Showing papers in "Economic and Political Weekly in 1999"

Seeing Like a State: How Certain Schemes to Improve the Human Condition Have Failed

Abstract: In this wide-ranging and original book, James C. Scott analyzes failed cases of large-scale authoritarian plans in a variety of fields. He argues that centrally managed social plans derail when they impose schematic visions that do violence to complex interdependencies that are not -- and cannot be -- fully understood. Further the success of designs for social organization depends on the recognition that local, practical knowledge is as important as formal, epistemic knowledge. The author builds a persuasive case against "development theory" and imperialistic state planning that disregards the values, desires, and objections of its subjects. And in discussing these planning disasters, he identifies four conditions common to them all: the state's attempt to impose administrative order on nature and society; a high-modernist ideology that believes scientific intervention can improve every aspect of human life; a willingness to use authoritarian state power to effect large-scale innovations; and a prostrate civil society that cannot effectively resist such plans.

Getting Rid Of Child Labour

Abstract: This paper, based on a quantitative empirical cross-country study, provides policy insights to the tackling of the root causes of child labour. The econometric model applied explains for a substantial proportion of the cross-country variations in child labour. The elasticities estimated would enable us to forecast the percentage change in the employment of child labour resulting from a given percentage change in any one of the explanatory variables consisting of the level of development (GNP per capita), poverty, income inequality, school enrolment, parental education, dominance of agriculture and age structure of the population. The range of policy options for combatting child labour is indeed large and the weights to be attached to the individual elements of the socio-economic policy package is clearly guided by the explanatory power of each of the above causal factors.

Religion-Specific Differentials in Fertility and Family Planning

Abstract: This paper presents a study on the fertility and contraceptive practices of two communities--Hindus and Muslims--in India. The analysis is based on the National Family Health Surveys which interviewed 79640 married Hindu and Muslim women aged 13-49 years. Data revealed that the fertility rate among Muslim women is significantly higher than for Hindu women which may be attributed to practices such as postpartum abstinence and the length of amenorrhea after childbirth. However there are more complex socioeconomic indicators for the differences in contraceptive behavior among the two communities. These indicators includes: childbearing at younger ages; onset of childbearing; family planning; exposure to family planning messages and its acceptability; discussion and attitudes of couples toward family planning; fertility preference; ideal number of children; unmet need for family planning; and fertility planning. Information on these differences is important in identifying the factors and assessing the prospects for change in the composition of various groups.

Fertility decline in Andhra Pradesh: a search for alternative hypotheses.

Abstract: This paper discusses the factors contributing to the fertility decline in Andhra Pradesh India Data for analysis were gathered from the decadal census the Sample Registration System and the National Family Health Survey It was found that fertility has been declining at a slow pace; however a considerable decline in total fertility rate was observed in mid-1980s after it stagnated in the early 1980s The difference in the rate of decline between Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh was not wide Also a similar pace of fertility decline was observed in both rural and urban areas in different educational categories religious groups and caste groups Spatial difference in fertility however still persists in the state Factors influencing fertility reduction such as female literacy and health status as well as economic factors were considered Moreover a significant progress was also noted in the antenatal care of pregnant women It is possible then that generous welfare measures undertaken by the government in poverty alleviation have resulted in poverty reduction and had some impact on the fertility decisions This along with the changes in the rural labor market labor organization and the other related factors likely created a favorable climate for fertility decline in Andhra Pradesh

India's Power Sector Liberalisation: An Overview

Abstract: The Indian power sector was opened with much fanfare to private participation in 1991 to hasten the increase in generating capacity and to improve the system efficiency as well. However, although several plants are under construction, till early 1999, generation had commenced at private plants totalling less than 2,000 MW. In contrast, some state undertakings have completed their projects even earlier than scheduled. Independent power producers (IPPs) claim that their progress has been hindered by problems such as litigation, financial arrangements, and obtaining clearances and fuel supply agreements. On the other hand, the state electricity boards have been burdened by power purchase agreements (PPAs) that favour the IPPs with such clauses as availability payment irrespective of plant utilisation, tariffs reflecting high capital costs and returns on equity, etc. The process of inviting private participation in the power sector and the problems experienced seem to have spurred on the restructuring of the power sector, including the formation of Central and State Electricity Regulatory Commissions. However, some important problems have not been addressed. Additions to the generation capacity without corresponding improvement of the transmission and distribution facilities is likely to further undermine the system efficiency. What is more, issues like the reduction of 'commercial losses' appear to have been ignored. Most importantly, investment in infrastructure has been a state responsibility because the intrinsically long gestation coupled with the relatively low returns from serving all categories of consumers have rendered such projects commercially unprofitable. Whether or not private participation can take on such tasks is to be seen.

Households Kinship and Access to Reproductive Healthcare among Rural Muslim Women in Jaipur

Abstract: This article situates reproductive health care in the context of women's perceptions and experiences of illness in general as well as in terms of the material, ideological and political dynamics of household, kin and gender relations. The findings of a study among the Nagori in Rajasthan yield useful information which would help in the construction of an appropriate health care package for women.

