collected through these studies contribute to evidence-based decision-making in transport planning, ultimately improving the efficiency and reliability of transportation networks.
References
Carrion, C., & Levinson, D. (2012). Value of travel time reliability: A review of current evidence. Transportation research part A: policy and practice, 46(4), 720-741.
Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2023). Fundamentals of Research Writing and Uses of Research Methodologies.
Kotagiri, Y., & Pulugurtha, S. S. (2016). Modeling bus travel delay and travel time for improved arrival prediction. In International Conference on Transportation and Development 2016 (pp. 562-573).
LODHI, A. S., & SHARMA, S. N. Framework for Road Safety Improvement Measures for Madhya Pradesh.
Oppenlander, J. C. (1976). Sample size determination for travel time and delay studies. Traffic Engineering, 46(9).
Zang, Z., Xu, X., Qu, K., Chen, R., & Chen, A. (2022). Travel time reliability in transportation networks: A review of methodological developments. Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies, 143, 103866.
Transport planning involves a multidisciplinary approach to analyzing, designing, and managing transportation systems. Various research techniques are employed to gather data, model scenarios, and make informed decisions in the field of transport planning. Here are some commonly used research techniques:
Origin-Destination Surveys: Collect data on the travel patterns and destinations of individuals within a region.
Household Surveys: Gather information on transportation preferences, commuting patterns, and socio-economic factors.
Mode Choice Surveys: Understand the factors influencing individuals’ choices of transportation modes.
Traffic Counts and Volume Studies:
Manual and Automated Traffic Counts: Collect data on the volume and types of vehicles at specific locations.
Turning Movement Counts: Analyze the movements of vehicles at intersections to understand traffic flow patterns.
Geographic Information System (GIS) Analysis:
Spatial Analysis: Use GIS to analyze spatial relationships, plan routes, and identify areas with transportation challenges.
Network Analysis: Model transportation networks, evaluate connectivity, and assess the impact of changes.
Simulation and Modeling:
Traffic Simulation Models: Simulate traffic flow to analyze the impact of changes in infrastructure or traffic management strategies.
Transport Demand Models: Predict future transportation demand based on population growth, economic factors, and land use.
Travel Time and Delay Studies:
GPS Data Analysis: Utilize GPS data to analyze travel times, congestion, and identify bottlenecks.
Delay Studies: Assess delays in transportation systems and identify factors contributing to congestion.
Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA):
Evaluate the economic feasibility of transportation projects by comparing costs and benefits over time.
Consider factors such as time savings, reduced congestion, and environmental impact.
Stakeholder Consultation and Public Participation:
Engage with the community, businesses, and other stakeholders to gather input on transportation needs and preferences.
Public Meetings and Workshops: Facilitate discussions to gather feedback on proposed transportation projects.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):
Evaluate the environmental consequences of transportation projects, considering factors like air quality, noise, and habitat disruption.
Accessibility Analysis:
Assess how easily individuals can reach various destinations, considering factors like transportation modes, distance, and connectivity.
Smart Mobility Data:
Use data from intelligent transportation systems, such as real-time traffic information and smart city technologies, to enhance planning and decision-making.
These techniques are often used in combination to provide a comprehensive understanding of transportation systems and to formulate effective planning strategies. The integration of technology and data analytics continues to play a growing role in modern transport planning.
References
Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2023). Fundamentals of Research Writing and Uses of Research Methodologies.
LODHI, A. S., & SHARMA, S. N. Framework for Road Safety Improvement Measures for Madhya Pradesh.
Lodhi, A. S., & Jaiswal, A. (2022, December). Passengers Perception and Satisfaction Level Towards Public Transport: A Review. In International Conference on Transportation Planning and Implementation Methodologies for Developing Countries (pp. 403-410). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore.
Sharma, S. N. Leveraging GIS for Enhanced Planning Education.
Sharma, S. N. Understanding the Distinction: Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research.
In a significant move towards boosting tourism in the country, the Ministry of Tourism has announced the development of 57 destinations under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme. This initiative is part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to promote sustainable and responsible tourism, focusing on the development of various thematic circuits across India.
The Ministry of Tourism plays a crucial role in formulating national policies and programs for the coordinated development and promotion of tourism in the country. The scope of its responsibilities includes policy matters, planning, coordination with other ministries and state/union territory administrations, infrastructure development, research, international cooperation, and marketing and promotion activities.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme – Overview
The Swadesh Darshan Scheme, initially launched to develop theme-based tourist circuits, has now evolved into Swadesh Darshan 2.0 with a renewed focus on sustainable tourism development. Under this scheme, states and union territories prepare a State Perspective Plan, and the Ministry of Tourism selects destinations for development based on these plans. The latest announcement sees the notification of 57 destinations for development under Swadesh Darshan 2.0.
Table 1: Circuit-wise Projects Sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan Scheme
Sr. No.
Name of the Theme
Number of Projects
Amount Sanctioned (Rs. in Crore)
1
Buddhist Circuit
05
319.01
2
Coastal Circuit
10
631.39
3
Desert Circuit
01
50.01
…
…
…
…
15
Wayside
01
15.07
Total
76
5294.11
PRASHAD Scheme – Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive
In addition to Swadesh Darshan, the Ministry of Tourism also launched the National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Scheme. This scheme aims at the integrated development of identified pilgrimage destinations, with a focus on creating pilgrimage/spiritual tourism infrastructure.
Table 2: State-wise Projects Sanctioned under PRASHAD Scheme
S. No.
State/ UT
Number of Projects
Sanctioned Amount (Rs. in Crore)
1
Andhra Pradesh
3
124.89
2
Arunachal Pradesh
1
37.88
3
Assam
1
29.80
…
…
…
…
25
Uttar Pradesh
6
130.28
26
Uttarakhand
3
145.28
27
West Bengal
1
30.03
Total
46
1631.93
The comprehensive approach of the Ministry towards tourism development is reflected in its efforts to promote destinations both domestically and internationally. Through the “Incredible India” brand, the Ministry engages in media campaigns, travel fairs, and exhibitions to showcase the diverse attractions that India offers to tourists.
In conclusion, the notification of 57 destinations under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 is a positive step towards enhancing India’s tourism potential. The concerted efforts of the Ministry of Tourism in promoting sustainable and responsible tourism will not only boost the economy but also showcase the incredible cultural and natural wealth of the country to the world. As these projects unfold, they are expected to create a ripple effect, leading to increased footfall and a more robust tourism industry in India.
References
Agrawal, A., Awasthi, S., & Vishnoi, S. (2022). Transformation From Model Village to Model Tourist Village: The Missing Link. Journal of Rural Development, 171-184.
Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2024). Exploring the Distinctions between Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods. Think India Journal, 27(1), 7-15.
Pandya, R. Growth and Preferences of Tourism Industry in India: A Distinctive Study in the Framework of Gujarat.
Roy, N., & Gretzel, U. (2020). Themed route marketing in India. Anatolia, 31(2), 304-315.
Sengupta, C. Government Intervention and the Future of Tourism in India: Analysis of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. Perspectives, Patterns and Practices, 2.
Sharma, S. N. (2017). Challenges and Opportunities for Tourist Destination Mussoorie. Think India Journal, 20(4), 95-102.
Tripathi, M. K., & Ali, M. (2021). Government Initiatives for Development of Rural Tourism in India: A Study. International journal of economic perspectives, 15(1), 650-653.
The Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) in Bhopal, initiated in 2013 under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM) scheme by the Bhopal Municipal Corporation, is now facing dismantlement after nearly a decade of operation. The 24 km long corridor, stretching from Misrod to Sant Hirdaram Nagar (Bairagarh), was a substantial infrastructure investment amounting to Rs. 329 crores. However, the decision to dismantle the BRTS has stirred controversy, as public representatives argue that removing it could enhance the local transport system’s convenience.
Infrastructure Investment and Implementation: The Bhopal BRTS project, conceptualized to address the growing transportation needs of the city, was a significant undertaking. The 24 km long corridor aimed to streamline public transportation, reduce traffic congestion, and provide a more efficient and eco-friendly mode of commuting. The investment of Rs. 329 crores was directed towards creating dedicated bus lanes, modern bus stations, and other necessary infrastructure elements.
The corridor, with its dedicated lanes and well-designed stations, was expected to improve the overall transportation experience for residents while contributing to the city’s sustainable development goals. However, the success of BRTS projects often depends on effective planning, public support, and continuous adaptation based on the evolving needs of the community.
Controversial Decision to Dismantle: The controversy surrounding the Bhopal BRTS escalated when, on December 25, 2023, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav ordered the scrapping of the BRTS corridor during a meeting held at the state secretariat. This decision was met with mixed reactions from the public, transportation experts, and local authorities.
Proponents of the decision argue that the BRTS corridor has not lived up to its expectations, citing concerns such as underutilization, operational inefficiencies, and negative impacts on existing traffic patterns. Additionally, there were financial considerations, with an additional Rs. 18.5 crores earmarked for the dismantling process. Critics, on the other hand, question the rationale behind scrapping a significant investment without exploring potential improvements or alternatives.
Public Representatives’ Perspective: Local public representatives supporting the decision to dismantle the BRTS corridor believe that the move will pave the way for a more convenient and adaptable local transport system. They argue that the current system has not effectively addressed the city’s diverse transportation needs and that a fresh approach is needed to enhance accessibility and efficiency.
Looking Forward: As the decision to dismantle the BRTS corridor unfolds, the fate of Bhopal’s public transportation system hangs in the balance. It remains to be seen whether the removal of BRTS will lead to a more convenient and effective alternative or if the city will face new challenges in addressing its growing transportation demands. The controversy underscores the complexities involved in urban planning and the importance of thoroughly assessing the long-term impact of transportation infrastructure projects on a community.
References
Chaurasia, D. (2014). Bus rapid transit system (BRTS): A sustainable way of city transport (Case Study of Bhopal BRTS). International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology (IJEAT) ISSN, 2249, 8958.
Jaiswal, A., Rokade, S., & Vijay, N. C. (2022, December). Assessment of Satisfaction Level for Bus Transit Systems in Bhopal. In International Conference on Transportation Planning and Implementation Methodologies for Developing Countries (pp. 431-448). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore.
Khare, R., Villuri, V. G. K., & Chaurasia, D. (2021). Urban sustainability assessment: The evaluation of coordinated relationship between BRTS and land use in transit-oriented development mode using DEA model. Ain Shams Engineering Journal, 12(1), 107-117.
Kolluru, H. K., Rajpal, S., Jha, S., & Jain, P. K. (2018). Bus rapid transit system in Bhopal city: A review. Education, 2019.
LODHI, A. S., & SHARMA, S. N. Framework for Road Safety Improvement Measures for Madhya Pradesh.
Sharma, A., Parida, M., Sekhar, C. R., & Kathuria, A. (2015). Capacity analysis of Bhopal BRTS using empirical and simulation model. Journal of the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies, 11, 1575-1593.
Sociology is the scientific study of society, human social behavior, and the structures and processes that shape and influence it. It is a discipline that seeks to understand the patterns and dynamics of human interaction, social institutions, and the broader social forces that impact individuals and groups. Sociology examines how societies are organized, how they change over time, and how individuals are shaped by their social environments.
One key concept in sociology is the sociological imagination, which was introduced by American sociologist C. Wright Mills in his 1959 book of the same name. The sociological imagination encourages individuals to connect their personal experiences to larger social issues and historical contexts. Mills argued that people should be able to see the intersection between their private lives and the broader social structures in which they exist. This perspective helps individuals understand how personal troubles are often connected to public issues and how societal factors influence personal experiences.
The sociological imagination involves the ability to view one’s own life and the lives of others from a sociological perspective. It requires considering the broader social, historical, and cultural context in which individuals live. This perspective enables individuals to move beyond personal anecdotes and recognize the social forces at play in shaping their lives.
Key components of the sociological imagination include:
Biography and History: Understanding the interplay between personal experiences (biography) and historical and social contexts (history). It involves recognizing that personal choices and experiences are influenced by societal structures and historical developments.
Social Structure: Examining the overarching patterns and structures that organize society, such as institutions, social classes, and power dynamics. Social structure influences individuals and shapes their opportunities and constraints.
Culture and Society: Recognizing the role of culture in shaping values, beliefs, norms, and practices within a society. Sociological imagination involves understanding how culture influences individual behavior and societal trends.
Critical Thinking: Developing a critical and reflective mindset to question assumptions, challenge common beliefs, and analyze social phenomena. This involves looking beyond individual experiences to identify broader social patterns and inequalities.
Sociological imagination is a powerful tool for both sociological research and personal development. It encourages individuals to go beyond individualistic explanations for their circumstances and consider the broader social context. By understanding the societal forces at play, individuals can develop a more informed and critical perspective on their own lives and the world around them.
In the field of sociology, researchers use the sociological imagination to conduct studies and analyze social issues. Sociologists explore topics such as inequality, crime, education, family dynamics, and more, aiming to understand the underlying social structures and processes that contribute to these phenomena. This sociological perspective is crucial for developing insights into societal problems and proposing solutions that address root causes rather than merely addressing symptoms.
References
Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2023). Fate of Slums of Bhopal-A Tale of Struggle and Resilience. Think India Journal, 26(4), 12-18.
Harvey, D. (2005). The sociological and geographical imaginations. International journal of politics, culture, and society, 18, 211-255.
Hughes, E. C. (1963). Race relations and the sociological imagination. American Sociological Review, 879-890.
Mills, C. W. (2023). The sociological imagination. In Social Work (pp. 105-108). Routledge.
Sharma, S. N. (Ed.). (2016). New perspectives in sociology and allied fields. EduPedia Publications (P) Ltd.
Thomson, R. (2014). Generational research: between historical and sociological imaginations. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 17(2), 147-156.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, collectively known as STEM, form the bedrock of innovation and progress in our modern world. From groundbreaking discoveries in medicine to the latest advancements in artificial intelligence, STEM fields play a pivotal role in shaping the future of humanity. In this article, we’ll delve into the significance of STEM and explore how it drives innovation across various sectors.
At the heart of STEM lies science—the pursuit of knowledge through observation, experimentation, and analysis. Scientific discoveries have transformed our understanding of the natural world and led to revolutionary breakthroughs. From Isaac Newton’s laws of motion to the discovery of DNA structure by James Watson and Francis Crick, science lays the foundation for technological advancements and drives innovation by answering fundamental questions about the universe.
Technology:
Technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, and it permeates every aspect of our daily lives. The rapid evolution of technology has given rise to the digital age, with innovations like smartphones, the internet, and artificial intelligence becoming integral parts of society. STEM professionals in the field of technology are instrumental in developing new software, hardware, and systems that enhance efficiency, communication, and overall quality of life.
Engineering:
Engineers are the architects of the technological landscape, translating scientific principles into tangible solutions. Whether it’s designing sustainable infrastructure, creating cutting-edge medical devices, or developing renewable energy sources, engineers play a crucial role in addressing global challenges. STEM-driven engineering fosters creativity, problem-solving, and a commitment to building a better future.
Mathematics:
Mathematics serves as the language of STEM, providing the framework for scientific theories and technological applications. From cryptography algorithms to predicting climate patterns, mathematics is the invisible force that underpins many advancements. Mathematicians contribute not only to theoretical frameworks but also to practical solutions in various fields, including finance, cryptography, and data analysis.
STEM in Action:
STEM education and research are essential components for nurturing the next generation of innovators. Initiatives promoting STEM in schools, colleges, and universities aim to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle complex problems. Hands-on experiments, coding workshops, and collaborative projects cultivate a passion for STEM disciplines and prepare future leaders for the challenges of tomorrow.
Challenges and Opportunities:
While STEM has propelled humanity forward, it also faces challenges such as gender and racial underrepresentation. Efforts are being made to bridge these gaps and create a more inclusive environment. Additionally, the ethical implications of technological advancements, such as privacy concerns and the impact on employment, demand careful consideration and responsible innovation.
Conclusion:
STEM is more than just an acronym; it is a dynamic force that drives progress and shapes the world we live in. As we continue to explore the frontiers of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, the possibilities for innovation are boundless. By fostering a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and inclusivity, we can unlock the full potential of STEM and build a future that embraces the limitless opportunities it presents.
References
Bongso, A., & Richards, M. (2004). History and perspective of stem cell research. Best practice & research Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology, 18(6), 827-842.
Breiner, J. M., Harkness, S. S., Johnson, C. C., & Koehler, C. M. (2012). What is STEM? A discussion about conceptions of STEM in education and partnerships. School science and mathematics, 112(1), 3-11.
Brown, R., Brown, J., Reardon, K., & Merrill, C. (2011). Understanding STEM: current perceptions. Technology and Engineering Teacher, 70(6), 5.
Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2024). Exploring the Distinctions between Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods. Think India Journal, 27(1), 7-15.
English, L. D. (2016). STEM education K-12: Perspectives on integration. International Journal of STEM education, 3, 1-8.
Sharma, S. N., & Dehalwar, K. (2023). Council of Planning for Promoting Planning Education and Planning Professionals. Journal of Planning Education and Research, 43(4), 748-749.
Internships serve as invaluable stepping stones for students and young professionals, offering a bridge between academic learning and real-world application. These structured work experiences provide a myriad of benefits that extend far beyond the confines of a classroom. In this article, we will explore the advantages of internships and how they contribute to personal and professional development.
Internships provide an opportunity for individuals to apply theoretical knowledge gained in classrooms to real-world scenarios. The hands-on experience gained during internships equips individuals with practical skills, enhancing their understanding of industry-specific practices. This exposure is often instrumental in shaping a well-rounded and competent professional.
Skill Development:
Internships act as incubators for skill development. Beyond the technical skills related to a specific industry, interns also develop soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. These skills are crucial in any professional setting and contribute significantly to one’s employability.
Networking Opportunities:
Internships offer a unique chance to build professional networks. Interns interact with industry professionals, colleagues, and mentors, creating connections that can prove beneficial throughout their careers. Networking not only opens doors for potential job opportunities but also provides insights into industry trends and best practices.
Resume Enhancement:
Having internship experience on a resume sets candidates apart in a competitive job market. Employers value practical experience, and internships demonstrate a candidate’s commitment to gaining real-world exposure and the ability to apply academic knowledge in a professional setting. A well-structured resume with relevant internships often catches the eye of recruiters.
Career Exploration:
Internships provide a firsthand look into various industries, roles, and organizational cultures. For students and young professionals, this exposure is invaluable in making informed career choices. Internships allow individuals to explore their interests, discover their strengths, and identify areas for further development, ultimately guiding them towards a fulfilling career path.
Confidence Building:
The challenges and responsibilities faced during an internship contribute to personal growth and confidence building. Overcoming obstacles in a professional setting instills a sense of accomplishment and resilience. Interns learn to navigate workplace dynamics, communicate effectively, and adapt to new situations, enhancing their self-assurance.
Job Placement:
Internships often serve as a pipeline for future employment opportunities. Many organizations use internships as a talent acquisition strategy, hiring interns who have proven their capabilities during their time with the company. For interns, this can lead to a smoother transition from student life to the professional workforce.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, internships are invaluable experiences that bridge the gap between education and the professional world. They offer a wealth of benefits, from hands-on learning and skill development to networking opportunities and career exploration. As individuals seek to distinguish themselves in a competitive job market, internships stand out as an essential and transformative component of personal and professional growth.
References
Binder, J. F., Baguley, T., Crook, C., & Miller, F. (2015). The academic value of internships: Benefits across disciplines and student backgrounds. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 41, 73-82.
Metzger, S. V. (2002). Employers’ perceptions of the benefits of college internship programs. University of Idaho.
Seibert, J. H., & Sypher, B. D. (1989). The Importance of Internship Experiences to Undergraduate Communication Students.
Wolinsky-Nahmias, Y., & Auerbach, A. H. (2022). Evaluating the Design and Benefits of Internship Programs. Journal of Political Science Education, 18(4), 584-604.
Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, is a thriving metropolis with a rich cultural heritage. While the city has seen significant growth and development, ensuring total sanitation remains a crucial challenge. Adopting best practices for sanitation is essential for the well-being of its residents and the overall development of the city. This article explores some key strategies and initiatives that can be implemented to achieve total sanitation in Bhopal.
Community Engagement and Awareness:
Develop comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate residents about the importance of sanitation and its impact on public health.
Encourage community participation in cleanliness drives and waste management initiatives.
Establish partnerships with local NGOs, schools, and community leaders to amplify the reach of sanitation awareness programs.
Proper Waste Management:
Implement a robust waste management system that includes waste segregation at source, efficient collection, transportation, and disposal.
Promote the use of composting and recycling to reduce the burden on landfills.
Enforce strict penalties for illegal dumping and encourage responsible waste disposal practices.
Public Toilet Facilities:
Increase the number of public toilets in key areas to provide accessible and clean facilities for residents and visitors.
Regular maintenance and cleanliness checks should be conducted to ensure the hygiene of public toilets.
Implement community-led initiatives for the maintenance and upkeep of public toilet facilities.
Promote Sustainable Practices:
Encourage the use of eco-friendly products and packaging to reduce environmental impact.
Initiate tree plantation drives to enhance green cover and improve air quality.
Implement water conservation measures to ensure sustainable use of water resources.
Smart Technology Integration:
Utilize technology for monitoring and managing sanitation services, such as smart waste bins that send alerts when they are full.
Implement a city-wide sanitation app to report issues, request services, and provide feedback on sanitation conditions.
Use data analytics to identify areas with high sanitation needs and optimize resource allocation.
Collaboration with Stakeholders:
Collaborate with local businesses, industries, and educational institutions to create a unified approach to sanitation.
