Showing papers in "Social Change in 2008"
TL;DR: Scudder et al. as discussed by the authors examined the costs, benefits and risks of large dams in Asia, Africa, North America and Latin America, using their extensive knowledge about dams in Africa, Asia, and North America.
Abstract: Large dams are among the most contentious issues in development today. For long regarded as symbols of progress, they now are being increasingly seen as inherently flawed and destructive of ecosystems and societies. Using his extensive knowledge about dams in Asia, Africa, North America and Latin America, Scudder charts the ‘middle way’ forward by examining all aspects of the costs, benefits and risks of large dam development projects.
125 citations
TL;DR: The most important objective of public policies in India since independence has been equitable development as mentioned in this paper and every five year plan stressed the need to achieve economic growth with equity, remove poverty, ignorance and malnutrition and reach out the benefits of development to the entire nation irrespective of caste, creed, occupation, language or region.
Abstract: The most important objective of public policies in India since independence has been equitable development. Every Five Year Plan stressed the need to achieve economic growth with equity, remove poverty, ignorance and malnutrition and reach out the benefits of development to the entire nation irrespective of caste, creed, occupation, language or region. The principal objective of the Eleventh Five Year Plan is ‘Inclusive Growth’. Indeed, inclusive growth is synonymous with equitable development.
28 citations
TL;DR: In the era of liberalization and privatization, a seizeable number of mineral processing industries are coming to invest in the mineral-rich state of Orissa as discussed by the authors, and there is large involuntary...
Abstract: In the era of liberalization and privatization, a seizeable number of mineral processing industries are coming to invest in the mineral-rich state of Orissa. As a result, there is large involuntary...
18 citations
TL;DR: Bardhan and Mukherjee as discussed by the authors presented a comparative perspective on decentralisation and local governance in developing countries, focusing on the institutional transformation in the context of developing countries and provided an interesting, thought-provoking and an important contribution.
Abstract: Decentralisation, an important element of participatory democracy was a widely engaged issue of academic research and political discourse over the past two decades, particularly in the developing countries. There is an increasing trend of devolution pertaining to political, economic and administrative power to local governments with substantial reduction in the authority of national governments over economic policy. This along with privatisation and deregulation emerged as leading themes of study, discussions and policy discourse. While some research studies of the decentralisation process and reforms in particular contexts have appeared recently, a comparative perspective on this institutional transformation in the context of developing countries were limited. At this juncture, the book, Decentralisation and Local Governance in Developing Countries: A Comparative Perspective by Bardhan and Mukherjee is really interesting, thought-provoking and an important contribution.
16 citations
TL;DR: There is clearly an institutionalized attitude of neglect towards the displaced people as discussed by the authors and no record of the number of people displaced is maintained, which prevents the bureaucrat from taking action.
Abstract: There is clearly an institutionalized attitude of neglect towards the displaced people. For example, no record of the number of people displaced is maintained. Such attitudes prevent the bureaucrat...
16 citations
16 citations
TL;DR: Based on the primary data for 499 patients, 135 IPD and 364 OPD, in 62 hospitals across all the 20 districts in Punjab, the study discovered that contrary to the popular notion, the satisfaction level of the patients with the services delivered at hospitals managed by PHSC was significantly high on most of the parameters.
Abstract: Based on the primary data for 499 patients, 135 IPD and 364 OPD, in 62 hospitals across all the 20 districts in Punjab, the study discovered that contrary to the popular notion, the satisfaction level of the patients with the services delivered at hospitals managed by Punjab Health Systems Corporation (PHSC) was significantly high on most of the parameters. Both outdoor patients and indoor patients found the location of the hospitals accessible, diagnostic facilities in order, and quality of medical care satisfactory. There were, of course, some difficulties faced in respect of availability of medicines from within the hospitals, delay in obtaining the reports of diagnostic tests, and laxity in emergency cases. Many of the identified areas for quality improvement are related to the time factor and non-availability of medicines at the hospitals. The escalating costs involved in the purchase of medicines from the market emerged as a cause of worry for every patient. Indications are that the institutions lik...
10 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the issues of a resettlement colony of Delhi in the local and global context and found that the continuous pressure of population on infrastructures has deteriorated the physical and environmental conditions of the resettlement colony, while the casualisation of employment in the informal sector has led to marginalisation of the poor residing in the settlement colony.
Abstract: The movement of inhabitants from a squatter settlement to a resettlement colony can be perceived as a rise in the status of slum dwellers. The slum dwellers of the resettlement colonies now have better housing with security of tenancy. Also, they earn more than before, both in relative and absolute terms. But relatively better income and better housing have failed to bring about substantial change in living standards. The author examines the issues of a resettlement colony of Delhi in the local and global context. While the continuous pressure of population on infrastructures has deteriorated the physical and environmental conditions of the resettlement colony, the casualisation of employment in the informal sector has led to marginalisation of the poor residing in the resettlement colony.
10 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors make an effort to provide a framework for good governance in India by identifying its essential features and shortcomings in its working, and propose a theory of governance that is intelligible to the reader.
Abstract: This paper makes an effort to provide a framework for good governance in India by identifying its essential features and shortcomings in its working. No theory of governance could be intelligible u...
10 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that people across the country are opposing development projects which displaced them from their land, habitat, livelihood and environment, questioning the paradigm of development itself.
Abstract: Peasants across the country are opposing development projects which displaced them from their land, habitat, livelihood and environment. They are questioning the paradigm of development itself whic...
10 citations
TL;DR: On 2 January 2006, the police in Kalinganagar, Orissa opened fire against a group of tribal people protesting against Tatas constructing a steel plant on their lands and not paying them adequate co...
Abstract: On 2 January 2006, the police in Kalinganagar, Orissa opened fire against a group of tribal people protesting against Tatas constructing a steel plant on their lands and not paying them adequate co...
TL;DR: A high level of child undernutrition in India is well recognized as discussed by the authors. But one of the disturbing aspects of the nutrition situation in India, is that there are substantial differences in level of undernutrition.
Abstract: A high level of child undernutrition in India is well recognized. But one of the disturbing aspects of the nutrition situation in India is that there are substantial differences in level of child u...
TL;DR: In this article, a review of the existing literature shows that impacts are more severe on the most vulnerable groups such as the landless, tribals, women and children, and that inherent societal biases in planning and policies may preclude women from benefiting from opportunities provided through the projects.
Abstract: Development-induced displacement and its impact on the social, cultural and economic lives of the affected people is a huge discourse in contemporary India. Dislocation due to displacement has an irreversible impact on the lives of those displaced. Review of the existing literature shows that impacts are more severe on the most vulnerable groups such as the landless, tribals, women and children. In resettlement planning and policies it becomes imperative to understand the differential impact on men and women as gender blind programmes and policies can unintentionally reinforce gender disparities that already exist in society. Also, inherent societal biases in planning and policies may preclude women from benefiting from opportunities provided through the projects. This calls for looking at such policies from a gender perspective and mainstreaming gender accordingly so that it benefits both men and women.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe the rural socio-cultural scenario was at the crossroads in the 1960s with the introduction of the new agricultural revolution, popularly known as the Green Revolution.
Abstract: India's rural socio-cultural scenario was at the crossroads in the 1960s with the introduction of the new agricultural revolution, popularly known as the Green Revolution. One of the protracted deb...
TL;DR: The Manmohan Singh government which came into office in April 2004 organised a chief ministers' conference in April 2006 to consider the challenge of the Naxalite movement in the country.
Abstract: The Manmohan Singh government which came into office in April 2004 organised a chief ministers’ conference in April 2006 to consider the challenge of the Naxalite movement in the country. In May 2006, the Rural Development Division of the Planning Commission set up an Expert Group on “ Development Issues to deal with the Causes of Discontent, Unrest and Extremism” with comprehensive Terms of Reference (TOR). The Expert Group held its last full meeting on March 14-15, 2008. The final report was published in April 2008.
TL;DR: In this paper, a set of thirteen very scholarly and critical essays about mining in India focused on three states Chhattisgarh (4), Orissa ( 5 ) and Jharkhand (3).
Abstract: This is a set of thirteen very scholarly and critical essays about mining in India focused on three states Chhattisgarh (4), Orissa ( 5 ) and Jharkhand (3). The book deals with displacement due to mining, mainly bauxite, iron ore, uranium and coal, in primarily Schedule V tribal areas causing displacement without Fully Informed Prior Consent (FIPC), specifically required by UN bodies when displacing Zndigenous or Tribal people. Laws in different countries vary: in the US, gold, uranium or diamonds found under a man’s land belongs to him. In India due to British colonial laws, it belonged to the ‘crown’ (like the Kohinoor diamond).
TL;DR: In this article, the authors dealt with the rehabilitation and resettlement of the displaced persons due to a Hydro-Electric Project in Orissa and made a comparative analysis of the pre and post-displacement period and reflected the problems associated with displacement.