Valuation of renewable natural resources: user perspective

Abstract: This article brings together the findings of five case studies conducted in diverse natural conditions to assess (a) whether access to narkets would result in degradation of natural resources: (b) whether access to natural resources would result in intensive use leading to degradation; (c) whether there is a link between poverty and resource degradation; and (d) whether local institutions and private property rights help common pool resource management.

Adivasis Betrayed: Adivasi Land Rights in Kerala

Abstract: Over the past century and more, tribal lands have been bought by non-tribals at throwaway prices. There has been legislation to check this trend and also to restore alienated lands to tribals. But the will to implement these laws on the part of the government has been missing. Kerala has recently passed a bill, purportedly to protect the interests of the tribals, which makes restoration of land to tribals almost impossible.

Economic condition and fertility: Is there a relationship?

Abstract: Using data from the National Family Health Survey this paper examines the relationship between economic condition and fertility in India. An attempt has also been made to examine the linkage among couples with varying levels of education. The four states examined were Punjab Maharashtra Kerala and Uttar Pradesh. Results suggest that in general with an improvement in economic condition the fertility tends to decline. However among the four states investigated only Punjab displays the expected negative association between living standard and fertility change. This negative association is also seen in the other three states though to a lesser extent compared to Punjab and it is more pronounced in the educated group. In the case of Kerala the attitudes of couples toward ideal family size have not at all been influenced by the living standard. Overall it is noted that standard of living is not always sufficient to understand the complex mechanism of fertility decline. Other social factors are also at work which directly or indirectly influence the couples decision on family size.

Understanding the costs of the Food Corporation of India.

Abstract: The debate on food subsidies in India affects millions of consumers and producers and is of immense importance in a country in which chronic hunger and malnutrition affects a majority of the population. In this paper the author first examines the volume of the food subsidy over the last 3 decades. Secondly using data for the 1990s from the accounts of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) the author examines the components of the food grain subsidy the relative contribution of different components to total costs and the growth in different components during the current decade. Thirdly the author attempts to compare the efficiency of the FCI with that of private trade. The data from FCI performance budgets show clearly that the increase in procurement price was a critical factor in the increase in economic costs of rice and wheat. The procurement price however is a variable over which the FCI has no control as the central government sets the procurement price based on the recommendations of the Commission on Agriculture Costs and Prices. Despite the absolute increase in many components of costs there was an improvement in the operational efficiency of the FCI during the 1990s. Lastly no unambiguous finding emerged from a comparison of wholesale market prices and economic costs of the FCI. The FCI compared favorably with private traders in the distribution of rice in a large number of states. In the states of northern and central India however private traders had lower prices for grain. The presence of systematic rural-urban price differences indicated the imperfections of grain markets. (authors)

Indo-Bangladesh cross-border migration and trade.

Abstract: In 1947 a border between India and Bangladesh was drawn by the British with an aim to rationally reorganize the political space in the region. Ironically however it also created many new problems for the region. It is noted that almost all the outstanding issues between India and Bangladesh are related to the common border. These include sharing of water resources of common rivers demarcation of maritime boundaries and the ownership of South Moore/Talpatty Island illegal cross-border activities illegal migration the Berubari corridor and the granting of entry/exit facilities. Efforts by the two countries in dealing with the border issues have proved to be inadequate. This article presents several suggestions for successful negotiation of the immigration problem which is also linked to the larger issue of enhanced subregional communication and trade. The policy suggestions address specific issues on the Indian side of the border particularly on the eastern side of Bangladesh. These suggestions require inputs from the legal specialists for improvement and better implementation. Other suggestions focus on larger policy issues of enhanced subregional communication and trade.

Gender preference contraceptive prevalence: evidence of regional variations.

Abstract: This paper uses data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) to assess the impact of gender preferences on contraceptive practice and to examine fertility implications of gender preference elimination in India. It is noted that the existence of a strong gender preference especially for sons in India has been well known. The NFHS data show that though such a preference is observed in all states there are notable regional variations in its degree. Further gender preference has adversely affected contraceptive prevalence and fertility. It is shown that in states where gender preference is mild the contraceptive prevalence is not much depressed and the fertility impact is very small. However in some states with strong gender preferences the impact on contraceptive prevalence is small. On the other hand states with moderate gender preferences appear to make a large impact on contraceptive prevalence and consequently in fertility.

Proximate determinants of fertility in India: an exploration of NFHS data.

Abstract: This paper uses data from the National Family Health Survey to estimate the values of the proximate determinants of fertility in India. It is demonstrated that the fertility levels among societies is explained by four proximate determinants of regulated fertility or the proportion of females married; prevalence of contraceptive use; the incidence of induced abortion and the fertility inhibiting effect of breastfeeding. In the model total fertility rate is expressed as the product of four indices measuring fertility-inhibiting effect and the total fecundity rate. Data suggest that without the proximate determinants fertility levels would rise to high proportions. It is noted that if the effect of delayed marriage is removed without any change in fertility behavior fertility level will increase. If the practice of contraception and induced abortion are also eliminated the fertility level will also rise. Overall fertility is below its maximum value because of delayed marriage contraceptive use induced abortion and postpartum infecundability induced by breastfeeding and abstinence.