Engage with government agencies, civic bodies, and private sector organizations to pool resources for large-scale sanitation projects.
Foster partnerships with international organizations and experts to gain insights into global best practices.
Regular Monitoring and Evaluation:
Establish a monitoring system to track the progress of sanitation initiatives regularly.
Conduct periodic assessments of sanitation infrastructure, services, and public satisfaction.
Use feedback from residents and stakeholders to make continuous improvements to sanitation programs.
Legislation and Enforcement:
Develop and enforce strict sanitation regulations to ensure compliance with cleanliness standards.
Impose fines for violations and non-compliance to create a deterrent for irresponsible sanitation practices.
Regularly update and adapt legislation to address emerging sanitation challenges.
Conclusion:
Achieving total sanitation in Bhopal requires a concerted effort from the government, businesses, communities, and individuals. By implementing these best practices, Bhopal can work towards creating a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment for its residents, setting an example for other cities to follow. Total sanitation is not just a goal; it’s a collective responsibility that, when achieved, contributes significantly to the overall well-being and progress of the city.
References
Agarwal, S., & Sharma, S. N. Universal Design to Ensure Equitable Society. International Journal of Engineering and Technical Research (IJETR), 1.
Dehalwar, K., & Singh, J. (2015). A Critical Evaluation of the main Causes of Water Management Problems in Indian Urban Areas. International Research Journal of Environment Sciences. 4, 8.
Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2023). Fate of Slums of Bhopal-A Tale of Struggle and Resilience. Think India Journal, 26(4), 12-18.
Pardeshi, G. (2009). Women in total sanitation campaign: a case study from Yavatmal district, Maharashtra, India. Journal of human ecology, 25(2), 79-85.
Galvin, M. (2015). Talking shit: is Community‐Led Total Sanitation a radical and revolutionary approach to sanitation?. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Water, 2(1), 9-20.
Pardeshi, G., Shirke, A., & Jagtap, M. (2008). SWOT analysis of total sanitation campaign in Yavatmal district of Maharashtra. Indian journal of community medicine: official publication of Indian Association of Preventive & Social Medicine, 33(4), 255.
Sharma, S. N. (2014). Fate of Rural Sanitation Scheme. International Journal of Research (IJR), 1(2).
Sharma, S. N., & Biswas, A. (2016). Best practices for ensuring total sanitation. International Journal for Social Studies, ISSN, 2455-3220.
World Health Organization. (2020). Achieving quality health services for all, through better water, sanitation and hygiene: lessons from three African countries.
Research is a fundamental component of advancing knowledge and understanding various phenomena. In the realm of research, two primary methodologies, quantitative and qualitative, serve distinct purposes and contribute uniquely to the exploration of diverse topics. This article aims to delve into the differences between quantitative and qualitative research, highlighting their characteristics, methodologies, and the advantages they bring to the research process.
Quantitative Research:
Quantitative research is a systematic, empirical investigation that employs statistical, mathematical, or computational techniques to collect and analyze numerical data. This method aims to quantify relationships, patterns, and trends within a population or sample. Key characteristics of quantitative research include:
Objective Measurement: Quantitative research relies on objective measurement and numerical data. Researchers use structured instruments such as surveys, questionnaires, or experiments to gather information.
Statistical Analysis: Data collected in quantitative research is subjected to statistical analysis. This involves the use of mathematical models to identify patterns, correlations, and trends in the data.
Large Sample Sizes: Quantitative studies often involve large sample sizes to ensure the generalizability of findings to a broader population.
Replicability: The emphasis on numerical data and statistical analysis allows for the replication of studies by other researchers to validate or challenge the initial findings.
Quantitative research is particularly valuable in fields such as psychology, economics, and public health where numerical data can provide precise insights into patterns and trends.
Qualitative Research:
Qualitative research, on the other hand, focuses on exploring and understanding the complexities of human experiences, behaviors, and social phenomena through non-numerical data. This method aims to uncover the underlying meanings, motivations, and cultural contexts associated with a particular subject. Key characteristics of qualitative research include:
In-depth Exploration: Qualitative research emphasizes in-depth exploration and understanding of the subject matter. Researchers use methods like interviews, focus groups, and participant observation to gather rich, descriptive data.
Subjectivity and Context: Qualitative research acknowledges the subjective nature of human experiences and considers the influence of context on behaviors and perceptions.
Emergent Design: Unlike the rigid structure of quantitative research, qualitative studies often have an emergent design, allowing researchers to adapt their approach based on ongoing analysis and findings.
Small Sample Sizes: Qualitative studies typically involve smaller sample sizes, allowing for a detailed examination of individual cases.
Qualitative research is particularly valuable in fields such as anthropology, sociology, and psychology where a deep understanding of human behavior and social phenomena is essential.
Comparative Analysis:
While both methodologies contribute valuable insights to the research landscape, they have distinct strengths and limitations. Quantitative research provides objective, generalizable data suitable for statistical analysis and hypothesis testing. In contrast, qualitative research offers a nuanced understanding of complex human phenomena, capturing the depth and context often missed by quantitative methods.
Below is a comparative table highlighting the key differences between quantitative and qualitative research methodologies:
Aspect
Quantitative Research
Qualitative Research
Data Type
Numerical data (quantifiable and measurable)
Non-numerical data (textual, visual, narrative)
Objective
Objectively measures relationships, patterns, and trends
Subjectively explores meanings, motivations, and contexts
Methodology
Structured and standardized instruments (surveys, experiments)
Unstructured and flexible methods (interviews, focus groups, observation)
Sample Size
Large sample sizes for generalizability
Small sample sizes for in-depth exploration
Statistical Analysis
Extensive use of statistical analysis for patterns and correlations
Limited or no statistical analysis; emphasis on interpretation
Replicability
Highly replicable due to standardized methods and statistical rigor
Limited replicability; context-dependent findings
Purpose
Testing hypotheses, making predictions, establishing causation
Exploring complex phenomena, understanding context and meaning
Validity
High internal and external validity due to controlled environments
High ecological validity, capturing real-world contexts
Flexibility
Rigidity in research design and data collection procedures
Flexibility in research design, allowing for emergent insights
Research Settings
Often conducted in controlled settings (labs, surveys)
Conducted in natural settings (fieldwork, real-world contexts)
Focus on confidentiality, informed consent, and protection of participants
Emphasis on participant voices, ethical considerations in interpretation
This table provides a concise overview of the main distinctions between quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. It’s important to note that researchers often choose a methodology based on the nature of their research questions and objectives, and a combination of both methods (mixed methods) is increasingly common in contemporary research practice.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the choice between quantitative and qualitative research depends on the research question, objectives, and the nature of the phenomena under investigation. Researchers often employ a mixed-methods approach, combining both methodologies to gain a comprehensive understanding of their research topic. The dynamic interplay between quantitative and qualitative research continues to shape our understanding of diverse disciplines, fostering a holistic approach to knowledge generation and advancement.
References
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Watzlawik, M., & Born, A. (Eds.). (2007). Capturing identity: Quantitative and qualitative methods. University Press of America.
Yousefi Nooraie, R., Sale, J. E., Marin, A., & Ross, L. E. (2020). Social network analysis: An example of fusion between quantitative and qualitative methods. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 14(1), 110-124.
Those who are interested in educational pedagogy are most likely familiar with the term “Transformative learning”, it is a widely accepted approach to adult education. But what does it really mean? And how do we get past the jargon and theory to put into practice? Let’s explore it a bit more and consider practical applications for individuals, institutions and learning environments. The speaker will outline how transformative learning pairs with an educational theory (how does teaching fit into a student’s world view) and will explore concrete ways to address transformative learning strategies: 1) problem-solving; 2) training and education;
Institutional culture; 4) personal development; and 5) leadership) directly correlated to student performance in line with organizational goals.
Lets firstly understand the term Institutional Effectiveness ?
Acc to The Society for College and University Planning(SCUP):
Is a Higher Education Institutions effort to organize assessment, evaluation and improvement initiatives so that the institution can determine how well it is fulfilling its mission and achieving its goals.
Vision Mission Objectives Goals
What are Meaning Perspectives: How is this aligned with an Educational Theory
Is an overarching term that describes a collection of theories that explain the application, interpretation and purpose of learning(Acc to Mezirow: 2023).It pairs a Constructivist learning perspective- the idea that meaning is constructed from experience and internal understanding- with the importance of communication and reflection.
So….
As educators, How do we put this in practice?
We develop a “TEACHING PHILOSOPHY”(TP)-which is a “Believe Statement” in which we use theoretical concepts that help to explain the learning processes we wish to utilise and this will have the potential to inform educational approaches, curricula and assessments.
What must the TP should state….?
Must motivate the teacher to learn about the subject matter?
What are the expected outcomes of your teaching?
Teacher – student relationship you hope to achieve?
How do you measure if your lessons are successful?
What values do you impart on your students?
What code of ethics guides you?
What themes pervades your teaching?
What are the 3 types of TP that Educators can utilize to increase Institutional effectiveness?
Acc to the teaching Academy..
Perennialism
Values knowledge that transcends time.This is a subject -centered philosophy.The goal of a perennialis educator is to teach students to think rationlly and develop minds that can think critically.
Progressivism
Progressivists believe that individuality,progress and change are fundamental to one education.They believe that students learn best from what they consider most relevant to their lives, centre their curricula on the needs,experiences, interests and abilities of students
Essentialism
Is also subject-centered aimed at teaching basic skills.This philosophy advocates training the mind focussing on transmiitting a series of progressively difficult topics and promotion of students to the next level.
So….
How does this then add value to “Transformational Learning”?
The Educator must then align his/her Teaching Philosophy to that of transfomational teaching and learning approaches expained bt the following Model Strategies.
A Transformative Model of Strategies?: Approach to teaching and learning that can increase Institutional Effectiveness
Problem Solving:
Do an initial brainstorm.
Be open to making mistakes.
Challenge personal assumptions about the “right way” of doing things.
Look for novel solutions from other sources, especially those outside of the field/culture.
Provide tools/opportunities for discussion and debate.
Institutional Culture
Create mentoring and job shadowing programs.
Enhance commitment for the development of synergetic actions.
Encourage collaboration across teams to broaden perspectives.
Encourage individuals and teams to take risks: treat failure as progress and growth.
Engage employees in activities that challenge the status quo such as thought provoking documentaries, annual field trips and experiential learning games.
Provide safe spaces for employees to voice their say but must be done democratically.
Transformative re-design of educational curriculums into community engagement.
Integrating student development into academic activities.
Interconnected technology systems.
Personal development
Be open to changing your personal perspectives.
Push your personal boundaries through travel, trying new activities, meeting new people.
Keep up to date with new evidence-based practices
Keep a journal for ideas and reflection.
Growth of leadership skills.
Strengthening emotional intelligence.
Leadership and Governance
Strengthen gaps in policies.
Advance best practices.
Promote transdisciplinary approaches .
Embrace team efforts.
Collaborate with different groups with a diverse set of peers to share and brainstorm ideas.
Advocate professional development opportunities.
Attend skills development opportunities.
Adopt practices that force you to rethink your methods and beliefs on a regular basis.
Training and Education
Ask students to share their initial thoughts on the subject(pre knowledge).
Use engaging activities and /or rich media to further connect with students.
Ask students to reflect on the activities and discussion and how those may have impacted their thoughts on the topic.
Conclusion
This pendulum represents a balance, and to have harmony, one side must not out way the other.Therefore, to maintain constant Institutional Effectiveness in Higher Education there must be a balance by what the educator believe statement meets effective teaching and learning approaches.
References
Mezirow, J. 2023: Transformative learning: Theory to Practice; New directions for adult and Continuing Education; No 74(11): 5-6.
Introduction: Writing articles for the Track2Training portal is an excellent opportunity to share your knowledge and expertise with a broader audience. To ensure a smooth and efficient publication process, please follow these guidelines.
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Writing a case study research involves thorough analysis and documentation of a specific subject, often focusing on a real-life situation or scenario. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write a case study research:
Select a case that is relevant and interesting to your target audience.
Ensure that your case study has a clear problem or issue to address.
Selecting an appropriate subject is the first crucial step in crafting a case study research. Opt for a case that holds relevance and interest for your target audience. Ensure that the chosen case encompasses a clear problem or issue that merits investigation and analysis.
Define the Purpose:
Clearly state the purpose of your case study. What do you aim to achieve with this research? Is it to analyze a problem, propose a solution, or explore a particular phenomenon?
Conduct Background Research:
Gather information about the subject, industry, and context.
Identify any relevant theories or concepts that will help frame your analysis.
Identify the Key Issues:
Pinpoint the main problems or challenges faced by the subject.
Understand the factors contributing to the issues.
Formulate Research Questions:
Develop specific research questions that guide your investigation.
These questions should be focused on the key issues identified.
Choose a Case Study Type:
Decide on the type of case study you want to conduct. Common types include exploratory, explanatory, descriptive, or intrinsic.
Collect Data:
Use various methods to gather data, such as interviews, surveys, observations, and document analysis.
Ensure your data collection is thorough and unbiased.
Organize and Analyze Data:
Organize your data and categorize it according to themes or patterns.
Use appropriate analytical tools and techniques to interpret the information.
Develop a Case Study Outline:
Create a clear structure for your case study, including an introduction, background, presentation of key issues, analysis, solutions, and conclusion.
Write the Introduction:
Provide a brief overview of the case and its significance.
Clearly state the purpose and objectives of the case study.
Present the Background:
Provide context by offering relevant background information.
Discuss any theories or concepts that are pertinent to the case.
Describe the Case:
Present the details of the case, including the individuals or entities involved, the timeline, and the setting.
Analyze the Issues:
Explore the key issues in-depth, using your research questions as a guide.
Apply relevant theories or frameworks to analyze the data.
Propose Solutions:
Recommend practical solutions or strategies to address the identified issues.
Justify your recommendations with evidence from your analysis.
Write the Conclusion:
Summarize the key findings and solutions.
Reflect on the implications of your research and suggest areas for further investigation.
Include Citations:
Properly cite all sources used in your case study to give credit and provide a basis for further reading.
Review and Revise:
Proofread your case study for clarity, coherence, and consistency.
Seek feedback from peers or mentors and make revisions accordingly.
Remember, each case study is unique, and the above steps provide a general guideline. Adapt them to fit the specific requirements and nuances of your case study research.
References
Brown, P. A. (2008). A review of the literature on case study research. Canadian Journal for New Scholars in Education/Revue canadienne des jeunes chercheures et chercheurs en education, 1(1).
Cousin, G. (2005). Case study research. Journal of geography in higher education, 29(3), 421-427.
Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2023). Fundamentals of Research Writing and Uses of Research Methodologies.
Hays, P. A. (2003). Case study research. In Foundations for research (pp. 233-250). Routledge.
Focus Group Discussion (FGD) is a qualitative research technique that plays a crucial role in exploring and understanding complex social phenomena. This method brings together a small, diverse group of participants to discuss a specific topic under the guidance of a skilled moderator. Through open and dynamic interaction, FGDs provide researchers with rich insights into participants’ perspectives, attitudes, and experiences.
Key Components of Focus Group Discussions:
Participants:
FGDs typically involve 6 to 12 participants who share common characteristics relevant to the research question. Participants are selected to ensure diversity in opinions and experiences.
Moderator:
A skilled moderator facilitates the discussion, guiding participants through the conversation while encouraging openness. Moderators use a predetermined set of open-ended questions to explore various aspects of the research topic.
Focus Group Guide:
A carefully crafted set of questions, known as a focus group guide, serves as the backbone of the discussion. These questions are open-ended, allowing participants to express their thoughts freely.
Setting:
FGDs are conducted in a conducive environment that promotes open communication. The setting should be comfortable, neutral, and free from distractions to encourage participants to share their thoughts openly.
Recording:
Sessions are often recorded, either through audio or video, to capture the richness of the discussion. This allows researchers to revisit and analyze the data more thoroughly.
The Focus Group Discussion Process:
Introduction:
The session begins with a warm welcome and an introduction to the purpose of the discussion. Participants are encouraged to express their opinions freely, creating a comfortable atmosphere.
Warm-up Questions:
To ease participants into the discussion, moderators start with broad and non-threatening questions. This helps build rapport and sets the tone for more in-depth exploration.
Main Discussion:
The moderator guides the conversation using the focus group guide, allowing participants to express their thoughts and react to each other’s comments. This interactive process often leads to the emergence of shared understandings and diverse perspectives.
Probing and Clarification:
Moderators use probing techniques to delve deeper into participants’ responses, seeking clarification and encouraging a more detailed exploration of ideas. This helps uncover nuanced insights.
Closing:
The session concludes with a summary of key points and a debriefing with participants. This provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on the discussion and ask any final questions.
Advantages of Focus Group Discussions:
Rich Data:
FGDs generate in-depth qualitative data, capturing the complexity and nuances of participants’ perspectives.
Group Dynamics:
Interactions within the group can reveal social dynamics, shared beliefs, and divergent opinions that may not surface in individual interviews.
Real-time Insights:
The dynamic nature of FGDs allows researchers to capture real-time reactions and responses, providing a more authentic understanding of participants’ perspectives.
Exploratory Nature:
FGDs are particularly useful in the early stages of research when exploring new topics or generating hypotheses.
Cost-Effective:
Compared to one-on-one interviews, FGDs can be a more cost-effective way to gather insights from multiple participants simultaneously.
Challenges and Considerations:
Group Influence:
Group dynamics may lead to conformity or hesitation in expressing dissenting opinions. Skilled moderation is crucial to mitigate these effects.
Moderator Bias:
Moderators must be aware of their biases and strive to maintain neutrality to ensure the discussion remains participant-driven.
Data Analysis Complexity:
Analyzing FGD data can be complex due to the multitude of perspectives. Thorough analysis involves identifying patterns, themes, and divergent viewpoints.
Generalization Limitations:
Findings from FGDs are often context-specific and may not be easily generalized to larger populations. Therefore, researchers should complement FGDs with other research methods for a more comprehensive understanding.
In conclusion, Focus Group Discussions are a powerful qualitative research technique that provides valuable insights into the social, cultural, and behavioral dimensions of a research question. When conducted with careful planning, skilled moderation, and thoughtful analysis, FGDs contribute significantly to the depth and richness of qualitative research. Researchers across various disciplines continue to embrace this method as an essential tool in unraveling the complexities of human experience and perception.
References
Bohnsack, R. (2004). Group discussion and focus groups. A companion to qualitative research, 214-221.
Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2023). Fundamentals of Research Writing and Uses of Research Methodologies.
Dehalwar, K., & Singh, J. (2015). A Critical Evaluation of the main Causes of Water Management Problems in Indian Urban Areas. International Research Journal of Environment Sciences. 4, 8.
Hennink, M. M. (2013). Focus group discussions. Oxford University Press.
Moretti, F., van Vliet, L., Bensing, J., Deledda, G., Mazzi, M., Rimondini, M., … & Fletcher, I. (2011). A standardized approach to qualitative content analysis of focus group discussions from different countries. Patient education and counseling, 82(3), 420-428.
O. Nyumba, T., Wilson, K., Derrick, C. J., & Mukherjee, N. (2018). The use of focus group discussion methodology: Insights from two decades of application in conservation. Methods in Ecology and evolution, 9(1), 20-32.
Sharma, S. N., Chatterjee, S., & Dehalwar, K. (2023). Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme: Challenges and Opportunities. Think India Journal, 26(1), 7-15.
Wong, L. P. (2008). Focus group discussion: a tool for health and medical research. Singapore Med J, 49(3), 256-60.
Conflict theory is a sociological perspective that emphasizes the role of conflict and competition in social processes and structures. It posits that society is characterized by various forms of inequality and social conflict, primarily driven by struggles for power, resources, and access to opportunities.
Conflict theory is a sociological perspective that examines society through the lens of power dynamics, social inequality, and the struggle for resources. Rooted in the ideas of Karl Marx, conflict theorists assert that society is marked by inherent conflicts arising from the unequal distribution of wealth, power, and social privilege. They contend that these disparities lead to ongoing struggles between different social groups, such as the bourgeoisie (ruling class) and the proletariat (working class). Conflict theory challenges the notion that society functions harmoniously, as suggested by functionalism, and instead posits that social order is maintained through the dominance of one group over another. The perspective emphasizes the role of social institutions in perpetuating these power imbalances, arguing that institutions such as education, law, and media often serve to maintain and legitimize the interests of the dominant class.
Central to conflict theory is the concept of class struggle, where economic disparities drive social conflict and shape the course of history. The theory extends beyond class conflict to include other forms of social inequality, such as those based on race, gender, and ethnicity. Conflict theorists view social change as a result of these ongoing struggles, with revolutions and social movements emerging as mechanisms for challenging existing power structures and fostering a more equitable society. By highlighting the role of conflict and tension in shaping social order, conflict theory provides a critical framework for understanding the complexities of societal dynamics and the interplay between different social groups.
Here are key points associated with conflict theory in sociology:
Inequality and Power:
Society is marked by inherent inequality in the distribution of resources, wealth, and power.
Power is a central force shaping social relationships and structures.
Social Classes:
Conflict theorists view society as divided into distinct social classes based on economic and social differences.
Class struggle is a fundamental aspect of social dynamics, with the bourgeoisie (owners) and proletariat (workers) being key classes in capitalist societies.
Capitalism and Exploitation:
Conflict theorists critique capitalism, highlighting the exploitation of the working class by the capitalist class.
The profit motive and pursuit of self-interest contribute to social conflict.
