Showing papers in "Economic and Political Weekly in 2004"

Womens empowerment in India and its states. Evidence from the NFHS.

Abstract: This paper uses data from the NFHS-2 to document womens empowerment as a whole and in each of 26 states with 1999 boundaries. In general it finds that the average woman in India is disempowered absolutely as well as relative to men and there has been little change in her empowerment over time. This result is obvious no matter how empowerment is measured be it in terms of the indicators of the evidence sources or setting for empowerment. However there is great variation in the level of womens empowerment across the different states and across indicators. (authors)

Malnutrition in India. Trends and determinants.

Abstract: This paper analyses trends in malnutrition over the past two decades and shows that improvements in nutritional status have not kept pace with the reduction in poverty and the currently level of malnutrition is unacceptably high. About half of the pre-school children are malnourished and are exposed to the risk of functional impairments. Malnutrition levels are uneven across states. Some middle income states such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu have comparatively better nutritional achievements than higher income states like Maharashtra and Gujarat. North-eastern states are comparatively better performing states and some of them have even out-performed Kerala. (authors)

A New Transnational Capitalist Class?: Capital Flows, Business Networks and Entrepreneurs in the Indian Software Industry

Abstract: The software industry has produced a new kind of transnational capitalist class in India. Most of the founders of software firms have come from the 'middle class', building on their cultural capital of higher education and social capital acquired through professional careers. This class, and the IT industry to which it belongs are also distinguished by their global integration and relative autonomy from the 'old' Indian economy dominated by the public sector and a nationalist capitalist class. The entry of multinationals into the IT industry has produced synergies that have helped it to grow and, for these reasons, the IT business class is also one of the most outspoken votaries of globalisation.

National Environment Policy

Abstract: The NEP approach to conservation strategy emphasises giving primacy to economic instruments and facilitating economic valuation of environmental resources and services. However, it falls short of the ideal in several key areas, including its lack of attention to the preservation of biodiversity. The NEP needs to be amended to proclaim unambiguously the national commitment to conserve invaluable biodiversity and to enshrine stakeholder-based biodiversity conservation as the principal concern of environmental policy.

Socio-ecological Implications of Pesticide Use in India

Abstract: This article is based on a detailed field investigation conducted in four states to determine the effects of the use (or misuse) of pesticides on the farming system, health of farmers and pest resistance. The study finds that farmers rely heavily on pesticides for pest control. However, over-application and indiscriminate use of pesticides has had several adverse consequences and deepened agrarian distress. While accepting the important role of pesticides in India’s food security, proper education, adoption of safety norms and integrated pest management practices, and reduction of monocropping should be encouraged to maximise the gains from the use of pesticides.

Achieving Universal Primary Education

Abstract: Bangladesh has achieved remarkable success in expanding primary education, especially for girls, despite continuing prevalence of widespread poverty and social devaluation of women and girls. This paper argues that underlining this success is a confluence of both demand- and supply-side factors involved in bringing about a profound social change. It explores the changing structure of economic opportunities and gender relations affecting parents' perception of the value of female education. The challenge now is to improve the quality of education that may prove more difficult than the expansion of access.

Deprivation of basic amenities by caste and religion. Empirical study using NFHS data.

Abstract: In a modern market-oriented economy possession of basic social and physical necessities of life can be considered the basis of a dividing line of different levels of deprivation. This paper by using consecutive NFHS data (1992 and 1999) attempts to estimate levels of deprivation based on possessions at the household level of some basic amenities of life. It examines changes in levels of deprivation categorized as abject deprivation moderate deprivation just above deprivation and well above deprivation across Indian states and also analyses changes in terms of caste and religion. (authors)

Social inequalities in health and nutrition in selected states.

Abstract: While a large number of primary health centers and subcentres have been created as part of the governments Health for All programme surveys such as NFHS 1 and 2 reveal that health services either do not reach disadvantaged sections or are not accessed by them. This paper assesses the extent of inequalities in health care and nutritional status across states with a focus on caste and tribe. It examines how far these inequalities are a result of caste/tribe per se or whether they can be attributed to differential economic and educational conditions of individuals belonging to different caste/tribe categories. (authors)

Female work participation and child labour. Occupational data from NFHS.