Metamorphoses of Agrarian Capitalism

Abstract: Metamorphoses of Agrarian Capitalism Jairus Banaji Ecological and Agrarian Regions of South Asia circa 1930, edited by Daniel Thorner; Oxford University Press, Karachi,

Reproductive health information in India: What are the gaps?

Abstract: This paper summarizes the contribution of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) in the enhancement of knowledge about reproductive health and choice in India and highlights available data on reproductive health their sources and limitations. Although the NFHS has succeeded in updating and enhancing the database it has not been able to address some major reproductive health issues. Among them maternal health status and morbidity and their correlates; quality of care concerns family planning maternal health and other dimensions of reproductive health; and womens ability to exercise reproductive choice are areas where data gaps continue to exist. Data gaps in these areas can be addressed more appropriately by focused and preferably community-based studies. The absence of rigorous data on most aspects of the reproductive health situation in India remains an important step in convincing policy makers of the need for a broader orientation for current family welfare programs.

Decentralisation: Some Initiatives in Health Sector

Abstract: There have been two major kinds of reforms affecting the rural health services. One is the introduction or expansion of user fees and the other is the devolution of central responsibilities to lower levels of government. This paper reviews the various initiatives towards decentralisation in the formulation of the several World Bank assisted projects in population, health and nutrition with a focus on the problems which may arise in the effective implementation of the policy.

Some Aporias of History: Time, Truth and Play in Dangs, Gujarat

Abstract: Historians and social scientists confronted with pasts imagined differently from history have resorted to one of two strategies: converting oral traditions into the equivalent of archival sources and then writing histories that adhere to the norms of western professional history writing; or by denying any significant traffic between history and otherfroms of conceiving pasts, sbsuming the latter under the rubrics of myth or more recently, memory. This article argues that the Dangi's 'vadilcha goth' or tales about ancestors are an engagement with modernity and its paradigmatic trope, history. The subaltern practice of anomalous and hybrid histories, in the Dangs, produces a multiplicity of pasts quite differentfrom those multiple histories which historians conceive of and increasingly call for.

Ecodevelopment in crisis : Buxa Tiger Reserve and Forest People

Abstract: The Rabhas who live in the Buxa tiger reserve buffer zone must see some irony in their officially acknowledged status of partner's in wildlife conservation. The tiger project has so far meant only ...

Linking Development to Displacement

Abstract: THE note by Medha Patkar 'The People's Policy on Development, Displacement and Resettlement' (EPW, September 19-25, 1998) is a welcome addition to the ongoing debate on development through large-scale dam-industry. It is more welcome as it omes from a person who is a part of agitations by the project affected people, as such her note reflecting on the practice rather than on a structured theory adds more weight. The note among other things delves on two important aspects concerning development. The first aspect reflects on the need to link displacement and development and in a sense acknowledges the interconnection between the two processes. The second aspect i s her argument in favour of reducing the scale of the projects whether dam or industry, taken as a part of development strategy. In the process, Patkar argues for a change in the paradigm of development.

Searching for Hindu Nationalism in Modern Indian History: an analysis of some early ideological developments

Abstract: By tracing the ideological developments of the Hindu Sabha movement in the first decade of the 20th century in north-west India, this paper argues that development of Hindu nationalism as an ideology needs to be identified autonomous of Hindu communalism which emerged in the 1920s as a historical condition channelling ideological forces of Hindu nationalism towards particular objectives. Moreover, the Morley-Minto reforms of 1909, which aimed to restore faith in the representativeness of the colonial state and thus with over the moderates within the Congress, also instituted representative politics in terms of Hindu and Muslim identities. It was this legitimacy given to religious identities which, the paper argues, spawned Hindu nationalism as reflected in the Hindu Subhas in Punjab, who, as against the Congress extremists' callfor boycott of representative politics, argued for Hindu unity so as to enforce greater representation of Hindus in legislative bodies.

Economic Development and Political Democracy

Abstract: Economic Development and Political Democracy Dhanmanjiri Sathe DEEPAK NAYYAR in his article

Food policy and nutritional security : The unequal access to lipids in India

Abstract: Food self-sufficiency or food security is usually measured in terms of cereals and calories. Through an analysis of the Indian nutritional supply and accessibility, this article focuses on the determining factors of production, distribution and consumption of lipids. It demonstrates that there is a much more severe deficiency of fats (and of calories) than that of carbohydrates and proteins, especially in rural India. This leads us to assess the role of food(-grain) policies following the green revolution. (Resume d'auteur)

Dynamics of Community Environmental Management in Howrah Slums

Abstract: Howrah's slum communities have demonstrated a limited knack for managing their environment. But can they sustain even this modest effort? The state and the civic body must help these communities out by providing better basic amenities and more livelihood opportunities through a bottom-up process.