Conflict as a Driving Force:
Social change is often driven by conflict, as opposing forces struggle for dominance.
Contradictions and tensions within society lead to change and transformation.
Institutions as Tools of Dominance:
Social institutions, such as education, law, and the media, are seen as tools that perpetuate and legitimize existing power structures.
These institutions may reinforce the interests of the dominant class.
Ideology and Hegemony:
Conflict theorists explore how dominant ideologies serve the interests of the ruling class.
Hegemony refers to the ability of the ruling class to maintain its dominance by shaping societal norms, values, and beliefs.
Social Change and Revolution:
Conflict theorists anticipate that societal conflict may lead to revolutionary change.
Revolutions are seen as mechanisms to overthrow existing power structures and create more equitable societies.
Symbolic Interactionism:
In the realm of symbolic interactionism, conflict theorists focus on how symbols and language perpetuate and reflect power imbalances.
Critique of Functionalism:
Conflict theory often contrasts with functionalism, which emphasizes the stability and equilibrium of society.
Conflict theorists argue that functionalism overlooks social inequalities and power struggles.
Feminist Perspectives:
Feminist sociologists often draw on conflict theory to analyze gender inequalities and power imbalances between men and women.
Global Perspective:
On a global scale, conflict theorists may analyze the dynamics of imperialism, neocolonialism, and global inequalities.
Understanding conflict theory provides insights into the dynamics of social change, inequality, and power struggles within societies. It offers an alternative perspective to functionalism, emphasizing the role of conflict in shaping social structures and institutions.
References
Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2023). Fate of Slums of Bhopal-A Tale of Struggle and Resilience. Think India Journal, 26(4), 12-18.
Sharma, S. N. (2016). Introduction to Sociology. New Perspectives in Sociology and Allied Fields, 1.
Meta-analysis, a statistical technique that combines and synthesizes data from multiple independent studies, has become a cornerstone in scientific research. By aggregating findings from various studies on a specific topic, meta-analysis provides a more comprehensive and robust understanding of the subject matter. This article explores the concept of meta-analysis, its methodology, advantages, and limitations, emphasizing its crucial role in advancing research across diverse disciplines.
Understanding Meta-Analysis:
Meta-analysis involves the systematic review and quantitative synthesis of data from multiple studies. The primary goal is to pool data to draw more accurate and reliable conclusions than those possible from individual studies alone. This approach helps researchers overcome limitations associated with small sample sizes, variability in study designs, and potential publication biases.
Key Components of Meta-Analysis:
Literature Review: Conducting a thorough literature review is the first step in meta-analysis. Researchers identify relevant studies, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the existing body of work on the chosen topic.
Study Selection Criteria: Establishing clear inclusion and exclusion criteria is crucial to ensure the selected studies are comparable and relevant to the research question. This step helps maintain the integrity of the meta-analysis.
Data Extraction: Data from each included study are systematically extracted. This involves collecting information on study design, participant characteristics, interventions or exposures, outcomes, and statistical results.
Effect Size Calculation: The effect size quantifies the magnitude of the relationship between variables or the intervention’s impact. Common effect size measures include odds ratios, risk ratios, and standardized mean differences.
Statistical Analysis: Meta-analysis employs statistical techniques to combine the results of individual studies. Weighting is applied to account for study size, and heterogeneity tests assess the variability between studies.
Advantages of Meta-Analysis:
Increased Statistical Power: Meta-analysis enhances statistical power by combining data from multiple studies, allowing researchers to detect smaller effect sizes that may be overlooked in individual studies.
Generalizability: Pooling data from diverse studies increases the generalizability of findings, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the research question across different populations and contexts.
Identifying Patterns and Trends: Meta-analysis enables the identification of patterns or trends that may not be evident in individual studies, offering a more holistic view of the research landscape.
Resolution of Inconsistencies: Conflicting findings in individual studies can be reconciled through meta-analysis. By exploring sources of heterogeneity, researchers can identify factors contributing to discrepancies and refine their interpretations.
Limitations of Meta-Analysis:
Publication Bias: Meta-analyses are susceptible to publication bias, as studies with significant or positive results are more likely to be published. This bias can distort the overall findings and affect the validity of the meta-analysis.
Heterogeneity: Variability in study designs, participant characteristics, and methodologies can contribute to heterogeneity, challenging the synthesis of results. Researchers must carefully assess and address heterogeneity in their analyses.
Quality of Included Studies: Meta-analyses are only as robust as the studies included. If the quality of the individual studies is low, the overall meta-analysis may be compromised.
Conclusion:
Meta-analysis stands as a powerful tool in the researcher’s arsenal, offering a methodical and quantitative approach to synthesizing evidence from diverse studies. While it has its limitations, when conducted rigorously, meta-analysis provides a valuable means of drawing more reliable conclusions and advancing our understanding of complex phenomena across various disciplines. As research methodologies continue to evolve, meta-analysis remains a key player in the pursuit of knowledge and scientific progress.
References
Dehalwar, K., & Singh, J. (2015). A Critical Evaluation of the main Causes of Water Management Problems in Indian Urban Areas. International Research Journal of Environment Sciences. 4, 8.
Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2023). Fundamentals of Research Writing and Uses of Research Methodologies.
Sharma, S. N. (2019). Review of most used urban growth models. International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET), 10(3), 397-405.
Sharma, S. N. Techniques of Meta-Analysis for Unlocking Knowledge.
A great personality and freedom fighter once said, ‘What Bengal thinks today, India thinks tomorrow.’ Now, that sounds like a curse. After 34 years of rule by the Left-front Government in West Bengal, industrial development suffered badly. One example I am citing out of many. “In the last three years (it means 2011,2012 & 2013), 90 large industries have closed down, including 26 jute mills and 28 tea gardens (Article by Sumit Mitra, The Economic Times, Aug 12, 2014). Anyway, I visited WB for academic activities on a few occasions and came to know that, in general, the people are called ‘Bhadraloks,’ meaning thorough gentlemen. The ‘Bhadraloks’ with great hope, hype, and hoopla, changed the Leftist Government, and thus, the new Government has come to power, but from time to time, many leaders of the new ruling Government have proved that the State has been passing through awful days because of severe corruption. From time to time, different types of corruption have taken place in this State, which has penetrated deep roots. From the selection of teaching and non-teaching faculty in the schools, sand lifting, cattle sending to another country, coal scams, extortion (in Bengali called Tola Baji, which means earning easy money), etc., are now always in the news in the State. During Panchayat elections held in the State, unprecedented violence took place, including ballot boxes being found in the ponds. On the other hand, in recently concluded elections in different States, widespread violence didn’t occur, which the people of WB ( ‘Bhadraloks’)should learn and know. Further, it seems ‘goonda giri,’ ‘rowdyism,’ etc., have added another ‘feather’ to the so-called ‘culturally advanced State.’ Several journalists were reportedly among those attacked and injured as violence broke out in West Bengal when voting took place for elections to 108 municipalities across 20 districts. On January 5, 2024, many criminals attacked ED officials and CRPF officials in the State because they went to investigate corruption, for which the State is always in the news. The attack on the ED officials and CRPF is highly deplorable and seems law and order have collapsed in the State. We all know Bengal was divided on religious lines, and lakhs of refugees came to the State because of religious persecution. So, the State is burdened with a huge number of refugees. Anyway, I visited across the country in recent years because of academic work and observed many Bengalis settled in different places, including Secunderabad and Hyderabad as the present places are better than their original place of residence, i.e., West Bengal. Various reports reveal that in Hyderabad and Secunderabad, around 7 lakh Bengalis are living. Anyway, I think if this ruling Party of the State comes to the Central Government, Indians will watch the worst days. Like in WB, in almost all areas, to get a job, many have to pay a huge amount of money (in lakhs). Anyway, I hope one day, the State will be free from corruption.
S. Chatterjee, Hyderabad
References
Chakravartty, A. (2018). Understanding India: Bhadralok, Modernity and Colonial India. Indian Historical Review, 45(2), 257-285.
Chaudhuri, B. (1980). THE BHADRALOK AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT. Elite and Development, 149.
Guha, R. (1995). Subaltern and Bhadralok studies.
Sinha, S., & Bhattacharya, R. (1969). Bhadralok and Chhotolok in a rural area of West Bengal. Sociological bulletin, 18(1), 50-66.
Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY) is a government scheme in India aimed at promoting employment opportunities and improving the quality of life for urban poor individuals. It was launched on 1st December 1997, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of India’s independence, and is part of the broader National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM).
Key Objectives of Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana:
Employment Generation: The primary goal of SJSRY is to generate sustainable employment opportunities for the urban poor, with a specific focus on skill development and self-employment ventures.
Skill Development: The scheme emphasizes the importance of skill enhancement and training for individuals from marginalized urban communities. By imparting relevant skills, the program aims to enhance employability and income-generating capabilities.
Self-Employment: SJSRY promotes self-employment among the urban poor by providing financial assistance and support for starting small businesses or enterprises. This aspect of the program is crucial for fostering entrepreneurship and economic independence.
Urban Poverty Alleviation: The scheme is designed to address the challenges of urban poverty by creating a conducive environment for income generation, thereby contributing to the overall improvement of living standards in urban areas.
Components of Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana:
The SJSRY is broadly divided into two sub-components:
Urban Self-Employment Program (USEP): This component focuses on providing financial assistance and skill training to individuals interested in starting their own ventures. The financial aid is intended to cover a portion of the project cost.
Urban Wage Employment Program (UWEP): UWEP is aimed at providing wage employment opportunities for the urban poor. This involves the creation of temporary employment through various community-based projects.
Implementation and Monitoring:
The implementation of the Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana involves collaboration between the central government, state governments, and urban local bodies. The program is monitored by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, to ensure effective implementation and adherence to the program’s objectives.
It’s important to note that policies and schemes may undergo changes and updates over time. For the most current and detailed information on the Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana, it is advisable to refer to official government sources or recent publications related to urban development in India.
References
Rajkonwar, A. B. (2005). Swama Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana: A study on effectiveness in Dibrugarh. SEDME (Small Enterprises Development, Management & Extension Journal), 32(4), 23-42.
Sharma, S. N. (2020). A Review of Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana. Think India Journal, 23(1), 26-32.
Shobha, K. (2007). Performance of women beneficiaries of the Prime Minister’s Rozgar Yojana in Coimbatore City (Doctoral dissertation, Avinashilingam University for Women (India)).
This article explores the profound impact of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) on the social status of rural workers in India. Launched in 2005, MGNREGS has emerged as a pivotal force in addressing unemployment and empowering marginalized communities. Through economic independence, inclusive opportunities, and a focus on gender equality, MGNREGS has catalyzed a positive shift in the social dynamics of rural areas. This abstract provides a concise overview of how MGNREGS has not only provided employment but has also played a transformative role in fostering skill development, women’s empowerment, and community cohesion. The scheme’s multi-faceted approach has contributed to breaking the cycle of poverty, challenging traditional norms, and creating pathways for sustainable development in rural India.
Introduction:
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), launched in 2005, has been a landmark initiative in India aimed at providing employment opportunities to rural households, thereby enhancing their economic and social well-being. Beyond its immediate economic impact, the scheme has played a pivotal role in transforming the social status of workers, particularly those from marginalized and disadvantaged communities. This article delves into the ways in which MGNREGS has contributed to changing the social status of workers in the rural areas of India.
Empowerment through Economic Independence:MGNREGS guarantees 100 days of wage employment per year to every rural household, with a focus on unskilled manual labor. This provision not only addresses the issue of unemployment but also empowers workers economically. By providing a steady source of income, the scheme contributes to breaking the cycle of poverty and dependency, allowing workers to achieve a certain level of financial independence.
Inclusion of Marginalized Communities:One of the significant impacts of MGNREGS is the inclusion of marginalized communities, including Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), in the workforce. These communities, historically excluded from mainstream opportunities, have found a platform for social and economic mobility through the scheme. As a result, their social status has seen a positive shift, as they actively participate in the economic development of their communities.
Gender Equality and Women Empowerment:MGNREGS has been instrumental in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in rural areas. The scheme encourages the participation of women in the workforce by providing equal wages for equal work. This not only enhances the economic status of women but also challenges traditional gender norms. As women actively engage in the workforce, they gain greater visibility and recognition in their communities, contributing to a gradual shift in social attitudes towards women’s roles and capabilities.
Skill Development and Capacity Building:Beyond providing employment, MGNREGS focuses on skill development and capacity building of workers. Through the acquisition of new skills, workers can diversify their abilities and contribute to various sectors, potentially opening up avenues for entrepreneurship. The acquisition of skills not only improves their employability but also boosts their self-esteem and social standing within the community.
Community Development and Social Cohesion:MGNREGS emphasizes community-driven development projects, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and social cohesion among workers. As communities come together to work on common projects such as water conservation, road construction, and afforestation, a shared sense of achievement develops. This collaborative spirit contributes to the overall social development of the community, breaking down social barriers and fostering a sense of unity among diverse groups.
Conclusion:
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme has gone beyond its primary objective of providing employment; it has become a catalyst for changing the social status of workers in rural India. By addressing issues of economic dependency, promoting inclusivity, empowering women, facilitating skill development, and fostering community development, MGNREGS has contributed significantly to transforming the lives of millions. As India continues to strive for inclusive and sustainable development, the role of schemes like MGNREGS becomes increasingly crucial in shaping a more equitable and empowered society.
References
Bhowmik, I., & Bose, P. (2014). Efficiency and Impact of MGNREGS in Tripura. Bhowmik I & P Bose, Efficiency and Impact of MGNREGS in Tripura, in Social Change and Development, 12(1).
Ghosh, S. (2017). Did MGNREGS improve financial inclusion?. Economic and Political Weekly, 106-114.
Pankaj, A. (2017). Shift in MGNREGS from UPA to NDA. Economic and Political Weekly, 59-68.
Sharma, S. N. (2016). Introduction to Sociology. New Perspectives in Sociology and Allied Fields, 1.
Sharma, S. N. (2014). Fate of Rural Sanitation Scheme. International Journal of Research (IJR), 1(2).
Sharma, S. N., Chatterjee, S., & Dehalwar, K. (2023). Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme: Challenges and Opportunities. Think India Journal, 26(1), 7-15.
Turangi, S. (2022). Social Protection through MGNREGS: A Study of Rayalaseema Region in Andhra Pradesh. Journal of Rural Development, 102-119.
Vanitha, S. M., & Murthy, P. S. (2011). An economic analysis of MGNREG programme in Mysore district of Karnataka. Agricultural Economics Research Review, 24(conf), 415-422.
Ethnographic research methodology encompasses a holistic approach to studying human societies and cultures, emphasizing immersion, participant observation, and contextual understanding. The following key steps and considerations are integral to conducting ethnographic research:
1. Selecting the Research Site:
Selection Criteria: Identifying a community or setting that aligns with the research objectives and offers ample opportunities for participant observation and data collection.
Access and Entry: Navigating entry into the chosen community through establishing rapport, building trust, and gaining permission for observation.
2. Immersion and Participant Observation:
Long-term Engagement: Spending an extended period within the community to comprehend its social dynamics, rituals, and everyday life.
Observation Techniques: Actively participating in the daily activities of the community while noting and documenting behavioral patterns, language use, and cultural practices.
3. Establishing Relationships and Conducting Interviews:
Building Trust: Cultivating meaningful relationships with community members to facilitate open and candid discussions.
Interviews and Conversations: Conducting formal and informal interviews to gather personal narratives, experiences, and interpretations.
4. Data Collection and Analysis:
Multifaceted Data Sources: Utilizing a variety of sources, including field notes, audiovisual recordings, and artifacts, to capture the complexity of the community’s culture.
Thick Description: Providing detailed and context-rich descriptions of observed behaviors, social interactions, and cultural phenomena.
5. Interpretation and Representation:
Cultural Interpretation: Analyzing the collected data to discern cultural norms, values, and belief systems within the community.
Ethical Representation: Ensuring that the portrayal of the community and its members remains respectful, authentic, and devoid of stereotypes.
6. Ongoing Reflexivity and Iterative Process:
Reflexive Practice: Continuously reflecting on the researcher’s positionality, biases, and the impact of their presence on the community.
Iterative Analysis: Iteratively revisiting the data, interpreting it through different lenses, and refining the understandings of the community.
By meticulously following these methodological guidelines, ethnographic research aims to provide comprehensive insights into the intricate tapestry of human culture and society, unraveling perspectives and narratives that might otherwise remain concealed.
In the intricate realm of social sciences, ethnographic research stands as a cornerstone methodology, offering a unique lens to understand and interpret human behavior, culture, and society. It’s a tapestry of exploration woven through immersive fieldwork, deep engagement, and empathetic understanding. Let’s embark on an introductory journey into this captivating methodology.
Understanding Ethnography:
At its core, ethnography is more than a research method; it’s an approach that seeks to comprehend the complexities of human experiences within their natural settings. Originating from anthropology, ethnography has expanded its horizons, finding applications in sociology, psychology, and various interdisciplinary fields.
Immersion and Participant Observation:
Central to ethnography is the practice of participant observation, where researchers immerse themselves in the community or culture under study. This immersive approach involves living amongst the individuals being studied, actively engaging in their daily activities, rituals, and interactions. By becoming a part of the social fabric, researchers gain profound insights and a nuanced understanding of the culture.
Data Collection and Tools:
Ethnographic research relies on a rich array of qualitative data collection methods. These may include in-depth interviews, participant diaries, field notes, audiovisual recordings, and even artifacts. The data collected isn’t limited to what is said but also encompasses non-verbal cues, routines, traditions, and the broader context of social interactions.
Reflexivity and Subjectivity:
Ethnographers acknowledge their subjectivity and positionality in the research process. They reflect upon their own biases, assumptions, and preconceptions that might influence their observations and interpretations. This self-awareness allows researchers to strive for objectivity while recognizing the inevitability of their subjective perspectives.
Analysis and Interpretation:
Analyzing ethnographic data is a nuanced and iterative process. Researchers engage in coding, categorizing, and identifying patterns within the collected information. The interpretations often unfold gradually, leading to deeper insights into the culture or community being studied.
Ethical Considerations:
Ethnographers navigate a complex ethical terrain. Informed consent, confidentiality, and the portrayal of participants in an accurate and respectful manner are pivotal. Ethical guidelines ensure the protection of the individuals involved and the integrity of the research.
Challenges and Opportunities:
Ethnographic research isn’t without challenges. Time constraints, access to communities, and the researcher’s potential insider-outsider status within a culture can pose hurdles. However, these challenges offer opportunities for growth, fostering resilience and adaptability in the research process.
The Evolving Landscape:
In a rapidly changing world, ethnography adapts. Digital ethnography has emerged, exploring online communities and digital spaces, expanding the boundaries of traditional fieldwork. Additionally, interdisciplinary collaborations have enriched ethnographic studies, bringing together diverse perspectives and methodologies.
Conclusion:
Ethnographic research methodology embodies the art of understanding societies and cultures from within. It thrives on the empathetic connection between researcher and participant, unraveling the tapestry of human experiences. As we delve deeper into this immersive approach, we uncover not just facts, but narratives, emotions, and the essence of what it means to be human.
References
Ouroussoff, A. (2020). What is an ethnographic study?. In Inside Organizations (pp. 35-58). Routledge.
ScienceOpen is an open-access research networking platform that aims to foster collaboration and visibility in the scientific community. Please note that the features and benefits of platforms like ScienceOpen may evolve over time, so it’s a good idea to check the latest information on their website or other reliable sources. Here are some potential benefits associated with ScienceOpen:
Open Access Content: ScienceOpen provides access to a wide range of open-access scholarly content, including articles, conference proceedings, and other academic materials. Open access promotes the free dissemination of knowledge and facilitates collaboration among researchers.
Interdisciplinary Research: The platform is designed to break down disciplinary silos by covering a broad spectrum of research areas. This can encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing researchers from different fields to discover and engage with each other’s work.
Discoverability and Visibility: Researchers can enhance the visibility of their work by sharing and promoting their publications on ScienceOpen. The platform provides tools for researchers to create profiles, showcase their publications, and connect with other researchers, potentially increasing the impact of their research.
Post-Publication Peer Review: ScienceOpen supports post-publication peer review, enabling researchers to contribute comments, reviews, and discussions on published articles. This transparent and collaborative review process can provide additional insights and perspectives on the research.
Research Networking: The platform facilitates networking among researchers by allowing them to connect with peers, follow their work, and stay updated on the latest research in their fields of interest. Building a professional network is crucial for collaboration and staying informed about advancements in specific areas.
Altmetrics and Impact Tracking: ScienceOpen provides metrics to help researchers track the impact of their work. This includes traditional citation metrics as well as alternative metrics (altmetrics) that consider the broader influence of research through social media, online discussions, and other channels.
Integration with ORCID: ScienceOpen integrates with ORCID, a persistent digital identifier for researchers. This integration helps ensure proper attribution of research contributions and enhances the credibility and accuracy of researchers’ profiles.
Custom Collections and Projects: Researchers and institutions can create custom collections or projects on ScienceOpen to curate and organize research content. This feature allows for the creation of thematic collections, making it easier for users to discover relevant research within specific topics.
For Publishers
ScienceOpen offers content hosting, context building and marketing services for publishers. See our tailored offerings
It’s important to verify the current features and benefits of ScienceOpen by visiting their official website or contacting them directly, as the platform may have introduced new functionalities or undergone changes since my last update.
References
Aspesi, C., & Brand, A. (2020). In pursuit of open science, open access is not enough. Science, 368(6491), 574-577.
Burgelman, J. C., Pascu, C., Szkuta, K., Von Schomberg, R., Karalopoulos, A., Repanas, K., & Schouppe, M. (2019). Open science, open data, and open scholarship: European policies to make science fit for the twenty-first century. Frontiers in big data, 2, 43.
González, A. G. (2005). Open science: open source licenses in scientific research. NCJL & Tech., 7, 321.
Sharma, S. N. (2023). Understanding Citations: A Crucial Element of Academic Writing.
Stodden, V. C. (2011). Trust your science? Open your data and code.
This article delves into the complex relationship between women and public space in India. It explores the historical context, cultural influences, and contemporary challenges that shape women’s experiences in public spaces. Drawing on academic research, governmental reports, and advocacy literature, this article aims to shed light on the various issues women face and the potential solutions to create more inclusive and safe public spaces.
Introduction:
Public spaces are vital components of any society, providing arenas for social interaction, economic activities, and cultural expression. However, women’s experiences in public spaces can be profoundly shaped by cultural norms, historical factors, and social expectations. This article examines the multifaceted nature of women’s engagement with public spaces in India, drawing on academic studies, government reports, and advocacy literature.
Historical Context:
To understand the present dynamics, it is crucial to examine the historical context. India’s rich history is marked by patriarchal structures and gender-based hierarchies that have influenced societal attitudes towards women’s mobility and presence in public spaces. Cultural norms, religious beliefs, and traditional gender roles have collectively contributed to shaping the expectations around women’s behavior in public.
Research Findings:
Numerous studies highlight the challenges women face in public spaces in India. A study conducted by [Author et al., Year] found that street harassment is a pervasive issue, with a significant number of women reporting experiences of verbal abuse, unwanted advances, and intimidation. Another study by [Author et al., Year] examined the impact of public transportation on women’s mobility, revealing concerns about safety, harassment, and lack of gender-sensitive infrastructure.
The study by Sharma (2014) titled “Urban forms in planning and design” provides insights into the intricate relationship between urban planning and the design of public spaces. Sharma emphasizes the importance of understanding urban forms in shaping the environment and influencing social interactions. This perspective is crucial when examining the challenges faced by women in public spaces, as the design and planning of urban areas play a significant role in creating safe and inclusive environments.
Dehalwar (Year) expands on the dynamics of peri-urban areas, highlighting the interface between urban and rural realms. Understanding the characteristics of peri-urban spaces is essential when exploring women’s safety in areas undergoing rapid urbanization. This aligns with Mahadevia and Lathia’s (2019) study on women’s safety and public spaces, which specifically focuses on the Sabarmati riverfront in India. The lessons drawn from this case study contribute to the broader discourse on urban planning and women’s safety.
Chhibber’s (2002) research delves into the political participation of women in India, emphasizing the role of the household and public space. The findings underscore the interconnectedness of private and public spheres, indicating that the challenges women face in public spaces are intertwined with broader socio-political dynamics. This perspective is reinforced by Fernandes (1997), who explores the intersections of gender, family, and working-class politics in India, providing a holistic understanding of women’s experiences.
Roy and Bailey’s (2021) study on safety, public space, and the male gaze in Kolkata contributes to the analysis by addressing the nuanced ways in which women negotiate safety. The study recognizes the impact of societal perceptions and the male gaze on women’s experiences in public spaces, adding a cultural dimension to the discourse.
Arefi and Meyers (2003) provide a theoretical perspective on what constitutes “public” in public space, drawing from the case of Visakhapatnam, India. This theoretical framework is relevant when examining the challenges women face in claiming their space within the public realm. The definition of public space and its accessibility are critical elements influencing women’s sense of safety and inclusion.
Government Initiatives:
Recognizing the need for safer public spaces, the Indian government has implemented various initiatives to address the issues faced by women. The “Safe City” projects in cities like Delhi and Mumbai aim to enhance security through increased surveillance, better street lighting, and the deployment of female police officers. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives remains a subject of debate, with critics pointing out the need for a more comprehensive and nuanced approach.
Challenges and Solutions:
While progress has been made, significant challenges persist. Cultural norms, inadequate law enforcement, and the lack of gender-sensitive urban planning continue to hinder women’s full participation in public life. Solutions require a multi-pronged approach, encompassing legal reforms, community engagement, and the integration of gender perspectives in urban planning. Additionally, fostering a cultural shift through education and awareness campaigns is crucial to challenging ingrained stereotypes and prejudices.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the analysis of these diverse studies underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach when exploring women’s experiences in public spaces in India. Urban forms, political dynamics, cultural perceptions, and the interplay between private and public realms are integral components that shape the challenges and opportunities for women in the public sphere. Addressing these complexities requires collaborative efforts from urban planners, policymakers, sociologists, and activists to create safer and more inclusive public spaces for women in India. The relationship between women and public spaces in India is a complex interplay of historical, cultural, and contemporary factors. While challenges persist, ongoing efforts by the government, civil society, and grassroots organizations offer hope for positive change. By acknowledging the multifaceted nature of the issue and implementing comprehensive solutions, India can work towards creating more inclusive and safe public spaces for women.
References:
Arefi, M., & Meyers, W. R. (2003). What is public about public space: The case of Visakhapatnam, India. Cities, 20(5), 331-339.
Chhibber, P. (2002). Why are some women politically active? The household, public space, and political participation in India. International Journal of Comparative Sociology, 43(3-5), 409-429.
Dehalwar, K. Understanding the Dynamics of Peri-Urban Areas: Navigating the Interface Between Urban and Rural Realms.
Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2023). Fundamentals of Research Writing and Uses of Research Methodologies.
Fernandes, L. (1997). Beyond public spaces and private spheres: gender, family, and Working-class politics in India. Feminist studies, 23(3), 525-547.
Mahadevia, D., & Lathia, S. (2019). Women’s safety and public spaces: Lessons from the Sabarmati riverfront, India. Urban Planning, 4(2), 154-168.
Roy, S., & Bailey, A. (2021). Safe in the City? Negotiating safety, public space and the male gaze in Kolkata, India. Cities, 117, 103321.
Sharma, S. N. (2014). Urban forms in planning and design. International Journal of Research, 1(1), 7-16.
Sharma, S. N. (2016). Introduction to Sociology. New Perspectives in Sociology and Allied Fields, 1.
The concept of a National Transit Pass System (NTPS) called ‘One Nation-One Pass’ refers to a unified, nationwide system for public transportation passes in a country. This system aims to streamline and simplify the process of using public transit by providing a single pass or card that can be used across different modes of transportation such as buses, trains, subways, trams, and more, regardless of the city or region within the country.
The ‘One Nation-One Pass’ initiative intends to make travel more convenient for commuters, tourists, and regular transit users by eliminating the need to purchase separate tickets or passes for different transportation networks. It promotes seamless mobility and ease of access, potentially encouraging more people to use public transit due to its simplicity and accessibility.
Implementing such a system involves collaboration between various transit authorities, government agencies, and technology providers to develop a unified infrastructure that can manage and integrate the different transit networks into a cohesive, interoperable system. This may include the use of smart cards, mobile apps, or other digital platforms that can store fare information, track usage, and enable payments across multiple transit services.
The benefits of ‘One Nation-One Pass’ include reducing administrative complexities, improving commuter experience, potentially lowering travel costs, and encouraging more sustainable modes of transportation. However, the implementation may involve challenges related to technological integration, data management, and coordination among different stakeholders.
The success of an NTPS like ‘One Nation-One Pass’ largely depends on effective planning, investment in infrastructure, collaboration between relevant authorities, and the adoption of user-friendly technologies to ensure a seamless and efficient transit experience for all users across the nation.
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Labour and Employment Shri Bhupender Yadav today launched the National Transit Pass System (NTPS) pan-India to facilitate the seamless transit of timber, bamboo, and other forest produce across the country. Currently, the transit permits are issued for transport of timber and forest produce based on state specific transit rules. The NTPS is envisioned as a “One Nation-One Pass” regime, which will enable seamless transit across the country. This initiative will streamline the issuance of timber transit permits by providing a unified, online mode for tree growers and farmers involved in agroforestry across the country, contributing to the ease of doing business.
In order to create awareness and showcase the applicability and ease of using NTPS, special Pan Indian vehicles carrying forest produce were flagged-off by Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav today. Two vehicles carrying timber and other forest produce from Gujarat and Jammu & Kashmir were flagged-off which are bound for West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. The QR coded transit permits generated under NTPS will allow check gates across various states to verify the validity of the permits and allow seamless transit.
On the occasion of the flag-off event, Shri Bhupender Yadav expressed that this marks a historic achievement with the nationwide implementation of the NTPS. He said NTPS will help strengthen the journey towards greater transparency which is Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji’s guarantee for India’s development. Shri Yadav said this initiative is poised to facilitate the seamless transportation of timber and various forest products across the country. He said its impact extends beyond merely encouraging agroforestry and tree farming; it also promises to incentivize the entire value chain.
Additionally, the Union Minister highlighted several other recent initiatives by the Ministry, such as the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme and the Trees Outside Forest Initiative. These endeavours collectively aim to boost agroforestry practices in the nation.
Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, the Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, emphasized that the NTPS is a game-changer for agroforestry and trees outside the forest. Launched to streamline the transit of timber and other forest products, it is expected to enhance the ease of doing business in this sector. Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Smt. Leena Nadan and Director General of Forests and Special Secretary, Shri. Chandra Prakash Goyal were present during the flag-off event.
Prior to the introduction of NTPS, obtaining transit permits from different states along the route was a time-consuming process, causing hurdles in transporting timber and forest products across the states. Each state has its own transit regulations which meant that in order to transport timber or forest produce across states, one was required to get a separate transit pass issued in each state. NTPS offers seamless transit permits, managing records for both inter-state and intra-state transportation of timber, bamboo and other forest produce obtained from various sources like private lands, government owned forest and private depots.
NTPS is designed for user convenience, featuring desktop and mobile applications for easy registration and permit applications. Transit permits will be issued for tree species which are regulated, while the users can self-generate No Objection Certificates for exempted species. Presently, 25 States and Union Territories have embraced the unified permit system, streamlining interstate business operations for producers, farmers, and transporters. This move is expected to provide a significant impetus to the agroforestry sector. The NTPS can be accessed at https://ntps.nic.in .
***
References
Lodhi, A. S., Sharma, S. N., Dehalwar, K., & Jaiswal, A. (2023). Framework for Road Safety Improvement Measures for Madhya Pradesh. Vision Zero: Systems, Approaches and Implementation, New Delhi. Blumsburry. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10396811
Khosa, M. M. (1995). Transport and popular struggles in South Africa. Antipode, 27(2), 167-188.
Ugboaja, P. C. (2010). The economic sustainability of Nigeria’s National Transport Policy. Journal of Academic Research in Economics (JARE), (3), 348-365.
To counter reduced visibility on the National Highways due to onset of the winter season NHAI Chairman, Shri Santosh Kumar Yadav has directed NHAI field offices to undertake various mitigation measures. With reduced visibility due to foggy conditions posing significant risk to the safety of the National Highways users, these measures will help to avoid potential accidents that endanger the safety of highway users.
To enhance road safety during foggy conditions, mitigation measures have been classified under two heads of Engineering measures and Safety Awareness measures. The ‘Engineering measures’ include reinstalling missing/damaged road signs, rectifying faded or inadequate pavement markings, enhance visibility of safety devices by providing reflective markers, median markers, etc., providing transverse bar markings in habitations and accident-prone locations, ensuring functional blinkers at median openings at under construction zones and hazardous locations, replacement of damaged hazard markers signs at diverging & merging locations.
Similarly, ‘Safety Awareness’ measures underline incorporating steps to alert highway users of the reduced visibility conditions. These measures include use of Variable Message Signs (VMS) or electronic signages to display ‘Foggy Weather Alerts’ and speed limit messages. Use of Public Address System warning commuters about driving speed limit of 30 km/hr in foggy areas. Use of electronic billboards, radio, and social media for public service announcements on Toll Plazas, Wayside Amenities during foggy conditions and installation of reflective tapes on full width of vehicles on the highways.
The guidelines also encourage NHAI officials to create awareness among highway users to use blinkers and follow traffic rules. In addition, safety awareness pamphlets will also be distributed to commuters crossing toll plaza with a contact number to share information about foggy conditions and assist in case of accidents.
In addition, NHAI field offices have been directed to undertake Nighttime Highway inspection on weekly basis by team consisting of NHAI officials, Independent Engineers, Concessionaire/Contractor to assess visibility on highway and identify locations for installing additional provisions as required. Also, Highway Patrol vehicles will be stationed near dense foggy stretches. The highway operation and maintenance team will carry red/green blinking baton for guiding traffic in case of accident and establish seamless collaboration with local law enforcement, ambulance services, and municipal authorities. NHAI team will also conduct joint drills and exercises to ensure efficient coordination during fog-related emergencies.
NHAI is committed to take all necessary steps to mitigate risk of travelling on National Highways during winter season and ensure a safe and seamless travel experience for the National Highway users.
Reduced visibility due to foggy conditions poses significant risks on the road. Here are several safety measures to consider:
Reduced Speed: Slow down to a safe and manageable speed. Use your vehicle’s fog lights (if equipped) or low-beam headlights to improve visibility without creating glare or reflection off the fog.
Increased Following Distance: Maintain a longer following distance between vehicles. Fog can distort perception, making it harder to judge distances accurately.
Use of Hazard Lights: In extreme cases of low visibility, consider using hazard lights to make your vehicle more visible to others. However, in some areas, using hazard lights while driving is illegal, so be sure to check local laws.
Avoid Sudden Movements: Signal well in advance of any intended maneuver, giving other drivers more time to react.
Stay Focused: Concentrate on the road and avoid distractions. Turn off the radio or any other distractions that could divert your attention.
Utilize Road Markings: Follow the road markings and use them as a guide to stay in your lane.
Listen for Traffic: Roll down your window slightly to listen for traffic you might not be able to see.
Plan Ahead: If possible, delay your trip until the fog lifts or use alternative routes with less traffic.
Keep Windows Clear: Use your defroster and wipers to keep windows clear. Consider using your car’s heating system to prevent windows from fogging up on the inside.
Stay Updated: Listen to local weather forecasts or use weather apps to stay informed about changing conditions and advisories.
Remember, it’s crucial to adapt your driving to the conditions you’re facing. In extremely dense fog where visibility is severely compromised, pulling off the road in a safe location and turning off your lights can prevent others from following your taillights and potentially causing an accident. Always prioritize safety in foggy conditions.
***
References
Agarwal, S., & Sharma, S. N. Universal Design to Ensure Equitable Society. International Journal of Engineering and Technical Research (IJETR), 1.
Ali, F., Khan, Z. H., Khattak, K. S., & Gulliver, T. A. (2023). The effect of visibility on road traffic during foggy weather conditions. IET Intelligent Transport Systems.
Liu, Z., He, Y., Wang, C., & Song, R. (2020). Analysis of the influence of foggy weather environment on the detection effect of machine vision obstacles. Sensors, 20(2), 349.
Lodhi, A. S., Sharma, S. N., Dehalwar, K., & Jaiswal, A. (2023). Framework for Road Safety Improvement Measures for Madhya Pradesh. Vision Zero: Systems, Approaches and Implementation, New Delhi. Blumsburry. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10396811
Peng, Y., Abdel-Aty, M., Lee, J., & Zou, Y. (2018). Analysis of the impact of fog-related reduced visibility on traffic parameters. Journal of transportation engineering, Part A: Systems, 144(2), 04017077.
Sharma, S. N. (2005). Evaluation of the JnNURM Programme of Government of India for Urban Renewal. Think India Journal, 8(2), 1-7.
Shepard, F. D. (1996). Reduced visibility due to fog on the highway (Vol. 228). Transportation Research Board.
The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM), since its inception in 2021, through a series of firm steps, has initiated various policy measures and field actions towards abatement of air pollution in Delhi-NCR.
Continual and concerted efforts of all the stakeholders round the year also in 2023 have further helped to improve the general air quality parameters in Delhi as compared to the past few years (barring the periods of very low anthropogenic, industrial and commercial activities during the Covid affected year 2020, owing to complete lockdowns and other restrictions), pursuant to various preventive and mitigative field actions through numerous statutory directions and orders of the Commission, covering all major sectors contributing to the overall air quality.
Comparative air quality related parameters for the years starting 2018 onwards follow as tabulated under:
Month-wise Daily Avg. AQI for Delhi
Month
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
January
328
328
286
324
279
311
February
243
242
241
288
225
237
March
203
184
128
223
217
170
April
222
211
110
202
255
179
May
217
221
144
144
212
171
June
202
189
123
147
190
130
July
104
134
84
110
87
84
August
111
86
64
107
93
116
September
112
98
116
78
104
108
October
269
234
266
173
210
219
November
335
312
328
377
320
373
December
360
337
332
336
319
348
Barring 2020, the year 2023 witnessed 4 months (March, April, June and July) with best ever daily average AQI and 3 months (January, February and May) with second best daily average AQI during the entire period from 2018 to 2023.
Daily Avg. AQI for Delhi during the entire year
Year
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Daily Avg. AQI
225
215
185
209
209
204
The average daily AQI for Delhi during the entire year 2023 has been the best so far since 2018 and even before that, barring 2020, which saw an exceptional AQI owing to continued spells of lockdown and low anthropogenic activities round the year.
Comparative PM10 and PM2.5 Concentrations
As per IMD data, comparative daily average Particulate Matter emission concentration (PM2.5 and PM10) values in Delhi read as under:
Year
Daily avg. PM10 (µgm/m3)
Daily avg. PM2.5 (µgm/m3)
2018
242
114
2019
217
108
2020*
180
94
2021
210
104
2022
211
98
2023
205
100
* Covid Year
The Year 2023 has thus witnessed the lowest ever recorded daily average values for PM10 and the second best PM2.5 concentrations, barring the Covid affected 2020 with lowest anthropogenic activities.
Comparative AQI Category status for Delhi
AQI Category
No. of Days
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Good(0-50)
0
2
5
1
3
1
159
182
227
197
163
206
Satisfactory(51-100)
53
59
95
72
65
60
Moderate(101-200)
106
121
127
124
95
145
Poor(201-300)
114
103
75
80
130
77
186
159
124
144
196
144
Very Poor(201-300)
72
56
49
64
66
67
Severe401-450)
20
19
13
20
6
13
20
24
15
24
6
15
Severe +>450
0
5
2
4
0
2
As per the CPCB criteria for the air quality category based on gradation of the daily average AQI, the year 2023 witnessed the best ever “Good to Moderate” AQI days , registering a mark of more than 200 days (barring Covid affected 2020).
The number of days with Severe – Severe + AQI were 15 during 2023, which is also the second-best figure for the period between 2018 – 2023.
Comparative Delhi AQI around Diwali Festival
Year
Pre-Diwali Day
Diwali Day
Post-Diwali Day
2018
338
281
390
2019
287
337
368
2020
339
414
435
2021
314
382
462
2022
259
312
302
2023
220
218
358
The above tabulation indicates best ever AQI in Delhi around the Diwali festival in 2023.
The year 2023 also witnessed much lower levels of episodic events like farm burnings during paddy harvesting season, bursting of crackers during religious festivals and marriages/celebrations etc. However, the benefit attributable to the same in Delhi’s AQI, was nullified owing to much adverse climatic, meteorological, low temperature and calm wind conditions in the region, impeding effective dispersion of the pollutants and resulting in a spike in the daily average AQI during the winter months in particular. Despite these factors, the overall daily average AQI during the year has been the best so far.
With persistent field level efforts and targeted policy initiatives for quantified results in the short/ medium/ long term, it is expected that air quality scenario over Delhi will see further gradual but marked improvement, year on year.
References
Amann, M., Purohit, P., Bhanarkar, A. D., Bertok, I., Borken-Kleefeld, J., Cofala, J., … & Vardhan, B. H. (2017). Managing future air quality in megacities: A case study for Delhi. Atmospheric environment, 161, 99-111.
Dehalwar, K. Understanding the Dynamics of Peri-Urban Areas: Navigating the Interface Between Urban and Rural Realms.
Goyal, P. (2003). Present scenario of air quality in Delhi: a case study of CNG implementation. Atmospheric Environment, 37(38), 5423-5431.
Kumar, A., & Goyal, P. (2011). Forecasting of daily air quality index in Delhi. Science of the Total Environment, 409(24), 5517-5523.
Mohan, M., & Kandya, A. (2007). An analysis of the annual and seasonal trends of air quality index of Delhi. Environmental monitoring and assessment, 131, 267-277.
Sharma, S. N. (2013). Sustainable development strategies and approaches. International Journal of Engineering and Technical Research (IJETR), 2.
Sharma, S. N., & Biswas, A. (2016). Best practices for ensuring total sanitation. International Journal for Social Studies, ISSN, 2455-3220.
Sinha, J., & Kumar, N. (2019). Mortality and air pollution effects of air quality interventions in Delhi and Beijing. Frontiers in environmental science, 7, 15.
Tiwari, A., Gupta, R., & Chandra, R. (2021). Delhi air quality prediction using LSTM deep learning models with a focus on COVID-19 lockdown. arXiv preprint arXiv:2102.10551.
In the dynamic landscape of project management, understanding and engaging with stakeholders are critical components for success. Stakeholder analysis is a systematic process that helps identify, assess, and prioritize the individuals, groups, or organizations that can significantly impact or be impacted by a project. This method provides a strategic lens through which project managers can navigate complexities, align goals, and cultivate positive relationships.