Abstract: This study examines female work participation and child labour rates using occupational data from NFHS and compares this data with the 2001 Census and NSS data. Attempts are made to identify the determinants of both female work participation and child labour. It is found that the larger size of the family the lower is the ability of a woman to participate in economic activity. Household size is not a determining factor for the participation of children in the workforce. (authors)

Health Insurance for the Poor

Abstract: Interstate variation in demand for the universal health insurance scheme for the poor is explained by the variation in healthcare infrastructure. In order to build demand for health insurance it is necessary to address the supply-side as well as design an insurance scheme based on a realistic assessment of the paying capacity of the poor.

Structural Dimensions of Malgovernance in Bangladesh

Abstract: This paper attempts to trace the roots of the governance problem in Bangladesh to the structural features of its polity. These features include the existing politics of confrontation, weaknesses in the practice of parliamentary democracy, the malfunctioning of political parties, the role of money and muscle power in politics, and the rent-seeking collusion among the political parties, state machinery and vested commercial interests. Efforts for improving governance must be directed towards persuading political parties of the advantages of reforms in the existing political institutions. The paper also advocates civic actions in creating widespread awareness of the benefits of better governance, thus raising the political costs of malfeasant governance.

Agriculture Diversification in South Asia

Abstract: South Asian countries are gradually diversifying with some inter-country variation in favour of high value commodities, namely, fruits, vegetables, livestock and fisheries. Agricultural diversification is strongly influenced by price policy, infrastructure development (especially markets and roads), urbanisation and technological improvements. Rainfed areas have benefited more as a result of agricultural diversification in favour of high value crops by substituting inferior coarse cereals. Agricultural diversification is also contributing to employment opportunities in agriculture and increasing exports. The need is to suitably integrate production and marketing of high value commodities through appropriate institutions. Market reforms in developing and strengthening desired institutions through required legal changes would go a long way in boosting agricultural growth, augmenting income of small farm holders and promoting exports.

Maternal health care services. Observations from Chhattisgarh Jharkhand and Uttaranchal.

Abstract: This paper studies the pattern and correlates of utilisation of antenatal care services and assistance received ruing delivery in these three recently formed states which have distinct geographical and topographical characteristics. The study throws up results specific to the particular features of the three states. It is necessary for the reproductive and child health programme to evolve a strategy giving due consideration to the geographical and socio-economic factors. (authors)

Economic Transformation and Social Development in Bangladesh

Abstract: Bangladesh embarked on structural adjustment towards the mid-1980s and in the following decade, its economic performance notably improved. To consolidate this progress on economic and social fronts, Bangladesh needs to strengthen its institutions of economic and political governance. The following collection of 12 papers sheds light on some important aspects of the economic transformation and social development taking place in Bangladesh.

Economic History of India

Abstract: Malthusian crises, but innovations that Economic History of India enable successful labour-absorption. In A Restatement TIRTHANKAR ROY The two responses to my article on the state of economic history discourse in India, by Andr

Need of the Hour

Abstract: In order to undo the damage that had been inflicted on us by the previous regime, it is necessary to go beyond the immediate task of cleansing the crucial institutions. Merely shunting out the heads of institutions and bureaucrats will not do.

Coal Sector Loans and Displacement of Indigenous Populations

Abstract: This paper deals with the issue of displacement of the local communities as part of the Coal India mining project in Parej East in Jharkhand. It analyses the report of the World Bank's inspection panel, which examined the complaints regarding the handling of resettlement and rehabilitation of project-affected persons by Coal India. The panel found numerous flaws in the planning and implementation of the project, including several instances of non-compliance with the Bank's directives.

Indicators of nutrition for women and children. Current status and recommendations.

Abstract: This article summarises some of the key NFHS-2 findings on nutrition in women and children and presents policy and programme recommendations based on the findings. Estimates of key nutrition indicators in NFHS-1 and NFHS-2 provide insights into the changes which took place in the intervening period. (authors)

Second National Family Health Survey. Emerging issues.