Abstract: Displacement of the people from their habitation, in order to acquire land for development projects, is a major cause of concern today. The displaced persons face several difficulties in adjusting their lives to a completely new environment. Rehabilitation and resettlement of the displaced persons requires special plans and emphasis on the part of the government so as to completely equip them with the opportunities they were enjoying and to eliminate the trauma of displacement. The paper deals with the rehabilitation and resettlement of the displaced persons due to a Hydro-Electric Project in Orissa. It makes a comparative analysis of the pre and post-displacement period and reflects the problems associated with displacement. In the conclusion part of the paper, some suggestions have been drawn from an empirical survey, which would make the life of the displaced people better. The paper also deals with some of the negligence on the part of the government authorities and which requires immediate action. Th...
TL;DR: In this paper, two major components of economic infrastructure and agricultural development in Himachal Pradesh are discussed. And the authors assess the progress made during 1981-2001 in the state.
Abstract: Economic Infrastructure and Agricultural Development in Himachal Pradesh brings out an assessment of the progress made during 1981-2001 in Himachal Pradesh. In this paper, two major components of d...
TL;DR: The government of Orissa in 2001 accepted the offer of UNDP assistance in preparing a comprehensive resettlement policy and in 2005, the UNDP submitted to the government a comprehensive policy draft which was based on an in-depth and a wide-ranging desk study, field research and stakeholder consultation processes as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Because of its rich natural resources and the new investor-friendly development policies, Orissa in recent years has become an attractive investment destination for large corporations, but the increased level of development activity has only led to displacement on a scale much larger than before. Recognizing the urgent need for a comprehensive policy to address the emerging problems of development-induced displacement, the government of Orissa in 2001 accepted the offer of UNDP assistance in preparing a comprehensive resettlement policy. In July 2005 the UNDP submitted to the government a comprehensive policy draft which was based on an in-depth and a wide-ranging desk study, field research and stakeholder consultation processes. Taking the UNDP draft policy into consideration, the government of Orissa finally announced its own resettlement policy in May 2006. A leading Indian newsmagazine has described this UNDP-initiated resettlement policy as the best policy in India. It is a big step forward; certainly a timely and a very significant development. The new policy demonstrates the commitment of Orissa to an investment climate which is both pro-business and concerned with human welfare.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors assess the implementation of law on Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Act 1994 subsequently changed to “Preconception and Prenatal Diagnostics (Prohibition of Sex Selection) (PC&PNDT Act) Act 2003.
Abstract: The study aims to assess the implementation of law on Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Act 1994 subsequently changed to “Preconception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) (PC&PNDT Act) Act 2003. The Act was enforced in 2000 after a Supreme Court directive that came as a result of filing a Public Interest Litigation seeking implementation of the law. Pursuant to this directive certain amendments were affected in the law in 2003 changing the focus of the law. The study critically examines the provisions of the law to find out whether the unabated misuse of the law is due to structural problems in the law or in its implementation and gives recommendations for its enhanced effectiveness.
TL;DR: In this paper, the virtual synonimity of agriculture security, food security, farmers' security, and security of the rural sector, and the importance of ensuring the above to ensure national security is emphasized.
Abstract: This article emphasizes the virtual synonimity of agriculture security, food security, farmers’ security, and security of the rural sector, and the importance of ensuring the above to ensure national security.Operationally, the following components of agriculture security have been identified: seeds; agrochemicals; water and power; soil; agricultural practices (traditional and modern); de juro / de facto empowerment of Panchayats; marketing of agro-products at fair / remunerative prices, other sources of augmentation of income of agriculturists and village dwellers (such as traditional arts and crafts, medicinal plants, plants producing biodiesel, fruits and vegetables, organic farming, post-harvest technologies, intelligent energy use, animal husbandry, fisheries and marine wealth, and orchid tissue culture); knowledge empowerment of the rural sector (both long-term through formal school education, and short-term through knowledge packages for Panchayats); loans, e.g. through microcredit; integration of ...
TL;DR: The recent Zndia Social Development report as mentioned in this paper provides a multifaceted overview of the issues arising from displacement, including some such as health effects, gender implications and cultural dislocation that often do not receive the attention they deserve.
Abstract: At a time when popular uprisings in places like Nandigram and Jagatsinghpur have made headlines across the country, it is not surprising that the Council for Social Development chose to focus its latest Zndia Social Development Report on issues of forced displacement. The report contains a multifaceted overview of the issues arising from displacement, including some such as health effects, gender implications and cultural dislocation that often do not receive the attention they deserve. It also includes essays on several other issues, such as the health sector, the Employment Guarantee Act and the RTI Act, aside from the main focus on displacement.
TL;DR: In this paper, the author's experiences with people-displacing projects in Orissa, provides a vivid first hand account of sufferings of those who lose their lands and are forced to relocate.
Abstract: Development projects that involve displacement are currently a cause of growing concern everywhere. The worrisome aspect is that it is the poor who are hurt most in the process, becoming poorer than before. This paper, based on the author's experiences with people-displacing projects in Orissa, provides a vivid first hand account of sufferings of those who lose their lands and are forced to relocate. The consequences of displacement are particularly dire for tribal people, as they are deeply attached to their ancestral lands and find it virtually impossible to readjust in resettlement colonies thoughtlessly planned with no regard to their socio-cultural needs. As displacement, stimulated by the new industrial policy, is henceforth going to occur on an even bigger scale than before, it is important that resettlement and rehabilitation packages are so designed that they improve the lives, not impoverish the already poor people. Language: en
TL;DR: In this article, the status of quality of life in India with particular reference to north-eastern states is investigated and a methodology to combine different dimensions of quality life, such as inco...
Abstract: The paper traces the status of quality of life in India with particular reference to north-eastern states. It proposes a methodology to combine different dimensions of quality of life, such as inco...
TL;DR: In this article, one of the basics of good governance is accountability, and yet, we have so far been able to establish a democratic system which is completely devoid of accountabil...
Abstract: Truly, one of the basics of good governance is accountability. We always long for democracy. But, we have so far been able to establish a democratic system which is completely devoid of accountabil...
TL;DR: The transition from high to low fertility had its beginning in Europe, mainly in France in the second half of the 19th century as mentioned in this paper and has been well underway in most parts of the Indian subcontinent.
Abstract: The transition from high to low fertility had its beginning in Europe, mainly in France in the second half of the 19th century. Fertility has declined markedly in most of the developing countries over the past three to four decades. Currently more than 40 per cent of the world population lives in countries with total fertility rates (TFR) (TFR, defined as the average number of children which a woman bears during her reproductive age group) lower than 2.1, the level that, under conditions of low mortality, assures the long-term replacement of the population (United Nations, 200 I). Fertility transition is now virtually accomplished in many parts of Asia and is well underway in most parts of the Indian subcontinent.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the gender bias in India with particular reference to Haryana in terms of select social and demographic indicators and concluded that gender bias does not necessarily decline with improvement even in the material well-being of women.
Abstract: The present study examines the gender bias in India with particular reference to Haryana in terms of select social and demographic indicators. Despite a rapid economic transformation, Haryana lags far behind in the field of social change. The society is governed by a patriarchal structure that subjugates women in all possible ways. An abnormally large deficit of females in the population is a manifestation of this phenomenon. A general neglect of girl children and the resultant sex differentials in mortality along with a widespread practice of female foeticide in the wake of strong son-preference are indicators of persisting gender bias in the society. On the basis of correlates between the child sex ratio and select indicators, the study indicates that gender bias does not necessarily decline with improvement even in the material well-being of women. It, therefore, argues for some more radical and rapid social progress that can effectively make inroads into the pernicious effects of patriarchy.
TL;DR: This article argued that the ethical framework of gender-sensitive governance is already available in the Indian Constitution subsuming the concept of human rights and that the current debate on instrumentalities of good governance is self-defeating without referring to this framework.
Abstract: Good governance, the buzzword in the contemporary development discourse needs engendering. There is no disagreement on this, but scholars differ on how this can be achieved. Some argue for right-based approach wherein political, economic and cultural entitlements can be claimed as a matter of right requiring state proactive interventions because even as the Indian Constitution provides ‘equal rights’ to all in principle, some are more equal than others and the most pervasive deprivations are along gendered axis in almost all spheres of existence. Others, however, argue that the ethical framework of gender-sensitive governance is already available in the Constitution subsuming the concept of human rights. They thus believe that the current debate on instrumentalities of good governance is self-defeating without referring to this framework.
TL;DR: The Lower Suktel Irrigation Project (LSIP) as mentioned in this paper aims to provide irrigation and potable water to the drought-prone district Bolangir in South Sudan.
Abstract: The Lower Suktel Irrigation Project, which commenced in late 1990s, aims to provide irrigation and potable water to the drought prone district Bolangir. It will fully submerge 16 villages andlO villages partially, affected 4160 families including 1222 families belonging to the scheduled tribes. The progress is slow, partly due to the problems pertaining to land acquisition and compensation payment. In the absence of any visible resettlement effort on the ground and fearing the largely negative impact from the dam, people have turned against it. The escalating project costs are also unlikely to deliver the expected benefits, and therefore this study suggests that even now it will be worthwhile to explore an alternative to this costly undertaking. If however the government still wishes to go ahead, the study recommends that displacement be minimised by lowering the dam height and the affected people provided adequate resettlement, which has often not happened in the past.