Stakeholder analysis holds significant importance in the realm of project management due to its multifaceted contributions to the success and sustainability of projects. First and foremost, the process of stakeholder analysis ensures a comprehensive understanding of the project landscape by systematically identifying and categorizing all entities that may influence or be influenced by the project. This inclusivity ranges from internal stakeholders, such as project team members and sponsors, to external entities like clients, suppliers, regulatory bodies, and even the broader community.
Beyond mere identification, stakeholder analysis serves as a proactive risk management tool. By recognizing potential challenges and sources of resistance at an early stage, project managers can strategize and implement measures to mitigate risks effectively. This forward-thinking approach minimizes the likelihood of unforeseen obstacles derailing project progress, contributing to a smoother and more predictable project lifecycle.
The significance of stakeholder analysis is particularly pronounced in its role in relationship-building. Understanding the unique interests, expectations, and concerns of stakeholders allows project managers to tailor their communication and engagement strategies accordingly. By doing so, they create an environment conducive to positive relationships, collaboration, and stakeholder support. Effective engagement not only promotes a harmonious project atmosphere but also enhances the likelihood of obtaining the necessary resources and approvals throughout the project’s duration.
Strategic decision-making lies at the core of project success, and stakeholder analysis plays a pivotal role in achieving alignment of goals. By ensuring that the project’s objectives resonate with the interests and expectations of key stakeholders, project managers can make informed decisions that reflect a broader consensus. This alignment not only enhances the likelihood of project success but also contributes to a more harmonious working relationship with stakeholders.
In essence, stakeholder analysis matters because it goes beyond a mere checklist exercise. It provides a dynamic framework that guides project managers in understanding, engaging, and collaborating with stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. The tailored insights derived from stakeholder analysis empower project managers to navigate complexities, anticipate challenges, and build a supportive network that is integral to the overall success of the project.
In this article, we will delve into the importance of stakeholder analysis and explore the key steps involved in this transformative process.
Why Stakeholder Analysis Matters:
Comprehensive Identification:
Stakeholder analysis facilitates a comprehensive identification of all parties involved, ensuring that no influential entity is overlooked. Stakeholders extend beyond just project sponsors and team members; they include clients, end-users, regulatory bodies, and even the broader community.
Understanding Influence and Interest:
Each stakeholder brings a unique combination of influence and interest to the project. Understanding the power dynamics and the level of interest stakeholders have in the project’s outcome is crucial. This insight helps prioritize efforts in managing relationships and communication strategies effectively.
Mitigating Risks:
Stakeholder analysis serves as a proactive risk management tool. By identifying potential challenges and sources of resistance early on, project managers can devise strategies to mitigate risks and create a more resilient project environment.
Alignment of Goals:
Successful projects are built on shared objectives. Stakeholder analysis enables project managers to align the project’s goals with the interests and expectations of key stakeholders. This alignment fosters a collaborative environment and enhances the likelihood of project success.
Tailored Communication Strategies:
Different stakeholders have varied communication preferences and expectations. Stakeholder analysis allows project managers to tailor communication strategies to suit the needs of specific individuals or groups, ensuring that information is disseminated effectively and received positively.
Key Steps in Stakeholder Analysis:
Identification:
Begin by creating a comprehensive list of potential stakeholders. This can include internal and external entities such as team members, sponsors, clients, suppliers, regulatory bodies, and the broader community.
Assessment of Influence and Interest:
Evaluate the level of influence each stakeholder wields over the project and their level of interest. This assessment helps categorize stakeholders into groups such as high influence-high interest, low influence-high interest, high influence-low interest, and low influence-low interest.
Mapping Power Dynamics:
Create a stakeholder map to visually represent power dynamics. This map helps project managers prioritize engagement efforts by focusing on stakeholders with high influence and high interest, while also considering those with high influence and low interest.
Understanding Expectations and Concerns:
Engage with stakeholders to understand their expectations, concerns, and perspectives. This information is invaluable in tailoring project strategies and mitigating potential challenges.
Developing a Stakeholder Management Plan:
Based on the analysis, create a stakeholder management plan that outlines strategies for engagement, communication, and issue resolution. This plan should be dynamic, evolving as the project progresses and stakeholder dynamics change.
Conclusion:
In the intricate web of project management, stakeholder analysis emerges as a beacon of strategic foresight and collaboration. By systematically identifying, assessing, and engaging with stakeholders, project managers pave the way for successful project outcomes. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of stakeholder relationships and incorporating these insights into project planning is not just a best practice—it’s a fundamental step towards project success in today’s interconnected and dynamic business environment.
References
Aaltonen, K. (2011). Project stakeholder analysis as an environmental interpretation process. International journal of project management, 29(2), 165-183.
Brugha, R., & Varvasovszky, Z. (2000). Stakeholder analysis: a review. Health policy and planning, 15(3), 239-246.
Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2023). Fate of Slums of Bhopal-A Tale of Struggle and Resilience. Think India Journal, 26(4), 12-18.
Dehalwar, K., & Singh, J. (2016). Challenges and strategies for the improvement of water management in Bhopal. European Scientific Journal, 12(2).
Dehalwar, K., & Singh, J. Determining the Role of Different Stakeholders Towards Sustainable Water Management within Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
Sharma, S. N., Chatterjee, S., & Dehalwar, K. (2023). Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme: Challenges and Opportunities. Think India Journal, 26(1), 7-15.
Ramirez, R. (1999). Stakeholder analysis and conflict management. In Cultivating peace: conflict and collaboration in natural resource management. IDRC, Ottawa, ON, CA.
Varvasovszky, Z., & Brugha, R. (2000). A stakeholder analysis. Health policy and planning, 15(3), 338-345.
Meta-analysis is a powerful statistical method that combines the findings from multiple independent studies to generate more robust and reliable results than individual studies alone. This technique has gained popularity in various fields, including medicine, psychology, education, and social sciences. By synthesizing data from diverse studies, meta-analysis enables researchers to draw more accurate conclusions, identify patterns, and make informed decisions. In this article, we’ll delve into the techniques of meta-analysis and explore how it enhances the validity and generalizability of research findings.
A meta-analysis is a meticulous process that commences with an extensive and rigorous literature review. This phase is critical for identifying studies that contribute relevant data to the research question at hand. Researchers delve into databases, journals, and other scholarly sources to compile a comprehensive collection of studies related to their topic of interest.
To ensure the selection of high-quality studies, researchers establish clear inclusion and exclusion criteria. These criteria act as a set of guidelines, helping researchers sift through the multitude of available literature and pinpoint studies that align with the specific objectives of the meta-analysis. Inclusion criteria typically specify characteristics such as study design, participant demographics, intervention methods, and outcome measures. Conversely, exclusion criteria aid in excluding studies that may introduce confounding variables or deviate from the primary focus.
The chosen studies must exhibit a degree of homogeneity in terms of design, population characteristics, and outcome measures. This homogeneity is crucial for facilitating a meaningful synthesis of results. When studies share commonalities, it becomes more plausible to draw accurate and generalizable conclusions from the aggregated data. For instance, if one study implemented a specific intervention on a particular population using certain outcome measures, it is advantageous to include similar studies in the meta-analysis to enhance the comparability of results.
By adhering to stringent selection criteria, researchers aim to minimize the risk of introducing bias into their meta-analysis. Bias, whether stemming from differences in study design, participant characteristics, or measurement tools, can compromise the validity and reliability of the overall findings. Therefore, the emphasis on comparable studies ensures that the synthesis is built on a foundation of methodological consistency, enhancing the credibility of the meta-analytic results.
The literature review and study selection phase of a meta-analysis demand meticulousness and precision. By establishing clear inclusion and exclusion criteria and selecting studies that share key characteristics, researchers lay the groundwork for a robust synthesis of evidence. This methodological rigor not only strengthens the overall integrity of the meta-analysis but also contributes to the generation of more reliable and applicable insights for the broader scientific community.
Literature Review and Study Selection:
A meta-analysis begins with a comprehensive literature review to identify relevant studies. Researchers must define clear inclusion and exclusion criteria to select studies that meet specific standards.
The chosen studies should be comparable in terms of design, population, and outcome measures to ensure a meaningful synthesis.
Effect Size Calculation:
The effect size is a key parameter in meta-analysis, representing the magnitude of the relationship or difference of interest. It standardizes the findings across studies, allowing for meaningful comparisons.
Common effect size metrics include Cohen’s d for continuous outcomes and odds ratios or risk ratios for categorical outcomes.
Heterogeneity Assessment:
Heterogeneity refers to the variability in study findings. Assessing heterogeneity is crucial for understanding the degree to which study results differ beyond what might be expected by chance.
Statistical tests, such as the Q-statistic and I² index, are employed to quantify and evaluate heterogeneity. High heterogeneity may necessitate subgroup analyses or meta-regression to explore potential sources of variation.
Publication Bias Evaluation:
Publication bias occurs when studies with statistically significant results are more likely to be published, skewing the overall effect estimate. Researchers use techniques like funnel plots and statistical tests (e.g., Egger’s test) to detect and adjust for publication bias.
Forest Plots:
Forest plots visually represent the effect sizes and confidence intervals of individual studies alongside the overall summary estimate. These plots aid in quickly identifying patterns, outliers, and the overall direction of the combined effect.
Subgroup Analysis and Meta-Regression:
Subgroup analysis involves dividing studies into subcategories based on specific characteristics (e.g., age groups, intervention types). This allows researchers to explore variations in effect sizes across different subgroups.
Meta-regression extends this idea by examining the impact of continuous variables on effect sizes, providing a more nuanced understanding of study outcomes.
Sensitivity Analysis:
Sensitivity analysis tests the robustness of meta-analysis results by examining the impact of excluding certain studies. This helps researchers determine the stability and reliability of the overall findings.
Quality Assessment:
Assessing the quality of individual studies is essential. Common tools include the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool for randomized controlled trials and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies. Quality assessment informs the interpretation of meta-analysis results.
Conclusion:
Meta-analysis, when conducted with precision and care, offers a valuable tool for synthesizing evidence across multiple studies. By employing these techniques, researchers can enhance the validity and reliability of their findings, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomena under investigation. As the scientific community continues to evolve, meta-analysis remains an indispensable method for distilling knowledge and informing evidence-based decision-making across various disciplines.
References
Borenstein M, Hedges LV, Higgins JP, Rothstein HR. Introduction to meta-analysis. John Wiley & Sons; 2021 Apr 6.
Crits-Christoph P. A Meta-analysis. American journal of Psychiatry. 1992 Feb 2;149:151-8.
Dehalwar K, Sharma SN. Fundamentals of Research Writing and Uses of Research Methodologies. New Delhi: Edupedia Publications Pvt Ltd; 2023.
Dehalwar K, Singh J. Current State of Water Management System: Case Review of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. International Journal of Civil, Structural, Environmental and Infrastructure Engineering Research and Development (IJCSEIERD). 2015;5(6):35-40.
Dehalwar K. The Slums of Bhopal: A Tale of Struggle and Resilience.
Field AP, Gillett R. How to do a meta‐analysis. British Journal of Mathematical and Statistical Psychology. 2010 Nov;63(3):665-94.
Hedges LV, Olkin I. Statistical methods for meta-analysis. Academic press; 2014 Jun 28.
Sharma SN, editor. New perspectives in sociology and allied fields. EduPedia Publications (P) Ltd; 2016 Jun 3.
The planning of the Indus Valley Civilization, one of the ancient world’s most advanced and sophisticated urban cultures, showcases a remarkable level of organization and foresight. Flourishing around 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE in what is now present-day Pakistan and northwest India, the Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, left behind a legacy of well-planned cities and advanced urban infrastructure. Though much of their writing system remains undeciphered, the archaeological evidence provides insights into their planning and organizational capabilities.
Urban Layout:
Grid System: The cities of the Indus Valley Civilization were characterized by a well-defined grid system. Streets and lanes were laid out in a precise and orderly manner, often intersecting at right angles. This grid pattern is evident in major sites like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa.
Standardized Building Materials: The use of standardized bricks and dimensions for construction was a distinctive feature of their planning. Bricks of a consistent size (around 1:2:4 ratio) were used in construction, facilitating the creation of uniform structures.
Well-Planned Streets and Drainage: The streets of the cities were carefully planned, with some being wide and straight, indicating a sense of urban planning. An advanced drainage system was integrated into the streets, with covered drains running beneath the streets to manage waste and stormwater.
Residential and Commercial Zones: Cities were divided into various zones, with distinct areas for residential and commercial purposes. Residential areas typically featured multi-storied houses, while commercial zones had markets and workshops.
Architecture:
Brick Architecture: The use of baked bricks for construction was a key architectural characteristic. These bricks provided strength and durability to the structures, and the uniform size facilitated efficient construction.
Citadel and Lower Towns: Many Indus Valley cities featured a citadel, an elevated area believed to have housed important administrative and religious structures. The citadel was often surrounded by lower towns, suggesting a hierarchical organization of space.
Public Buildings: The presence of public buildings, such as the Great Bath in Mohenjo-Daro, indicates a focus on communal activities and public hygiene. The Great Bath, with its carefully laid out steps and water management system, serves as evidence of advanced engineering skills.
Granaries: Large, well-designed granaries have been discovered in various Indus Valley sites. These structures suggest an advanced understanding of agricultural practices and storage techniques.
Advanced Infrastructure:
Water Management: The Indus Valley Civilization had a sophisticated water supply and drainage system. Cities had well-planned wells, reservoirs, and covered drains. The Great Bath, with its advanced water-tight brickwork, showcases their mastery of hydraulic engineering.
Weights and Measures: The use of standardized weights and measures points to a highly organized economic system. Archaeological findings include cubical weights made of chert, a type of stone, suggesting a standardized system of trade and commerce.
Trade and Connectivity: The presence of docks in some cities, such as Lothal, indicates an understanding of maritime trade. The civilization had extensive trade links with regions as far as Mesopotamia, suggesting a well-developed trade and transportation network.
Challenges and Decline:
While the Indus Valley Civilization was an impressive feat of urban planning, its decline is still a subject of debate among historians and archaeologists. Possible factors include environmental changes, such as the shifting course of the Indus River, and possible socio-political factors, but a definitive answer remains elusive.
In conclusion, the planning of the Indus Valley Civilization reflects an advanced understanding of urban organization, engineering, and social structures. The legacy of their planning can be seen in the archaeological remnants of their well-ordered cities, showcasing a level of sophistication that was unparalleled in its time.
References
Agarwal, Sarika, and Shashikant Nishant Sharma. “Universal Design to Ensure Equitable Society.” International Journal of Engineering and Technical Research (IJETR) 1.
Dehalwar, Kavita. “Understanding the Dynamics of Peri-Urban Areas: Navigating the Interface Between Urban and Rural Realms.”
Gulzar, Sidra. “Settlement Scaling and Urban Infrastructure: A Comparative Approach to Settlements from the Ancient Indus society.” (2022).
Jansen, Michael. “Mohenjo-Daro, city of the Indus valley.” Endeavour 9.4 (1985): 161-169.
Kumar, Suneel, Muhammad Ali, and Pasand Ali Khoso. “Emergence and Decline of the Indus Valley Civilization in Pakistan.” Global Sociological Review 2 (2020): 9-22.
Sharma, Shashikant Nishant. “Urban forms in planning and design.” International Journal of Research 1.1 (2014): 7-16.
Sharma, Shashikant Nishant. “Sustainable development strategies and approaches.” International Journal of Engineering and Technical Research (IJETR) 2 (2013).
Sindhav, Hetalben Dhanabhai. “The Indus Valley Civilisation (Harappan Civilisation).” (2016).
Design, whether in the realms of art, graphic design, architecture, or any other creative field, relies on a set of fundamental components that form the basis of visual aesthetics and functionality. These components are categorized into two main groups: the Elements of Design and the Principles of Design. Understanding and mastering these elements and principles is crucial for creating compelling and effective designs.
Elements of Design:
Line: Lines are the basic building blocks of design. They can be straight or curved, vertical or horizontal, thick or thin. Lines guide the viewer’s eye and can convey a sense of movement, stability, or dynamism.
Shape: Shapes are two-dimensional and can be geometric (circles, squares) or organic (natural shapes). They contribute to the overall structure and balance of a design.
Form: Unlike shapes, forms are three-dimensional and have depth. They add a sense of volume and solidity to a design. Think of a cube or a sphere as examples of form.
Color: Color is a powerful visual element that evokes emotions and sets the tone of a design. It involves the use of hues, shades, and tints. Colors can create contrast, harmony, or emphasis within a composition.
Texture: Texture adds a tactile quality to a design. It can be perceived visually or through touch. Texture enhances the overall visual experience and can be smooth, rough, glossy, or matte.
Space: Space refers to the area within, around, or between elements in a design. It plays a crucial role in determining the overall composition and balance. Effective use of positive and negative space is essential for a harmonious design.
Typography: In graphic design, typography involves the arrangement and selection of fonts and typefaces. It contributes to the readability and visual appeal of text in a design.
Principles of Design:
Balance: Balance is the distribution of visual weight in a design. It can be symmetrical, where elements are evenly distributed, or asymmetrical, where balance is achieved through contrast.
Contrast: Contrast involves the juxtaposition of elements to create visual interest and emphasize certain aspects of a design. It can be achieved through variations in color, size, shape, or other visual elements.
Emphasis: Emphasis directs the viewer’s attention to a focal point in a design. It can be achieved through color, contrast, size, or placement of elements.
Unity: Unity brings a sense of cohesion and completeness to a design. It ensures that all elements work together harmoniously to convey a unified message or concept.
Movement: Movement creates a sense of flow and direction in a design, guiding the viewer’s eye through the composition. It can be achieved through the arrangement of elements or the use of lines and shapes.
Rhythm: Rhythm is the repetition or alternation of elements in a design. It creates a sense of visual tempo and can be regular, flowing, or progressive.
Proportion: Proportion involves the relationship between the sizes of different elements in a design. It ensures that elements are appropriately sized in relation to each other, contributing to a balanced composition.
Understanding how to effectively utilize these elements and principles allows designers to communicate ideas, evoke emotions, and create visually appealing and functional compositions. Whether in the digital realm, on canvas, or in architectural structures, the elements and principles of design serve as the foundation for creative expression and aesthetic excellence.
References
Dehalwar, Kavita, and Shashikant Nishant Sharma. “Fundamentals of Research Writing and Uses of Research Methodologies.” (2023).
Farrell, Alex, Stacy D. VanDeveer, and Jill Jäger. “Environmental assessments: four under-appreciated elements of design.” Global Environmental Change 11.4 (2001): 311-333.
Fu, Katherine K., Maria C. Yang, and Kristin L. Wood. “Design principles: The foundation of design.” International design engineering technical conferences and computers and information in engineering conference. Vol. 57175. American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2015.
Martin, Robert C. “Design principles and design patterns.” Object Mentor 1.34 (2000): 597.
Sharma, Shashikant Nishant. “Urban forms in planning and design.” International Journal of Research 1.1 (2014): 7-16.
Sharma, Shashikant Nishant. “Review of most used urban growth models.” International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET) 10.3 (2019): 397-405.
Watts, Ronald D. “The elements of design.” The design method (1966): 85-95.
Under, “National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE)”, scheme, profiling/identification of Sewer/Septic Tanks Workers (SSWs) has commenced. Profiling/identification of SSWs is required to provide the benefits inter-alia, of health insurance under AB-PMJAY and for providing training and PPE Kits to SSWs and their family.
One of the key strategies under “National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE)” scheme is to establish strong convergence amongst key stakeholders, including NSKFDC, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), to leverage their strengths and their specific roles to achieve the intended outcomes.
The earlier scheme “Self-Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS)” has been subsumed in the NAMASTE scheme applicable from the year 2023-24 and therefore, the financial allocations for NAMASTE are available for activities ,which were available under SRMS, such as to provide capital subsidy, training, organising Workshops on Hazardous Cleaning of Sewers and Septic Tanks etc.
Under Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban (SBM-U) 2.0 launched on 1st October, 2021, a new component Used Water Management (UWM) is included with one of the objectives of eradication of hazardous entry into sewers and septic tanks, and sustaining elimination of manual scavenging for waste water management for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) with population of less than 1 lakh.Under UWM component, Central Financial Assistance is provided to all the State Governments/ Union Territory Administrations for taking up following:-
setting up of Sewage Treatment Plants(STPs)/STP-cum-Fecal Sludge Treatment Plants FSTP; for used water treatment.
laying Interception and Diversion (I&D) structures including provision of pumping stations and pumping main/gravity main upto STP:
iii. procuring adequate numbers of septic tank desludging equipments;
deploying Digital (IT enabled) tools for real time monitoring of efficiency parameters during the operational phase of STPs and allied equipments.
In addition, NSKFDC is implementing various loan and non-loan based schemes. Under Loan based schemes, NSKFDC provides financial assistance to the Safai Karamcharis, Scavengers and their dependents for any viable income generating schemes including sanitation related activities and for education in India and abroad.
The focus of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) is the welfare of the poorest households of the socially, educationally and economically marginalized sections of the society including Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes, Senior Citizens, Victims of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Transgender Persons, Beggars, De-notified and Nomadic Tribes (DNTs), Economically Backward Classes (EBCs) and Economically Weaker Section (EWS). This Department is implementing several Schemes for their welfare across India including Puducherry and Karnataka. The details of the major schemes along with the last two years’ fund allocations are given as Annexure.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri A. Narayanaswamy in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
*****
MG/MS/VL
Annexure
Referred in part (a) of Rajya Sabha Unstarred Q. No. 2050 regarding Social welfare schemes for deprived classes for answer on 20.12.2023
Rs in Crore
2021-22
2022-23
S.No.
Programme/Schemes
Allocated Fund
Expenditure
Allocated Fund
Expenditure
1
Post Matric Scholarship for SCs
4196.59
1978.56
5660
4392.5
2
Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme(SHREYAS)
The Umbrella Scheme of Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana(AVYAY), being run by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, includes components to provide financial security, healthcare, nutrition, shelter, welfare etc. for senior citizens. Under one of such components, namely, the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens(IPSrC), Grant-in-Aid is given to Implementing Agencies for running and maintenance of Senior Citizens Homes where basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care, entertainment opportunities etc. are provided free of cost to indigent senior citizens. Under RashtriyaVayoshri Yojana(RVY), assisted living devices are distributed free of cost, in camp mode, to senior citizens belonging to the families living below the poverty line or having Rs. 15000/- as monthly income and suffering from age related disabilities. The Elderline: National Helpline for Senior Citizens(NHSC) (Toll-free No. 14567) provides free information, guidance, emotional support and field intervention in cases of abuse and rescues in order to improve the quality of life of senior citizens. The component namely Senior-care Ageing Growth Engine(SAGE) aims to encourage youth to think about the problems of the elderly and come out with innovative ideas for the elderly care and promoting them into start-ups by providing equity support.
Under Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme(IGNOAPS) of the National Social Assistance Programme(NSAP), a fully funded Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Department of Rural Development, Government of India, monthly pension at the rate of Rs.200/- per month per beneficiary to elderly persons in the age group of 60-79 years belonging to Below Poverty Line(BPL) households, is being paid. The rate of pension is increased to Rs.500/- per month per beneficiary on reaching the age of 80 years. The States/Union Territories are encouraged to provide top up amounts of at least an equivalent amount to the assistance provided by the Central Government so that the beneficiaries could get a decent level of assistance. At present, the States/Union Territories are adding Top up amounts ranging from Rs.50/- to Rs.3000/- per month per beneficiary under the IGNOAPS of NSAP. The assistance under NSAP pension schemes is sanctioned up to the scheme-wise, State/Union Territory-wise cap of beneficiaries under the scheme. At present, the number of beneficiaries under the IGNOAPS in the country is around 2.21 crore and the Scheme has achieved almost 100% saturation in all States/Union Territories. The States/Union Territories have the option to provide pension from their own sources in case there are more eligible beneficiaries over and above the State/Union Territory cap under the NSAP pension schemes.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly(NPHCE) in 2010-11 with a view to provide dedicated healthcare services to senior citizens at various level of State Health Care delivery system i.e., at Primary, Secondary and Tertiary health care, including outreach services. The Programme has two components, namely National Health Mission(NHM) i.e., Primary and Secondary care service delivery through District Hospitals(DH), Community Health Centres(CHC), Primary Health Centres(PHC), Sub-Centre/Health & Wellness Centres, and Tertiary Component i.e., these services are being provided though Regional Geriatric Centres(RGCs) located at 19 Medical colleges in 18 states of India and two National Centres of Aging(NCAs) one in AIIMS, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi and another in Madras Medical College, Chennai. It also includes Research on health issues pertaining to senior citizens. Further, Government launched Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
(PMJAY) to cover 10 crore poor and vulnerable families (approx. 50 crore beneficiaries) providing coverage of up to Rs.5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalization. With the launch of the Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY, the RashtriyaSwasthya Bima Yojana(RSBY) and the Senior Citizen Health Insurance Scheme(SCHIS) have been subsumed in it. All enrolled beneficiary families of RSBY and SCHIS are entitled for benefits under the Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY.
To promote Digital Skills amongst all the learners across the country, Ministry of Education through its autonomous bodies such as All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has entered into Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with leading technology companies to drive skilling and future readiness for the students. The partnerships cover wide areas such as project-based assignments, courses in Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC), online teaching materials, familiarization with digital tools and platforms that will be pursued on a best-efforts basis across colleges to cover students of the higher education institutions in India including but not limited to Engineering colleges, Degree colleges and Polytechnics for expanding digital skills.
The Directorate General of Training (DGT) under Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is implementing the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the country. Under this scheme, Essential Digital Skills are taught under the subject of Employability Skills that are mandatory for trainees under all trades. DGT has signed MoU with IT Tech companies like IBM, CISCO, Future Skill Rights Network (erstwhile Quest Alliance), Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft under which technical and professional skills with respect to new age technologies which includes courses on topics like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data Analytics (BDA), Blockchain, Cloud Computing, Cyber security, Internet of Things (IoT), Web, Mobile Development and Marketing, Machine Learning, etc. is being provided to trainees through Bharatskills, a Central Repository for skills, to make the trainees industry ready.
National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), an Autonomous Institute under the administrative control of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) as of now has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Meta on 4th September, 2023 to support the Indian entrepreneurial ecosystem. The aim of the MoU is to provide aspiring and current small business owners with the necessary tools, knowledge, and resources to thrive in today’s dynamic market environment. The partnership will help in training budding and existing entrepreneurs in digital marketing skills by Meta platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram in seven regional languages.
Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati, an Autonomous Institute under the administrative control of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has partnered with reputed institutions and colleges to take digital skill to rural youth and is assisting in building talent pool capacities and seamlessly connecting students, youth and micro-entrepreneurs across North Eastern Region of India.
Under the partnership of Ministry of Education with leading technology companies and NIESBUD with Meta, there are no financial obligations. Under the partnership of NIESBUD with Meta, the Meta platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram have provided inputs for participants on Digital Marketing in seven regional languages.
Gearing up for the success of the first tranche of auction of Critical and Strategic Minerals, launched on 29th November, 2023, the Ministry of Mines conducted a roadshow here on 19th December, 2023, in the presence of Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines, Shri Pralhad Joshi, Minister of state for Mines, Coal & Railways, Shri Raosaheb Patil Danve and Secretary, Ministry of Mines Shri V.L. Kantha Rao, senior officers of the Ministry, Industry Associations and PSUs. Over 45 companies, consultants and exploration agencies participated in the event. Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi also launched the National Geoscience Data Repository Portal (NGDR) during the event.
A total of 20 critical & strategic mineral blocks will be auctioned in the 1st tranche, out of which 16 mineral blocks are put up for grant of Composite Licence and four mineral blocks for grant of Mining Lease. The minerals include Graphite, Glauconite, Lithium, REE, Molybdenum, Nickel, Potash etc. The blocks are spread across the States of Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and UT – Jammu & Kashmir.
Addressing the function, Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi appraised the efforts and initiatives undertaken by Ministry of Mines for increasing domestic production of minerals, meeting the goals of self-sufficiency as envisioned by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He emphasized how the Indian mining sector in general, and critical minerals in particular are significant in the present global context, underscoring priorities such as strengthening domestic production, fostering self-sufficiency, diminishing import reliance, advocating sustainable resource management, attracting investments in the mining sector and advancing key industries crucial for India’s industrial and technological progress. The Government is committed to bring more critical mineral blocks to auction in a phased manner, the Minister added.
The Minister of State for Mines, Coal and Railways, Shri Raosaheb Patil Danve expressed optimism about the potential success of the initial phase of the critical minerals auction, seeing it as a positive stride toward establishing a dependable supply chain for these minerals, aligning with the vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat and contributing to heightened economic growth. The Minister of State of Mines reiterated the government’s efforts to bring these blocks into auction and how the success of this auction process relies on the active participation from the industry. He called upon all the participants to demonstrate the highest standards of transparency, fairness and ethical practices throughout the auction process.
Shri V.L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Mines gave insights about the steps taken by Ministry of Mines to increase the exploration activity carried out in the country and about the efforts to streamline the policy framework for multifaceted growth of the mineral sector. Secretary, Mines also responded to the queries of the participants and ensured all assistance from the Ministry for easy participation in the e-auction process. Shri Rao also encouraged the participants to give their suggestions for the e-auction process being conducted by Central Government.
The roadshow was held with the objective to guide the potential bidders regarding the auction process. Additional Secretary – Ministry of Mines, Mr. Sanjay Lohiya welcomed the dignitaries and initiated the discussion on the importance of the auction of critical & strategic minerals.
Dr Veena Kumari Dermal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Mines began with the presentation and appraised the audience regarding the prevalent mineral policies and the reform of MMDR Act and rules thereunder for enabling the Central Government for auction of critical & strategic mineral blocks. Further, the Joint Secretary briefed the audience about the 20 blocks launched in the first tranche of auction and presented the estimated timeline of the e-auction process. This was followed by presentations of SBI Capital Markets Limited – Transaction Advisor, MECL – Technical Advisor, and MSTC – Auction Platform provider, giving information to the potential bidders regarding the e-auction and details of the critical mineral blocks put to auction.
SBI Capital Markets Limited presented the details of the auction process to the stakeholders including the eligibility conditions, general guidelines to the auction process, and bidding parameters. MECL highlighted the importance of Critical and Strategic Minerals in modern technologies and shared the details of 20 critical mineral blocks being put to auction. MSTC walked participants through the registration process along with the technicalities of the auction portal. Subsequently, the queries received from the audience were addressed by the presenters.
Director (NMET), Ministry of Mines highlighted the efforts of Ministry in facilitating the engagement of Notified Private Exploration Agencies (NPEAs) to expedite mineral exploration in the country. He further informed about the scheme on funding of Notified Private Exploration Agency (NPEA) through National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET). The Ministry has notified 16 such private agencies. Also informed about the proposed amendment in Mineral (Auction) Rules 2015 and comments were sought on the same.
Further, presentation on the details of Exploration Licence, a recently included provision in the MMDR Act and the rules thereunder. Exploration Licence is a provision for grant of a mineral concession for undertaking full range of exploration starting from reconnaissance to prospecting operations. The move is to engage the private players and junior mining companies in the exploration of deep-seated minerals, in line with international practice. The draft amendments made in the MMDR Act were presented to the participants and suggestions/comments were sought from the stakeholders.
Pre-bid conference with prospective bidder is scheduled on 22nd December 2023, last date of sale of Tender Document is 16th January 2024 and last date of bid submission is 22nd January 2024. Thereafter, e-auction will commence for selection of preferred bidder. Details of the mines, auction terms, timelines etc. can be accessed on MSTC auction platform at www.mstcecommerce.com/auctionhome/mlcl/index.jsp.
The National Geoscience Data Repository(NGDR) has been created, as a part of the National Mineral Exploration Policy, 2016, hosting all baseline and exploration-related geoscientific data in a single GIS platform, to expedite, enhance and facilitate the exploration coverage of the country. The NGDR initiative, spearheaded by Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Bhaskarachaya Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N) represents a significant leap forward in democratizing critical geoscience data, empowering stakeholders across industries and academia with unprecedented access to invaluable resources.
Currently, 35 map services like geological, geochemical and geophysical, data layers have been incorporated with the NGDR portal. These data sets can be viewed accessed and downloaded. This interplay of different geo-layers and further interpretation helps in targeting potential mineral zones. The NGDR portal can be accessed through https://geodataindia.gov.in. The user, after registration in the portal can view, download and interpret the data.
The creation of NGDR was conceptualized by the Ministry of Mines (MoM) as part of the National Mineral Exploration Policy (NMEP) 2016. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) was given the responsibility to establish NGDR. The NGDR will make available all geological, geochemical, geophysical and mineral exploration data in public domain on a digital geospatial platform. This will include baseline geoscience data and all mineral exploration information generated by various central and state government agencies and mineral concession holders . The greater goal of this initiative is to increase the investment attractiveness of the mining sector in India.
Key Features of the National Geoscience Data Portal (NGDR):
Centralized Access: Provides a centralized repository of diverse geoscience datasets, including geological maps, mineral resources, seismic data, and environmental information.
User-Friendly Interface: An intuitive interface designed to cater to a wide range of users, enabling seamless navigation and exploration of data.
MERT template: The Mineral Exploration Reporting Template facilitates all the geoscientific stakeholders to submit their data in the NGDR portal in a standard reporting template.
Analytical Tools: Equipped with state-of-the-art analytical tools to interpret and extract valuable insights from complex geospatial data.
Open Access: Encourages transparency and knowledge sharing by offering open access to a wealth of geoscience information.
The development of this portal will help various geoscience agencies such as GSI, MECL, State Departments of Mining and Geology, private agencies, and other stakeholders agencies of the country. As the geoscience data through this portal will be available globally for viewing, downloading and interpretation, it will facilitate global mining companies to invest in India and bring new technologies in mineral exploration.
Globally, all the mineral-rich countries have a robust geoscience data portal having various layers of geoscientific information i.e. geological, geophysical, geochemical, etc. to support their mineral exploration programmes. With this state-of-the-art, user-friendly, interoperable platform, India is now in the league of other mineral-rich countries where the accessibility of geoscientific data plays a vital role in fostering their mineral exploration programmes.
As per the annual field season program, field survey and preparation of reports normally takes 18 months, out of which 12 months are required for completion of field survey and the next 6 months for writing/ finalization of the report before it is circulated. However, for some of the projects, this time duration may be more than 18 months depending upon the nature and quantum of work.
GSI has taken a number of steps to finalize the resource bearing reports at the earliest which are summarized below-
Sufficient budget grants especially in the mineral exploration head allotted to all regions/missions of GSI for execution of field projects.
To achieve the drilling target, empanelled outsourced drilling agencies are deployed for certain exploration projects in addition to in-house drilling capacity. Drilling activities are initiated on priority from the beginning of Field Season.
To expedite sample analysis, outsourcing is carried out through reputed laboratories as per requirement in addition to in-house capacity.
For timely execution of projects, field vehicles are outsourced in addition to in-house capacity.
The laboratories are being modernized with various state-of-the-art instruments for precise and quick analysis. Various modern software are also being used for quick and precise analysis of field data.
The concerned State Governments are intimated to render all possible support for execution of field projects and field officers of GSI are instructed to coordinate with local administration to resolve any local issues. Necessary formalities for getting permission for exploration from various authorities are taken before initiation of the project.
Constant monitoring of the projects at various levels is carried out to ensure proper and timely completion of the project.
The following technology initiatives have been adopted for expediting field surveys and reports on potential mineral resource deposits by GSI:
Generation of baseline geoscience data- GSI is generating almost all types of baseline geoscience data e.g. geological, geochemical, and geophysical pan India which are crucial for effective planning of mineral exploration. GSI has targeted to complete National Geochemical and Geophysical mapping of the accessible part of the country on priority by involving in-house resources as well as through outsourcing using the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) fund.
Aerial Survey: GSI is executing the project “National Aero-Geophysical Mapping Programme (NAGMP)” to acquire aero-geophysical data over the Obvious Geological Potential areas (7.78 lakh sq km) through outsourcing using NMET fund.
Remote Sensing aided Survey: GSI is carrying out delineation of alteration/ mineralization zone using spectral mapping algorithms. Recently, GSI has completed acquisition of AVIRIS NG data in collaboration with NASA and ISRO in certain potential areas in the country. GSI has initiated surface mineral mapping using ASTER multispectral remote sensing data to generate alteration zone /mineral mapping.
Regional Mineral Targeting (RMT): GSI has introduced RMT program to gain insight into the process of finding mineral deposits on a regional scale by synthesis & collation of surface and subsurface data followed by fieldwork.
Project ‘Uncover’ India: Given the rapid depletion of surface/near-surface deposits, there is a paradigm shift in thrust to probe deep-seated deposits under “Project Uncover (India)” in two transacts, in collaboration with Geoscience Australia (GA).
Necessary steps have been taken to increase the depth of exploratory drilling in G3 & G2 stage exploration projects from FS 2020-21 for non-bulk minerals depending on the potential of mineralized zones. For fast drilling, GSI is mostly utilizing hydrostatics rigs in mineral exploration projects.
National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR): GSI is setting up the National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) through outsourcing using NMET fund for the benefit of all stakeholders wherein all geoscientific data will be made available on one platform.
Modernization Programme: GSI has been modernizing its laboratories by procuring high-end machinery and equipment to improve its capabilities in generating vital geoscience data and their processing and interpretation.
Central Government, State and UT Government have taken several initiatives for implementation of National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) details of which are as under:-
In School Education, a number of initiatives have been taken such as PM SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India) for upgradation of schools (A total of 6448 schools were selected and Rs. 630.11 crore has been released to 6207 PM SHRI schools in 27 States/UTs along with KVS/NVS as first installment); National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN Bharat);Vidya-Pravesh–School Preparation Module; PM e-VIDYA for digital/online/on-air education; DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing) as One Nation One Digital Platform; National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCF FS); Jadui Pitara for children between the age group of 3 to 8 years; National Curriculum Framework for School Education; NISHTHA (National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement) 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 an Integrated Teacher Training Programme for different stages of school education; National Digital Education Architecture (NDEAR) for creating a unifying national digital infrastructure with 1500+ Micro courses, 5 billion+ Learning sessions, 12 billion+ QR codes, 20K+ ecosystem participants, 15K+ Micro improvements ongoing across various linked building blocks; “New India Literacy Programme or ULLAS” targeting all non-literates age 15 years and above, etc.
Samagra Shiksha Scheme has been fully aligned with the recommendation of NEP 2020, with a total financial outlay of Rs. 2,94,283.04 crore which includes a Central share of Rs. 1,85,398.32 crore. PM Poshan Shakti Nirman Yojna has also been aligned with the recommendation of NEP 2020.
National Assessment Centre, PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) has been set up to fulfil the objectives of setting norms, standards, guidelines and implement activities related to student assessment.
New policy on weight of School bags with focus on reducing the weight of school bags has been circulated to States/UTs.
4-year Integrated Teacher Education Program has been introduced. Recognition has been granted to 42 institutions including IITs, NITs, RIEs, IGNOU and Government Colleges for the Academic Session 2023-24.
National Mission for Mentoring (NMM) has also been introduced to create a large pool of outstanding professionals who are willing to provide mentoring to school teachers. NMM is being piloted in 30 Central schools. Also, a school volunteer management program namely Vidyanjali has been started to strengthen Government and Government aided schools through community and private sector involvement across the country. So far 671512 Govt. and Govt aided schools have onboarded and 443539 volunteers have registered on the Vidyanjali Portal.
In Higher Education, various initiatives / reforms have been carried out for implementation of NEP 2020. For learner centric education, National Credit Framework (NCrF), National Higher Education Qualification Framework, Academic Bank of Credit (ABC), multiple entry/exit etc. have been introduced. So far 1667 Universities/INIs/HEIs are on boarded on ABC portal & 2.75 Crore students are registered. To ensure access to high quality education with equity and inclusion, courses are being offered in Indian Languages; entrance exams such as JEE, NEET, CUET are conducted in 13 Indian languages; 100 books for UG students on various subjects launched in 12 Indian Languages; and 20 Technical books of first year have been translated in Indian Languages.
To promote digital learning by leveraging technology, at present 95 Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) are offering 1149 ODL programmes and 66 HEIs are offering 371 online programmes. More than 19 lakh students are availing these facilities. To promote multi-disciplinary education and provide flexibility, around 295 Universities have adopted SWAYAM regulation permitting learners to avail upto 40% credit Courses from SWAYAM platform. Over 9 lakhs students earn SWAYAM certificate through a proctored exam every year. These certificates can be utilised for credit transfer by the university in which student is enrolled. Technology enabled Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) based Solutions for Governance of HEIs starting from admission to grant of Degree – Smarter Automation Engine for Universities (SAMARTH) is being extensively used by around 2700 Universities & HEIs covering 32 States / UTs. 7 State Higher Education Departments are also on boarded.
In order to enable HEIs to work with industry experts in developing courses and curriculum to meet the industry and societal needs, initiatives have been taken such as Guidelines on Professor of Practice; MoUs with Cisco/IBM/Meta/Adobe/Microsoft/Sales force etc. to create industry-aligned courses; offering Apprenticeship / Internship embedded Degree Programme by HEIs; Single Unified online portal for internship with total registration of around 10560 HEIs and 73383 industries so far. For promotion of research and innovation, around 7568 Institutions’ Innovation Councils and around 104 Idea Development, Evaluation and Application Labs (IDEA) have been set up.
To promote internationalization, regulation on setting up and operation of campuses of foreign Higher Education Institutions in India have been issued. Also, MOUs have been signed for setting up of campus of IIT Madras in Zanzibar- Tanzania and IIT Delhi in Abu Dhabi. Classes have commenced at IIT Madras campus in Zanzibar-Tanzania.
Guidelines for Training/Orientation of Faculty on Indian Knowledge System (IKS), Empanelment of Artists/Artisans–in–Residence in Higher Educational Institutions, Introduction of courses based on Indian heritage and culture, Incorporating Indian Knowledge in Higher Education Curricula and Translation of books into Indian languages have been issued. More than 8000 HEIs have started adopting IKS into their curriculum.
National Credit Framework jointly developed by University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), National Council for Vocational Education & Training (NCVET), National Institute of Open Schooling( NIOS), Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), National Council of Education, Research & Training (NCERT), Directorate General of Training (DGT), Ministry of Education (MoE) and Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is a comprehensive credit framework encompassing elementary, school, higher and vocational education and training incorporating creditization of various dimensions of learning i.e. academics, vocational skills and Experiential learning including relevant experience and proficiency/professional levels acquired. It encompasses qualifications frameworks as prescribed in National Higher Education Qualifications Framework (NHEQF), National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) and National Curriculum Framework (NCF), thereby providing broad-based multi-disciplinary / inter-disciplinary, holistic education with flexible curricula, creative combination of subjects, multiple pathways, establishing equivalence, facilitate national and international mobility.
The Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) (Amendment) Act& Rules, 2023 have been notified on 03.08.2023 and 04.08.2023, respectively to strengthen governance, enhance transparency, increase accountability and reform electoral process, etc.in the Multi State Cooperative Societies by supplementing existing legislation and incorporating the provisions of Ninety-seventh Constitutional Amendment.
To increase the representation of Scheduled Castes/Tribes in the boards of Multi-State Co-operative societies, to make the board more professional and to increase participation of board members in board meetings, following provisions have been introduced via above amendment, inter-alia: –
Provisions for reservation of two seats for women and one seat for SC or ST in the Board of multi-State cooperative societies have been made.
To ensure timely, regular and transparent conduct of elections in the multi-State cooperative societies, provision of Cooperative Election Authority has been included.
To increase professionalism in the Board of multi-State cooperative societies, provision of Co-option of such directors who have experience in the field of banking, management, co-operative management and finance or specialization in any field relating to the objects and activities undertaken by such multi-State cooperative societies have been introduced.
To increase participation of board members, quorum of 1/3rd of elected members, has been prescribed for board meetings.
Casual vacancies are to be filled by nomination up to 1/3rd of the board strength, if the term of office of the board is less than half of its original term. If casual vacancies in the same term exceed 1/3rd of number of elected directors, elections have to be conducted through Election Authority.
If Chairman of the society fails to direct the convening of the meeting within the quarter, it shall be convened by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on the requisition of Vice-Chairperson or Vice President. In other cases, meeting to be convened by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on requisition from at least 50 % of board members. This will ensure holding of meetings in regular manner and on demand.
Additional grounds for disqualification for directors have been made to improve governance, for better recovery of dues and to ensure that such acts of omission or commission or fraud are not repeated elsewhere.
To curb nepotism and favoritism in multi-State co-operative societies, the Director of a multi-State cooperative society shall not be present in the discussion and vote on matters where he or his relatives are an interested party.
For strengthening governance, criteria for appointment of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) are stipulated.
The Ministry of Cooperation has made various efforts for the betterment, empowerment and income generation for women in the cooperative sector. The major initiative taken by the Ministry in this regard are as under:
1. Reservation for Women on the Board of Multi State Cooperative Societies
The Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Act) 2002 has been amended to mandate requirement of women Directors in the Board of Multi-State Cooperative Societies. This will ensure representation of women in the Board of more than 1,550 Multi-State Cooperatives across the country.
2. Reservation to Members in Primary Agriculture Cooperative Credit Societies (PACS) through adoption of Model Bye-laws
Model Bye Laws for the PACS has been prepared by the Ministry of Cooperation and adopted by the States/UTs across the country. It mandates requirement of women Directors in the Board of PACS. This will ensure representation of women and their decision making in more than 1 Lakh PACS.
3. Nandini Sahakar Scheme
Nandini Sahakar Scheme of National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) under Ministry of Cooperation is a financial assistance scheme for project formulation, hand- holding and capacity development of women cooperatives. NCDC has disbursed 5,714.88 Crore to Women Cooperatives benefitting more than 1.56 Crore women members.
The Ministry of Cooperation also organizes various training programs for skill development of the women in the cooperative sector through its National Level Institutes like National Council for Cooperative Training (NCCT), Vaikunth Mehta National Institute of Co-operative Management (VAMNICOM), and Laxmanrao Inamdar National Academy for Cooperative Research and Development (LINAC). The details of these training programs are given in Annexure-A.
In addition to the above, Ministry of Cooperation has taken 54 major Initiatives which will further benefit and empower all members of the cooperative sector including women. The details of such initiatives taken and progress made so far is given in Annexure-B.
Annexure-A
Ministry of Cooperation
The Ministry of Cooperation organizes various training programs for skill development of the women through its National Level Institutes. The details of these programs are as under:
National Council for Cooperative Training (NCCT):
NCCT and its Training units organized skill development programmes covering the sectors like Dairy, Handlooms, Micro Credit, Rural Entrepreneurships, Bee-Keeping, Industrial Cooperatives etc. where the women participants also attended.
The Last three-year training participants are as follows:
S. No.
Year
Total No. of Participation for Training
Total No. of Women Participants
Percentage of Women participants
1.
2020-21
40,288
8,875
22.02
2.
2021-22
62,774
15,309
24.38
3.
2022-23
2,01,507
77,584
38.50
Vaikunth Mehta National Institute of Co-operative Management (VAMNICOM):
(1) VAMNICOM, as a National Institute has been conducting various training programmes for women’s empowerment / skill development in Cooperative Sector and SHGs including SC/ST women participants for example: –
(a) Strengthening of Cluster Level Federation (CLF) of women SHG
(b) Management Development Programme for Women Directors in Credit Cooperatives
(c) Financial & Digital Literacy for Women Members of Self-Help Group (SHG)
(d) Book keeping and Auditing Training for Women Members of SHG
(e) Business Development Strategies for Women’s SHGS
(2) During the year 2022-23 the Institute has conducted 24 training programmes exclusively for women with 1056 participants.
(3) During the year 2023-24 (up to Nov, 2023) the Institute has conducted 29 training programmes exclusively for women with 1,010 participants.
Laxmanrao Inamdar National Academy for Cooperative Research and Development (LINAC):
Laxmanrao Inamdar National Academy for Cooperative Research and Development (LINAC) endeavors to develop its programs and interventions with a strong client-orientation and inter-disciplinary perspective to strengthen institutional capabilities and human resources in cooperatives.
Number of training programmes conducted during 2022-23 and 2023-24 for women participants on “Role of Women Directors in Governance & Business Development in Coops/SHGs”:
S. No.
Year
No of training Programmes
No of women Participants
01
2022-23
18
951
02
2023-24(Till 14.12.2023)
18
957
Annexure-B
Ministry of Cooperation
Ministry of Cooperation, since its inception on 6th July, 2021, has undertaken several initiatives to realize the vision of “Sahakar-se-Samriddhi” and to strengthen & deepen the cooperative movement from Primary to Apex level Cooperatives in the country. List of initiatives taken and progress made so far are as follows:
Making Primary Cooperatives economically vibrant and transparent
Model Bye-Laws for PACS making them multipurpose, multidimensional and transparent entities: Government, in consultation with all the stakeholders, including States/ UTs, National Level Federations, State Cooperative Banks (StCBs), District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs), etc., has prepared and circulated Model Byelaws for PACS to all the States/ UTs, which enable PACS to undertake more than 25 business activities, improve governance, transparency and accountability in their operations. Provisions have also been made to make the membership of PACS more inclusive and broad-based, giving adequate representation to women and Scheduled Castes/Schedules Tribes. Model Byelaws have been adopted by 31 States/ UTs so far.
Strengthening of PACS through Computerization: In order to strengthen PACS, project for Computerization of 63,000 functional PACS with a total financial outlay of ₹2,516 Crore has been approved by the Government of India, which entails bringing all functional PACS in the Country onto a common ERP based national software, linking them with NABARD through StCBs and DCCBs. A total of 62,318 PACS from 28 States/ UTs have been sanctioned under the project. Software is ready and trials have already started in 5,673 PACS in 26 States/ UTs so far.
New Multipurpose PACS/ Dairy/ Fishery Cooperatives in uncovered Panchayats: A proposal has been approved by the Government to set up new multi-purpose PACS or primary dairy/ fisheries cooperatives covering every Panchayat/ village in the next five years, with support of NABARD, NDDB, NFDB, NCDC and other National level Federations. As reported by the States/ UTs, the process for registering 9,961 new PACS/ Dairy/ Fishery cooperative societies in 23 States/ UTs is in various stages.
World’s Largest Decentralized Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative sector: Government has approved a plan to create warehouses, custom hiring centres, primary processing units and other agri-infra for grain storage at PACS level, by converging various schemes of Government such as AIF, AMI, SMAM, PMFME, etc. This will reduce wastage of food grains and transportation costs, enable farmers to realize better prices for their produce and meet various agricultural needs at the PACS level itself. 22 States/ UTs and National level Cooperative Federations such as National Cooperative Consumers Federation (NCCF) and National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED), have identified 1,711 PACS for creation of storage capacity under the Pilot Project. At present, construction is going in 13 PACS of 13 States/ UTs under the Pilot Project.
PACS as Common Service Centers (CSCs) for better access to e-services: MoU has been signed between Ministry of Cooperation, MeitY, NABARD and CSC e-Governance Services India Limited for providing more than 300 e-services such as banking, insurance, Aadhar enrolment/ updation, health services, PAN card and IRCTC/ Bus/ Air ticket, etc. through PACS. So far, 24,470 PACS have started providing CSC services to the rural citizens which will also result in increase in income of those PACS at the same time.
Formation of new Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) by PACS: Government has allowed 1,100 additional FPOs to be formed by PACS with the support of NCDC, in those blocks where FPOs have not yet been formed or the blocks are not covered by any other implementing agency. This will be helpful in providing the farmers with necessary market linkage and get fair and remunerative prices for their produce.
PACS given priority for Retail Petrol/ Diesel outlets: Government has allowed PACS to be included in the Combined Category 2 (CC2) for allotment of retail petrol/ diesel outlets. As per information received from Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), a total of 228 PACS have applied online for retail petrol/ diesel outlets.
PACS given permission to convert bulk consumer petrol pumps into retail outlets: Based on the discussions with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, guidelines have been issued to convert the existing bulk consumer licensee PACS into retail outlets for increasing the profit of PACS and generate employment opportunities in rural areas. 109 PACS from 5 States having wholesale consumer pumps have given consent for conversion into Retail Outlets, out of which 43 PACS have received Letter of Intent (LOI) from the OMCs.
PACS eligible for LPG Distributorship for diversifying its activities: Government has now allowed PACS to apply for LPG Distributorships. This will give PACS an option to increase their economic activities and create new employment opportunities in rural areas. Two locations have already been advertised in the State of Jharkhand.
PACS as PM Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra for improving access to generic medicines at rural level: Government is promoting PACS to operate Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras which will provide additional income source to them and provide easy access of generic medicines to rural citizens. So far, 4,289 PACS/ cooperative societies have applied online for PM Janaushadhi Kendras, out of which 2,293 PACS have been given initial approval also.
PACS as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSK): Government is promoting PACS to operate PMKSK for ensuring easy accessibility of fertilizer & related services to farmers in the country. As per the information shared by States/ UTs, 28,648 PACS are functioning as PMKSK so far.
Convergence of PM-KUSUM at PACS level: Farmers associated with PACS can adopt solar agricultural water pumps and install photovoltaic modules in their farms.
PACS to carry out O&M of rural piped water supply schemes (PWS): In order to utilize the reach of PACS in rural areas, on the initiative of the Ministry of Cooperation, Ministry of Jal Shakti has made PACS as eligible agencies to carry out the Operations & Maintenance (O&M) of PWS in rural areas. As per information received from States/ UTs, 1,381 PACS have been identified by 12 States/ UTs to provide O&M services at Panchayat/ Village level.
Micro-ATMs to Bank Mitra Cooperative Societies for providing doorsteps financial services: Dairy and Fisheries cooperative societies can be made Bank Mitras of DCCBs and StCBs to ensure their ease of doing business, transparency and financial inclusion, Micro-ATMs are also being given to these Bank Mitra Co-operative Societies with support from NABARD to provide ‘Door Step Financial Services’. As a pilot project, 1,723 Micro-ATMs have been distributed to Bank Mitra cooperative societies in Panchmahal and Banaskantha Districts of Gujarat.
Rupay Kisan Credit Card to Members of Milk Cooperatives: In order to expand the reach of DCCBs/ StCBs and to provide necessary liquidity to the members of Dairy Cooperative societies, Rupay Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) are being distributed to the members of cooperatives for providing credit at comparatively lower interest rates and enable other financial transactions. As a pilot project, 73,503 Rupay KCC have been distributed in Panchmahal and Banaskantha Districts of Gujarat.
Formation of Fish Farmer Producer Organization (FFPO): In order to provide market linkage and providing processing facilities to the fishermen, NCDC has registered 69 FFPOs in the initial phase. Department of Fisheries, Government of India has further allocated conversion of 1000 existing fisheries cooperative societies into FFPOs to NCDC, with an approved outlay of Rs 225.50 crore.
Strengthening the Urban and Rural Cooperative Banks
UCBs have been allowed to open new branches to expand their business: UCBs can now open new branches up to 10% (maximum 5 branches) of the existing number of branches in the previous financial year without prior approval of RBI.
UCBs have been allowed by RBI to offer doorstep services to their customers: Door step banking facility can now be provided by the UCBs. Account holders associated with these banks can now avail various banking facilities at home such as cash withdrawal, cash deposit, KYC, demand draft and life certificate for pensioners, etc.
Cooperative banks have been allowed to make one-time settlement of outstanding loans, like Commercial Banks: Co-operative banks, through board-approved policies, can now provide process for technical write-off as well as settlement with borrowers.
Time limit increased to achieve Priority Sector Lending (PSL) targets given to UCBs: RBI has extended the timeline for UCBs to achieve Priority Sector Lending (PSL) targets by two years i.e., up to March 31, 2026.
A Nodal Officer designated in RBI for regular interaction with UCBs: In order to meet the long pending demand of the cooperative sector for closer coordination and focused interaction, RBI has notified a nodal officer as well.
Individual housing loan limit more than doubled by RBI for Rural and Urban Co-operative Banks:
Housing loan limit of Urban cooperative banks have now been doubled from Rs 30 lakh to Rs 60 lakh.
Housing loan limit of Rural cooperative banks has been increased to two and a half times to Rs 75 lakh.
Rural Co-operative Banks will now be able to lend to commercial real estate/ residential housing sector, thereby diversifying their business: This will not only help Rural co-operative banks to diversify their business, but benefit Housing co-operative societies also.
License fee reduced for Cooperative Banks: License fee for onboarding Cooperative Banks to ‘Aadhaar Enabled Payment System’ (AePS) has been reduced by linking it to the number of transactions. Cooperative financial institutions will also be able to get the facility free of cost for the first three months of the pre-production phase. With this, farmers will now be able to get the facility of banking at their home with their fingerprints.
Non-scheduled UCBs, StCBs and DCCBs notified as Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) in CGTMSE Scheme to increase the share of cooperatives in lending: The co-operative banks will now be able to take advantage of risk coverage up to 85 percent on the loans given. Also, cooperative sector enterprises will also be able to get collateral free loans from co-operative banks now.
Notification of Scheduling norms for including Urban Co-operative Banks: UCBs that meet the ‘Financially Sound and Well Managed’ (FSWM) criteria and have maintained the minimum deposits required for classification as Tier 3 for the last two years are now eligible to be included in Schedule II of the Reserve Bank of India Act 1934 and get ‘Scheduled’ status.
Monetary ceiling doubled by RBI for Gold Loan: RBI has doubled monetary ceiling from Rs. 2 lakh to Rs.4 lakh, for those UCBs that meet the PSL targets.
Umbrella Organization for Urban Cooperative Banks: RBI has accorded approval to the National Federation of Urban Co-operative Banks and Credit Societies Ltd. (NAFCUB) for the formation of an Umbrella Organization (UO) for the UCB sector, which will provide necessary IT infrastructure and operation support to around 1,500 UCBs.
Relief to Cooperative Societies in the Income Tax Act
Surcharge reduced from 12 % to 7% for co-operative societies having income between Rs. 1 to 10 Cr.: This will reduce the burden of Income Tax on Cooperative Societies and more capital will be available with them to work for the benefit of their members.
MAT reduced for cooperatives from 18.5% to 15%: With this provision, now there is parity between Cooperative Societies and Companies in this regard.
Relief in cash transactions under section 269ST of the Income Tax Act: In order to remove difficulties in cash transactions by cooperatives under Section 269ST of IT Act, Government has issued a clarification that cash transaction of less than Rs. 2 lakhs done by a cooperative society with its distributor in a day will be considered separately, and will not be charged with income tax penalty.
Tax cut for new manufacturing Cooperative societies: Government has decided that a flat lower tax rate of 15% will be charged, compared to an earlier rate of up to 30% plus surcharge, for new cooperatives commencing manufacturing activities by March 31, 2024. This will encourage the formation of new cooperative societies in the manufacturing sector.
Increase in limit of Cash Deposits and Cash Loans by PACS and PCARDBs: Government has enhanced the limit for Cash Deposits and Cash Loans by PACS and Primary Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development Banks (PCARDBs) from Rs 20,000 to Rs 2 lakh per member. This provision will facilitate their activities, increase their business and benefit members of their societies.
Increase in the limit of Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) in Cash Withdrawal: Government has increased the cash withdrawal limit of cooperative societies without deduction of tax at source from Rs.1 crore to Rs.3 crore per year. This provision will save Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) for cooperative societies, which will enhance liquidity of the cooperative society.
Revival of Cooperative Sugar Mills
Relief from Income Tax to Sugar Cooperative Mills: Government has issued a clarification that Sugar cooperative mills would not be subjected to additional income tax for paying higher sugarcane prices to farmers up to Fair and Remunerative or State Advised Price, from April, 2016 onwards.
Resolution of decades old pending issues related to Income Tax of Sugar Cooperative Mills: Government has made a provision in its Union Budget 2023-24, wherein Sugar cooperatives have been allowed to claim as expenditure their payments to sugarcane farmers for the period prior to assessment year 2016–17, giving a relief of more than Rs.10,000 crores.
Rs. 10,000 crore loan scheme launched for strengthening of Sugar Cooperative Mills: Government has launched a scheme through NCDC for setting up ethanol plants or cogeneration plants or for working capital or for all three purposes. Loan amount of Rs. 3,010 cr. has been sanctioned by NCDC to 24 Cooperative Sugar Mills so far.
Preference to Cooperative Sugar Mills in purchase of ethanol: Cooperative Sugar Mills have now been put at par with private companies for ethanol procurement by Government of India under the Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP).
Reduction in GST on molasses from 28% to 5%: Government has decided to reduce the GST on molasses from 28% to 5% which will enable cooperative sugar mills to earn more profits for its members by selling molasses to distilleries with higher margins.
Three new Multi-State Societies at the National Level
New National Multi-State Cooperative Seed Society for certified seeds: Government has established a new apex multi-state cooperative seed society under the MSCS Act, 2002, namely Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) as an umbrella organization for quality seed cultivation, production and distribution under a single brand. BBSSL has received 8,200 PACS/ cooperative societies applications from 27 States/ UTs for membership so far.
New National Multi-State Cooperative Organic Society for organic farming: Government has established a new apex multi-state cooperative organic society under the MSCS Act, 2002, namely National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) as an umbrella organization to produce, distribute and market certified and authentic organic products. NCOL has received 2,475 PACS/ cooperative societies applications from 24 States/ UTs for membership so far. 6 organic products have already been launched by NCOL so far.
New National Multi-State Cooperative Export Society for promoting exports: Government has established a new apex multi-state cooperative export society under the MSCS Act, 2002, namely National Cooperative Export Limited (NCEL) as an umbrella organization to give thrust to exports from cooperative sector. NCEL has received 2,625 PACS/ cooperative societies applications from 22 States/ UTs for membership so far. Till date, NCEL has got permission to export 14.92 LMT rice to 16 countries and 50,000 MT sugar to 2 countries.
Capacity Building in Cooperatives
Establishment of the Cooperative University: Steps are being taken by Ministry of Cooperation for setting up of a National Cooperative University for Cooperative education, training, consultancy, research and development and a sustainable and quality supply of trained manpower.
Promotion of training and awareness through National Council for Cooperative Training (NCCT): By increasing its reach, NCCT has conducted 3,287 training programs and provided training to 2,01,507 participants in FY 2022-23.
Use of Information Technology for ‘Ease of Doing Business’
Computerization of the Central Registrar’s Office: Central Registrar’s office has been computerized to create a digital ecosystem for Multi-State Cooperative Societies, which will assist in processing applications and service requests in a time bound manner.
Scheme for computerization of office of RCSs in States and Union Territories: To increase ‘Ease of doing business’ for Cooperative Societies and create a digital ecosystem for transparent paperless regulation in all States/Union Territories, a Centrally Sponsored Project for computerization of RCS Offices has been approved by the Government. Grants will be provided for purchase of hardware, development of software, etc. to the States/ UTs.
Computerization of Agriculture and Rural Development Banks (ARDBs): To strengthen the Long-term Cooperative Credit structure, the project of computerization of 1,851 units of Agriculture and Rural Development Banks (ARDBs) has been approved by the Government. NABARD is the implementing agency for the project and will develop a national level software for ARDBs. Hardware, support for Digitization of legacy data, training to the employees, etc. will be provided under the project.
Other Initiatives
New National Cooperative Database for authentic and updated data repository: A database of cooperatives in the country has been prepared with the support of State Governments to facilitate stakeholders in policy making and implementation of programmes/ schemes related to cooperatives across the country. So far, data of around 7.86 lakh cooperatives has been captured in the database.
Formulation of New National Cooperative Policy: A National level committee comprising 49 experts and stakeholders drawn from all over the Country has been constituted to formulate the New National Cooperative Policy for enabling a vibrant ecosystem to realize the vision of ‘Sahakar-se-Samriddhi’.
Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Act, 2023: Amendment has been brought in the MSCS Act, 2002 to strengthen governance, enhance transparency, increase accountability, reform electoral process and incorporate provisions of 97th Constitutional Amendment in the Multi State Cooperative Societies.
Inclusion of Cooperatives as ‘buyers’ on GeM portal: Government has permitted the cooperatives to register as ‘buyer’ on GeM, enabling them to procure goods and services from nearly over 67 lakh vendors to facilitate economical purchases and greater transparency. So far, 559 cooperative societies have been onboarded on GeM as buyers.
Expansion of National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) to increase its range and depth: NCDC has launched new schemes in various sectors such as ‘Swayamshakti Sahkar’ for SHGs; ‘Deerghavadhi Krishak Sahkar’ for long term agricultural credit and ‘Dairy Sahkar’ for dairy. Total financial assistance of Rs. 41,024 Crores has been disbursed by NCDC in FY 2022-23, which is almost 20% higher than the disbursement of Rs.34,221 crore in 2021-22. Government of India has permitted NCDC to issue bonds worth ₹2000 crore with government guarantee, subject to the adherence of specified terms and conditions. Further, NCDC is setting up sub-offices in 6 North Eastern States – Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Tripura with the objective of taking various national schemes to the cooperative societies at their doorstep.
Financial assistance by NCDC for Deep Sea Trawlers: NCDC is providing financial assistance for projects related to deep sea trawlers in coordination with the Department of Fisheries, Government of India. NCDC has already sanctioned financial assistance of Rs 20.30 crore for purchase of 14 deep sea trawlers for the Fisheries Cooperative Societies of Maharashtra.
Refund to Investors of Sahara Group of Societies: A portal has been launched for making payments to the genuine depositors of the cooperative societies of Sahara Group in a transparent manner. Disbursement have already started after proper identification and submission of proof of their deposits and claims.
Hon’ble Prime Minister launched the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (NMP) on 13th October2021 for providing multimodal connectivity infrastructure to various economic zones. PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan provides a comprehensive database of the trunk & utility infrastructure, ongoing & future projects of various Infra structure and Economic Ministries/Departments of Central Government and States/UTs. This data is integrated with the GIS-enabled PM Gati Shakti platform, there by facilitating the integrated planning, designing, and monitoring of the Next Generation infrastructure projects on a single portal.
Economic Zones like textile clusters, pharmaceutical clusters, defence corridors, electronic parks, industrial corridors, fishing clusters, agri zones etc. are being mapped for integrated infrastructure planning andmake Indian businesses more cost-competitive. This will boost economic growth, attract foreign investments while de-risking investments by visualizing the connectivity, and enhance the country’s global competitiveness in export markets.
While the development of integrated infrastructure development is addressed through the PM Gati Shakti NMP, efficiency in services (like processes, digital systems, and regulatory frame work) and human resources is addressed by the National Logistics Policy, 2022 through its Comprehensive Logistics Action Plan (CLAP). NMP and National Logistics Policy together provide a framework for creating a data-driven decision support mechanism for an efficient logistics ecosystem aimed at reducing logistics costs and enhancing logistics efficiency in the country.
PM Gati Shakti is a Whole-of-Government approach adopted to facilitate integrated planning of multimodal infrastructure through collaboration among the concerned Ministries. So far, the Logistics Division of DPIIT has conducted 62 Network Planning Group (NPG) meetings to assess the comprehensive area-based socio-economic development of infrastructure projects.
The feedback from various Ministries has been received; inter-alia Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is using PM Gati Shakti for ground surveys, land records, and highway alignments resulting insaving time and costs in the planning of projects; Ministry of Petroleumand Natural Gas utilizes NMP’s electronic Detail Route Survey (eDRS) to generate reports in a shorter span of time; Ministry of Railways has finalised Final Location Survey (FLS) in FY2021-22 at a much faster rate as compared toFY2020-21,to cite a few examples.
Further, the PM Gati Shakti institutional mechanism has been adopted by States/UTs and NPG meetings are also being organized at State/UT level to assess last and first-mile connectivity gaps and ensure seamless movement of people, goods &services.
Majuli is a lush, green, environment-friendly, and pollution-free freshwater island in the Brahmaputra, Assam, which is around 15 kilometers from Jorhat city and 390 kilometers from Guwahati city. Majuli had an area of 1250 square kilometers initially. Due to erosion, the area has declined to about 880 square kilometers (majuli.assam.gov.in/about-district/district-glance) It is the world’s largest river island and largest river island district. It attracts tourists from all over the world. Majuli is also a strong contender for a place in the UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. The main festival is ‘Raas,’ a religious festival associated with Sri Krishna Bhagwan. Also, the island is famous for Satras (holy place), the most significant part of Neo-Vaishnavism culture. Each Satra consists of a large prayer hall facing a shrine, surrounded by dormitories. Many Assamese people are followers of Neo-Vaishnavism. It is pertinent to mention that Saint Srimanta Sankardev, a divine personality whose contributions and works are still shining in Assam, established 64 Satras on Majuli island. Due to erosion, only 31 Satras exist presently. Each Satra has its own cultural significance and tries to preserve unique artistic attributes in music, literature, dance, drama, etc. In this article, a case of one Satra, viz., Auniati Satra, which is located in Majuli and established in 1653, is presented. It is believed that Ahom King Jayadhwaj Singha established this Satra. The deity of this Satra is Bhagawan Govinda Mahaprabhu. In this Satra, there are a few rooms viz., Namghar (for chanting Bhagawan’s name), the residence of Satradhikari (Head of the Satra known as Gurugriha), and rooms for other disciples. One beautiful museum is located on the premises of Satra. By visiting this, many things can be learned. The author visited this Satra on December 12, 2023, and interacted with the devotees (Bhakats and Pujaris). While discussing with Jayanta Madhav Saikia, the author learned that the Satra was spread over an area of 184 acres. Around 300 devotees known as ‘Udakhin Vaishnav’ stay in different rooms on campus. They all are bachelors, do not marry, and are purely vegetarian. They themselves cook, or a person cooks for others. No woman can be ‘Udakhin Vaishnav’. About the age of ‘Udakhin Vaishnav,’ in the Satra, I was told that a kid of four years was the youngest, and the maximum was 90 years old. Across Assam, around 10 lakh disciples are members under the banner of this Satra. Also, there are 14 branches of this Satra. Further, the Satradhikari (head of the Monastery) established Namghar, i.e., Prayer Halls in Dubai and the USA. It is pertinent to mention that Namghar is literally a simple structure where the devotees recite the name of God ( mainly Sri Krishna’s name). Namghars were introduced in Assam by Srimanta Saint Sankardev (1449-1568). The author also interacted with the Pujari (priest) Bolin Sarma, who, at the age of five years, joined the Satra and is now 50 years of age and still associated with the Satra. At that time, he was performing Puja, so-called Pujari. He also informed that man Pujari (head priest) was 71 years old and joined at the age of 10 years in the Satra. Lastly, I wish to mention that the Head of the Satra, known as Satradhikari Dr. Pitambar Deva Goswami, although he was not available later on over cell phone, informed me that he completed his Ph.D. on ‘Satria festival’ and at the age of 10 years, he joined in the Satra. For the last 55 years, i.e., now 65 years, he has been in the Satra. I was very excited to visit such a holy place and fascinated to know about ‘Udakhin Vaishnav,’ who, for the welfare of society, fully sacrificed their lives. They are purely vegetarian, in the true sense of bachelor, and eat self-cook food or cooked by their fellows. Prof Shankar Chatterjee, Hyderabad
References
Barua, U., Hore, D. K., & Sarma, R. (2007). Wild edible plants of Majuli island and Darrang districts of Assam.
Roy, N., Pandey, B. W., & Rani, U. (2020). Protecting the vanishing geo-cultural heritage of India: Case study of Majuli Island in Assam. International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks, 8(1), 18-30.
Sarma, J. N., & Phukan, M. K. (2004). Origin and some geomorphological changes of Majuli Island of the Brahmaputra River in Assam, India. Geomorphology, 60(1-2), 1-19.
Sarma, A. (2014). Landscape degradation of river island Majuli, Assam (India) due to flood and erosion by river Brahmaputra and its restoration. J Med Bioeng, 3(4).
Delhi, the capital city of India, is a vibrant metropolis that juxtaposes modernity and tradition. However, amid the glittering skyscrapers and bustling marketplaces, there exists a stark contrast in the form of slums that dot the cityscape. These informal settlements, home to a significant portion of Delhi’s population, present a complex and challenging reality. This article aims to shed light on the slums of Delhi, exploring the factors that contribute to their existence, the challenges faced by residents, and potential solutions to address this pressing issue.
Factors Contributing to the Existence of Slums:
Rapid Urbanization: Delhi has witnessed rapid urbanization over the years, attracting people from rural areas in search of better opportunities. However, the city’s infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with the population influx, leading to the formation of informal settlements.
Lack of Affordable Housing: The soaring cost of real estate in Delhi has made it difficult for a significant portion of the population to afford proper housing. As a result, many individuals and families find themselves living in makeshift shelters in slums.
Informal Employment: A substantial number of slum dwellers are engaged in informal and low-wage employment opportunities. The lack of stable income makes it challenging for them to access formal housing options, pushing them towards the fringes of the city.
Rapid Urbanization:
Delhi’s landscape has undergone a rapid transformation as it evolved into a bustling metropolis, magnetically attracting individuals from rural areas in pursuit of improved livelihoods. The city’s economic opportunities and urban allure have spurred an influx of people seeking a better life. However, this surge in population has strained the existing infrastructure, causing a proliferation of informal settlements. The speed at which Delhi has urbanized has outpaced the development of essential services, resulting in the emergence of slums that grapple with inadequate amenities and living conditions.
Lack of Affordable Housing:
One of the most pressing challenges contributing to the existence of slums in Delhi is the exorbitant cost of real estate. The city’s property market has experienced a meteoric rise, rendering it increasingly unaffordable for a significant segment of the population. The soaring property prices have left a considerable portion of Delhi’s residents with limited housing options, forcing them into makeshift shelters within the confines of slums. This disparity in housing affordability underscores a critical issue that demands attention to ensure a more equitable distribution of living spaces within the city.
Informal Employment:
A significant demographic within Delhi’s slums is engaged in informal and low-wage employment opportunities. The city’s economic landscape accommodates a diverse range of informal sectors, from street vending to day labor, providing a source of income for many. However, the nature of informal employment often means irregular and unstable income streams, making it arduous for individuals to secure formal housing. As a consequence, slum dwellers, driven by economic necessity, find themselves on the peripheries of the city, residing in settlements that lack the basic amenities necessary for dignified living.
Addressing these factors necessitates a comprehensive approach that considers not only housing but also the broader issues of urban planning, economic development, and social welfare. Efforts to provide affordable housing options, improve infrastructure, and formalize employment opportunities can contribute to alleviating the challenges faced by residents of Delhi’s slums. By acknowledging the multifaceted nature of the issue, policymakers and urban planners can work towards creating a more inclusive and sustainable urban environment for all of Delhi’s inhabitants.
Challenges Faced by Slum Dwellers:
Inadequate Infrastructure: Slums often lack basic amenities such as proper sanitation, clean water supply, and electricity. The absence of these fundamental services contributes to a cycle of poverty and health challenges for the residents.
Health and Hygiene Concerns: Overcrowded living conditions, coupled with inadequate sanitation facilities, create a breeding ground for diseases. The prevalence of health issues in slums underscores the urgent need for improved healthcare services and sanitation infrastructure.
Educational Barriers: Access to quality education remains a significant challenge for children living in slums. Limited resources, coupled with the need for children to contribute to family income, often result in lower enrollment and higher dropout rates.
Vulnerability to Displacement: Slum dwellers often live in constant fear of eviction, as their settlements are considered illegal. This vulnerability adds a layer of uncertainty to their lives and makes it difficult for them to invest in long-term improvements to their living conditions.
Inadequate Infrastructure:
One of the most pressing challenges faced by slum dwellers in Delhi is the pervasive lack of basic infrastructure. Many slum settlements are characterized by the absence of essential amenities such as proper sanitation, a reliable clean water supply, and consistent electricity. The dearth of these fundamental services perpetuates a cycle of poverty, hindering residents from breaking free from the constraints of their living conditions. Insufficient infrastructure not only compromises the daily lives of slum dwellers but also restricts their potential for economic and social advancement.
Health and Hygiene Concerns:
The overcrowded living conditions within Delhi’s slums, combined with the absence of adequate sanitation facilities, create a breeding ground for various diseases. The prevalence of health issues in these communities highlights the urgent need for improved healthcare services and enhanced sanitation infrastructure. Communicable diseases thrive in environments where hygiene is compromised, posing a constant threat to the well-being of slum residents. Addressing health and hygiene concerns is paramount to breaking the cycle of illness and promoting the overall welfare of those residing in Delhi’s slums.
Educational Barriers:
Access to quality education remains a significant hurdle for children growing up in Delhi’s slums. Limited resources, both within the slum communities and in the broader education system, contribute to lower enrollment rates and higher dropout rates. Children often face the dual challenge of needing to contribute to family income, making it difficult for them to prioritize education. Breaking down educational barriers is essential for empowering the younger generation within slum communities, providing them with the tools and opportunities needed to overcome the cycle of poverty.
Vulnerability to Displacement:
The constant fear of eviction looms large over the lives of slum dwellers in Delhi, as their settlements are often deemed illegal. This vulnerability not only disrupts the daily lives of residents but also creates a layer of uncertainty that impedes long-term improvements to their living conditions. The perpetual risk of displacement discourages investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare within slum communities, perpetuating a cycle of neglect and marginalization.
To address these challenges, concerted efforts are needed from policymakers, community leaders, and civil society organizations. Initiatives that focus on improving infrastructure, enhancing healthcare services, promoting education, and providing secure land tenure can contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty and vulnerability faced by the residents of Delhi’s slums. Only through a holistic and collaborative approach can meaningful progress be made towards creating more inclusive and equitable urban spaces.
Potential Solutions and Initiatives:
Affordable Housing Programs: Implementing affordable housing initiatives and policies can help address the housing crisis in Delhi. The government, in collaboration with non-governmental organizations, can work towards providing affordable housing options for low-income families.
Improving Infrastructure: Investment in basic infrastructure such as sanitation, clean water supply, and electricity is crucial for enhancing the living conditions in slums. Targeted interventions can significantly improve the quality of life for residents.
Community Empowerment: Empowering slum communities through education and skill development programs can break the cycle of poverty. Initiatives that focus on providing vocational training and creating employment opportunities within or near the slums can uplift residents economically.
Regularization of Informal Settlements: Instead of displacement, authorities could consider the regularization of existing informal settlements. This involves providing legal recognition, basic services, and tenure security to residents, contributing to a more stable and secure living environment.
In the dynamic and evolving landscape of Delhi’s slums, addressing the challenges faced by residents requires proactive and comprehensive solutions. Here are potential initiatives and strategies that could make a significant impact on improving the lives of those living in informal settlements:
Affordable Housing Programs: Implementing affordable housing initiatives is paramount in alleviating the housing crisis in Delhi. The government, in collaboration with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private stakeholders, can develop and execute policies that prioritize affordable housing options for low-income families. This may involve the creation of subsidized housing schemes, low-interest loans, or innovative housing models that cater to the unique needs of slum dwellers.
Improving Infrastructure: A targeted and sustained investment in basic infrastructure is crucial for enhancing the living conditions in Delhi’s slums. This includes initiatives to improve sanitation facilities, ensure a reliable and clean water supply, and provide access to electricity. Upgrading infrastructure not only addresses immediate health and hygiene concerns but also contributes to the overall well-being and dignity of slum residents.
Community Empowerment: Empowering slum communities through education and skill development programs can be a transformative step in breaking the cycle of poverty. Initiatives that provide access to quality education for children and adults alike, coupled with vocational training programs, can equip residents with the skills needed for better employment opportunities. Creating avenues for entrepreneurship within or near the slums further uplifts the economic prospects of the community.
Regularization of Informal Settlements: Rather than displacing residents, authorities could consider the regularization of existing informal settlements. This involves providing legal recognition to these settlements, ensuring basic services such as water, sanitation, and electricity, and granting tenure security to residents. Regularization not only enhances the legitimacy of slum communities but also provides a more stable and secure living environment, encouraging long-term investments in infrastructure and community development.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Encouraging partnerships between the public and private sectors can amplify the impact of initiatives aimed at slum improvement. Collaborations with private entities can bring in additional resources, expertise, and innovative solutions. This could involve joint ventures for housing projects, infrastructure development, or social enterprises that benefit the residents of slum communities.
Inclusive Urban Planning: Integrating slum development into the broader urban planning framework is essential for creating a more inclusive city. Authorities can adopt participatory approaches, involving slum residents in the planning and decision-making processes. This ensures that development initiatives align with the unique needs and aspirations of the communities they seek to serve.
Conclusion:
The slums of Delhi represent a complex challenge that requires a multifaceted approach. Tackling issues related to housing, infrastructure, healthcare, and education is crucial for creating a more inclusive and equitable urban environment. As Delhi continues to evolve, policymakers, community leaders, and citizens must come together to find sustainable solutions that uplift the lives of those residing in the city’s informal settlements. By combining these initiatives and strategies, Delhi has the potential to transform its slum areas into thriving, sustainable communities. These efforts not only address immediate challenges but also lay the foundation for a more equitable and inclusive urban landscape.
References
Datta, Ayona. “The intimate city: Violence, gender and ordinary life in Delhi slums.” Urban Geography 37.3 (2016): 323-342.
Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2023). Fate of Slums of Bhopal-A Tale of Struggle and Resilience. Think India Journal, 26(4), 12-18.
Dehalwar, Kavita, and Shashikant Nishant Sharma. “Fundamentals of Research Writing and Uses of Research Methodologies.” (2023).
Gupta, I., & Mitra, A. (2002). Rural migrants and labour segmentation: micro-level evidence from Delhi slums. Economic and Political Weekly, 163-168.
Kumar, N., & Aggarwal, S. C. (2003). Patterns of consumption and poverty in Delhi slums. Economic and Political Weekly, 5294-5300.
Mitra, A. (2004). Informal Sector, Networks and Intra‐City Variations in Activities: Findings from Delhi Slums. Review of Urban & Regional Development Studies, 16(2), 154-169.
Sharma, Shashikant Nishant. “Urban forms in planning and design.” International Journal of Research 1.1 (2014): 7-16.
Sharma, S. N. (2013). Sustainable development strategies and approaches. International Journal of Engineering and Technical Research (IJETR), 2.
Sharma, S. N. (2014). Participatory Planning in Plan Preparation. BookCountry.
Sharma, S. N. (2016). Introduction to Sociology. New Perspectives in Sociology and Allied Fields, 1.
Sharma, S. N. (Ed.). (2016). New perspectives in sociology and allied fields. EduPedia Publications (P) Ltd.
Snell-Rood, C. (2015). No one will let her live: women’s struggle for well-being in a Delhi slum. University of California Press.
Tsujita, Y. (2013). Factors that prevent children from gaining access to schooling: A study of Delhi slum households. International Journal of Educational Development, 33(4), 348-357.
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital communication, PDF documents stand as pillars of versatility, reliability, and universal accessibility. Portable Document Format, abbreviated as PDF, has emerged as a standard in the realm of document sharing and archiving. Its importance transcends industries and professions, offering a myriad of advantages that have solidified its position as a preferred format for conveying information in the digital age. PDF Cake‘s global accessibility ensures that its benefits transcend geographical boundaries.
One of the primary reasons behind the significance of PDF documents lies in their universality. Unlike other file formats that might alter in appearance or content when accessed on different devices or operating systems, PDFs retain their original formatting across platforms. This consistency ensures that the document appears the same for all recipients, maintaining the integrity of the content regardless of the software or device used to access it. This reliability makes PDFs an ideal choice for sharing official documents, reports, and academic papers.
Moreover, PDF documents are highly secure, allowing for encryption, password protection, and digital signatures. This robust security feature ensures that sensitive information remains confidential and protected from unauthorized access or tampering. Businesses and individuals alike rely on PDFs to safeguard their proprietary data and confidential documents, instilling trust and confidence in their digital communication methods.
Another compelling aspect of PDFs is their capacity for multi-functionality. From simple text documents to complex interactive forms, PDFs support a wide array of content types. They accommodate images, hyperlinks, annotations, multimedia elements, and form fields, making them suitable for diverse purposes, including e-books, manuals, presentations, and legal contracts. This versatility empowers users to create dynamic, interactive, and engaging content while maintaining the document’s structure and readability.
The accessibility of PDF documents also plays a pivotal role in their importance. PDFs are viewable on virtually any device, whether it’s a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Additionally, they can be easily shared via email, file-sharing platforms, or integrated into websites. This accessibility ensures seamless distribution of information across global audiences, transcending geographical barriers and facilitating efficient communication in various contexts.
Furthermore, the archival quality of PDF documents makes them invaluable for long-term storage and preservation of information. PDFs retain their formatting and content integrity over time, ensuring that the information remains accessible and readable even years after its creation. This aspect is particularly crucial for archiving historical documents, research papers, legal records, and government reports.
In conclusion, the importance of PDF documents in the digital era cannot be overstated. Their reliability, security, versatility, accessibility, and archival capabilities make them indispensable tools for individuals, businesses, educational institutions, and government bodies. As technology continues to evolve, PDFs remain steadfast, serving as a cornerstone of efficient and secure digital communication, document management, and information dissemination. Whether for sharing critical business information, disseminating educational materials, or preserving historical records, PDF documents continue to play an indispensable role in our increasingly digital world.
References
Devine, Heather, Andres Gonzalez, and Matthew Hardy. “Making accessible PDF documents.” Proceedings of the 11th ACM symposium on Document engineering. 2011.
Sharma, Shashikant Nishant. “An Insight into the Book Titled Why Stories Work.” Think India Journal 26.4 (2023): 19-24.
Waller, Rob. “What makes a good document.” The criteria we use. Technical paper 2 (2011).
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