Abstract: The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) has now come to be regarded as a storehouse of demographic and health data in India. The papers in this issue draw on the data generated in NFHS-2 on a range of social health and demographic indicators. While the second round has come in for some criticism with regard to the quality of data and the cost of the survey it would be useful to undertake a repeat survey between the two censuses. (authors)

Impact of Japanese and US FDI on Productivity Growth

Abstract: This paper examines the impact of Japanese and US foreign direct investments (FDI) on total factor productivity growth of firms in the Indian automobile, electrical and chemical industries in the post-reforms period The results show that Japanese affiliation has a significant positive impact on productivity growth in a firm while the impact of US affiliation is not found to be significant The results also show that domestic firms have witnessed both efficiency growth as well as technological progress in the electrical and chemical industries in the post-reforms period

Agricultural Price Volatility in International and Indian Markets

Abstract: This paper examines the issue of volatility of agricultural prices, with regard to the possibility of transmission of international price volatility to domestic markets. It attempts to measure the degree of price instability of important agricultural commodities in major domestic and international markets, compares the patterns of variability in the two, and looks at the implications for Indian producers and consumers.

Health Behaviour in Context Exploratory Multi-Level Analysis of Smoking, Drinking and Tobacco Chewing in Four States

Abstract: This paper aims to describe the socio-demographic and economic patterning of smoking drinking and tobacco chewing behaviour in India. It also studies the effect of micro (individual households) and macro environments (local areas districts states) on health behaviour. The study finds strong independent effects of socio-economic position and social caste with the better-off smoking drinking and chewing tobacco less. Significant local area district and state variations suggest the importance of contexts in shaping health behaviour. It follows that more than individual behavioural change the direction for policy may well be to focus on changing the macro environments. (authors)

Sexual Harassment at the Workplace

Abstract: Sexual harassment is rooted in cultural practices and is exacerbated by power relations at the workplace. Unless there is enough emphasis on sensitisation at the workplace, legal changes are hardly likely to be successful. Workplaces need to frame their own comprehensive policies on how they will deal with sexual harassment. Instead of cobbling together committees at the court's intervention, a system and a route of redress should already be in place. The draft bill on sexual harassment attempts to address some of the complexities of this issue, but much more clarity and specificity is needed to avoid the creation of a law that might need another extended campaign of reform.

Electoral Coalitions in 2004 General Elections

Abstract: Parties have a strong incentive to aggregate votes through formation of alliances, by sharing the total number of contested seats, so as not to split but to pool votes This is because a small addition of votes has the potential to hugely increase or alternatively decimate a party or coalition in terms of seats

Indicators of Nutrition for Women and Children

Abstract: This article summarises some of the key NFHS-2 findings on nutrition in women and children and presents policy and programme recommendations based on the findings. Estimates of key nutrition indicators in NFHS-1 and NFHS-2 provide insights into the changes which took place in the intervening period.

Is Employment Driving India's Growth Surge?

Abstract: projections of labour force growth. In thispaper, we conduct a careful empiricalanalysis of employment trends over thelast three decades to understand whathappened in these 30 years – of which thelast 10 years were a period of rapid eco-nomic growth. The release of the latest NSSemployment and unemployment surveyresults, covering the period 1999-2000allows for such an evaluation of trends inemployment during the period 1983-2000.Let us start with some basic theoreticalpropositions intrinsic to models of eco-nomic development, most of which areimplicit in the R and S article as well. First,a key assumption of these theories is theimportance of education in growth andconversely, the importance of growth inthe spread of education. Thus, humancapital theories tend to focus – at themacro level – on the importance of edu-cation in changing the labour force com-position; and – at the micro level – on therole of education in providing higherreturns to education and helping house-holds rise out of poverty. These are nolonger hypotheses, but have become axi-oms in a major part of the developmentliterature. Thus developing countries areexhorted to invest in education with theexpectation that skilled workers will be ableto find skilled employment. This expecta-tion was summed up succinctly in the WorldDevelopment Report, 1995 – the WorldBank publication which focused on em-ployment almost 10 years ago, but whichnevertheless remains the basis for the domi-nant view on labour and employment: